What Are Airsoft Sniper Rifles?
Airsoft sniper rifles are guns designed for long-ranged combat. Being able to hide while taking out targets from afar is what snipers do well. In order to successfully accomplish this, sniper rifles have to shoot pellets far while still maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
Airsoft sniper rifles will generally have a longer barrel, which helps keep the BBs accurate when fired from the gun. Another commonality you’ll see with airsoft sniper rifles is that they usually have a higher FPS than assault rifles, and it’s because the higher FPS helps improve the potential firing range of the sniper.
What All Good Airsoft Sniper Rifles Have In Common
Buying an airsoft sniper rifle can be really easy… if you know what to look for. Top rated airsoft sniper rifles will have certain factors that help distinguish them from the rest of the crowd.
Factor #1 Upgradeability
Upgrading your airsoft sniper rifle is important because performance out of the box is generally subpar. To get high performance, you’ll need to buy things like springs, barrels, triggers, etc. If the rifle you buy isn’t upgradeable, you end up getting stuck with it until you can save money for a better gun. High-quality airsoft sniper rifles should be upgradeable.
Factor#2 Aftermarket Parts
Easy-to-find aftermarket parts are just as important as upgradeability. If your sniper rifle breaks and you can’t find the parts you need to fix it, you’re pretty much screwed. Good airsoft sniper rifles will have plenty of aftermarket parts you can get to repair or upgrade your airsoft gun.
Factor #3 Community
If a lot of people are buying an airsoft sniper rifle, then there’s some community support behind it. Users will upload tons of videos and articles about the sniper rifle, so if you ever run into any issues someone has probably already posted the solution. The more popular the airsoft sniper rifle is, the easier it is to diagnose and fix it.
How to Find Yourself The Right Airsoft Sniper Rifle
There are certain questions you need to ask yourself before jumping in and buying a rifle. Having an answer to these questions will help you find an airsoft sniper rifle that best suits your situation.
What is your budget?
Your budget plays a huge role in the kind of airsoft sniper rifle you can get. More money = better rifle. That being said, you can spend a little less money and still have a high-performing rifle. For example, rather than buying the Tokyo Marui VSR-10, you can go cheaper with the JG-Bar 10, which has nearly the same quality as the TM.
Out of the box or more hands on?
How hands-on do you want to get with your rifle? If you love the thought of upgrading your rifle and doing some part-swapping then building a rifle is perfect for you. If you really want to own a sniper but you hate the thought of dealing with internals, be prepared to dish out a little more for something that performs well out of the box.
Are you a beginner?
If you’ve never owned an airsoft sniper rifle not you should definitely start with a spring airsoft sniper rifle. Cheaper, consistent, and not affected by weather, this should be a no-brainer. Spring airsoft sniper rifles will save you money in the long run. You can consider gas airsoft sniper rifles once you become experienced with the intricacies and maintenance a rifle requires.
Here Are The Best Airsoft Sniper Rifles You Can Get This Year
Before creating this list, we made sure to do our homework. We looked at a number of airsoft sniper rifles and started filtering out rifles based on quality, accuracy, upgradeability, and many other metrics. This helped narrow down our list to just the top ten. Buying one of these rifles means getting something that will perform at a high level, which saves you time and money.
1. Tokyo Marui VSR-10
The Tokyo Marui VSR-10 was our choice for the best airsoft sniper rifle this year. Modeled after the Real Steel Remington 700, the VSR-10 received praise for its quality and upgradeability. The rifle has been around for many years and is pretty much the gold standard when you’re looking for an airsoft sniper rifle. Keep in mind that the lower stock FPS (~290 FPS) will necessitate some upgrades (no surprises here)… read the full review
- Easily upgradeable
- Aftermarket parts widely available
- Quality build
2. JG Bar-10
Next, we come to the JG Bar-10, a close replica of the popular TM VSR-10. The gun features compatibility with the VSR-10’s upgrade parts and thus has a large market for premium components. Tinkerers will feel right at home, especially with a rifle that’s so user-friendly. Like its cousin, the rifle is also lightweight due to its polymer stock. Though overall quality may not measure up, players get this package at an economical price… read the full review
- Affordable
- Highly upgradeable (Tokyo Marui compatible)
- Fairly light and comfortable
3. KJW Full Metal M700
For players who love superb build quality at a mid-range price, the KJW Full Metal M700 steps up to the plate and delivers. Featuring a metal barrel, bolt, and trigger assembly, the rifle is designed with durability in mind. The M700 is also the first gas-powered sniper on our list and features a metal gas magazine which is removable. With gas propulsion comes increased FPS potential – KJW claims a muzzle velocity of 500 to 550 FPS, which will taper off increasingly with each successive shot. For this reason, players need to keep extra canisters handy.
