Sniper training and qualification

[Seagreen]

Don't forget communication. When a scout sniper can post up somewhere and relay intel on where the enemy is and where they are going, it can be a game changer. They can do that without even firing a shot.

Without a doubt, the most important tool you can have in your force-multiplier role.

[Steve]

Matt, et al:

Someone with good field craft can definitely be a significant force multiplier. The presence of a bolt gun does not impart these skills. Having these skills does not require the wielder to turn bolts.

Some event descriptions I have seen limit ghillie suits to 'snipers'. With this limit in place, 'snipers' become slightly more effective for reconaissance because they have access to potentially more effective camoflage than someone running with an AEG or GBB pistol.

Range is absolutely still a factor. There is a significant difference between assaulting 100 meters through the kill zone of an airsoft 'sniper' and assaulting through the 700-meter plus kz of a RS sniper. Most of the skillsets described in arguments in support of airsoft 'snipers' are better demonstrated by elements such as infantry scouts, Recon marines, Vietnam-era LRRPs, SEALs, and other specialized soldiers skilled in tradecaft. With the added advantages of carying platforms that are useful when assaulting an objective.

The only game-changer I see when discussing airsoft 'snipers' is that they have a range advantage and may have access to camoflage that is restricted to those carrying bolt guns. The underlying skill set of woodscraft is equally available to all players who are willing to invest in developing them. Turn the velocity down to 400fps and allow unrestricted access to ghillie suits, and airsoft 'snipers' are suddenly no more, and potentially less, useful than a DM, AR or rifleman with equivalent experience and tradecraft.

Or if folks are serious about properly employing 'snipers' in airsoft, turn the minimum velocity up to 750 fps, the maximum up to 1100 FPS, set a safe minimum engagement range, and require the spotter to use a laser rangefinder or pre-ranged distance indicators to verify that the target is outside the safe bubble before greenlighting the trigger monkey for EACH shot. Require that the spotter record a journal of shots fired showing range to target, time, and GPS grids. If someone is questonable, require a contiguous video record showing distance to target ona rangefinder before each engagement. Publish this video to the event organizers so they can verify it if needed. Too easy.

[Matt]

I like the idea of limiting ghillie suits to snipers only, if mainly for the reason that folks in ghillie suits often can't feel hits... So I see no reason for anybody as a regular rifleman to use one.

You'd have to change the shape of the BB to make 750fps actually reliable. This round projectile just doesn't travel reliably at higher velocities. After about 600 fps things sort of go haywire. But still, even with only 80-100 yards range on a 550 fps bolt you can be in a concealed position somewhere near your main body, but far enough away to keep hidden + still hit enemy targets. Part of the problem is the fields we have now. We had a spot in Lebanon that was great for this sort of thing, some of the more open fields we have today aren't so great.

[Steve]

Maybe someone would end up building these without the QC issues that some folks have reported.

[wake.joe]

I've always wanted to mold small "Discs", like a frizzbee, with a hopup mounted sideways.

Not sure how I'd make a barrel like that, though.

Hammer?

[TurtleFace]

I actually don't mind the idea of a "sniper certification" course, even though I've never attended one myself and I run a bolt for every event/skirmish that I attend. While I consider myself to be safe and responsible with my rifle, I can't expect every one with a high-end bolt to act the same, especially the younger crowd.
At OP Res 2 there was a point when I had a ~14 kid in my sights at around 120 feet. The only thing showing was the top of his head and he had no idea I was aiming at him. I could've made the shot easy, but I didn't take it. There are some circumstances where you really have to respect what 550 fps to the face can do to a person, and understand that the point of airsoft is to shoot people WITHOUT hurting them. I simply pulled back and respected their well-being.
About the training program itself, the one thing I would change is the distances they make you shoot. I can understand the 110 ft mark, just so that trainees understand the 100 ft MED for bolt actions (that's what I go by at least), but the other distances; 120'? 150'? Come on, any stock bolt can hit that! Make it interesting! 200'-250' or something! If your rifle can only shoot 150' you might as well be using an AEG.