"Snipers"

[Komissar]

I proposed the options to the team.

The decision of the team was that the only weapons allowed on the field with an fps greater than 400 will be bolt action rifles. Single shot bolt action sniper rifles.
In addition, the engagement distance will not be less than 100 feet.
Rifles set to semi-auto are not included in this allowance.

The explanation given was this:
A sniper, with that high powered of weapon, should be able to make their action count by a single shot.
The action of a semi-auto weapon is to put ammo down field until the target is eliminated, as fast as the operator can pull the trigger. This type of semi-auto action can be used to "walk" shots into the target, or sweep several targets in close proximity. Continued fire is also often the result of the operator not initially hitting the target. The result is that the operator's target may be hit repeatedly by a high powered weapon, in a action that resembles a Rifle Marksman rather than a "Sniper".
By limiting operators to weapons that are bolt action ensures that single intended aimed shots are being performed. The operator must make every shot count. The result of a miss is that the operator must chamber another shot, taking time to reload as well as reacquiring the target in his sights. The benefit awarded this type of operator is that the weapon they are using is allowed to fire at a greater fps to increase range. This extended range also benefits the sniping operator through concealment when the shot is taken at distance.

I do want to thank everyone for the inspiration which brought the opportunity for discussion to clarify this topic. It is something that needed to happen so that a clear understanding of the rule can be issued. Diamond Corps will continue to define a "standard" set of rules in accordance with the Airsoft community.

Although not up for debate, your opinion on this matter is still important.

"Few operators have the patience, skill, and equipment to properly perform the role of "sniper". - Opinion of one Operator.

Many of the operators on the Diamond Corps team have upgraded full length rifles (510mm barrel length or greater). I often describe these as "long rifles", to differentiate them from carbines (which are generally around 363mm in barrel length).
Of the AEGs Kattiana owns, one is a scoped, upgraded CA25 with a 651mm barrel. It fires both semi and full auto, holding over 400 rounds in the magazine. She likes to "nest" in cover and kill her targets with single or double shots at distances over 220 feet. She is an exceptional "rifleman". Where she this proficient in the USMC she would be a "Marksman".

I leave you this example as basis for your comparison. Thank you.

[SCRAMBLE]

Well stated. Sniper rifles traditionally were bolt action, and the most accurate rifles of the modern army are still bolt action.

[Tank]

agreed i also agree with the fps rule. most people do consider themselves to be snipers when they are actually marksmen with Designated Marksmen Rifles

[Phoenix]

I like this, and it makes perfect sense. First most don't want to get hit by a BB going 410FPS as it is, let alone a full volley. Tank and I, and I'm sure even more got hit a couple times by that hot (475FPS) rifle SAS had deployed. I carried that bruise on my bicep for over a week. One shot every couple seconds should be enough. Second: with the advantage of putting more speed, and accordingly longer range and accuracy, in your hands, you should have the small downside of having to rock back a bolt action. Lastly; the motto of the sniper sums it all up (least in my opinion): One Shot, One kill

When i think sniper, I think of a guy in a perfect spot waiting for that ONE great shot to eliminate his/her target. Best way to get that, I feel would be with a gun you know you only have one shot with, that being the bolt-action.

Like in Komissar's example, my AR-15 Carbine is scoped but I use it to better my marksmanship, not make me into a predatory sniper.

[Hi-Cap]

I dont think that any gun over 400 should be played with period.

[Edric]

It should also be noted that a sniper is seldom a "Lone Wolf" but more frequently a member of an at least a two man team. Most military snipers in fact have a designated spotter that work with them.

So the idea that you should just let the sniper go off and do their own thing never struck me as a great plan. I would enjoy some sniper and counter sniper tactical work if we ever get around to it.

[Sproket]

This is a sound policy. I recently played against a team with over 60% using hot weapons. Sure they had 'officially' earned the right to use them, but it has an interesting effect on the game.

Minimum engagement distances are usually around 20 feet. Maximum effective range of most 380 fps guns is less than 200 feet. Obviously, higher velocity guns will shoot further, and long rifles will shoot far and accurately.

The thing that I haven't heard talked about is visibility. When players using guns under the standard 400 fps limit can see as far as those with longer-range guns can, the difference in range becomes 'unrealistic' in the game.

For example, how inconsistent are the various infantry (or military contractor, whatever) rifles in their maximum range? They are all about the same. So when you have one force with much more powerful weapons (150 feet is 50% of 300 feet), what happens in the real world? Under-powered forces don't engage. They use guerilla tactics.

So, I think it's not very interesting to set up a scenario where a force with 50% the range of their enemy repeatedly charges them until the hour is up.

I mean, why don't real military squads have all troops carry sniper rifles?

Just a rant. Anyway, I hope to make it to your field soon.

[Komissar]

Listen up troops! This is the way to rant. Continue McGee.

I can't wait to have you out to our field. Any chance of it being Sunday August 9th?
This will be a bit busier than our regular OPs, but it should be a good time.

[Phoenix]

I pointed out Tank's comment about "lone wolf" snipers in my perfect team post a while back and still feel the snipers should never feel the need to strike out on their own. Lone Wolfs don't survive in the real world, but again this is airsoft.

I noticed in the last game of the last Mission day we were doing what McGee detailed. We repeatedly charged the line trying to get Komissar in to drop is package. The repeated charges, I think, took a toll on our gusto and even had Komissar commenting that he felt alone making that final push with the package

In the sport of Airsoft, things should be kept at a consistent pace (like Mcgee alluded to, approximately equal force on force strength) and have a cap to keep that consistency. Ugh its late I might not be making the sense I want to...comment away and I'll see if I'm able to clear things up

August 9th on the calendar. Hoping to bring a friend or two with me to join in our fun. I'm even trying to get in better shape physically and equipment wise.

[Komissar]

Doing good Phoenix. Happy to have ya.

[FAL-Cody- AKA CptPackrat]

Well i have played a "sniper" role for well over 3 years... my view on this topic is, that if your responsible enough to handle a high powered AEG, then you should be able to use a sniper effectively and safely. There are saftey problems involved but if there are rules and strict MEDs then i say allow the sniper to run a bolt action rifle with a high velocity... I built 2 high powered Bolt action rifles and im working on my 3rd...all of them are running about 450fps or so and can effectivly hit targets to about 250-280 feet...my usual engagement distance is anywhere from 180- 250 feet.

As much as i would like to run sniper spotter teams just for the realism, there isnt enough people i would trust as my spotter. I am a effective lone wolf for airsoft games. i have hidden from large forces for well over an hour. And i am overly safe about who i engage, how i do it, and where i will hit the person if and when i shoot...

theres my view and a little about how i play.

[Phoenix]

the downside to running with a spotter on fields the size of DRAEX is that a spotter would have more to do. On a Cimmerian op, the spotter would be the guy left holding the field glasses/spotting scope and not doing a heck of a lot till stuff hit the fan.

As CptPackrat commented on, the sniper is also going to need to trust his spotter to ID targets, direct the sniper and confirm kills. Can't trust the spotter might as well do it on your own.

[Komissar]

There is a reason the military runs teams, and it works for Airsoft too.