The Russian Army will soon have a replacement for the aging Dragunov sniper rifle. Kalashnikov Concern have been developing the Chukavin SVCh-308 Sniper Rifle and it was test fired by Russian President, Vladimir Putin at the Patriot Park, the big military theme park located in the outskirts of Moscow.
First announced during the Army-2017 International Military-Technical Forum, the SVCh-308 which uses the 7.62×54 caliber, was developed using suggestions from Russian special forces soldiers. It will be offered to the Russian Defence Ministry as a possible replacement for the Dragunov Sniper Rifle.
The rifle has an inverted U-shaped receiver and has a top rail for the whole length of the main body of the rifle for mounting optics. For Russian military use, it is able to use the existing Dragunov magazines and is a short stroke piston gas operated action and rotary bolt locking. It is fitted with folding bipod, a manual gas regulator, and ambidextrous firing controls. It can be equipped with a bipod as well as suppressor.
Overall length is 1,140mm and 730mm when folded with the 410mm barrel. Magazine capacity can be 10 to 20 rounds. The barrel can also be replaced with longer barrels either 460mm or 565mm.
Depending on the round used, the SVCh-308 can have a maximum range of 1,500 metres and has an accuracy of no more than 1 MOA at a distance of 100 metres. Nowadays, the Lapua Magnum is the preferred choice of round for sniper rifles and DMRs, with records being set on the farthest shots hitting targets in a combat situation. Posted by Popular Airsoft
Airsoft is a wonderful activity because it offers all sorts of possibilities for different types of people. There are so many roles to fill in that almost anyone can join in the game! It’s also filled with adrenaline, physical activity and military strategies, so it keeps both the body and the mind engaged.
Still, in my experience, and many experts confirm this, the role of a sniper is the most difficult. This position requires mental strength, lightness of foot, and the ability to move unseen into an environment where everything can give away your position (even the BBs you shoot).
It’s a position that requires patience and lots of practice to master so if you’re looking to improve your sniping game have a look at the tips below.
#1: Get the Best Rifle
The amount of money you should invest in a rifle depends on your level of experience. For instance, if you are a beginner, you shouldn’t go higher than $150 – actually, you can find some pretty good airsoft guns in between $80 and $100. Of course, if you’re an advanced player and want to invest more, you should feel free to do so as long as you know where the money is going.
For a beginner I recommend a bolt action rifle because they are more accurate than AEGs and pack quite a lot of power. Not to mention, they’re not fussy about reloading times and most models on the market have lots of aftermarket replacement parts.
The sidearm will get you out of tough situations, like when someone from the enemy team makes your position and comes your way. The sniper rifle is fantastic for long-distance shooting, but before you have the time to use it in a close range situation, a pistol or a CQB rifle will work best.
I always like to recommend a pistol as a sidearm, but some players swear by shotguns. Of course, it’s your choice, but before buying either, make sure to learn more. You can do so by reading reviews (as the ones on Airsoftpal) or asking around in specialized stores.
#3: Practice Makes Perfect
Yes, even if your aim is good, you still have to continue practicing! It’s important to test the limits of your sniper rifle so, if the gun has a range of 300 feet, try shooting from 350 – it will improve your sharpness and keep your mind in the game.
The more you practice and push yourself, the more you will become better and no one will stand in your way to greatness!
Also, practice your breathing – a sniper needs steady breathing because even the smallest deviation can take your BB away from the right path. So, when you practice, try re-creating a real game in your mind. Of course, if you have friends to practice with, they can help with the atmosphere.
#4: Get High Quality BBs
A sniper needs good BBs and this cannot be denied in any way. High-quality BBs are heavier than the standard .12g and come in colors that easily blend in the landscape (usually dark green). However, you should do some testing before you start playing with a new rifle, to see which of the BBs fit best (.20g, .25, or heavier).
The producer of the rifle will usually recommend .20g or .25g, but you can considerably improve your aim if the BBs are just right. The final weight of BB that you will end up using will be a .36 or .40 in that area once the rifle is upgraded and you have gained more experience in the field and with the rifle.
#5: Accessorize
The life of a sniper is not reduced to just rifles and BBs! You also need several good accessories to become the best. For instance, you should invest in a good scope and it always helps to have a professional bipod to stabilize the rifle.
Not to mention, a ghillie suit it’s also a fantastic way to make sure you blend in with the environment perfectly. If you want to learn more about accessories, I recommend this guide – it has some amazing tips!
In Conclusion
Being a sniper is a lot of fun, but as you can see, it requires quite a bit of investment. But don’t worry, everything can be done step-by-step and as you improve your aim, you’ll have time to improve the gear as well!
Continued Reading and Videos about the Airsoft Sniper Role:
Which platform for the Airsoft Sniper Rifle is the best to choose and why? That is the age old question in the world of Airsoft and brought up on every topic. Airsoft GI has done a video shooting and comparing the three platforms for the Airsoft Players to see and make the decision themselves. First up the rifles will be used in the video will be using the same barrels and FPS to take that stuff out of the equation and the video will compare the rifles and how they perform. Electric, Gas and Spring rifles are used at a 200 foot target which is common for the Airsoft field. Shooting from a fixed position they saw some interesting results and the video will be linked below.
