Thursday, January 6, 2011

NEW Unconventional Tips for Being an Airsoft Sniper

One of the most coveted roles in airsoft is that of the sniper. Snipers are powerful forces on the field, often playing key roles in eradicating opponents and transmitting communications. The time-tested sniper tips that I consider to be the Big Three of successful sniping include stealth, patience and practice. After all, a sniper can only be successful if they remain undetected (stealth), wait for the right moments for the kill shot (patience) and shoot with high accuracy (practice, practice, practice!) In addition to the Big Three, you should also invest in the right gear. There are a number of airsoft sniper rifle upgrades and various airsoft field gear that will improve your performance, such as scopes, bipods, ghillie suits, a side arm for potential enemy ambushes and - of course - good-old black electrical tape.


While these tips - stealth, patience and practice - are all valuable and effective, they are also a bit general. The Airsoft Megastore team set out to find out more specific, concrete sniper recommendations and here are few "unconventional tips" that came straight from the playing field…


  • Know the local vegetation. One sniper we spoke with noted that they recently discovered that they couldn’t crawl through a specific type of shrub. Even though they were flat on their belly, the bush tops moved significantly, giving away their position. Some other foliage is noisy or even painful to crawl through. Look for paths through the bush rather than attempting to crawl through.

  • Consolidate equipment so that it is easy-to-reach. One inventive sniper we spoke with disclosed that he duct tape equipment like his radio to his arm or weapon. It keeps the item always within reach. The less you have to move, the less likely you will be seen.

  • Partner up. Snipers are sometimes thought of as lone wolves, but partnering up with a spotter can make you much more effective. Lay side to side, facing opposite directions. This formation allows you to have a near 360 visual range.

  • Sit one out. Volunteer as an airsoft skirmish referee. It is valuable to impartially observe a skirmish at some point in time. You can gain insight and create new strategies based on what you observe on the field.

  • Take a note. After every skirmish, take a few moments to jot down what you learned from that day’s activities. Refer back to your notebook before the next match. It will refresh your memory and help you improve. Many airsoft players are predictable and use the same maneuvers time after time. By taking notes, you not only push yourself out of your ineffective ruts, but you can also identify other players' typical behaviors for future reference.

  • Test all gear ahead of time - including your clothing. Make sure that your gear not only works, but is also quiet. Noisy items are truly frustrating on the field. If zippers / buckles jingle or pant legs rub together noisily, use black electric tape to correct the situation before you hit the field.


About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO 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 including airsoft sniper rifles and spring airsoft shotguns.

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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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