How to be an Airsoft Sniper

An airsoft sniper is an advanced position on the airsoft playing field that requires a good airsoft sniper rifle, the appropriate camouflage and concealment, proper accessories, and a solid playing strategy. Here’s how to be an airsoft sniper:

1. Get an appropriate airsoft sniper rifle
2. Get the right accessories
3. Wear appropriate clothing and practice concealment
4. Refining your strategy of play

As with all things in airsoft, there are a wide range of factors to consider, whether it’s the position you want to play, the type of gun you shoot, or the strategy you use. This article will give you airsoft sniping tips and tricks to consider when determining how to be an airsoft sniper.

4 (Most Important) Airsoft Sniper Tips for Beginners

Every new airsoft enthusiast wants to be a sniper.

Every new airsoft enthusiast who wants to be a sniper rushes out and pumps a bunch of money into a new airsoft sniper rifle.

Yes, the right gun can instantly make you a better airsoft sniper.

No, the gun alone won’t make you the best sniper on the field…

1. Buy the Appropriate Airsoft Sniper Rifle

Your gun is your single most important asset on the playing field besides safety. The best airsoft sniper rifle can make all the difference.

It is difficult, if not impossible, to buy an excellent airsoft sniper rifle right out of the box.

If you do not make modifications or buy a used one that already has improvements, you will be disadvantaged. Modifications improve velocity and accuracy to make a sniper rifle a viable asset on the playing field. As the adage goes, “you get what you pay for,” which is the case with sniper rifles.

Remember that assault rifles can shoot semi or fully automatic, giving them faster-firing abilities. Therefore, the added modifications to a sniper rifle level the playing field, making the sniper role effective. 

If you are new to the sport, an airsoft store or experts at the playing field can help you get started and offer advice. There are also a lot of good online resources available.

2. Buy the Right Airsoft Accessories

You should have several accessories and some that may be nice to have but certainly aren’t necessary. The following are those airsoft accessories that you should have.

Optics

Often referred to as a scope, this is probably the single most important accessory for a sniper rifle. There are many varieties, from those with fixed zoom to those with a range of zoom settings. There are also red dots and illuminated crosshairs, which are not necessary or preferred for airsoft sniper rifles.

Again, it’s all about personal preference and play level, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to be successful on the playing field. A simple optic with a fixed zoom is easy to use and likely all you will need; after all, you’ll only be shooting at person-size objects up to 300 feet. 

Scope Mount

You will need a scope mount to attach your optics to your rifle. Make sure you buy a mount with a low profile to keep the scope as close to your gun as possible. This ensures the pellet trajectory matches what you see through your scope and lessens the possibility of being seen. 

Sling and Sling Mounts

A sling gives you a way to carry your gun. You don’t need anything fancy but can undoubtedly find slings with all kinds of additional features. Many experts say simple works just fine. 

Sidearm

Carrying a pistol or other type of sidearm as a backup is a good idea if you get into close-quarter circumstances where you can’t use your sniper rifle. 

Eye Protection

Safety is the number one priority on the airsoft playing field, and good eye protection is critical. Get a good pair of protective glasses or goggles explicitly made for airsoft play. This will keep you from getting hit in the eye and seriously injured and also allow you to play without visual limitations. 

Pellets

Investing in high-quality, heavy-weight pellets (BBs) will improve accuracy and give you the ability to cut through the wind better. 

Spare Magazines

Carrying extra magazines for both your sniper rifle and your sidearm will ensure you’ve always got plenty of firing capabilities, especially when it matters most.

3. Wear the Appropriate Clothing and Practice Concealment

Good concealment can make or break your sniper success, and there are several things to consider. Modifying as you go can be the best approach to determining what works best for you. An excellent way to learn is, after you are shot, ask your opponent how they saw you. 

Clothing and Camouflage

The less you can stand out from your surroundings, the better. Usually, your gun, face, head, or hands are not covered and stand out, so consider how you can hide them. 

You can wrap your gun with camo tape or spray paint it. You can also cover it in vegetation, but this can limit your mobility and gun function. 

A good mesh face mask will come in camo patterns and hide your face and provide added protection. Face paint is also okay, but a mesh mask is better because safety comes first. 

As far as clothing goes, simple camouflage works, up to a full-blown ghillie suit. Experts have mixed feelings about the ghillie suit. Some think it is unnecessary in airsoft play, where you will likely not be waiting prone for hours on end, while others believe it is critical. Again, you will have to get out and experience the game to see what works for you. 

Movement

People often don’t think about how their movements can give away their position. Moving slowly and only using your eyes to look around will help lessen the chance of being spotted. 

4. Determine Your Strategy of Play

There are a couple of different strategies to consider when playing the sniper role on the airsoft field, and it all comes down to personal preference and how your team wants to play. It will also determine some of the things we’ve already talked about.

30-Foot Rule

This type of play is less about concealment than it is about providing your team with firing superiority. The strategy is to stay behind your teammates to engage without the opponents being able to reach you. 

Communicate Locations

Another good role for the sniper is to call out enemy locations, either over a radio or other communication system or by yelling them out. Without this, a team can struggle to know where the fire is coming from, and the objectives would change. An inexpensive walkie talking and headset is a good tool for this.

Concealed

A more popular type of sniper play is staying hidden and picking off opponents from a concealed perspective. To do this, try not to use a hardcover as it is easier to see you when you try to look around or over it. 

The prone position is also one to avoid if possible since you end up with a limited range, your pellets could hit ground vegetation if you fire, and you can’t hear as well. Additionally, you make a lot of movement when getting up that can be easily spotted.

Try to look for positions with several angles and use a cover you can see through. You can also opt to hide in plain sight, requiring more advanced concealment techniques like the ghillie suit.