Watching the BB’s fly down range and some missing it was apparent that the Gas rifle was not as accurate as the Electric rifle. The reason for this is the gas propellant has a cool down effect and it will alter the power and fps of the BB while the Electric rifle will be much more consistent. The gas rifle has a cool or neat factor with the bolt action while the electric is just pulling the trigger. Related Blog: Airsoft Snipers: Electric vs Spring Now on to the Spring rifle to see the results. The Spring rifle had the most consistent groupings out of all the rifle but it had a slower reload and rate of fire. With a solid grouping and power output the Spring rifle won for hitting the target but it has a harder bolt to pull back and it cannot do a follow up shot like the Gas or Electric platforms. Check out the video below to see more.
What are your thoughts on the rifle outcome and will it help you decide your next purchase to get into the sniper role on the field? Another recent video from Airsoft GI covered was Airsoft Sniper Rifles do they suck? In the two part video Airsoft GI covered the role of the Airsoft Sniper in reality and what really happens on the field. The statement caused a lot of people to get upset and voice their opinion and correct Airsoft GI even though it was their opinion based of years of experience.
Related Blog: Do Airsoft Snipers Suck? If you see how the Spring sniper rifle is the platform for your next purchase you should look into the recent blog about titled What is the Best Spring Airsoft Sniper Rifle. Showing you what to look for and what to get to save money in the long run.
Carl from Airsoft GI talks about how the Sniper Rifle and role on the field is not a good thing and actually suck since they don’t do much. Pointing out how the role is glamorized by the Hollywood movies along with the Airsoft celebrities to make all the new players get into the role. Related Blog: What is the Best Spring Airsoft Sniper Rifle? He pointed out how the role can be useful for info gathering other than using their rifle, this thought made the internet very upset and rage on him and Airsoft GI since opinions with observations are the end of the world. A follow up video was created to clear the air about the “Do Airsoft Snipers Suck” video.
Now Carl touches on what and why he said that and addresses the fact most commenters listened to the first 20 seconds of the video and then raged out. With his years of Airsofting he is pointing out what he has seen and experienced over the years.
What are your thoughts on this part 1 and 2 of this topic started from Airsoft GI?
The “best” is a hard word to describe since one rifle might be perfect for an Airsofter and not for another Airsofter based on their style of play. We will help get to the final decision and find out what is the best Airsoft sniper rifle and why. Each rifle has their own unique features to make them stand out and not compete with the others in the same class of rifle. These will be the most common rifles on the field when it comes to price and performance and the average beginner will not spend $1000 on a first rifle which is more common on a third rifle build for an experienced player.
Deciding the rifle will be a difficult choice but to narrow it down you just need to know if you like the look and feel of the rifle. You will be using this new rifle for hours on the field and you want it be enjoyable. The second important detail is if the rifle can be upgraded, spare parts available or if it is already performing great out of the box. Some bolt actions sniper rifle will come shooting 500fps out of the box already so there is not immediate need to upgrade once you get the rifle. These are all factors you have to check.
The Echo1USA PSR is a very basic rifle in terms of what is included in the box. The advantage will be the price tag around $140 and the ability to use the VSR10 upgrade parts. Many players will buy this base rifle and install the upgrade parts to have a great rifle for the field but not spending a fortune.
In the box with the PSR there will be a total of 2 magazines and BB Speed loader. The extra magazine is great since you don’t have to buy another one and you might need it while in the field. Other than these items the PSR is not full of extras and this will keep the cost down and give the user more options for aftermarket parts.
The PSR will be using the standard VSR10 based parts so you can upgrade later on if you choose to do so. The current setup allows for the high FPS of 500 with the use of a nylon piston which is a standard 4in length using a 90 degree sear catch on the piston and using a standard VSR10 45 degree sear. The cylinder and cylinder head are constructed out of aluminum and brass.
The PSR trigger group is very user friendly in that it has the options for easy to adjust Trigger Pull and Stroke. This means the option for a ‘Hair Trigger” is there once you adjust the 2 allen set screws and find the preferred setting. Most rifle require an aftermarket trigger group to have this option but the Echo1 PSR comes standard with it.
Inside the PSR trigger group the metal trigger and the adjustable spring settings will be seen along with the standard VSR10 based sear set. All the stress taking parts are made out of metal and make for a great platform to further build up if needed.
The BRAVO MK98 is that classic “Sniper Rifle” look that has made its appearances in many movies and even video games with the iconic Olive Drab and Black two tone finish.
more accessories to complete the mission with the BRAVO MK98. The rifle will come with a adjustable metal bipod that is attached to the provided rail section. The rail section is attached to the front of the polymer frame with a lever action Quick Detach point to lock the parts in place or remove them quickly when needed.
Along with the bipod the MK98 will come with a single magazine and BB Loader. The small allen tools are for the assembly of the rifle that is in the box in two main parts. The body screws are captured in the body and cannot fall out and the manual will help out with the assembly and the hop up adjustment for the smaller tool.
