5 Best Airsoft Sniper Rifles: Expert Recommendations 2023
Updated: Sep 4
The basics of the best airsoft sniper rifle
What is an airsoft sniper rifle?
Airsoft sniper rifles are exactly what they sound like; airsoft sniper rifles are designed to mimic the capability in range and accuracy of an actual sniper rifle. These rifles are highly realistic and allow the shooter to stay behind front lines and engage targets from a distance far greater than that of a normal airsoft rifle or pistol.
These sniper rifles have either a semi-automatic or bolt action and are powered by compressed gas, spring, or electric means. If using gas, it is stored in a detachable tank that propels the BB projectile. Airsoft sniper rifles with external gas tanks tend to have greater accuracy than internal gas tanks, as these are easier to adjust and have a more consistent muzzle velocity.
Airsoft sniper rifle with a bolt action
Airsoft sniper rifles that feature a bolt action fire one round at a time and are cycled with a manual bolt action during each shot. Pulling the bolt back to reset the sear, and releases the internal mechanism forward after pulling the trigger. This means each follow-up shot is only as fast as you can rack the bolt action.
ASR Airsoft Sniper Rifle
An airsoft advanced sniper rifle (ASR) is an airsoft rifle that has some more advanced components and structure than an entry-level airsoft sniper rifle. A type of ASR is a designated marksman rifle (DMR). DMRs are used for sharpshooting either in competitions or drills, depending on the group’s designated formation. A DMR is a prime example of a not-for-beginner precision instrument.
Some DMRs can include AR replica platforms (NATO’s STANAG being a very popular choice), rifle caliber equivalents (M14, SR25, and G28 are some examples), and some Russian models. DMRs are highly adjustable and can require a decent amount of tuning and adjustments that can add up, especially for the beginner airsoft rifle shooter.
Airsoft sniper rifle power source
Airsoft sniper rifles have four primary power sources: spring, CO2, gas, and electric. Each has its capabilities and drawbacks.
Gas-powered airsoft sniper rifle
CO2-powered airsoft sniper rifle
CO2-powered airsoft guns have their power source usually located in the magazine or stock, some in the bolt itself. This is a cartridge filled with compressed CO2 gas at higher pressures than a green gas cartridge. This allows more power and more consistency with weather fluctuations (especially in cold weather).
An airsoft sniper rifle can either have a non-blowback (NBB) or gas-blowback (GBB) style of operation. Gas blowback normally means that a movable parts actuates when the gun is fired making a realistic feel. A non-blowback rifle uses valves and has fewer moving parts. Bolt action rifles most likely will have an NBB setup whereas a magazine-fed rifle will likely utilize a GBB setup. CO2 cartridge have about 12,000 psi and generally keep this pressure consistently during constant firing demands.
Green gas airsoft sniper rifle
Green gas is a propellant mixture of propane and silicone oil. These sniper rifles are usually built to fire low-weight projectiles. Firing at about 300 psi, it is economical. The additives in it help lubricate the airsoft weapon as shots are fired. While this gas wears on the airsoft gun less than CO2, cold weather compromises performance and the gun needs a cool-down period after constant firing.
Spring airsoft sniper rifle
Airsoft rifles powered by a spring are typically single-fire weapons. The spring offers the momentum needed to send a projectile down the barrel, and this needs to be physically pulled back (usually by means of a bolt) in order to prepare for the next BB.
Spring-powered airsoft guns vary in speed. Some shoot below 300 fps while others reach speeds close to 500 fps and higher. Airsoft sniper rifles are often spring-powered with a bolt action and can feature some of the highest tensile strength due to the demands of shooting over long distances.
Electric airsoft sniper rifle
Electric airsoft guns are commonly used on the airsoft field. The electricity comes in the form of a rechargeable battery and allows a gun to switch from fully automatic to semi-auto and single-fire modes. Automatic electric guns (AEGs) are some of the most popular airsoft guns, with fast fire rates, low recoil, and low cost.
An AEG airsoft sniper rifle can have full-automatic capabilities at times, though this isn’t as realistic in play for sniper rifles compared to spring action. This being said, AEGs can offer more power than a spring-powered airsoft sniper rifle.
What is the best airsoft sniper rifle?
What are the criteria for the best airsoft sniper rifle out of the box?
Choosing the best airsoft sniper rifle can vary from person to person and their preferences. Some like a more realistic feel, and others like more power even if it means not having the most realistic shooting experience. The best-rated airsoft sniper rifles have a few components that make them “the best”.
- The best bolt action airsoft sniper rifle…
Has springs that are working smoothly, allowing for the bolt to be manually cocked easily.
Is reliable when firing, consistently or intermittently, and over long distances with good accuracy.
Is durable throughout a match when properly taken care of.
Has a price range that reflects quality parts without stealing money from your wallet. Shoot for the $400-$600 range for a decent airsoft sniper rifle at first, but for a decent beginner sniper rifle, you may find one under the $300 range that you won’t have to spend hours tuning.
- The best long-range airsoft sniper rifle…
Will have a shooting range that you can adjust or one that you plan to play inside of often.
Is accurate which is key to good gameplay.
- The best professional airsoft sniper rifle…
Most professional-level airsoft sniper rifles have a range much longer than other sniper rifles.
The accuracy of these rifles is unparalleled, but this may come at a cost. Tune-ups are often needed out of the box, even on a professional level.
