Paintball Sniper Tips

by Contributing Writer

Overview

A sniper is someone who shoots at exposed individuals from a well-concealed location. Snipers are usually far away from their targets, allowing them to escape without blowing their cover. This definition can be extended to the paintball sniper, a relatively new phenomenon in a sport where rapid firing techniques and player movements are the norm.
The Gun

Reliability is the key component to look for in a paintball sniper rifle, or markers as those in the paintball world refer to their weapons. Snipers spend a lot of time lying prone and crawling through places most people don't want to go, so you're weapon needs to be durable and dependable. You also want a gun that shoots from a closed bolt, can be outfitted with new barrels, and can have a scope mounted to it. Stay away from polished parts that gleam or look pretty, since they will most likely draw attention to you. There are paintball markers made for sniping, such as the Dye Matrix DM8, but if you feel comfortable with your current marker there is no need to purchase one.

Camoflauge

The goal of sniping is to take out your opponents without being seen, so it's crucial you camouflage yourself well. The easiest way to do so is to purchase the appropriate battle dress uniform (BDU) from your local army surplus store. Pants and a jacket shouldn't cost much more than $30, and you should be able to find different varieties (i.e. woodland, desert, etc.). You should also buy or make concealing wraps for your marker so that all parts of your outfit blend in. For the hard-core sniper, there is no better attire than a Ghillie suit, a piece of clothing designed and constructed to look like heavy foliage. You can make your own, or purchase one online.
Deployment

Snipers are typically deployed in one of three strategies. First, a sniper can lay in silent ambush, waiting for the enemy to come to him. Finding a high-traffic spot and waiting there can let a sniper pick apart an opposing force with relative ease. Second, a sniper can become a "ghost flanker," by crawling through the battlefield and setting up behind the enemy. Third, a sniper can take to the high ground. By adding the force of gravity to a shot, a sniper can take out targets at longer distances. This also lets a sniper see the whole field better.