The other allen tool will be used for the back end of the body and stock area. The cheek rest can be raised to better align the shooters eye with the optic along with the shoulder pad being shortened or lengthened with the spacer pads to help find that perfect spot while using the BRAVO MK98.
The parts to power this rifle are standardized and there are the options to upgrade if needed. The cylinder or bolt assembly will be like most others in the price range along with the nylon piston that is using a 90 sear set. There is an aftermarket Trigger Group and a Metal Piston and Power Up Spring Kit to go along with this rifle. The trigger group for the MK98 is made out of dense plastic and the main parts like the sears and axles are metal but this can limit your build goal. For doing a max FPS build the trigger group will fail and a replacement unit will be needed. A new trigger group or Zero Trigger will be an option that will have the hair trigger feature but it is pricey compared to just replacing the stock unit with a similar unit and keeping the cost very low..
Mobility, Versatility and Precision is what an Airsoft Sniper is about and the Echo1 ASR delivers just that. The ASR is the perfect mix of the M4 rifle platform and a bolt action rifle to allow somebody new to the sniper role fill the spot in the squad and help out no matter if they are right or left handed, The ASR has both options.
The Echo1 ASR is the only Airsoft rifle that has the Left and Right Handed option out of the box. No hassle of buying an aftermarket part, it’s in the box and ready to use. The rifle will come in the Right Handed user configuration since that is the most common request but switching the bolt is easy.
As you can see the parts laid out the Left and Right Bolt Arm are the mirrored parts. Simple way to keep track of them will be the recessed dimples for the brass detent. If and when the rear section of the bolt is taken apart to swap the Bolt Arm make sure the small parts are not lost. The factory warranty does not cover loss of parts from this operation.
This is how the ASR bolt will come away and is assembled for the Right Hand configuration. Notice the placement of the three crucial small parts. The Black and Brass colored spring loaded detent and the small pin that goes into the bolt arm. To install the Left option it will just have to be mirrored with the small parts location which is provided.
The ASR does not stop there as included parts with the rifle. A quick detach bipod is included that has several unique functions. The bipod has the legs that can extend and fold forward or backwards to make for a more compact profile while on the move.
The ASR will come with an extra magazine and a BB loader to help load quickly while out in the field. The Left Handed Bolt Arm as mentioned above will be included in the box as well. This rifle has a lot of great features and parts to make for a great introduction into the world of Airsoft Sniping without spending too much.
To keep in the lines of the ASR and the tactical look and feel of the rifle the stock will be that of something you would find on M4 that has the collapsible function to better fit the shooter. On the stock itself will be several QD points for a sling and a small compartment for spare batteries for an optic or anything else that might be needed.
Now that the long list of externals have been covered the important parts that give the ASR power and range are up for examination. The ASR Trigger Group will be similar to the MK98 mentioned earlier in how it is made out of a dense polymer with the crucial parts made out of metal like the 90 degree sear. Being that this rifle is shooting in the low 400 FPS range there is not too much stress on the parts to cause any damage. If a higher FPS is desired the Echo1 ASR Metal Piston Upgrade Kit and Spring will do just that and give the 500 FPS needed for longer range shots. Other parts like the inner barrel can be upgraded as well with the MadBull ASR 6.01 Tight Bore.
The Echo1 M28 in either Black or Tan is one of the most sought after bolt action sniper rifles in Airsoft due to its look and feel. The outward appearance of the M28 will have a large polymer frame and fluted outer barrel to match something you will see a well trained military personal using.
Taking a closer look at the stock you will notice the coarse texture on the entire stock to help with grip will firing and moving to another position under adverse conditions like rain. The bolt handle to contoured down along the frame to not protrude and get caught on anything and just like the other rifles covered the safety will be located behind the bolt.
Another great shot of the textured M28 stock but the more important parts to point out will be the adjustable shoulder pad to make it fit perfectly with any user. On the underside of the M28 will be metal sling loops for the use of a hunting or sporting rifle sling with a strap to go through. On the front side there will be the mounting pegs for attachment.
The M28 will have the package loaded with more than enough equipment when compared to the other rifles out on the market. There will be two magazines and a BB Loader along with spare bipod or sling mounting lugs. The 14mm CCW threaded tip will be included to use any aftermarket mock suppressors including the M28 Force Recon which is countersunk and looks the best. Also shown in the picture will be the M28 bipod that is able to be bolted onto the rifle and makes for a great included part for the still affordable price.
The internals of the Echo1 M28 will be using most of the standard VSR10 parts so it can be upgraded and fine tuned if needed. The nylon piston is using a 45 degree sear catch to allow for the use of the SPEED Airsoft M28 Sear Set and many other parts. The main part of the M28 and its accuracy is not the fluted barrel but what is inside. The brass inner barrel is stabilized by several over reinforced M28 Barrel Spacer to keep the barrel steady and ensuring a straight flight for the BB. The M28 Cylinder will be a standard set with metal and nylon to deliver the 500+FPS.
