Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Do you have what it takes to be an Airsoft Sniper?

airsoft sniperMany airsoft players consider snipers to have one of the most sought after roles on the field. In an airsoft skirmish, the sniper plays an important role both in eliminating opponents and communicating important information to the team. If you are considering putting your skills to the test as an airsoft sniper, here are a few things to know:

Stealth is critical to success as a sniper. One of the airsoft sniper’s main goals is to remain undetected and unharmed throughout a skirmish. A sniper must be able to remain very still for long periods of time waiting for the right moment to strike. At times, the sniper may need to move from location to location. Maneuvering through fields or wooded areas undetected requires the ability to crawl quietly across any terrain to avoid enemy fire. The ability to stay low to the ground and out of sight while changing locations is a skill that may take some practice.

Additional gear may be needed for optimal performance as a sniper. In addition to quality airsoft sniper rifles, many airsoft snipers purchase upgrades and gear specific to the sniper role on the field. Quality scopes, bipods and ghillie suits are common pieces of equipment used by airsoft snipers. A sidearm such as a pistol is also helpful for situations in which the sniper is spotted or ambushed by enemy fire and needs an automatic weapon for protection.

Airsoft snipers need a lot of patience. Often an airsoft sniper will lie still waiting for long periods of time without taking a shot. Snipers are not usually in the middle of the action, so that is something to consider in deciding if being a sniper is right for you.

Practice, practice, practice. The skills required to succeed as a sniper will take some practice. For one, a sniper should be comfortable and experienced with his or her rifle and understand its capabilities and limitations. Firing from too far away could cause you to miss the target and reveal your location, while firing from a distance too close can lead to injury. Accuracy at long distances is pivotal to a sniper’s success. The ability to crawl quietly while staying low to the ground is another skill that may take some practice to perfect. Airsoft snipers must also learn to think ahead, keeping multiple escape routes in mind at any given time to avoid being trapped by opponents.

Taking accurate shots, maneuvering stealthily and establishing good communication skills with your teammates are critical in a skirmish, but can be practiced off the field as well. Honing your skills both on and off the field will help prepare you for success as an airsoft sniper.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, a leading online provider of Airsoft guns, gear and accessories. Airsoft Megastore offers guaranteed lowest prices on airsoft guns including airsoft sniper rifles.

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Friday, July 24, 2009

Protect your Airsoft Gun and its Warranty

airsoft gun care

Careless use of an airsoft gun can not only cause injuries, it can break the gun and void its warranty. In addition to protecting yourself and others when dealing with airsoft guns, taking proper care of guns is a responsibility that should be taken seriously. Some of the precautions that should be taken to prevent damage and increase the longevity of your airsoft guns may not be obvious. Following manufacturer recommendations as well as these tips is advised:


  • Use the right BBs. Note that BBs are available in different sizes and weights, and using the wrong type can cause damage to a gun. Most airsoft guns use 6mm BBs, but check your owner’s manual to be sure you are using the correct BBs for each of your guns. We recommend polished, high-grade, seamless BBs. For more information, check out What kind of BBs are right for my airsoft gun?

  • Use the correct battery charge time for each gun. The batteries that power airsoft electric guns (AEGs) are sensitive and have specific requirements for the amount of time they are to be charged. Standard chargers do not have a chip that tells them to stop charging when the battery is full, as smart chargers do. Be sure that you know the correct charge time for each of your guns, and do not exceed it. For specific recommendations on calculating charge times, please see Batteries & Charging Your Battery.

  • Only cock a spring airsoft gun once per shot. Spring airsoft guns, also known as "cock and shoot" airsoft guns, are designed to be cocked once before shooting one BB. Cocking a spring gun more than once can lead to internal damage and a voided warranty.

  • Load BBs correctly. Loading BBs incorrectly is another mistake that can lead to damage to your gun and a voided warranty. The correct procedure for loading BBs varies from gun to gun, so be sure to follow the recommendations from the manufacturer of your gun.

  • Do not disassemble your gun. Doing so can void your warranty, and could cause permanent damage to the gun.

Airsoft guns are made of many moving parts, and often endure wear and tear during skirmishes. For these reasons, parts may need to be repaired or replaced on occasion. Taking care of your guns and adhering to all manufacturer recommendations can promote a longer life and more play time for your guns.


About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs, full metal airsoft rifles or the right airsoft gas gun for players of any experience level.

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Monday, July 6, 2009

Airsoft Game Types: King of the Hill

airsoft king of the hillWe've discussed a few airsoft game types in previous posts - Medic, Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag. King of the Hill is another fun airsoft game with the goal of controlling of a predetermined area marked by a flag. Usually, the marked area being defended is a hill - hence the name of the game - but the game can be played with most any area designated as the hill. The hill or other area being guarded should be a somewhat open area that is not overly easy to defend.

In King of the Hill, players are divided into two groups - attackers and defenders. The defenders start out positioned around the flag, which they will defend while the attackers attempt to take over the territory. The game is played with a time limit, usually about fifteen minutes or half an hour, but can be any time frame as dictated by the game organizer. The team with members closest to the flag is considered to have control of the hill, and the team that has control of the flag upon expiration of the allotted time is the winner.

Defenders of the hill shoot the attackers with airsoft guns in attempt to protect the hill, while attackers do the same to take out opponents and seize control of the hill. Usually in a game of King of the Hill, players who are hit are required to stay out of the game and remain silent until the next round begins. Or, players may be permitted to reenter the match after a certain amount of time has passed, depending on the rules set forth by the organizer of the match.

As with other airsoft game types, the rules and scenarios vary among different fields and organizations. If you are participating in a King of the Hill match, be sure you know the guidelines put forth by the organizer. As always, be safe, play fair and have fun!

Learn about other airsoft game types in our Knowledge Base.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, the #1 fastest growing Airsoft retailer in the U.S. Airsoft Megastore offers a full selection of gas and electric Airsoft guns and accessories including Airsoft green gas.

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