An airsoft sniper rifle is used to hit a single target, with precision, from a hidden and often distant location. There are many popular brands of airsoft sniper rifles and among them are UTG, Cybergun, Swiss Arms and Jing Gong. These are all high end rifles and, as such, command a higher price than your bargain airsoft gun. In my research I found them to be generally available 150-300 Dollars. This varies widely depending on the materials used in the manufacture of the rifles.
Generally, when one is looking to purchase and airsoft sniper rifle, it is best to look for an all metal construction. This adds weight and accuracy to the rifle. This also usually means a better constructed rifle overall. Plastic is cheap and easy to manufacture and usually leaves more play in a completed product. When creating an airsoft sniper rifle out of metal the pieces fit together better and that contributes to the inherent accuracy of the finished rifle.
Another factor in the accuracy of any rifle is the type of ammunition used. This holds true even in airsoft rifles. There are different weights of pellets and the heavier pellets will be slightly slower but more stable. This is a worthwhile trade off when looking at a round for an airsoft sniper rifle because accuracy in this sport is more important than speed. It is not enough of a speed advantage to risk your pellet flying of course in the slightest wind. Another factor to consider when purchasing an airsoft gun is the action.
There are three main types of action in airsoft guns. These are Automatic Electric Guns (AEG), Gas Guns, and Spring Guns. AEG is the preferred mechanism because it allows for the semi and full automatic fire of the gas gun, but without the associated noise. This is especially true in the metal guns that most serious airsoft warriors prefer.
Gas is the second best because it still offers the semi and automatic modes of fire, but does so at a price. This price is paid both in noise and in the constant refill or repurchase of gas canisters. I have personally had problems with gas guns purging entire canisters as soon as they are inserted. While I’m sure this is not a common problem it is still worth noting.
The last type of airsoft gun is the spring gun. This action provides only one shot before you have to cock the gun again. This is a serious disadvantage when in a match with aeg or gas guns. This action is somewhat acceptable in an airsoft sniper rifle since often times you will be hidden and thus the action of chambering another round will not leave you as vulnerable. As with most hobbies, a general bit of good advice is to purchase the highest quality airsoft sniper rifle your budget can support. I would personally recommend and AEG for its advantages in rates of fire and low maintenance cost.
A very important purchase when considering and airsoft sniper rifle is a good scope. This will be covered in more depth in a future article but is an absolute must for a successful airsoft sniper rifle setup.
