SNIPERS

[terpsare1]

I was wondering what people thought about snipers in paintball. I have heard many different people say that snipers are pointless because paintballs are inaccurate at ranges. I have also heard that they are very effective. I would like to know your opinion.

[MuckRaker]

Ya gotta remember, sniping in paintball isn't like Sniping in the Military. In 99 percent of the games you play, you aren't going to get to lie in wait, in a Ghillie suit, with a big Arse scoop watching the enemy from about 500 yards.

Sniping in Paintball is more about Stealthy movement, getting close to your opponent unnoticed and then lighting them up.

I play a lot of woods ball, for me, sniping is about flanking and taking people out from behind, usually at distances between 50 and 20 feet. It's not easy, and it's something you really have to work at.

In Scenario games, it's a little different cause you do have the time to get well camoflauged and hidden, but you're still talking about taking people out at a moderate distance.

[Sid]

Exactly...The only real sniping in paintball is with the Flatline.

Sniping in paintball that I often see is guys in ghillie suits lying in wait, with a monoculor or binoculars scouting out targets.
This type of tactics only works in thick woods, and best in scenario big games.

[Creek]

this pass week end it came down to me and him,moving thur brush an black berry bushes,well i was right behind this guy but i needed a bit of time to get too him to rush him.I pick up a rock and threw in in so bushes he trun too look and then i just jump out running as fast as i could,firing all the way.Well i tag him.I didn't think it work on him but it did.

[Mission540]

95% of my games are in the woods and I'm always the sniper. To be effective as a sniper you have to be deployed effectively. What my team does is position itself to engage the other team. I will position myself about 100ft away on one of the flanks. As soon as the main body is engaged, I will swing around and attack from behind. It works great, but the down side is I'm by myself so I have to be able to hold my own. A few key points are blending in with your surroundings, stealth movement, and fire control. When I'm behind the other team, with a few single shots I can tag a couple players out before the opposing team relizes I'm behind them.

[MuckRaker]

Mission, are you using a Semi or a Pump when You use that tactic? I've thought about getting a pump, because I like using similar ploys when playing in the woods, but I'm also overly reliant on the firepower of my Semi.

[Mission540]

I use a semi (Spyder Compact) and thats because I'm by myself, so I need to be able to fend of the opposing team once I'm discovered. Also, with a semi I can be more versatile, so if the tactics change I can my role too.

[Jamez Bond]

My view, as a junior sniper, is that you can get general range and accuracy, with the right stuff, and some skill. I say go with a semi, you can get a second round off, and you don't have to move. A low power, wide field scop is perfect.

[terpsare1]

mission- you use a compact? what upgrades do you have for it?

[Mission540]

Boomstick 16", Force II cyclone bolt, Magna port valve, and I just added a low preasure chamber.

[Sockboy]

I agree with muckraker, sniping is stealth and tactic more than it is picking off an opponent from 150+ feet.
As for the flatline, at the end of 200feet, the ball desnt have any more power than does a normal barrel, so the balls are less prone to breaking. If there is 200 foot difference between me and a flatline, i can easily see the balls coming and react quickly enough to get covered. I have even heard of people catching a few flatline balls in mid air at very long distances.
For all you would be snipers out there, heres what people did at my field. If you were designated a "sniper", you sat in the corners of the field as the game started. As the other team advanced, they stood abolutely still and let then get VERY close (under 20 feet) and light them up. No long range shots at all. You would be suprised to see how focused an advancing team is at going forward that they dont expect an enemy from the sides.

[Jamez Bond]

A flatline is good if their back is towards you. They'll never hear it because fire is coming from other areas and it drowns out the sound. And catching paintballs is'nt that hard- it just hurts like @#%*! : ) Sniping can be done at any range a paintball will go. I was sniped from -10 ft. away. Waiting until I was looking at the ground- trying not to make noise and, POP- "Surrender!" My response- What the f$*@! I still wonder why they did'nt see me till I was 9 feet away.

[toola]

I think that snipers are very effective in paintball. I was using my brother's Spyder SE which has a 18 inch Big Daddy barrell and a low pressure set up also. I was at a range of about 50 yards and I hit a person in the head and in the abdomen. If you get the gun set up and fire at a slow semi-auto pace, your balls shouldn't screw up. Besides, if you miss the first shot, and you are good at sniping then you don't have to give up your position and have another chance for more shots at the enemy.

