Post by J0K3R on Dec 13, 2011 22:27:43 GMT -5
“What is a sniper?†“Is it just like it appears to be in movies and video games?†“It looks and sounds so fun and easy, I mean one shot one kill right?â€
WRONG! First let me say that I do not have any real world experience being a sniper. But I have been playing the sniper role in airsoft since I started playing in 1998. As some of you may know I have somewhat of a reputation as being a decent airsoft sniper, which I think more then qualifies me to know a thing or two about what I am talking about and to give advice to help others (who are serious) in this area of airsoft. Over the last 12 years I have seen a few affective airsoft snipers but that’s not because people are not trying it. It’s because sniping is NOT for everyone. Some have no interest in it what so ever, they would rather play support. Others think they are the greatest sniper to grace airsoft, that is until they show up at a real game and end up getting their asses handed to them. So this is for those that THINK they may want to attempt to do this at some point. This is also to help save you a lot of money, time, and frustration in the future.
“Snip•er (snī'pər) n.
A sniper is a highly trained marksman who shoots targets from concealed positions or distances exceeding the capabilities of regular personnel. Snipers typically have specialized training and distinct high-precision rifles.
In addition to marksmanship, military snipers are also trained in camouflage, field craft, infiltration, reconnaissance and observation.[1] Snipers are especially effective when deployed within the urban terrain of urban warfare.â€
Anybody can pull a trigger; anybody can hit a target at long range with modern weapons. I could teach a monkey how to shoot but there is so much more to being a sniper! The art of the sniper is in being able to get into position without being noticed, to be able to observe for long periods and to know what you are seeing, to make a precision long-range shot if and when appropriate, and to make tactically useful reports by radio. A sniper's work is a lot like hunting; you have to go where the targets are likely to be, then set up your ambush and wait in an alert and prepared way. The actual shot, if there is one, is one very small part of the process. And anyone can pick up a weapon and get lucky once or twice. Sniping takes dedication and hard work over a long period of time. And that’s what separates the real airsoft snipers from the noob want to bes out there. Below are some general tips and things to consider when you think you want to try the airsoft sniper role.
Ideal Attributes for Sniper
*Situational Awareness! I know this seems pretty common but a Sniper’s situational awareness must be above and beyond the norm. It must be heightened at all times during the game; you must have eyes in the back of your head.
* Patient and Disciplined. Few players have the will or the patience to play Sniper. Some games, the Sniper won't see an enemy player. Other games, he'll need nerves of steel to allow players to walk within yards of his hide. He's a meticulous person who loves a job well done.
* Decent physical fitness. He doesn't need to work real hard at being a Sniper, but he must be able to spend long periods creeping on his belly without freaking out. Or lots of time spent low crawling or stalking, it takes it toll on you physically. Its not all camping and waiting.
* Iron-will and giant reserves of stubbornness. To out-wit the competition, he must be very committed to winning (his way.) And, yet, he can't be a total lone wolf. The Sniper is useless unless he's part of the team's larger strategy and willing to take direction from the Commander.
*Communication! This may be one of the most over looked attributes for a good Sniper. He or she must be able to communicate very well with his or her fellow teammates. They must be familiar with radio comms. and how to properly use them especially behind enemy lines. You are little to no good if you are cut off from the rest of your team, you MUST be able to communicate.
Camouflage and Concealment
Many people believe that the sole reason for using a ghillie suit is to "disappear." Although the ghillie suit can be utilized for this type of work, the sole purpose of using a ghillie suit is to break up the natural outline of the human body. This is done in many ways, with many techniques practiced by different players. Meaning there is a wealth of information to go by when building or buying a ghillie suit.
The first thing you want to do before building or purchasing a ghillie suit, is the environment you are going to be using it in. For the sole purpose of this post, I will use the environment of Indiana, which is of course forested. This means that there is an abundance of brown, black, and green in the landscape of which we play in.
This means that you can make or buy a ghillie suit with lot's of green in it, and have it work in almost every environment, somewhat effectively. Although the environment is constantly changing from OP to OP, and you should always be ready to adapt to it.
Adapting is another key element in fully utilizing a ghillie suit. Always use the supplies you have at hand, usually it's natural vegetation, which will not only break up your outline, but will also help you blend better with the environment. Another thing you must remember to adapt to is the ever changing seasons of Indiana. It’s not always lush and green year round. We have the red and brown fall. And of course the black, gray, and white winters as well.
But also note that just because you are wearing a ghillie suit does not make you invisible or a ghost. If not properly used you will stick out and be a very easy target to find and kill. If your suit does not blend in very well to your environment then it does you no good and only helps the enemy find you. There are also many different types of ghillie suits (Full, top half, hat, blankets, and so on). And being stealthy is possible with out one (I do it quite often). Its just another tool to help you out and gain the upper hand.
Basic Movement
Snipers do not spend the entire game crawling around like most believe. You have to remember that this is airsoft not the real world. So you have to move into good positions, radio back intel you may have gathered, and if needed take some shots. Not all fields are large, Joker's Circus for example. You almost have to keep moving to avoid being spotted, if that makes sense to you. Once you choose to shoot you compromise your position. You may take out your intended targets but they will more then likely respawn and return. Therefor you must move and do it with out being seen. The key to this is simply low and slow. Not necessarily crawling. You want to make as little noise as possible and no quick sharp movements because that is how you get spotted. Other players are looking for movements that don't fit in. If you can wait until the wind blows to move, it will hide your noise and maybe even some movements if you do it properly. If for some reason you are spotted, get out of there. Run if you have to but remember if you try to be a hero and stick it out you will more then likely be killed by AEG fire. And you are no good to anyone dead. If you run, they will more then likely go after you. So make a plan, draw then in and kill who you can. Lead them into your teams line of fire if you can. Always have an exit and a backup plan, you will need it.
Notice how I left out things about weapons? That’s because that is what everyone seems to focus all of their attention on and they seem to forget about the really important parts of sniping. The things that really count and can make or break you. Sure, maybe you have spent lots of money on your upgraded weapon and maybe you can out range me but what good does that do you if I can sneak up on you and tap you on the shoulder for a knife kill? This boils down to time and practice. While I will agree that you do have to spend a good amount of money to get a weapon to perform where it should in airsoft, it’s not all about the weapon. It’s not always about long range kills, most of the time its about getting up close and personal and getting important info that may mean not taking the shot. I can continue to write and write about things you should and should not do when it comes to airsoft sniping but the best way to learn is the hard way, hell that’s how I did it. So quit spending time online searching for the “perfect sniper rifle†or drooling over upgrades and get out on the field and play or practice. Learn from your mistakes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions while out on the field. And if you find out that sniping in airsoft is just not for you after all don’t be discouraged. There are tons of other roles out there to explore. Don’t let this ruin your airsoft careers. I hope this helps bring a little insight to airsoft snipers. Good luck. :sniper:
~Joker out....