Why does everyone want to be a sniper?

[FOX_111]

Keep in mind that a sniper is just an anfantryman that take all the fieldcraft and marksmanship to the maximum. Any infantry can act like a sniper as long as their role and mission allow it.

[skalnok]

Someone has it in their sig

a bit off topic but stalker check my sig for that quote

[CDN_Stalker]

Originally Posted by skalnok

a bit off topic but stalker check my sig for that quote

Yay, you have it! I love that, it's too funny, even it it does inflate my ego a bit! Am gonna steal it too, Matt phrased it in such a cool way.

[PvtSpartykus]

In all sincerety I can't relate to the novelty that people associate with the sniper class when first introduced to this sport because I myself never went through that phase. I've always adored the systematic shock to my genitals provided over and over and over again and again at the sight of a gorgeous rifle (particularily ones of higher caliber and bolt action..oh I could just...walk in to a strip joint). My initial interest lay in support. The feeling of bullets constantly being projected as time flies by idle to the carnage set forth by your weapon. Really, it's exhilarating. Though accuracy is not your prime objective you serve as a suppressor for the glory of your compagnions; really, how could one not adore it? Your role is to attract enemy attention and divert attention, aid others to attain cover, suppressive fire! It's all so amazing, no? Honestly, sniper caliber rifles are instruments of immense beauty but to me a sniper class individual must have qualities that not every one posseses. I suppose that's the reason behind its popularity. People (as a general rule) tend to retain things that are different from them or their thoughts. Snipers in movies and combat approach a field in an alternate method relative to the their teammates (who happen to be mostly light infantry, assult infantry, support infantry, etc..). A team is divised such that there are a small portion of people that can obtain the sniper position. Sniper class has a tendency to explore by themselves and act in the interes of the team while attainig a more impressive head; glorifying in the least. People who are new to the sport might assume that they can sneak around behind the enemy easily and eliminate the entire squad when in reality that kind of maneuvre requires an impressive amount of instinctual strength, stamina, patience, accuracy, unobstrusive movement, et cetera.

Moreover, (in addition to a natural attraction, the over dramatization of the sniper class in the media, the glory associated to an effective sniper and the beauty of the rifles available to the sniper class) there exists a comfort in knowing that you are distant from the enemy. This fact, in itself, might not have any significance in relation to the amount of pain or projectiles received but it creates a distance from the enemy that ensures less psycological strain to people new to the sport. Of course a veteran prioritizes the mission over his/herself. A novice, contrary to the veteran, might have a tendency to forget about the mission when he/she is being attacked or when they must strategically eliminate enemies according to priority versus eliminating enemies that are in a convinient location.

[PvtSpartykus]

In all sincerety I can't relate to the novelty that people associate with the sniper class when first introduced to this sport because I myself never went through that phase. I've always adored the systematic shock to my genitals provided over and over and over again and again at the sight of a gorgeous rifle (particularily ones of higher caliber and bolt action..oh I could just...walk in to a strip joint). My initial interest lay in support. The feeling of bullets constantly being projected as time flies by idle to the carnage set forth by your weapon. Really, it's exhilarating. Though accuracy is not your prime objective you serve as a suppressor for the glory of your compagnions; really, how could one not adore it? Your role is to attract enemy attention and divert attention, aid others to attain cover, suppressive fire! It's all so amazing, no? Honestly, sniper caliber rifles are instruments of immense beauty but to me a sniper class individual must have qualities that not every one posseses. I suppose that's the reason behind its popularity. People (as a general rule) tend to retain things that are different from them or their thoughts. Snipers in movies and combat approach a field in an alternate method relative to the their teammates (who happen to be mostly light infantry, assult infantry, support infantry, etc..). A team is divised such that there are a small portion of people that can obtain the sniper position. Sniper class has a tendency to explore by themselves and act in the interes of the team while attainig a more impressive head; glorifying in the least. People who are new to the sport might assume that they can sneak around behind the enemy easily and eliminate the entire squad when in reality that kind of maneuvre requires an impressive amount of instinctual strength, stamina, patience, accuracy, unobstrusive movement, et cetera.