Some of the upgrade parts for the M28 will be the SPEED Airsoft Sear Set and Trigger or the MadBull tight bore barrel. One of the features that is included with the M28 is the adjustable trigger similar tot he Echo1 PSR mentioned earlier. With this bolt action rifle that comes will all the parts inside and out it makes for a great option to use on the field.
The Modify MOD24 is a complete rifle made by Modify; the company that is known for all the gearbox parts. Their take on the Bolt Action Rifle they designated the MOD24 is the best in their terms and they didn’t want it to come up short in any competition. Instead of making a rifle that still needed parts to make it better performing before it gets time on the field Modify has included all the high end upgrade parts into the MOD24 already.
An extra item for the MOD24 or any other rifle will be the Modify Rifle Stock Ammo Pouch that is adjustable to fit on the back of the stock to provide a comfortable cheek rest and storage for small items and with the use of velcro it can be streamlined if needed.
The special scope rail on the MOD24 stands out from the rest since it is equipped with a raised and extended version. Using a large scope it would come in contact with the barrel and you would need special scope rings but not with this special rail.
The MOD24 will only come with a single magazine but it has a optional Tracer LED like their BHIVE Midcaps. Now you can have a sniper rifle with the ability to fire a Trace BB down range. Other nice parts that come with the rifle will be the metal sling and bipod mounts on the front and rear section of the stock.
To continue with the goal of being the best on the field the MOD24 has an adjustable trigger that can be turned from the outside of the rifle. This means the rifle can have the trigger adjusted while on the field and without taking the frame off and spending more time getting to the trigger group. One of the noticeable traits of the trigger is that it pulls straight back and not pivots like a traditional Airsoft rifle.
The name Modify makes you think of machined aluminum Airsoft parts and that is the case once again with the MOD24 and the parts used inside. The cylinder will be made out of steel and with a black finish it will give the MOD24 a more covert look instead of the chrome look of all the other rifles on the field. With a steel cylinder it is already upgraded to the max for strength and able to support any power spring on the market. The cylinder head will be a high grade aluminum with a rubber bumper to help adsorb the shock of the piston when a shot is fired. The piston will be constructed out of a light weight aluminum and a cup seal on the front to create a perfect seal. The rear section that interacts with the trigger group and sear will be made out of steel. The standardized bolt action spring in the MOD24 will give the above 400 FPS but any other spring can be installed without issues.
In case you wanted to lighten the piston even more or use the Modify MOD24 piston in your rifle there is the Light(blue) and Ultra Light(green) options. Modify makes parts for the “APS2” and “L96” based rifles. Looking at these parts and knowing their name you can count on them for high end upgrade parts at a fair price.
So which Airsoft Rifle makes for the best sniper rifle?
After looking at these rifles and seeing how they are built and what they come with you will have to take that into consideration. Looking at the line the MOD24 would be the best option since all the upgrade parts are installed but with that it takes away the fun of building your rifle and having that satisfaction of know they you built an Airsoft sniper rifle and just pulled off a 300 foot shot. The choice will be up to you to decide since they are all different and better than others in their own unique way.
The Sniper realm in the airsoft world comes down to three different types of guns, gas, electric, and spring. Each has their advantages and disadvantages, and today we are going to talk about spring vs electric guns. We are going to stack them against each other in a head to head showdown to see just which one is better suited as a sniper rifle. I’m hoping to analyze both from a tactical and technical perspective.
I want you to walk away a little better informed about which gun is going to be the best option for snipers.
Spring guns are manual weapons that use the force of a piston and spring to shoot a BB down the barrel and towards an opponent. This simple and reliable system is only suitable for sniper rifles due to its slower rate of fire. However, spring sniper rifles are highly popular as sniper rifles. Electric airsoft sniper rifles, also called AEG rifles are battery powered systems. You fit a simple battery and gearbox into a rifle that propels the BBs at their intended target. AEG systems are simple and offer a much higher rate of fire.
Reliability
The manual spring action of a spring based sniper rifle is very simple. Simplicity can be quite valuable when it comes to airsoft guns. Simple guns are less likely to fail and are often more durable than alternative options. They do not have electronics that can fail, and more resistant to water than the electronic option. Electronic guns have the potential to fail just because they have electronic systems that can fail. Electronics are far from perfect. However, if an airsoft player is a dedicated AEG user they can often learn the inside and outside of an AEG and make simple repairs pretty easily.
Consistency
Consistency is the ability of a rifle to fire the same way over and over again. Consistency isn’t just the ability for the weapon to fire accurately over and over. That’s a big part of it, but not everything. Consistency is also the sniper rifle’s ability to maintain consistent feet per second and consistent hop up and range. A sniper rifle depends on consistency to be effective. Unlike other weapons, you are shooting dozens of bbs at a time from a far distance. The good thing about Spring guns is they are the most consistent airsoft sniper rifles. As long as it’s a quality weapon, it will be incredibly consistent. Electric guns are more consistent than gas guns, but not as consistent as spring guns. Not all, but some electric guns begin losing consistency as their batteries begin to die. It’s as simple as swapping a battery but bears mentioning.