[Jamez Bond]

That is where semi- autos come in. Snipers have used every possible gun, but the most popular seem to be Typhoons, Stingrays, and, believe it or not, TALONS! I'll post a poll.

[MuckRaker]

Originally posted by toola
I think that snipers are very effective in paintball. I was using my brother's Spyder SE which has a 18 inch Big Daddy barrell and a low pressure set up also. I was at a range of about 50 yards and I hit a person in the head and in the abdomen. If you get the gun set up and fire at a slow semi-auto pace, your balls shouldn't screw up. Besides, if you miss the first shot, and you are good at sniping then you don't have to give up your position and have another chance for more shots at the enemy.

If you made that kinda shot from 150 feet, I bow before your paintball superiority.

Sockboy: great strategy for sniping ... Aside from range and accuracy problems ... a lot of paintball is played on small fields, and when there is play on larger fields, the action tends to concentrate in one area, at ranges of 50 feet or less. So it is more practical for Paintball Snipers to lie in wait and let the opponents move within range ... or for snipers to attempt to flank the opposing team and pick them off from behind. Of course, this is from my view as a Rec Player. There are probably more tactics that can be applied in Big Games or 24-Hour Scenario Games.

One thing I'm curious about though, is Sniping in Tournament Play, or if it's totally useless.

[Jamez Bond]

A sniper is all about adapting. They are good with patience, so they can guard a bunker, flag, or be more aggressive and move to the target, or a bunker, and clear the area. And since snipers are so good at adaption, they are good in tournament play for taking out that guy who only comes out of the obstical to shoot. Wait for the shot- and take it. Try staying around the edge or corners of the field- nobody can come from behind.

[Mission540]

I'm curious to if sniper tatics are effective? I've never played in a tournament so it's hard for me to say, but I think that sniper tatics would be effective to a certian degree. Like waiting for an opposing player to stick his head out and then nail him or sneaking up the side of the field and flanking the opposing team.

[Jamez Bond]

A lot of tounament games are in fields where you can see the boundries. Sneaking around does'nt work unless they are buisy looking for another player.

[Predator]

I would think that sniping isn't possible in tourney play. I like playing in the woods. Sniping is so much fun in an environment where you can blend in if you have good camo. One good tactic to remember is try and make your opponent come to you. Law enforcement & military always have enemy come to them, rather than you move towards the enemy. This makes sense if you want to blend into the environment and trying to be sneaky.

[Jamez Bond]

I'll have to agree and disagree- sniping is possible in a tourny match, only much harder. Woods are better, but moving in towards a target to get a better shot will always work- just move s-l-o-w-l-y.

[terpsare1]

what do you think about camo or ghilli suits. Have you ever used one, or have you ever seen someone use one. I know camo is really important to snipers. But how far do you have to go? Is a ghilli suit neccessary.

[Jamez Bond]

I use basic camo- camo t-shirt, jacket, green cargo pants. They are good for my more semi- sniper style. I hunt with a bug blaster camo- 3-d. Like a breathable bug- proof ghille. Not everything hangs down, either. Ghilles distort human shapes- which we train ourrselves to spot. Hunting, you look for the shape of a turkey, deer- whatever you're hunting. In paintball- you look for the shape of a human. Since we see humans daily- we are better at this. They are'nt neccesary- especialy if you move around a lot. But they are sweet- and you get looks in the Chrono- line.

[MuckRaker]

Terp: I don't think you're gonna find much use for a ghillie suit in regular woods rec ball, cause the games, at least the ones we play, usually don't last more than 15 minutes. So, there's not really a lot of time to get out and set an ambush wearing ghillie. But, Big Games and Scenario Games, where the play can range from a straigt eight hours to 24 hours, allows "snipers" who use ghillie suits the time it takes to find a good position and lay an ambush.

[Jamez Bond]

That's true- but they are a lot of fun. If you don't play a lot, don't buy/ make one. But it's up to you.

[Incube]

Originally posted by Mission540
95% of my games are in the woods and I'm always the sniper. To be effective as a sniper you have to be deployed effectively. What my team does is position itself to engage the other team. I will position myself about 100ft away on one of the flanks. As soon as the main body is engaged, I will swing around and attack from behind. It works great, but the down side is I'm by myself so I have to be able to hold my own. A few key points are blending in with your surroundings, stealth movement, and fire control. When I'm behind the other team, with a few single shots I can tag a couple players out before the opposing team relizes I'm behind them.

i usally play that way but i like to get as far back as possbile then working my way back up through the midlle after i clear or try to clear out the flag defences

[Jamez Bond]

I'll pick an area by the boudry- wait for a target to walk by me, and when their back is to me- yell at them to surrender, or pop them if they are over 15ft. away.