Though the M700 is popular due to its power, some users even recommend downgrading it slightly to save on gas usage. In a similar sense, take some extra magazines along – a common complaint with the KJW revolves around its tiny ammo capacity. Make sure to grab a quality scope for the M700 to compliment the rifle’s accuracy. A longer inner barrel produces shots that fly straighter, truer and longer down range. Paired with optics that are sighted in, this sniper becomes a highly-capable weapon… read the full review
- Durable build and reliable gas action
- Lengthy inner barrel
- Effortless bolt mechanism
4. KJW Full Metal KC-02
Carbine-style rifles are extremely popular due to their versatility, and KJW’s Full Metal KC-02 is no exception. Its four included 20mm rails bring a huge potential for customizability to the table. In addition, the KC-02’s nylon fiber and aluminum construction give it a solid feel that should withstand repeated abuse. Rails are solid and accept modifications easily. Advertised to provide 380-400 FPS with green gas and .20g BBs, the KC-02 offers solid power. However, this could use a boost to effectively neutralize targets from long range. Luckily, players investing in a quality scope will find relatively-minor power improvements to be helpful. Since the carbine design is flexible, players will be comfortable using the KC-02 from both up close and afar. With above average accuracy in a stock configuration, players will never be bored on the battlefield. The blowback action adds a satisfying “feel” to every shot, and its light weight helps players fend off fatigue. If there’s one bugaboo with the KJW KC-02, it’s that parts can be difficult to come back. In the event that repairs or replacements are needed, some reviewers note that parts are most accessible from Asia. This adds a hitch to the ordering process, but good durability helps offset that shortcoming. Overall, the KC-02 is an extremely-serviceable sniper that players can get down and dirty with. With multiple options for mods available, players can truly make it their own… read the full review
- Full nylon fiber and aluminum body
- Highly upgradeable with multiple included rails
- Solid FPS
5. WELL MB-08 (Matrix AW-338)
A minor step up from WELL’s MB-01 is its cousin, the MB-08. Also a spring-action rifle, the MB-08 offers slightly higher power (430-499 FPS), with some modularity to boot. Let’s talk a bit about that modular aspect: the MB-08 comes with a folding stock, which aids in portability and storage. The butt of the stock adjusts forward and backward to account for arm length. A built-in cheek riser helps players utilize their sights. Lastly, the pistol grip brings added comfort to a rifle that defies the “one size fits all” approach. The MB-08 has a package that includes a bipod, but users complain that its bipod mount is flimsy. The gun can be heavy for some and accessing internals can feel like a chore. However, the rifle does shine in other areas. It’s quite accurate without being upgraded, although upgrades may be desirable. The gun is fitted with a mounting rail, making scope setup simple. The bolt is smooth and the barrel is metal. While durability doesn’t receive perfect marks, the overall build quality is good to above average. Consider the MB-08 an upgrade from the MB-01, and a solid entrant in the low-mid range market. The rifle is affordable and performs well given its price point… read the full review
- Metal barrel and receiver
- Folding stock with adjustable parts
6. WELL L96
Details make all the difference when choosing a reliable sniper rifle, and the WELL L96 has some quality included features. Regarded as one of the better hop-up systems in the airsoft world, Tokyo Marui has lent its hop up and bucking to the L96. That means superior accuracy and less fuss for every player. Since the L96 is a WELL product, it shares some great quality-of-life features with other snipers in the lineup. Included is a folding stock and adjustable cheek pad. The butt of the stock is rubberized for greater comfort. Unique to the L96, however, is a fluted barrel and muzzle break. Award the L96 some style points – these additions are attractive touches. In addition, a monopod in the stock brings greater stability for prone shooters. The WELL L96 is fairly customizable as well. The mounting rail accepts both Weaver and Picatinny optics, allowing owners to choose their scope of choice. Aftermarket parts are plentiful, and we recommend upgrading the firing mechanism to squeeze more FPS out of this rifle. 370-420 FPS is not optimal when using heavier BBs but isn’t a deal breaker. Out of the box, the strong point of the rifle is its accuracy. Players should have no problem hitting precise targets beyond 100-150 feet. Overall, the WELL L96 is a wieldy and worthy rifle that’ll be a great tool in anyone’s hands.