Accuracy
Accuracy is a hard category to judge between guns for a variety of reasons. It’s almost impossible to say one style of gun is better than another accuracy wise. The reason being is every gun is different, and different guns work with different weight bbs, etc. As airsoft guns, their mechanical accuracy is hard to compare. The second reason it’s tough is that all shooters are different and some shooters simply suck at shooting. I would call this category a tie.
The spring sniper rifle is purely a one shot, manually cock the gun, one shot, rinse and repeat. It’s only as fast as the shooter can manually cock it. Most of these rifles are bolt action rifles, and that’s a solid method and authentic method to rack the weapon. However, it’s slow. More electronic weapons are semi-automatic weapons, and some have full auto options. The electronic nature allows you to rapidly fire the weapon over and over. This allows you to easily engage multiple targets, or to defend yourself if you’re made. Electronic sniper rifles have a much higher rate of fire; even the fastest firing spring guns are significantly slower that electric guns. Sniper rifles, in general, go for a quality shot over quantity of shots though.
Stealth Factor
So electronic guns run on motors and have internal gears, and all that stuff. It is great for amping up the rate of fire but sucks when it comes to noise. The motors make easily detectable sounds and consistently make that sound. That motor’s noise greatly reduces your ability to engage a target silently. The electronic rifles higher rate of fire would allow you to defend yourself better when found though. A spring gun has a very simple and quiet noise as it’s fired. The piston itself is only the noise it makes when fired. This makes you much harder to detect, especially in the midst of a combat situation. Firing that one accurate round is what matters, but doing so without being detected allows you to do it more than once.
Authenticity
Authenticity is more of a feeling that a viable objective reason to go with one or another. With that in mind, authenticity is what makes the game fun, and should be kept in mind. A bolt action spring powered sniper rifle is much more authentic than an electric airsoft gun. Sniper traditionally carried the more accurate bolt action sniper rifle, and typically still do. That being said the semi-automatic sniper rifle is a real and well-used concept.
The Designated Marksman
Before we wrap things up, we are going to discuss the Designated marksman’s rifle and the Designated Marksman’s role. If you are dead set on an electronic gun, you may want to consider a DMR rifle. A DMR rifle is an accurized weapon that is dedicated to taking accurate shots on a squad level. DMs are not hidden troops, but often take elevated positions to cover a moving squad. They are often employed as sniper hunters, and to take out important targets like snipers, grenadiers, etc.
Which Wins?
Overall, in my opinion, the spring powered sniper rifle is the better choice for a dedicated sniper. They are slightly more consistent, more authentic, and quieter overall. Plus they feature a larger selection and offer a higher variety of upgrades.
There are so many different pages and outlets to follow for any Airsoft rifles, gear or anything related to our sport along with news and it would be a good idea to compile the list and details all in one place and not isolated by brands. This blog will be updated during the week for all the info and to cover the event fully!
First thing that popped up in the social media feed was from SS Airsoft and at the Elite Force booth with the new stuff on display. Great thing about the SS Airsoft store and field is that they have customers in every area of Airsoft from new players to speedsoft and Milsim so they are excited to share and bring into their store for the local players. for the longest time the Elite Force HK 416 was the most popular and out of the budget for some of the newer players well now Elite Force is releasing the HK 416 competition rifle, much lower price but still a great performance and customer support along with it. Estimated price is around $249 and in second quarter of 2022 which is right around the corner!
Just looking at the HK 416 you can see it will save the player a lot of money right out of the box and in usability. The obvious railed front for any accessory but it also has ambi fire selector for the left or right handed players. Another little big deal is the buffer tube sling loop already installed. Preventing players from trying to install one and cutting wires which ends up being costly and takes them out of the weekend game. This rifle looks ready to go out of the box!
Now for the more serious play the Elite Force HK MG4 is coming out in 2022 and this is hot news! “Set to release in October of 2022 at $1,400 An 800 round internal hopper will feed this replica with the 5,000 round box magazine keeping that hopper full Internals: Proprietary gearbox (More to be disclosed soon)” – SS Airsoft
Now the HK MG4 has been on the list for Airsofters and this blog has covered several other custom HK builds such as the HK MG4(AEG), HK21 and HK11and the HK G11 now the Airsoft Community will have another support gun on the field to complete loadouts or collections!
Lets load up our mags not and it looks like PTS is making a big impact on the SHOTShow scene. Seems like several big stores are excited to see what they are bringing out this year and for their customer base.Here are some pictures from Airsoft Extreme that sparked their interest. Over the years PTS has proven their reliability and robust builds and now they are expanding to the SpeedQB and speed soft scene.
Here is a nice clear shot of the new mags coming out from PTS and notice the “SpeedQB” branding on it? And for the regular players don’t worry since PTS is coming out with a long lineup of other magazines for the Airsoft market!
These new EPM magazines from PTS look kind of like a modern mag and for a wide range of common rifles on the field so nobody is left out, definitely have to check with your local stores to grab these up!
Now here is some juicy news and products to get excited about. PTS and Zev Tech are working on a Glock base pistol and an M4 type build for the high speed players. We need to follow up on these and learn more as soon as the news comes out.