[Incube]

yhea i do that sometimes

[Mad Ogre]

One thing about snipers in paintball...
You guys quite often make mistakes that get you marked when you could have dominated.

For example:
When you take cover behind a burm or stump... often times you shoot from above the cover. This is fine if you have to change your angle - but better is to fire from the SIDE of the cover. This reduces your profile and can give you an edge. If you dont have a clear field of fire from the side - whip out that pocket knife and clear soem twigs and brush outta the way to give you a good line of sight into your kill zone... hitting a twig when you are starting an ambush can ruin your whole day.
Have a team mate check your position... Can he easily see you? Have him toss some leaves or a couple branches on top of you or in fron of you and stick your barrel through the branches.

Don't be where they will expect you to be.
If there is a "Perfect Spot" on the field, the other team will see it too. Dont be there. Be 30 feet in front of it and off to the side... When they are sneaking up on that "Perfect Spot" - You could have a better shot at them from closer up and with suprise!

This is called Thinking On Your Feet and is crucial.
A little story:
A wealthy man decided to go on a safari in Africa. He took his faithful pet dog along for company. One day the dog starts chasing butterflies and before long he discovers that he is lost. So, wandering about he notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the obvious intention of having lunch. The dog thinks, "Boyo, I'm in deep doo doo now." (He was an Irish setter).... Then he noticed some bones on the ground close by, and immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the leopard is about to leap, the dog exclaims loudly, "Man, that was one delicious leopard. I wonder if there are any more around here?" Hearing this the leopard halts his attack in mid stride, as a look of terror comes over him, and slinks away into the trees. "Whew", says the leopard. "That was close. That dog nearly had me." Meanwhile, a monkey who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So, off he goes. But the dog saw him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figured that something must be up. The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard. The cat is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here monkey, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine." Now the dog sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back, and thinks, "What am I going to do now?" But instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers pretending he hasn't seen them yet. And just when they get close enough to hear, the dog says, "Where's that monkey. I just can never trust him. I sent him off half an hour ago to bring me another leopard, and he's still not back!!"

Confuse your enemy.
Play with his mind.

[Incube]

what the hell was that all about? j/k

nice point i have seen snipers doing this i think that it is stupid to pop up over your cover when you can lay on the side that the enemy cant see you and fire away

[TrOy]

First and formost Mad Ogre that rocked!

as for snipers... not including special games, if you are sitting somewhere on the field waiting for the enemy to come to you... yer boobs on a boarhog! If your gun is not up with the advancing line you are pretty much worthless except your your own ego not the team! A good sniper will take the back or slack position and when action hits you are the one that moves to get a crossfire going or go flank the action. I use a pump so I kinda have to be a sniper but I am not going be a useless stump out there on the field. I will often move by myself but supporting the forward movement! Actually for you who like to sit there waiting a good thing to do is after you get the flag sit at the opponents flag station in a sniper place and gaurd against them bringing your flag back! Funniest look is when they think they are in the clear and just walkin' the flag in and suddenly they are wearin' paint! just one shot too because then they think that they have been shot by their own team! kinda cooL! try it!

[Jamez Bond]

That's true- so a sniper has to learn to move far ahead of the line- and pick them off as they come- with your team to your back- advancing on them

[giller]

i once heard that a girl crawled through the whole feild of a wooded tourney and picked of most of the enemy and made others surrender because she got so close to them and her team won bycause of her stealthy tacitcs

[Jamez Bond]

Ya- girls are better at this than you'de think. Snipers can do that- and will do it again. You don't have to have a 50lb ghille and a gun with a 50 inch barrel to nail a person- you can crawl up to them and pop them with a talon if you have to- The Snipers code- If it works, use it!

Mission Spyder 2k already runs on low pressure. Thats why it has a low pressure chamber.

[Splat Attack]

I try to be a sniper when me and my friends are out playin in the woods(I havent gone to a scenario game or tournament yet). In my eyes it is someone who sneaks up on the opponent and caps them without being seen. Or atleast try to. Oh and what do you think about those goggle skins? Looks cool, has anyone tried them?