- Tokyo Marui style hop-up system
- Superior out-of-the-box accuracy
7. Desert Tech SRS-A1 Covert
More assault-rifle inspired in its appearance, the Desert Tech SRS-A1 Covert carves out its own niche in the sniper market. With a bullpup design, the rifle lets players operate in tighter spaces while remaining concealed. To that point, the SRS-A1 has different barrel lengths, at both 22” and 16”. Don’t let the barrel length fool you, however. A major strength of the rifle is its accuracy. The barrel appears shorter yet remains the same length as most traditional sniper rifles. This eliminates the tradeoffs that typically plague shorter firearms. Desert Tech shows southpaws some love too – players can easily access its two-sided hop up system for quick adjustments. There is an adjustable cheek riser in the stock, and the included rail accepts scopes and sights with ease. If there’s one disappointing aspect to this gun, it’s the FPS. Desert Tech claims an FPS of 400 – for as much as the SRS-A1 costs, we would expect a little better. A common complaint with the SRS is the magazine design, which can be prone to falling out. Players can avoid this by slapping it securely into place, but this is still a minor issue. The SRS-A1 Covert is a durable rifle, with injection-molded plastic and metal comprising its frame. It’s a stylish, sturdy sniper that’s sure to impress – if you can afford it.
- Bullpup design with long-barrel accuracy
- Interchangeable barrel lengths
- Ambidextrous hop-up access
8. A&K M24 (US Army SOCOM)
The M24 is a beloved gun of military enthusiasts and airsoft lovers alike. The traditional sniper frame is equated with portability and usability. While the A&K delivers in the looks department, its usability is a little more lacking. The gun is on the heavy side, which can be problematic for younger or weaker players. Owners also report that the stock has some sideways play. Lastly, the bolt pull can take some effort, though that improves with use. We’re glass-half-full people here, however, and the A&K M24 has some great strengths. Every component that would be metal on a real M24 is metal here. While the stock can be playful, the plastic body has a quality feel. Accuracy is above average, and components can be upgraded. For the price, the 400 FPS estimate is about right. On the whole, the A&K M24 is a nice fringe-budget option for many players. While better performance per dollar can be found elsewhere, players won’t kick themselves for picking this rifle up.
- Long-range accuracy
- Upgradeable
- Solid FPS
9 ARES AMOEBA “Striker”
Sitting squarely in the mid-range market is the ARES AMOEBA “Striker,” a solid option for players seeking a strong mix of performance and looks. With an upgradeable frame, the Striker supports scopes and other sights. In addition, players can use AEG springs to bump the FPS up from the stock 400. For usability, players should elect to do so. The rifle is a bolt action, and that bolt can be tricky to pull at first. With use, the operation becomes more fluid. Hop up is unfortunately tricky to calibrate with upgraded parts, and can take some extensive tinkering to dial in, However, the rifle shoots quite accurately once it’s properly adjusted. Unique to the AMOEBA “Striker” is its high-capacity magazine. Where most snipers hold anywhere from 22-30 BBs, the “Striker” holds 55. In addition, ARES sells an upgraded 60-round magazine for about $20. Without needing to reload often, snipers wielding the AMOEBA can focus more on hitting their targets without the fear of running empty. Lastly, the stock has an adjustable butt plate and cheek riser. It also sports an interchangeable grip, customizable to one’s unique preferences. With these extra features, the ARES AMOEBA “Striker” impresses.
- Modular and customizable
- AEG spring compatible
- High capacity magazine
10. Novritsch SSG24
Built from the ground up with custom components, the Novritsch SSG24 aims to provide solid performance without compromises. That is if players can stomach the hefty price tag. The SSG24 is a spring-powered rifle, and players can upgrade those springs to the M190 spec. That unlocks the potential for 650 FPS, a muzzle velocity capable of supporting any BB weight. The hop up is adjustable without tools and features an aluminum guide for durability. The stock is made of polymer reinforced with glass fiber, which provides no flexibility. Additional screws keep barrel wiggle eliminated. All moving parts, from the trigger assembly to the bolt mechanism, are fashioned from metal. The barrel is tightly bored for precision, providing superior accuracy. A mounted rail provides a place for optics and sights to attach to. If there are any weak points to this rifle, they are as follows: the magazine capacity is a pedestrian 28 BBs. Fortunately, the clear design makes it easy to keep track of one’s remaining ammo. Lastly, the lower-end option provides a paltry 320 FPS with .20g BBs. It’s clear we’re expecting to be upsold here to the middle tier, but such velocity can be achieved by spring pistols. Overall though, this custom rifle is a solid choice for those looking for decent performance right out of the box.
- Capable of 650 FPS
- Accurate, tight-bore barrel
- Highly durable
Have a question about the article? Reach out to our staff writer! Email: [email protected].
