Airsoft traces its roots back to the early 1970s, originating in Japan. Because of the strict gun control laws in Japan, shooting enthusiasts were looking for a way to practice target shooting, and the development of airsoft guns was the solution to that issue.
The propellants used in an airsoft firearm are weaker than those used in other firearms, such as BB guns or pellet guns, and can thus be used without injury to humans.
Airsoft is typically a competitive team sport, where the participants use various types of specialized firearms to shoot small plastic BBs at their opponents.
Our Personal Best Choice
Best Overall Model
CYMA VSR-10 Bolt Action
Airsoft Sniper Rifle
Best Value Model
BBTac Airsoft Sniper Rifle M61
Best Honorable
Mention Model
BBTac Airsoft Sniper Rifle M62
As we noted earlier, we will focus this article on bolt-action airsoft rifles. The guns we will review are all spring-action guns. These guns have a coil spring in their internal mechanism, which is compressed by cocking the weapon. Pulling the trigger releases the compression, and expels the pellet from the rifle. While this requires cocking the gun again after each shot, but the slow firing is offset by longer distance capabilities and increased accuracy.
Comparison Table
In this review, we’ve selected eight different airsoft bolt-action sniper rifles, selected from the Amazon web site.
| Product | Best Features | Rating (No. of Reviews) | Price Range | View on Amazon |
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4.7 out of 5 |
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4.5 out of 5 |
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Double Eagle Field Marksman Bolt Action Spring Airsoft Sniper Rifle |
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4.3 out of 5 |
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4.2 out of 5 |
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4.0 out of 5 |
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3.9 out of 5 |
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3.5 out of 5 |
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3.0 out of 5 |
Brief Introduction Into Airsoft Gun Basics
The game itself is very similar to paintball competitions, with the primary difference being that paintball leaves visible evidence that someone has been shot, where airsoft relies more on an “honor system”, as the BBs used rarely leave a visible mark.
Airsoft guns, like regular firearms, come in various types, including rifles, pistols, and even shotguns. Within these gun types, different propellant systems can be used to propel the BBs. These systems can include magazine feeds, compressed gas, and battery power. In this article, we will be focused on bolt-action, or magazine fed airsoft sniper rifles.
The typical pellet size used in these guns is 6mm, although 8mm BBs are not uncommon. Pellet weights are generally in the range of .2 to .25 grams, but BBS ranging from .12 to .48 grams are commonly available in the marketplace.
Competition rules for airsoft may vary between different organizations, or on various playing fields. Standard rules and regulations for play will typically include:
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Safety eye protection is always required. Glasses, goggles, and face shields must meet specific ANSI standards. Prescription eyeglasses are not allowed.
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Each field will contain a “safe zone” where no guns can be fired.
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There is a minimum safety range established (typically ten feet), and no shooting may be done inside that distance for the protection of the players.
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When a player is hit by a projectile on any part of his body, he is “hit”, and therefore out of the game. While the honor system normally takes precedence, some organizations use a game monitor to ensure rule compliance.
For a more detailed listing of airsoft rules, please visit the following source.
Within an airsoft competition, there are ordinarily several assigned roles for the players. These roles will typically include team leader, tactical officer, rifleman, sniper, recon patrol, heavy infantry, marksman, and even more. Check out the detailed overview of the roles and responsibilities of an airsoft team.
Most airsoft guns are very close replicas to authentic firearms, and, as such, should be treated carefully outside the game arena. Unfortunately, there have been tragic consequences when police have seen a replica airsoft rifle or handgun and thought it to be real. For this reason, most airsoft guns will have a bright orange tip to help differentiate them from a real firearm. From the safety perspective, airsoft firearms should be treated the same as authentic firearms.
Buying Guide
To help you make a well-informed buying decision, this section will outline and explain some of the key features, specifications, and functionality of an airsoft sniper rifle. It’s always a good prerequisite to laying out your money to understand the available features and specifications.
From one unit to another, there could be a wide variation in specs and performance. When it comes to purchasing, we recommend an evaluation of what features are absolutely mandatory for you (these are the must-haves), which features are nice to have (not mandatory, but I’d probably get some benefit from it), and then the high end extras (not needed for me to do what I need to do with the rifle).
Doing this will help you determine the best value – that combination of price and features that comes closest to meeting your needs.