[giller]

i saw the web address for the skin goggles but i 4got what it was .. help pleezy

[Splat Attack]

http://www.paintballgods.com/newgear.htm#goggleskinz they have like 50 designs. I dont know the manufactures website, of you wanna know just enter "Goggle skinz" in the search engine at yahoo.com

[giller]

thanx splatt

[Chronus]

cool story....the mental war is both the most effective and most entertaining

[Splat Attack]

No prob have you seen the custom products flame drop forward? They are phatty, check it out
http://www.paintballgear.net/customproducts.html

[TrOy]

Oh man! those dropforwards are.. interesting to say the least... problem is you catch yourself on that thing and you're going to bleed to death!

[raptorprh]

most of the time snipers arnt even accurate. whether because of trees wind etc. i think i paintball its alot more funner if ya just play paintball.

[Skull]

Ya unless u like playin sniper, and r actually good at what u do. So u like to play agressively, big deal, it don't mean u'll get nemore peeps out then me when i snipe.

[Jamez Bond]

Snipers are VERY accurate when trained well. IF they fire when they have little wind, at the right ranges, good paint, good barrel, good bolt, and the right gun- they can make a kill in 1 shot that most people would take 100 to do.

[Splat Attack]

I love being a sniper, but I kinda suck at it. So I was wondering if anyone has any tips for snipers. Anything would help, Oh and would a 16 in J&J 2 peice word well for it?

[Jamez Bond]

What kind of gun do you use? And what does the paintjob on it look like?

[sniper66]

i think its weak to be a sniper in speed ball but if you have a good barell power to them in woods and scinario games.

[Splat Attack]

Well I have two guns, The one I use is an ICD alley cat with a black paint job. http://www.Icdpaintball.com Also I have a rebel limited edition, but it sucks, the anti double feed is broken and the stock barrel is the worst i have ever seen. http://www.32ice.com/html/markers/rebel/le.html So some advise, what should I upgrade, my alley cat, or rebel.

[Jamez Bond]

I Have heard a lot of good things about rebels, and alley cats- but I have no expirience with them A new barrel, maybe bole- and you will want to grape some cammo over your guns- like a gun ghille.

[giller]

i have a rebel le blue custom trigger,lp setup, hi flow bolt , terminator barrel 32* -12", 20 oz. co2(soon to be compressed), ... the new barrel makes a lot of differance, and it does not neccesarily have to be a 16" barrel to be better. i read that longer barrells make for longer ball travel inside the gun thus causing more friction and slowing down of ball velocity. making it arch more.also ported barrels take away fom low pressure setups.bcause lp setups push the ball thru the barrels and the ball picks up speed at the end of the barrels, as oppsed to hp setups that give the ball a pop out of the barrel .the ball then loses velocity as it reaches the end of the barrel.

[Jamez Bond]

The velocity is'nt a problem- just turn up the velocity on the gun. But the longer the ball is in the barrel- the more likely it is to bust. But porting on the end oof the barrel is ok- porting is designed to let the gas escape- so when it dispeses it does'nt effect the ball. Spiral porting puts a spin on it.

[Splat Attack]

Originally posted by Jamez Bond
I Have heard a lot of good things about rebels, and alley cats- but I have no expirience with them A new barrel, maybe bole- and you will want to grape some cammo over your guns- like a gun ghille.

How do you get a gun ghille? Do you make one or buy some camo and cut it up? Ive heard that camo tape works well, Maybe I will try that.

[terpsare1]

check this http://www.ghilliesuits.com you can get everything here. from full suits to kits to gun wraps.

[Jamez Bond]

Ya- you can do that- but buying a ghille is expensive. Ya know that 3d camo drape screen? That is perfect- and burlap hanging over it works too. Just make sure you clear the cocking knob- and don't let anything hang into the guts of the gun. M98 with a rocket cock, F-4 Illistrator, or a BE Samuri is good for this- they don't move after being cocked.
Look on the stingray owners group pics section for the gun ghille- and if you are willing- you can spend some money and get it adonized with camo.