At the Evike booth they were giving away free patches, yes it is the wrong year but the 2021 SHOTShow didn’t really happen due the world being crazy so they might as well give them out instead of sitting in the warehouse. There is a lot of new products and partnerships with the Evike and EMG branding and there will be more as it comes out!
This was one of the first new product pictures released by Evike and it is the CMMG Banshee, a real firearm company and now Evike or EMG is making the Airsoft version of it. In the firearm world this it the best of both worlds with the functions of the M4 and the mags and ammo of the AK. In the Airsoft world they have tired this over and over with different brands and it never really caught on, what do you think about it?
Shotguns and SHOTShow 2022!
Elite Force is bringing out a CO2 powered shotgun. Taking shells and being a ‘3 Shot’ version. There are a lot of Airsoft shotguns on the market but they are spring, green gas or AEG. A CO2 version will be usable in more areas of the USA and this is big news.
Now the snipers can rejoice! For the longest time there has been a very sparse selection of heavy grade ammo for Airsoft snipers and especially in the BIO form. With Elite Force again listening to the players and bringing what they want and need to the field this will be great. White BBs to see the shots downrange and being a .40 that is BIO will allow more snipers on the field depending on the rules.
Big topic for snipers, fields and regular players. BB FPS and Joule Energy and making sure they are able to be within the field limits. Use the FREE App BB FPS Converter is a app that helps you convert between BB velocity, BB weight, and BB energy. It easily and quickly converts results as you change the values.
Now here is some interesting news from a once small time company with a rocky legal past to now being on the right path in the current world of the Airsoft and Firearms industry, Lancer Tactical.
Lancer Tactical is releasing a 9mm AK version and most of the market is going that way to reflect the ammo costs in the USA but this will be another option for the AK fans that are looking for maybe a more budget friendly build than an LCT or NPO. Always a fan of the AK builds so this is great. Now getting into other AK’s and sort of going backwards in the Airsoft timeframe is Lancer getting a license agreement with Kalashnikov USA to make some basic ‘AK’ and some others but the name will be on all their new AK releases.
Saying how it is going back in time since just about every Airsoft rifle is equipped with rails and modern parts for the players and the more serious players or collectors will be going after the LCT builds due to the quality. This is in the middle and not sure of the success. It is interesting that Lancer Tactical is not getting the licenses from these companies.
Back in the day they were copying everyone and everything if you check out the article above and now they have stopped so it seems and gone on the right path we can only hope. Looking at the news from SHOTShow 2022 for Lancer Tactical and one would think they would be sharing this on their social media to further excite and prime the customers but that is not really the case.
Looking at the official Lancer Tactical Instagram they have wiped all the old content clean and started fresh. Huge amount of likes with little comment ratio so it is very odd. Either they are buying likes or deleting and starting fresh on Instagram while their Facebook is still remaining the same.
Another odd thing is the MK19 debut and all the hype it got, gas powered shells and a single inner barrel which doesn’t make any sense but this was talked about in previous years and now gone and silent about it. Just a way to get people talking about Lancer Tactical and it worked but not the best way to do things.
Now this is going to be a HUGE News update for all the Milsim West players and Airsoft Operators in 2022!
Looking online for any stores or Airsoft personalities talking about Valken and could not really find any but this is on their Facebook page in 2022, now.. While all the other Airsoft companies are designing and moving forward with technology and trends Valken is not all. The grip bipod has been around for over 15 years in the Firearms and Airsoft world and never popular. Case in point.
No likes or shares or interaction on their Facebook or booth it seems. Huge investment to attend and promote at SHOTShow with little to no return. Some of their rifles were just a rehash of previous models and one of their M4’s uses an SMG mag or M4 mag since it comes with a sweet custom adapter, looks the same as the M4 to UZI adapter from 10+ years ago. Can’t make this stuff up. They need to stick to the paintball stuff since they are so out of touch and just wasting money at this point.
Protection Equipment For Airsoft – Top Essentials These replica weapons are a blast. They’re low-power, smoothbore air guns that shoot BB-like non-metallic projectiles. They’re made of biodegradable resin or plastic, and are used by all ages for fun and sport. However, their use still shouldn’t be taken lightly. You wouldn’t suspect it, but they can be dangerous if not used properly. There is plenty of safety gear out there and you should consider using it. Here are our top essentials for protective airsoft equipment.
Eyes It’s important first to protect your eyes. A pair of goggles is perhaps the most important piece of protective equipment you can have. Without something to cover your eyes, a shot to the eye could blind you, or cause something even worse, like death. Check out the Valken Tango Thermo Goggles for a tight facial seal. It offers anti-fog protection and has great resistance to heat and cold. It also holds up really well to impact, so they’re worth the higher price if you play quite a bit. Pyramex I-Force is another highly rated brand that’s a bit more affordable. They’re scratch resistant and offer 99% UV protection. You can also get interchangeable lenses rather than a brand new pair if they get damaged. However, many people prefer to wear full face masks instead of just goggles. It can protect you from a shot in the face, which may not cause too much damage, but will likely hurt quite a bit. There are half masks and full masks. If you have it in your budget, the FWA War Machine Mask not only makes you look like a pretty cool Marvel character, but it offers full protection with a high level of detail, and the foam lining gives you superior comfort. The OUTGEEK half face mask is a great budget option that covers your eyes, mouth, and nose. It’s a one-size fits all option that won’t break the bank. The mesh face covering will minimize impact, but a direct hit will still hurt.