Best Airsoft Sniper Rifles Review
CYMA VSR-10 Bolt Action Airsoft Sniper Rifle – BEST OVERALL
This bolt-action rifle features a precision aluminum barrel for improved accuracy. A 55-round magazine comes standard, and the manufacturer recommends 6mm, .25g BBs. The gun is fashioned to resemble a true VSR-10 sniper rifle, and has a weather resistant finish.
CYMA VSR-10 Bolt Action
Airsoft Sniper Rifle
Features and specifications:
- rifle measures 45” long, and weighs 5.4 pounds, with functioning safety
- BAR-10 compatible trigger and spring system, easily upgradeable
- magazine capacity is 55 rounds
- adjustable BAR-10 compatible hop up
Pros
- Rifle is set for addition of scope rail and bipod assembly
- Adjustable hop up allows user to set best combination for accuracy and muzzle velocity
- Muzzle velocity is 400 – 450 fps using .2g ammunition
- User reviews cite high accuracy at up to 200 feet
Cons
- Neither scope, scope rail, nor bipod included
BBTac Airsoft Sniper Rifle M62 – HONORABLE MENTION
This rifle is 44” long, and a little lighter at 4 pounds. The manufacturer recommends .2g or .25g BBs, resulting in a muzzle velocity of about 420 fps with the .2g pellet based on Amazon specs; manufacturer claims 470 – 480 fps). Outer barrel is aluminum, and the stock is made from ABS engineered polymer.
BBTac Airsoft Sniper Rifle M62
Features and specifications:
- kit includes rifle, cleaning rod, and one magazine
- adjustable hop up, cheek plate, and butt stock to conform to user size requirements
- optional 4x32 scope available. Rifle has scope rail mounted as standard
Pros
- Lightweight, yet durable with polymer construction stock. Good reviews for durability
- Similar 4.6-star review on Airsoftstation.com
- Good muzzle velocity, 4.0 review on accuracy
- Lowest price gun on the list
Cons
- Magazine capacity is only 20 BBs so that it will require frequent reloading or purchase of extra magazines
Double Eagle Field Marksman Bolt Action Spring Airsoft Sniper Rifle
This rifle also features an ABS polymer stock, supplemented with a metal barrel, and a resulting weight of six pounds. Rails for bipods and optics are included with the rifle.
This weapon has the same issue as the rifle above, with Amazon specifications for muzzle velocity (400 – 420 fps) lower than the manufacturer’s claims.
Double Eagle Field Marksman Bolt
Action SpringAirsoft Sniper Rifle
Features and specifications:
- this rifle is also on the lower end of the price scale and comes with just standard equipment – the rifle and a magazine. It does have mounted rails for bipods and optics included
- users tend to confirm the lower fps specs referenced by Amazon rather than the manufacturer
- safety mechanism included, along with 20mm scope rail
- conflicting information on whether or not speed loader is included
Pros
- High reviews for value, and as a good rifle for beginners
- Adjustable hop up for fine-tuning accuracy and muzzle velocity
- All metal barrel, bolt, and trigger mechanism
Cons
- Magazine capacity is only 20 rounds, so frequent reloading or extra magazine will be needed
- User reviews complained about the quality and durability of magazine springs
Well MB4411G Bolt Action Spring Sniper Rifle
With this rifle, we move into the upper end of the price scale. However, you also start to get some extras for this money, including a quad rail system for mounting accessories such as night vision scopes, lasers, or bipods, mounts for a sling, an adjustable cheek rest, and foldable stock. All this is contained in a large 47″ long rifle, weighing in at just under ten pounds.
Well MB4411G Bolt Action
Spring Sniper Rifle
Features and specifications:
- assembled with a nylon fiber polymer stock and the balance in metal parts
- ergonomic pistol-type grip
- supplied with one magazine, speed loader, cleaning rod, and sling
- optional 4x32 scope available from manufacturer
- muzzle velocity 400 – 410 fps with .2mm pellets
Pros
- Magazine capacity is 30 – 36 rounds, dependent on whether .2mm or .25mm pellet used
- 4.6 rating on airsoftstation.com
- Lots of capability for upgrading features
Cons
- No sights on stock rifle, so scope purchase is virtually mandatory
- Quite heavy, so movement in the field will be difficult
BBTac Airsoft Sniper Rifle M61 – BEST VALUE
This is the last of the rifles with a 4.0 or higher rating and is also the second-lowest price of the eight rifles reviewed here. It comes with an aluminum barrel and bolt, with the rest of the gun constructed from ABS polymer, resulting in a weight of only four pounds with a 44-inch length.