[EvilAngel2001]

Okay, as for the sniping thing. It all depends on how you play. If yer a tourney player, of course, their tends not to be a such individual as a "sniper" due to the fact that it's timed. But as for recreational play, snipers can't do any harm... Or so they can't do any harm to their own team, they can only dish it out to the other teams men. I play in most cases as the "sniper", I tend to lie in the brush and wait for my shot. As all snipers should. We'll get a ten on ten going and I'll have 3 kills. 3 kills. That's not half bad. Snipers depend on patience as we all know, so some aren't cut out for the job. But the right sniper has no competition on the feild. It really depends on who your sniper is, not what the sniper is. Personally, I cannot stand the cocky sniper. Those that flaunt stories like they do their gun. Oh, that's another point I'd like to make. The gun, though an important part of the overall sniper, is not THE sniper. The sniper is really a mentality or a course of action if you will. In paintball, it's short range, so sniping might be an overstatement. It's more of a conceiled sharpshooter. What do I shoot, you ask? I'm shooting a 2000 AutoCocker with 12" All American Rifled barrel, Nitro, and All-Star or Marbalizer paint. Yes, It's a good gun for sniping. While others are getting kills at ranges around 25 to 50 feet, I'm knocking off people at ranges in most cases of about 75 feet to 100. So ya see, sniping can be a good thing, if done correctly. Then again, it can be a nightmare if you are on the receiving side.

[Incube]

Originally posted by EvilAngel2001
Okay, as for the sniping thing. It all depends on how you play. If yer a tourney player, of course, their tends not to be a such individual as a "sniper" due to the fact that it's timed. But as for recreational play, snipers can't do any harm... Or so they can't do any harm to their own team, they can only dish it out to the other teams men. I play in most cases as the "sniper", I tend to lie in the brush and wait for my shot. As all snipers should. We'll get a ten on ten going and I'll have 3 kills. 3 kills. That's not half bad. Snipers depend on patience as we all know, so some aren't cut out for the job. But the right sniper has no competition on the feild. It really depends on who your sniper is, not what the sniper is. Personally, I cannot stand the cocky sniper. Those that flaunt stories like they do their gun. Oh, that's another point I'd like to make. The gun, though an important part of the overall sniper, is not THE sniper. The sniper is really a mentality or a course of action if you will. In paintball, it's short range, so sniping might be an overstatement. It's more of a conceiled sharpshooter. What do I shoot, you ask? I'm shooting a 2000 AutoCocker with 12" All American Rifled barrel, Nitro, and All-Star or Marbalizer paint. Yes, It's a good gun for sniping. While others are getting kills at ranges around 25 to 50 feet, I'm knocking off people at ranges in most cases of about 75 feet to 100. So ya see, sniping can be a good thing, if done correctly. Then again, it can be a nightmare if you are on the receiving side. we call player like that campers at least when i snipe i move around

[EvilAngel2001]

I don't just sit around. I move in incraments and remove certain people from the game when I can. You make it sound like I sit on my *** when I play and let others do the work, and that's simply not the truth. I move about alot during a game, I have to otherwise I'd get taken out myself. You have to move around, or else they'll guess as to where you are. So you must wander through different avenues and territory, as to conceil yourself from them. You'd be surprised how much land I make my way across in a game.

[TrOy]

All I know is that if you are not activly working with your line to move it forward you are t1ts on a boarhog! If yer just wanderin around pickin up scraps yer useless! Its a team sport.... TEAM not "Hey I am gunna sit in this bush right here for 10 minutes and wait for some dumbarse to come by! I have gotten into too dang many firefights with rootgrowers in ghillie suits that are on my own team when I am on the way back with the flag cuz they think I am the other team! well no wonder they do cuz I am going in that direction and these Stumps have had their heads up their buttoxes not knowing what shape the game is in! When you are playing ask yourself this question..: "Is what I am doing right now involved in the goal or objective of the game?" If it aint get off yer arse and MOVE!
or not its just a suggestion..

[Mission540]

Well a good sniper can prevent the other team from actively advancing, I'd have to say the sniper can be very benificial to your team.

[paintballer56]

Exactly the flatline is about the best sniping barrel in paintball.


If u think i am wrong tell your opinion in facts


not mindless of acts of idiosy

[paintballer56]

ohh ya i forgot i totally agree with theflash

[jdw_56]

sniping is a fine art that i have only seen a small number of people actually master. all the other "snipers" were just teenage wussies who huddled down behind a log or rock or tree that was afraid to get hit by the other team, sending a steady stream of paint to the other side of the field. the real snipers were guys who would find a completely concealed postion, and if the hunting was good, stay for around five to ten minutes and then go find another spot which his opponents would not expect. this sniper would shoot two shots at the most at a time, in order to keep his position unknown. that is what real snipers do, and they can be a real benefit to your team(if the field is ideal). personally, i enjoy staying on the front lines in the middle of the action but thats just me.

