Best Airsoft Sniper Rifles
Airsoft sniper rifles are not for the faint of heart. They require lots of time, money, and experience to master. This guide will cover everything you need to know about airsoft sniper rifles before you make your purchase. Here is a list of the airsoft sniper rifles mentioned in this article:
Top 10 Airsoft Sniper Rifles
- Tokyo Marui VSR-10
- JG Bar-10
- KJW Full Metal M700
- KJW Full Metal KC-02
- WELL MB-08 (Matrix AW-338)
- WELL L96
- Desert Tech SRS-A1 Covert
- A&K M24 (US Army SOCOM)
- ARES AMOEBA “Striker”
- Novritsch SSG24
What Are Airsoft Sniper Rifles?
There are different types of airsoft guns, and airsoft sniper rifles are guns designed for long-ranged combat. Being able to hide while taking out targets from afar is what a good airsoft sniper does 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 sub-par. To get high performance, you’ll need to buy things like springs, barrels, triggers, scope and bipod, etc. If the airsoft 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 airsoft 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 airsoft rifle? If you love the thought of upgrading your airsoft 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’re new to airsoft and have never owned an airsoft sniper rifle, then 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.
The money you saving getting a cheap airsoft sniper rifle should be used for your sniper loadout. You want to make sure you have the necessary gear to be both comfortable and safe on the field.
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. Read the full review…
- 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. Read the full review…
- 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. Read the full review…
- 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
Gas rifles
Not quite as stealthy, gas sniper rifles perform well for players who aren’t concerned with announcing their presence. Imagine you’re holding down a building with your teammates. Against advancing enemies, you break out your gas-powered rifle from a few steps within, picking them off one by one. In this instance your presence isn’t exactly a secret. If you’re looking to stay hidden, a silencer is a mandatory investment.
Gas options are less plentiful than spring options, but do tend to be more unique. Many modular, modern sniping platforms such as the M200, DSR-1, and carbines are gas powered. These variants are customizable and tend to be a little flashier. Gas-powered snipers tend to be quite powerful on the high end, some even reaching 600 FPS using green gas. These gas weapons have immense potential from long range. Their practicality will largely depend on your use case.
Gas weapons are more expensive, on average. You’ll also have to invest in replacement cartridges like you would for any gas airsoft gun. This certainly isn’t a deal breaker, but is a consideration. Gas guns require more maintenance, and thus are more prone to issues based on neglect. Based on this, we give the reliability advantage to spring rifles based on ease of use and ownership.
The gray area: AEGs
As previously mentioned, there is some crossover between the assault and sniper categories. This overlap often occurs with AEGs, which operators often use in semiautomatic mode. These can be adapted for the sniping role in mid-range fields with a scope. In traditional cases, players would flip the switch to full auto or shoot in bursts. That’s not to say AEGs are particularly-great snipers – they’re simply capable based on playing preferences.
Some manufacturers like CYMA even market certain AEGs as sniper rifles. It appears gun manufacturers themselves are redefining what sniper rifles are.
Which brands should you consider?
The sniping market is robust, and many brands offer quality options for different players. Though sniper rifles aren’t as abundant as pistols, choices aren’t limited. Accordingly, good sniping performance isn’t relegated to only the high-end market. This opens the door for many mid-range manufacturers that offer superb value:
Tokyo Marui, the preeminent premium brand of airsoft, has long been known for their VSR-10 platform. This is not a cheap brand, though quality control and components are top class. Sniping is a labor of accuracy, which has been Tokyo Marui’s calling card for years. The company’s rifles are incredibly upgradeable, letting you choose your preferred components to fine tune performance.
WELL is known for their high-performing MB family of rifles. Each variant has tweaked features built around modern, customizable platforms. These rifles take well to accessories, and perform admirably at their price points. Overall, the company offers over a dozen sniper rifles, making it easy to find a perfect fit.
More of a budget to mid-range brand with high-end outliers, JG brings some popular options to the table. JG makes the Bar-10, a popular alternative to the pricier Tokyo Marui VSR-10. Overall, JG rifles perform quite well. However, internal components are a step down in quality. Upgrades may be worthwhile.
A premium option through and through, well-known airsofter Novritsch sells the SSG24. The high-performing package is marketed to all players, though experienced players might appreciate it most. The rifle’s big draw is its out-of-the-box performance. All components are upgraded. However, the hefty price tag will be prohibitive for many.
CYMA targets the mid-range market, offering clones of popular models. These are popular and highly reviewed, at a cheaper cost. Many of CYMA’s sniper rifles are military inspired, thus featuring accurate components and construction. The company even offers an M14 EBR, a unique rifle with select-fire capability.
If you’re looking to purchase the very best platform in a bullpup design, choose Desert Tech. The SRS-A1 is a mean platform offering three barrel lengths, each excelling in different environments. As single-shot weapons, these are hard hitting and love accessories. The company even sells both right and left-handed models – a nice touch.
How do internals and externals differ between sniper rifles?
Internals
Similar to pistols and other airsoft guns, quality internals are crucial. Sniper rifles are high-performance guns which fire BBs at faster-than-average velocities. Such output warrants reinforcement of moving parts. This is especially true for gas rifles, which should feature metal components to withstand extra stressed. Many of these gas rifles are contained systems. Thankfully, you can easily upgrade both spring and gas rifles. Sniper rifles are growth platforms, and thus are smart investments for players who have the funds. If you choose a rifle based on the VSR-10 or L96 platform, it should be quite easy to find replacement parts.
Look for inner barrels, receiver assemblies, trigger assemblies, and cylinders predominantly made using metal components. These will last the longest and wear the least. If your rifle’s build quality isn’t as durable, even simple upgrades can go a long way.
Externals
Sniper rifles are put through a lot – you lay prone with them, crawl across the ground, lean them against objects, and bump them inadvertently. They’re long and vulnerable to getting knocked around. In addition, subpar weather conditions can make playing conditions even more trying. For these reasons, a solid external construction is important.
Metal outer barrels offer the best durability, though cheaper rifles often substitute plastic outer barrels instead. Stocks are less cut and dry, though materials differ. Polymer is extremely popular amongst rifles at all price points, though plastics and finishes aren’t made equally. Some stocks may be heavier, lighter, thinner or thicker. Rifles sometimes suffer from minor to severe stock wobble; make sure you do preliminary research. Polymer isn’t universal, however – many rifles are full metal, though these can weigh quite a bit.
Modular sniper rifles often have adjustable butt plates and cheek risers. Some are more solid than others. Most rifles include top-mounted rails for crucial attachments, though some traditional platforms can be more limited. If you often shoot prone, look for options with bipod mounts.
Lastly, bolt pulls vary widely in size. Make sure to choose something you can easily operate based on feel. This will make consecutive shots easier while keeping your eyes on target.
So, what makes an airsoft sniper rifle good?
Consider your field and playing styles the most when choosing a good rifle. Will you be lugging your rifle from position to position? Will you camp an area and hold it down instead? What are your engagement distances? Do you require stealth or do you want to make a statement?
As always, choose a sniper rifle that feels great and performs well under a variety of conditions. Sniping is a different animal than gunning, and should be fun. Finding a trustworthy rifle, above all else, is priority one. Don’t be afraid to do your research and invest in upgrades. As you tinker with your platform, you may even become a better player.
It’s not necessary to splurge, making sniping an accessible option for all players. If you want to learn even more about snipers, checkout my guide on airsoft sniper tips.
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