Sniper Rifle

Sniper rifle is a precision long-range firearm designed to engage targets at extended distances with maximum emphasis on accuracy, consistency, and stealth. Compared to standard infantry weapons, it differs in construction, caliber, optics, and method of deployment. A sniper rifle therefore represents the pinnacle of accuracy among firearms. From historical rifled rifles to modern platforms in calibers such as .338 Lapua Magnum, sniper rifles have evolved with the goal of maximum effectiveness at long range. In airsoft, this role is fulfilled by manual and gas-powered sniper rifles, where platforms such as Tokyo Marui VSR-10, Maruzen Type 96, and especially Silverback SRS dominate, while AEG solutions are more commonly used in the DMR category. Sniper rifles in all drive types can also be selected on our e-shop.

Calibers used in sniper rifles

Real sniper rifles use a wide range of calibers depending on purpose, distance, and target:

7.62×51 NATO (.308 Win): standard military and law enforcement caliber.
6.5 Creedmoor: modern caliber with excellent ballistics.
.300 Win Mag: long-range performance with high energy.
.338 Lapua Magnum: extreme accuracy at very long distances.
.50 BMG: anti-materiel role (HMG / AMR category).

Real sniper rifles vs. airsoft sniper rifles

While real sniper rifles operate with extreme projectile energy, airsoft sniper rifles focus on mechanical accuracy, shot-to-shot consistency, and a high-quality hop-up system. Key differences include:

Real firearms: ballistics, wind, Coriolis effect, ammunition handling.
Airsoft: hop-up, heavy BBs, barrel stability, cylinder quality, and air seal.

In airsoft, the sniper has a significantly lower rate of fire and relies on the first accurate hit, similar to the real world, but engages at shorter distances where any mistake can be punished by players with more powerful assault rifles.

Manual airsoft sniper platforms – classics and standards

Tokyo Marui VSR-10: the most widespread platform worldwide, with massive availability of upgrades and parts.
Maruzen Type 96: robust construction, popular among MilSim snipers.

These platforms form the foundation of most manual sniper builds and are ideal for extensive customization.

The current top tier of airsoft sniper rifles

Silverback SRS is today considered the absolute top among manual airsoft sniper rifles. It offers:

a bullpup design with a long barrel in a short overall length,
extreme performance consistency,
modern ergonomics and modularity.

Gas-powered sniper rifles

Among gas-powered sniper rifles, the absolute top includes:

Tanaka Works M700: legendary accuracy and realistic operation.
Tanaka Works M700 A.I.C.S.: a modernized variant with a tactical L96-style chassis.

Gas sniper rifles offer a realistic shooting feel, but are more sensitive to temperature and require careful maintenance.

AEG snipers vs. DMR

Fully automatic or semi-automatic AEG sniper rifles are not very common in airsoft. Instead, the DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) category is preferred, combining:

a higher rate of fire than manual snipers,
longer range and accuracy than standard assault rifles.

DMR thus fills the gap between a classic sniper rifle and an assault rifle.