[Jamez Bond]

I don't think a flatline is perfect for a sniper. The range is good, but the ball arcs at close range, and with that extra range- you lose velocity. There are no perfect setups- you have to match your style.

[paintballer56]

reez memberz thatz boyz sniperz rule!!

[paintballer56]

no one can kill me muhahahaha

[Incube]

Originally posted by paintballer56
no one can kill me muhahahaha
ten bucks says i could give you the what for!!!!!!! no one can live the wrath of incube oh or mr.kitty

[Jamez Bond]

I want to ref that match- if things get slow- I go get my gun. You stand around- paint will fly.

[jdw_56]

pballer56 would probably just stand around. thats all he's does when we go.

[simon woodstock]

my favorite sniper related tactic is the silent tactic. it works for small games and short games in areas where there is cover. the trick is not to shoot unless you have a 100% shot, I was playing a 1 on 1 game thye normally go for about 5-15 minutes and people go through 100 to 150 balls a game they are intense, but i won the game using 4 balls

[simon woodstock]

oops, forgot to explain teh tactic, it is EXTREMELY effective and efficent in balls, air and winning. right at the start of the game make sure there are moderate to heavy trees or brush between you and your opponent. now start your movement paralell to your opponent he should move to so he can get a good shot, as soon as you see him move, book in the opposite direction but intead of going straight move in an arc. this will disorient your opponet because you have broken the plain of movement established by your fake move. he will not know your position but he may fire where you thinks you are for a number of reasons, take this opportunity to a.see where he thinks you are b. move so he doesn't hear. if he is not shooting crawling is very effective, be patient, keep you butt and gun down and move slowly, watch your opponent, the easiest method of detection is seeing movement. so move if there is a strong breeze or movement in your surroundings. use this tactic to gain a good position 15-35 feet from your opponent. by now you have not shot a ball if done correctly and you should be parllel to his plain of vision or behind it. take one shot while you are getting to your feet, because a shot will be harder to pinpoint than you moving in the leaves, now fire are charge as fast as you can, he will not stand in the open and try to hit you, he will run for cover and there is no reason you don't hit him.


if you know you won't be able to tag him get closer before the shots are fired.
ohyeah if you are ambushing mulitple people do not go rambo style, fire in short 2-5 shot clusters.

[Cog]

I've been playing paintball since 1994. I started a sniper, and I'll finish a sniper. I have a full ghille, which I made specifically for paintball. And yes, I wear it to every game.

The problem most people seem to have with sniping is a misconception. A paintball marker is nothing like a rifle, and a paintball game is nothing like combat. As such, paintball sniping does not parallel 'real' sniping. 'Real' sniping relies mostly on engaging a target at ranges that a paintball marker can't even dream of. Thus, I think most people need to redefine their definition of a sniper and his role in paintball.

Paintball is much too fast paced for a sniper to dig a hide, belly crawl inches at a time, and wait for days to take a shot. That pretty much rules out the military sniper role. So here's what I think the paintball sniper is, and what his role in the paintball game should be (from a article I wrote a while back, The Paintball Sniper: Lonewolf):

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The paintball sniper is first and foremost a sharpshooter. He or she will have trained on their marker extensively to achieve above average accuracy and consistency in the placement of their paintballs. The paintball sniper will know how to move quickly and quietly, using camouflage, cover, and concealment to avoid confrontation with opposing forces until the sniper is ready to engage the enemy on his own terms. The paintball sniper will above all avoid direct confrontation with the enemy until such a time that it is deemed necessary for the survival and/or the victory of his team, preferring instead to remain unseen.

The role of the paintball sniper is ever-changing. The paintball sniper is the most adaptable of paintball players, as his marksmanship and knowledge of movement make him well suited for many roles in paintball. The paintball sniper's primary role is a supportive. The paintball sniper will generally be held back until the enemy is engaged, and then will be deployed to flank the enemy and eliminate from behind. The paintball sniper's secondary role is to perform reconnaissance behind enemy lines; to relay enemy/flag positions, defensive strengths, offensive movements, bunker layouts, etc. At the option of the team captain, the paintball sniper may also be deployed as a regular offensive player, kept back to defend the flag, or given any other task the captain needs done.