Core It’s also important to protect your core. It’s the largest visible target from a distance, so it’s the most likely thing that your opponents will aim for. If you don’t wear a vest, it’s not as likely you’ll have serious injuries, but it will still hurt pretty badly and ruin your fun. The Lancer Tactical Vest is relatively affordable and has plenty of pockets for magazines and miscellaneous items. The built-in cross draw holster makes it easy to carry a back up rifle and it’s lightweight and breathable. As a plus, it also includes a tactical belt. For the little guys, the Modern Warrior Junior Tactical Vest is an even cheaper, entry level beginner vest with everything you need for fun. Don’t let the trimmed down version fool you. It’s still plenty durable with a lot of functional use.
Knees Playing airsoft at an outdoor venue or in a field with a lot of trees can be brutal on your knees. After all, you’ll be crawling around, hiding from your opponent. Sooner or later, you may even lie down to take some secret shots at your enemy. AltaFLEX knee pads are some of the most comfortable knee pads you can get for both walking or kneeling, and as a bonus, they’re made in the USA. The name says it all. They’re flexible enough that there won’t be a huge learning curve when wearing them. If you’re looking for great combat knee pads, Arcteryx knee caps are comfortable, lightweight, and durable. They’re also adjustable so they’ll fit many different sizes. However, they’re a tad pricey.
Feet Ditch the sneakers for combat boots if you plan to play airsoft. You’ll cover lots of different kinds of terrain, and you’ll need something much more durable than a regular shoe. Boots are suitable for rugged ground, moisture, and fields. To start, any boot will do, but if you’re looking for an upgrade, there are some great options. For those who play a lot, it’s worth investing in a pair of ALTAI tactical boots. They’re expensive and can be hard to break in, but will last forever once you do. They’re also waterproof, lightweight, and easy to put on and take off.
Hands Every shot you take puts impact on your hands. It’s important to wear gloves to reduce the risk of bruising or blisters. Plus, if an opponent aims to shoot the rifle from your hands, the vibration or direct hit could hurt. Gloves are a piece of equipment that doesn’t come as highly recommended as the others, but it’s still a good idea. Sooner or later, you’ll feel the aching in your hands and wish you had a pair. The V-Tac half finger armored gloves are great for dexterity. The plastic cover provides extra protection while you still have the use of your fingers. They are lightweight with good airflow, and available in multiple colors. For more coverage and a sleeker design, the Valken Zulu tactical gloves are also available in multiple colors with a lot of padding and articulation joints for flexibility. They’re durable and well suited for any weather. They’re pricey, but well worth it.
Ears This is another piece of equipment that’s not necessary, but if you have sensitive ears or the repeated whoosh and pop of the airsoft guns gets annoying after a while, it’s a nice thing to have. Plus, it’s nice to have some sort of ear protection to prevent a BB from penetrating the ear canal. That would be one heck of a sniper shot, but hey, it could happen. There are several different types of ear protection available. Ear and cheek shields go well with goggles to replace a face mask while some shooters prefer earmuffs. You can wear any sort of hunting earmuffs for airsoft, and there are plenty of affordable options out there. You can even get headsets with microphones so you can communicate with your teammates.
Final Thoughts It’s important when playing any sort of shooting game that you wear protection. It’s up to you which types and how much protection you wear, but it will likely make you much more comfortable in addition to protecting you from impact.
What is this? A bullpup AK sniper platform? Yes that is what it is! It has been a while since JAG Precision and ECHO1 USA has released anything new on the market and this looks great for those players that want to stand out and use a Russian type platform. First question we all ask: Can we upgrade it? Answer is YES but it is already pre-upgraded to be ready for the field with 450fps out of the box so only a little is needed to max it out. I will link a gearbox video below for the RedStar CSR. Lets take a look at the Red Star CSR-A Wyvernov
Specs of the Red Star CSR-A Wyvernov FPS (Feet Per Second): ~450 Weight:7.8 lbs. (3.5 kg) Product Support:30 day limited warranty Fire Mode – Safe – Semi – Auto Inner Barrel Length: 650mm Barrel Caliber: 6.06mm Magazine Capacity:220 rounds Recommended BB:.28g or Higher Power source:Battery Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Ready:Yes Battery Location: Handguard BB Caliber: 6mm Bearing Size: mm Steel Bearings, 8 Pieces Body type:Metal and Polymer Gearbox Reinforced:Yes Gearbox Type:Proprietary Motor Type:Short Torque Motor Sights included:Yes, Front and Rear Outer Barrel Construction:One piece metal Metal Specifics:50% on gun Plastic Specifics:Handguard and Stock Spring Guide:Version 3 Metal Spring Guide Gear Specs:4 Gear System Train System Piston Body: toothed with Half tooth cut Wiring Harness:Custom with Fuse Bypass Specs and Pictures from JAG Precision.com For the Gearbox video of the RedStar CSR that will be the same gearbox internals as the newer Red Star CSR-A Wyvernov this video from Echo1 TechSupport will help you out.
