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.