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I personally feel that movement is critical in paintball. I tend to move *much* more than any of my team mates. I just don't move like they do. My ghille suit is light compared to the military ones, but like I said, this is not the military. And it is very effective. I've had more mercy kills than any player I know. With a ghille, all you have to do is crouch down, and you disappear. My usual tactic is to flank, and come up behind the enemy. For the most part, I tell my team mates (via talkabouts) who is where and how to shoot them. When we capture the flag, I usually shadow the flag carrier, and wait for the enemy to come. I've got more eliminations this way than I can count. It's great fun to watch someone spend 10 min stalking my flag carrier, then take him out just as he's about to take his 'perfect' shot. The irony. I hardly ever stop moving. It's the only way to play.

As for markers... Bah. It doesn't really matter. I've used everything from a PGP to an Angle (buddy's; no way I'd drop a grand on a paintball gun!). Some shoot further, some shoot straighter, some don't even shoot. What it comes down to is how much time you've had on the marker, and how many balls you've put through it. Right now I switch between a custom stock class trracer I built, and PT Extreme. Using a handgun is a whole lotta fun, especially when it's semi.

The paintball sniper is never seen, but always felt.
At least that's what I tell myself. ;)

Good luck,

Cog.

[EvilAngel2001]

i really just want to say, "well put"...

[TrOy]

I love snipers like you! Just pass them by and either ambush them trying to get you or just leave them sitting there with their thumbs up their arse!LOL
Naw whatever floats your boat! I think sniping should be more of a team objective and hella more movement!

[eckuro]

Snipers are only goos when you have the shot and there is nothing in the way.

[Incube]

Originally posted by eckuro
Snipers are only goos when you have the shot and there is nothing in the way.
i kainda have to agree with that point!

[EvilAngel2001]

no agreements needed with that last comment, concidering its common sense...

[sirhc1210]

In my opinion i think snipers in paintball should try to stay in one are and not move that much. wait for the opponent with out being seen and then when close enough to the opponent jump out of your cover shooting. This tactic ALMOST worked against me. my friends and i were playing in the woods on opposing teams. one kid on the opposing team stayed in this one place behind a tree using the tactic above. as we were walking by i saw a mask look out from behind the tree. lucally i was with my team mate or else he would have walked right behind the tree and been splattered with paint. I shouldn't have said anything and just watched that would have been sooo funny!!!

[Blaster CA]

'Sniping' can be fun & effective. You just gotta have some skill. An unskilled 'sniper' won't be very effective & won't have much fun. Same thing for an unskilled frontline player.

First people hafta realize what a paintball 'sniper' is (an aggressive player usin stealth & accuracy over firepower) Then what a 'sniper' is not (newbie or unskilled players hiding &/or lobbing paint). 'Sniper' doesn't mean defender. Stealthy doesn't mean slow or sit & hide.

It's a misconception that newbies & unskilled players that lob paint & hide are 'snipers'. Playin smart is a big part of being a good player ('sniper' or not).

Another misconception is that 'sniping' is passive. I'm very aggresive in my play. I'm always movin towards the other team. Always probing for a soft spot or blind spot in the line or defense. When there's a push for the flag, I join in. When my team is bein pushed back, I can usually backdoor the other team. Sometimes I can even steal the opponents the flag. I'm usually in the other teams half of the field. I'm always ahead of my team on the enemies flank. Workin my way into position to tag people from outta nowhere. If I'm not gettin my butt into position, I'm not helping my team!

DO NOT long ball. Other players shouldn't lob paint either. 'Snipers' don't need to long-ball if they can get into effective range without bein seen. And they shouldn't long-ball if they're not in effective range because it'll give away their position. Good players ('sniper' or not) get into effective range before firin.

The differences between a 'sniper' & frontline player is the way they get into a firing position & what they do once they get there. In general, frontline players go from point A to point B as fast as possible. No stealth involved. 'Snipers' use stealth to get into a good position. From there, a 'sniper' fires a minimum amount of paint in order to stay undetected as long as possible. They also, if they're smart, wait for an opportune moment to fire (unlike a frontline player who usually fires as much as possible). Good 'snipers' get as close as possible before shootin.