Being that this is not a crowd favorite due to it’s bullpup design and AK themed but for those looking for a compact sniper platform and to be different those players will definitely enjoy this rifle. That’s the best part about the Airsoft Community since everybody can do something that makes them happy and still be a part of something bigger. Now if you are thinking about getting into Airsoft and being that Sniper Role for the team check out this related topic and shootout from Airsoft GI that covers the 3 based snipers. Related Blog: Airsoft Sniper Rifle Shootout – Airsoft GI The AEG platform will still be the best for the beginning Airsoft Sniper so the Red Star CSR-A Wyvernov will be a good choice.
What do you think about this new rifle on the field?
Looking to get one for yourself and can’t find this rare beauty at your local store? Find it here online:
As a new player, it can be a tricky proposition to find everything you need to hit the field and make sure you don’t overspend. But fear not because Airsoft GI has your six, now the Best Airsoft Gun Starter Bundle is packing even more value! We’ve put together what we believe is one of the best possible package deal you can find to start playing on the field! This package includes the Classic Army Skirmish ECS Delta 10 M4 Carbine AEG Airsoft Gun which is the ultimate option for lightweight, airsoft combat. The electronic control system has motor protection and low battery detection to help protect the airsoft gun in the long run. Additionally, the ECS allows that airsoft gun to shoot at 3 / 5-round burst depending on what setting you desire. Its polymer body makes it durable and rugged, yet lightweight and easy to maneuver; while its high quality internal parts will keep you on target and scoring hits with ease! The included 9.6v battery and charger make sure that this airsoft gun is ready to go out of the box. To protect your eyes and face, we’ve included the Classic Army Full Face Mask ( Black ) making sure you have adequate protection for almost every airsoft field. We’re also including two extra, high cap magazines and two 2,500-count bottles of Classic Army Extreme Precision BBs to fill them with! Now you’ll need somewhere to keep all these goodies and for that we’ve secured you a Classic Army Tactical Cross Draw Vest ( Black ) to make sure you can carry everything in this package onto the field.
This package saves you a ton of money on an already low retail price. It’s an unbeatable value to get you on the field and playing. With the equipment in this bundle, you’ll have everything you need to not only hit the field and play, but actually be competitive with more advanced players. These items were handpicked for their budget-friendliness and high performance. Every part and accessory comes from a leading brand in the airsoft field and has been shown to be effective on the playing field, too. The rifle alone is easily capable of going toe-to-toe with most other AEGs on the market, and has proven durability. When you add in the face mask, magazines, tactical vest and other airsoft starter equipment, you’re talking about being prepared for even the toughest matches. Of course, having the right gear is only the first step. Knowing basic airsoft strategy is essential to your on-field success, too. You can check out our Airsoft 101 page for tips and advice whether you’re new to the game, or coming back after a long hiatus. Here is a quick rundown of tips for your first time playing:
Don’t step out in the open; use cover to your advantage
Don’t engage targets you can’t hit. This rifle is at its best in the 100-200 feet range.
Make sure your batteries are charged before the game. Consider picking up a few spares as well to keep you on the field even longer. The average battery lasts for about three to four high capacity magazines. Choose wisely.
Wind your hi-cap magazines before the game starts as well. Nothing is worse than trying to take a critical shot and your gun misfiring while trying to take a critical shot because you forgot to wind your magazine.
Long sleeves, tactical pants (or cargo pants of any kind) and a good pair of boots with ankle support are going to make you much more comfortable.
Water is an absolute necessity. You can keep a small bottle in an empty magazine pouch, or pick up a more dedicated pouch to attach to your vest via the MOLLE webbing.
Keep your gun pointed in the direction you expect the enemy to come from, that split second between seeing the other team and pulling your gun up to shoot can make the difference
If you get shot, call your hits! It’s only a game. The walk back to respawn is a good time to collect some information on how the rest of the field is changing so you can get the drop on your targets when you get back in the game.
Pull the trigger (pun intended) and pick up the Best Airsoft Gun Starter package today, and we’ll see you on the field!
Package Includes:
Classic Army Skirmish ECS Delta 10 M4 Carbine AEG Airsoft Gun (Black) Classic Army Full Face Mask ( Black ) Classic Army Tactical Cross Draw Vest ( Black ) 2x Classic Army Extreme Precision 0.25g BBs 2500ct. (White) 2x M4 High Capacity AEG Magazines
Wanting to get into the Sniper Role? Airsoft GI has done the work for you and helping you decide on which is the best and why. Learn more here: Related Blog: Airsoft Sniper Rifle Shootout Deciding on getting a Spriing Sniper Rifle you have to do some research. Related Blog: What is the Best Spring Airsoft Sniper Rifle?