Moreover, (in addition to a natural attraction, the over dramatization of the sniper class in the media, the glory associated to an effective sniper and the beauty of the rifles available to the sniper class) there exists a comfort in knowing that you are distant from the enemy. This fact, in itself, might not have any significance in relation to the amount of pain or projectiles received but it creates a distance from the enemy that ensures less psycological strain to people new to the sport. Of course a veteran prioritizes the mission over his/herself. A novice, contrary to the veteran, might have a tendency to forget about the mission when he/she is being attacked or when they must strategically eliminate enemies according to priority versus eliminating enemies that are in a convinient location.

Best regards,

PvtSpartykus


[P.S.]

Give me a M249 over and M24 in a real life scenario and I go for the m249, as cool as the M24 looks

[FOX_111]

Originally Posted by PvtSpartykus

(...) My initial interest lay in support. The feeling of bullets constantly being projected as time flies by idle to the carnage set forth by your weapon. Really, it's exhilarating. Though accuracy is not your prime objective you serve as a suppressor for the glory of your compagnions; really, how could one not adore it? Your role is to attract enemy attention and divert attention, aid others to attain cover, suppressive fire! It's all so amazing, no? (...)

I think you need to see a doctor...

Anyway, I see your point. It's fun to shoot things in an over abundant use of force. But to kill for real in the process... I don't think so. I just hope you are not implying a real situation.

[Armandhammer]

Some more really good examples and responses...Thanks guys! Thank you PvtSpartykus for the very detailed response, but +1 to Fox, I just hope you are not implying a real situation. I showed my friend this thread I started, and he is still determined to play the role as a "real" sniper in an airsoft game, when he hits 18. He likes the idea of the the DM role, but he would rather play the sniper who "waits in a bush and only gets 1-2 hits a game" now. I'm sure media has had a large influence on us, and he probably thinks he can take on the whole team when he plays the role....but he is beginning to understand that snipers will only get 1-2 hits a game...

who knows, maybe he would actually enjoy playing the role when 18...even though the DM role sounds very interesting and a little more exciting

BC_K, very interesting tactic...too bad we do not hunt though...

[Muffin]

Reason I said most people like the idea of becoming a sniper, is their fear of being shot, is that I think its a fantasy to alot of new people. You always see kids wanting to be the next 'shooter'.
Case in point, there is this 16 year old kid in my town whose daddy bought him a Wells L96 and he had heard that I have a team. So, of course, he wanted to game with us, so I told him that when one of use gets a new gun or does an upgrade of some sort, they need to be shot by it willingly to know what your enemy will be feeling once you pull that trigger. He said he was all good with that but when it came down to him being shot by his own rifle. He took me aside and told me he was too scared to go through with it, ha ha. His actual words were, "what if I start crying?".
Also another reason why kids shouldn't play airsoft.

[Slimmy]

Originally Posted by Muffin

Also another reason why kids shouldn't play airsoft.

Another good point Mr.Muffin but, not all snipers are kids. Sure there's a in being a frontline soldier rushing capture points defending other people for cover..

But when you're out in the field, and everybody is gunning specifically for you because they know you can just reach out and smack them in the face with a bb. Well that's all the thrill I need, I suggest everyone try it.

[Muffin]

I'm not saying that snipers are kids, I have a VSR myself. However, kids are always complaining about not be allowed to play, and when a a kid tells me he'll probably cry if he gets shot...I think its self explanitory.

[Azathoth]

my 0.02cents.

I can't stand scouting/sniping boring as hell IMO. Bring a gameboy or DS because you will probably fire maybe 5 rounds at most. The rest of the time you will spend it on the radio telling people where the enemy is and going; That assumes that you choose a good hide with a decent field of view so you can see anything important.

[CDN_Stalker]

Originally Posted by Azathoth

my 0.02cents.

I can't stand scouting/sniping boring as hell IMO. Bring a gameboy or DS because you will probably fire maybe 5 rounds at most. The rest of the time you will spend it on the radio telling people where the enemy is and going; That assumes that you choose a good hide with a decent field of view so you can see anything important.

Largely sounds like you have only head snipers take naps in the field waiting for one or two shots over the course of the day. That's what a useless sniper does. Worse one is one that sits around doing that had has no radio.