'Snipers' hafta be aggressive to get into effective range. Too cautious & they wind up lobbing paint. Too slow & they wind 'late to the party'. Lobbing paint & bein 'late' are not effective styles of play for any player. Finding the right balance between movin fast & moving quietly takes practice. You can get the job done once you get the balance right. Every field I've played at has had a time limit of 20 mins or less.

I'm still very effective despite the time limit. Timed games affect 'snipers' the same way it does the everyone. Short games mean you have to take more chances. Longer games mean you have more time to work your plan. A 10 minute game is a bigger challenge for every player than a 20 minute game is.

It's really challenging to go off by yourself TOWARDS the other team. Getting into a good position without being seen takes a lot of skill. Bein able to eliminate people & they never know where or who it came from is a lot of fun.

But, just because I'm a 'sniper', that doesn't mean I'm not workin with my teammates to get the flag. My friends know what I'm doin & they'll let the rest of our team know what's what. I'm not out just to get my 'kills'. I'm tryin to eliminate opponents in order to help my team get the flag. I'm also tryin to confuse, frustrate & distract the other team (for the same reason).

Most people focus on what's in front of them. The most immediate threat. A good 'sniper' only needs the normal amount of distraction/lack of focus that a bunch of opponents in front of the other team, shootin 'em up, provides. It's very common to develop tunnel vision in the midst of a big shootout. If my team is in front of them, shooting it out, that's all I should need. The rest is up to me.

Staying hidden is a lot easier than people think. Usin paint with a dark colored shell helps to keep people from tracking your shot back to you. (There used to be paint that was half olive drab, half medium brown. I had a hard time tracking those balls in flight & I knew where they were goin!) Also, factor in the limits goggles put on peripheral vision to tracking a paintball in flight, from a direction you don't expect & when you don't expect someone to be in that part of the field & you have several dozen balls a second comin at you from a different direction (the rest of the 'snipers' team) & it's pretty tough to see it comin. The noise of dozens of paintguns firing & dozens of paintballs 'splatting' every second make it almost imposssible to hear where a single shot came from.

When you do start tagging people, many times the other team assumes that their teammates were taken out by the people in front of them. It's a lot harder to determine, in the middle of a big firefight, where a shot came from than people believe. If the other team does realize they were 'sniped', they still have to spot you. That gives you another opportunity to tag a few more. Even if they spot you, you should have taken out at least one of them. If they don't spot you, you have the chance to take out more & more (dependin on how long you go unnoticed).

Sooner or later, they will detect you. (That's almost for sure.) Then you either can slug it out, fade away or lead any pursuers on a wild goose chase (as the situation dictates). When I stay put, it's rock-n-roll time. I'm not afraid to mix it up. I just prefer 'sniping' because it's a hard fight when I'm all by myself.

I know I don't use classic military sniper tactics. I don't use stylized sniper tactics you'd see in movies either. I use paintball 'sniper' tactics! People that know (or have seen) my style of play, almost to a man, call me a 'sniper'. Stealth, accuracy, surprise, a minimum amount of paint, flanking/backdooring the other team & doin it all alone...that's a paintball 'sniper'.

[EvilAngel2001]

I couldn't agree with you more...

[jazscam]

Snipers are as effective as the player who is doing it. While the term "sniper" might not completely fit paintball, how can an effective long range shooter be bad. Now throw in some good camoflage (maybe a ghillie if you're hard core). If you want a good place to learn how to make a ghillie or silencer try opthey.darkgod.net.

[EvilAngel2001]

Well said Tep...

[sniper737]

Like alot of people have said in threads before mine is that a paintball sniper is alot diffrent than a military and there is diffrent tactics.For all who would like to learn more tactics heres a great site for learning how to be a better sniper http://www.paintballzone.com and go to snipers corner it was made by a sniper who goes by squeegie.He has great tactics and advice for all lvl snipers.


P.S. Cog can you post a pic of or ghillie suit?

[Edited by sniper737 on 06-19-2001 at 07:57 PM]

[sirhc1210]

THats an awsome sniper site!!!

[Jamez]

To be an effective "sniper" you need to have gear you are comfortable with. Make doesn't really matter since people use whatever they have to make that one shot/one kill. Quietly and quickly flanking to give your team the upper hand is the way to go. Don't get to close or far away from the enemy. For quick aiming (if you have a center feed) look beyond it at your target and the feed will magically disappear. If you feel that you need it the armson pro dot is dead on.