Professional airsoft sniper rifles have great reliable performance day in and day out.
Durability is key, whether you shoot every day or just on weekends.
Professional-level equipment often comes with a high price, some exceptions exist but expect a more complicated, fine-tuned machine when you have a higher price tag.
What are the best bolt action airsoft sniper rifles?
Marui VSR-10
The Tokyo Marui VSR-10 Pro is a bolt action airsoft rifle that’s not only multi attachments compatible but has a realistic spring-powered bolt action. This spring-powered airsoft sniper rifle has a weight of 2,090 grams (4.6 lbs), features a muzzle velocity of 290 fps, and is in single-shot mode only. This particular sniper rifle features a 30-round capacity, integrated fixed sights, and an adjustable hop-up.
Out of the box, the Marui VSR-10 is extremely accurate, comfortable to use, and has many features to adjust and make your own as a shooter. Unfortunately, for a spring-powered airsoft rifle, this particular model can be pricey and lacks the power some other models may have.
Pros | Cons |
• Extremely accurate • Comfortable to use • Many features to adjust and make your own as a shooter | • Pricey • Lack the power which other models may have |
ARES Kar98K
The ARES Kar98k steel airsoft rifle features a deluxe pack option complete with an ARES ZF39 sniper scope. The ARES Kar98k itself includes an adjustable rear sight, an adjustable hop-up unit, a full steel body for a more realistic weight and feel, and a spring-powered bolt action system.
This is a spot-on replica of the rifle originally fielded by the Germans in WW2. The Kar98k has an incredibly smooth operation, a 20-round magazine complete with laminated wood stock. This airsoft rifle is on the pricier side at over $600 a pop, but the quality can be worth it.
Pros | Cons |
• Incredibly smooth operation • Realistic feel: The ARES Kar98k is designed to closely mimic the weight and feel of the original Kar98K rifle | • Relatively expensive: more than $600 |
ARES Lee Enfield
The ARES Lee Enfield is an MK1 replica made with stainless steel framing, steel cast magazine, and a real WoodSpring powered bolt action system. Naturally, the Lee Enfield is a shorter weapon, thus reducing weight which could be a positive or a negative depending on your shooting style.
This airsoft rifle has a smooth bolt action and a magazine loading system that sets it apart from others on the market. This sniper rifle is spring-powered and has a 35-round capacity with a steel magazine.
Pros | Cons |
• Has a smooth bolt action and a magazine loading system that sets it apart from others on the market • High magazine capacity: 35-round capacity with a steel magazine • Relatively expensive compared to other airsoft guns | • A shorter gun with reduced weight which may be a disadvantage for some shooters |
What are the best long-range airsoft sniper rifles?
Some of the best long-range airsoft sniper rifles have an incredible range, a variety of adjustment capabilities, and a reliable and durable framework. Often they emulate the original firearm they’re made to replicate as close as possible, even the weight.
Airsoft sniper rifles can shoot about 175 to 225 feet; however, long-range sniper rifles on the higher end can reach 300 feet or further. This is after a significant amount of tuning out of the box.
ARES M40A6
The ARES M40 A6 Springer airsoft sniper rifle features a spring-powered gun with incredible adjustability. A fully adjustable stock with cheek piece, a 490mm Picatinny rail system, and an 8-sided modular hand guard are all unique features of this sniper rifle that help set it apart on the market.
This airsoft gun has a 45-round magazine that not only has a bolt-action but is spring-power compatible as well. The 3,450-gram weight (7.6 lb) gives a realistic feel, and the price tag is almost as realistic as a regular gun’s price tag. This airsoft sniper rifle sets at $600, but it offers incredible value if it is within someone’s budget.
Pros | Cons |
• Incredible adjustability • Realistic design: the weight (7.6 lb) gives a realistic feel | • May be expensive for some shooters |
Maples MLC338
The Maples MLC338 is a popular airsoft gun on a VSR-10 platform. The S1 rifle stock has an adjustable length with its trigger box allowing a break over at 90 degrees. Throughout this gun, full steel enlarged bolts allow increased comfort for those impaired by any opponents that may come.
Maples MLC338 is known for making durable and reliable parts, and this airsoft gun is no exception. With up to 500 fps power, you’ll easily make an impression on the field by looks and by gameplay. The price tag is on the higher end of the spectrum for this particular sniper rifle. Players on a budget need to be cognizant of this, especially if someone is new and wants to start playing.
Pros | Cons |
• Durable and reliable • Built with high-quality materials • Lightweight design, making it easier to carry and handle | • Require regular maintenance and cleaning to maintain its accuracy and performance • Difficulty in handling for beginners and inexperienced shooters |
Where to buy airsoft sniper rifle online
You can buy airsoft sniper rifles on a variety of websites. If you shop around, you can find the best deals, but a go-to for everyone is Amazon.com. Wherever you shop, make sure you do it safely and follow all rules and regulations that pertain to airsoft rifles.
Some websites you can buy airsoft sniper rifles online include:
· Amazon
· eBay
· Gunfire
SWIT Airsoft is a company that has what you need while retaining a small, personal business feel. They have a bit of everything for all levels of shooters. Some rigs are better for the novices, others are more suited to veterans. Many airsoft rifles feature a “pre-upgraded” service even if you make a last-minute order.