The best snipers will move with the battle, provide and receive intel and change positions often in order to best benefit the team and the accomplishment of the objectives. Longest I've sat for in one place was two hours, was on overwatch duty when my team was defending a large base in a large open area, I was in the back corner on a high hill and had full view of roads, paths, large berms, etc. Even though the maximum distances in my detail were over 500ft, my job was to take out anyone that came close if I could (shot two), but mostly to report movements of attackers trying to get within range of the base. But most of the time I'll stir up the other team and keep their heads down. Sniping to me is a tool I'm good at, I don't do the role that often, but always have my M24 on my back. And one doesn't NEED to have a ghillie to be an effective sniper, just has to have the skills and knowledge to do what snipers do. Ballistics, how to use camo, how to move without being detected, etc. Not saying that's all that makes a sniper, but saying that those are crucial skills required for the job. And having a rifle that can get heavy BBs out to 300ft is a big help as well.

[The Lettonian]

Originally Posted by CDN_Stalker

And one doesn't NEED to have a ghillie to be an effective sniper, just has to have the skills and knowledge to do what snipers do. Ballistics, how to use camo, how to move without being detected, etc. Not saying that's all that makes a sniper, but saying that those are crucial skills required for the job.

+1
I'm no sniper, but my experience with 47 has showed that although equipment helps, it's more the person's abilities that really make them a cut above. Hiding well where you don't expect them to be, moving around and staying unpredictable, inspiring fear with the knowledge that although the first shot MAY miss, the second probably won't.

huh...almost makes me think Stalker actually knows what he's talking about with all this sniper stuff or something....[/sarcasm] (The day I question Stalker's authority on sniping, I'll be in JTF2...both are equally unlikely to occur.)

[tsuru]

Being the only person I'm aware of who started outdoor airsoft with a BA and is still playing (3 years of outdoor play and I just bought my first AEG) with it I'm going to add some points from my view that have not been brought up.

Positive points:
- Cheaper: You use less ammo, magazines tend to be cheaper, you don't need a vest and other paraphenalia.
- More rewarding: I think it took me a month and a half of weekly games to finally get my first kill. Yes, you don't get that many kills but the ones you get are that much more rewarding.

Negative points:
- Certain skills don't develop: This is a personal sticking point which is why I finally picked up an AEG. I've found that I rely on range and the low sound signature of my rifle too much. As a result I have a hard time sneaking up on people. Everyone's mileage will vary but I know this is my main weakness that I've developed from just using a BA.

"Don't Know Where These Fit" Points:
- I've found that my enjoyment of a game can depend on who is in command. If a commander knows how to use a sniper then I have a great time. If they don't know where to send me then I tend to miss out on the action far too much.
- Be prepared to be flexible. The last two major games I've found myself doing little more than harrasing an attacking force. If there's no way for me to get a clean shot due to the heavy brush, any BB travelling at high velocity will still get people to cover their heads. Did I get any kills? No, but I knew I was still doing my job and that was reward enough.

"Last bit of sniper advice" Point:
Get a damn radio!

I know I have more stuff in my head but they're not coming out right now.

[CDN_Stalker]

Originally Posted by FNG_13

+1
I'm no sniper, but my experience with 47 has showed that although equipment helps, it's more the person's abilities that really make them a cut above. Hiding well where you don't expect them to be, moving around and staying unpredictable, inspiring fear with the knowledge that although the first shot MAY miss, the second probably won't.

huh...almost makes me think Stalker actually knows what he's talking about with all this sniper stuff or something....[/sarcasm] (The day I question Stalker's authority on sniping, I'll be in JTF2...both are equally unlikely to occur.)

Hehe, thanks, nice to know I have my own little fan club.

I SHOULD say, that Mother Nature is largely the one who dictates if the BB hits your target or not. Hop up makes a BB unstable to start with, but any little air currents between you and your target can toss it off course by a tiny bit, and it's worth paraphrasing the old Japanese proverb "Small things become big things", (is one reason I shoot groups at 30ft in my basement to see the 'health' of my rifles), if your BBs goes even 1mm off course by a bit at 100ft, that could equal off target by a meter at 250ft. Conpensating is fine, might get your hit, but that little air current that made your BB swerve off won't be there again, might be another stronger/weaker one later on, making your compensation really useless unless you can sort out on the fly why the BB went where it did and how not to have it happen again. That is what the Master Class of airsoft snipers constantly fight with, it's a challenge to say the least.

And, have to say, the only "perfect conditions" for an airsoft gun (even a high powered sniper rifle), is no gravity and in a vacuum. BBs will go where they want to go in the real word.