BBTac Airsoft Sniper Rifle M61
Features and specifications:
- rifle features a muzzle velocity of 420 – 475 fps with .2g pellets with adjustable hop up system
- scope included, but no information on optic capability available
- magazine has 25 round capacity
Pros
- Made top ten “best airsoft sniper rifles” list from Best Reviews Guide
- Very light weight, yet good muzzle velocity and accuracy
- Solid combination of rating and price
Cons
- Even at 25 rounds, magazine size is still somewhat small
- Customer complaints about quality of scope and ammunition clip
BBTac Airsoft Sniper Rifle Bolt Action Gun
As far as price goes, this is the top of the line of the eight airsoft sniper rifles reviewed here. It does get a solid 3.9 rating, and features an ergonomic design with an included scope and bipod. It comes with an integrated full metal rail to easily add different optics or lasers.
BBTac Airsoft Sniper Rifle
Bolt Action Gun
Features and specifications:
- scope is included, noted as magnified, but no specifications on optics provided
- muzzle velocity is considerable at fps 430 – 440
- polymer stock, full metal barrel and trigger mechanism
Pros
- Shows up on Zombietown.com top ten airsoft sniper rifles list for 2019
- Most comments about scope are positive, despite no specific optic ratings
Cons
- Somewhat heavy due to mostly metal materials of construction
- Negative customer comments all centered on missing screws and wrenches required for assembly
BBTac MB Powerful and Precision Spring Airsoft Sniper Rifle
This is another upper end sniper rifle from the BBTac line. However, the somewhat premium price comes along with an overall 3.5 rating. The rifle itself is impressive looking, with a very realistic look. It is delivered with scope, bipod, sling, and speed loader. The rifle is specifically noted to be restricted from shipment to New York state.
BBTac MB Powerful and Precision
Spring Airsoft Sniper Rifle
Features and specifications:
- included optics have a 3X to 9X magnification capability, with a 40mm objective lens for excellent clarity, and windage and elevation adjustments
- magazine capacity is thirty rounds
- over 450 fps rating with .2g, 6mm pellets
Pros
- Mostly favorable comments about accuracy and functionality of scope
- Several users recommend going to heavier BBs to improve accuracy (but at the expense of muzzle fps)
- Rifle is delivered with pretty much everything needed, except perhaps extra magazines
Cons
- A bit of love-hate in reviews, with 65% 4- or 5-star and 21% 1 or 2-star
- Complaints about accuracy and range, but others note that setting adjustments are needed to make improvements in those areas
Game Face 52004S Crosman GF529 Sniper Carbine
As far as ratings go, we drop all the way down to a 3.0 star (on 13 reviews) with this rifle. The muzzle velocity is a relatively low 350 fps using .2g pellets. It’s a light 3.5 pounds, with a metal barrel and plastic PVC stock, which contributes to the light weight.
Rails for scope mounting and bipod use are included with the rifle. Speedloader, magazine, and cleaning rod are included with the rifle.
Game Face 52004S Crosman
GF529 Sniper Carbine
Features and specifications:
- adjustable hop up to increase range
- one-piece precision metal barrel
- included magazine has a 29-round capacity
Pros
- Higher weight pellets will increase accuracy somewhat but at the expense of fps. Adjustable hop up helps
- Two other web sites have this rifle rated in the 3.4 – 3.7 range, so somewhat better than the Amazon ratings
Cons
- Virtually all complaints were about the durability of the rifle, and accuracy
- Overall muzzle velocity fairly low, limiting the range
Conclusion
Just to put everything in one place, let’s take a look at the category winners for “Best Overall,” “Best Value,” and “Honorable Mention“:
Best Overall Model
CYMA VSR-10 Bolt Action
Airsoft Sniper Rifle
Best Value Model
BBTac Airsoft Sniper Rifle M61
Best Honorable
Mention Model
BBTac Airsoft Sniper Rifle M62
The “best overall” came down to a solid feature list, a strong 4.7 customer rating, and a very reasonable price given some of the performance specifications. “Best Value” was a more difficult choice, with the M61 getting the nod primarily on the strength of the included scope.
The M61, with an “Honorable Mention” is also a BBTac rifle, with good performance and specifications, a Starbucks visit cheaper than the M61, but no scope included.
So, in conclusion, if you are new to airsoft competition or looking for additional equipment in the form of a new sniper rifle, we hope that this review will help you make the best choice.
