Strikerz wrote:Nocte wrote:Strikerz wrote:Im not doint this to be "cool" or get glory. Ive been up with a crowd taking buildings to many times. And you know what happens? Somehow an enemy team gets into the town and shoots us. Why? Because no one was watching from afar. I want to be the one who , in retrospect, helps his team more.
Or, you'll be the first to die from the enemy team as they assault into your asshole. One guy can't stop a whole squad, and it doesn't take a DM to watch behind the squad.
I think you may have missed my point. It still helps to have someone watching your back. 1 guy, un-noticed could take out 1 or two guys.
The point is that you don't know what a Designated Marksman's job is.
If you look at the theory of combat, your main elements are security, assault, support and command. Security is an element taken from the whole group so that you have 360 degree security. You don't need a person with a specific weapon to do that, though the person with security in the direction of travel may have to adjust their kit to the mission.
Designated Marksmen, Automatic Riflemen (SAW gunners), heavy gunners (though no different than ARs in airsoft) and other elements of that sort are in the support category.
If you have a guy with a specialized skill in marksmanship with a specialized weapon for point targets you're going to avoid using him as simple security.
In the US Military, the regular DM is just another guy in the unit, except a better weapon system (heavier barrel) or optic. Our unit used the M14 (M21) with an ACOG. I didn't like the setup, but some units have M4's with heavier barrels, some have AR-10 types (M110), some had an M21 like mine.
When airsofters think of designated marksmen, they're really picturing scout-snipers. Scout snipers gear is based around keeping supplied for long periods and having a lot of firepower.
A scout team is usually a team leader, a sniper and a spotter. The sniper carries an M9 (pistol), an M4 and his weapon for sniping, which is usually an M110 (SR25) though could be an M24 (bolt) or M107 (Barrett).
Their gear has to carry 210 rounds for the M4, 6 rounds for their M203 (optional), 50 rounds for their M9 (pistol) and variant for their primary sniper rifle.
The sniper is the shooter. They shoot a rifle. It's a sniper rifle. Don't call it a sniper.
Bolt actions are being heavily phased out. Technology can give you better weapons now in the M110 (personal opinion).
If you want an optic on it, I suggest the Leapers 3x9 simple scope. Or you can get what they're issued, the Leupold Mk4 3.5-10x40mm.
Scout-Snipers of modern times usually carry their gear on their chest, though if you're looking at more of a sniper load out, you'll want stuff on your sides so you get in the prone and still reach your crap.
Seeing what you've posted so far, I suggest you get a cheap bolt action and a Condor battle belt. Get 1-2 spare magazines for it (no more than 100 rounds at the ready), a camelbak on the back or 2 canteens, and then some sort of stalker suit top. If you want to spot people from far away, you can overdo it for airsoft and get a spotter's scope, though even a set of binos around your neck or in a pouch at the ready should be fine. And don't get a pair that barely enhance.
At the role you want, your primary weapon will be your eyes and a radio. Invest in a quality radio and headset and learn how to use it. Also don't wear a helmet or even boonie as you'll want your ears wide open to hear for people entering your rear.