In the real world, a spotter is invaluable to a sniper. The spotter can provide the sniper with targets, their range, elevation, wind, etc., so that the sniper can simply make the adjustments, and take the shot. The spotter is also there to provide fire support in the event that the mission should go critical, and confirm the sniper's kills.
However, in airsoft, things are a bit different. Since the ranges are dramatically shorter than real life in the first place, their only real uses can be:
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Spotting Targets-Using a hi-power scope (specialized for observation or not) to locate heavy gunners, hidden troops (including enemy snipers)
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Fire Support-Since airsoft ranges are limited, and most sniper rifles are limited to 100 yards accurately, you will need extra firepower when firing upon a larger group (5-10+). Any reasonably athletic person can cover 100 yards like nothing, so it's good to have some extra firepower.
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Confirmation-This is one that is shared with real steel snipers, but for a different reason. Many times, a shot from a sniper is unseen, unheard, and all but unfelt. If a person notices a little bb that barely hurt hit him, he might just shrug it off. The spotter can help to confirm that the shot did hit him. Die cheaters!!!
In order to operate sufficiently as a spotter, you should have the following:
- Airsoft Gun-Capable of semi-auto, full-auto is highly reccomended
- Ammunition-At least 200 extra rounds loaded into magazines, with spare BBs on hand
- Long-Range Optics-Whether it be a sniper scope or a spotting scope, or even binoculars, these are a must. Being your duty to spot enemies and locate high-priority targets, optics are almost required. Reccomended magnification is 3-9x
It would also be a good idea to get ahold of a radio, in order that you can feed back any information to the rest of the unit as to how many enemies you've spotted, which direction they were headed, capabilities, etc.
After you've got this squared away, you need to start thinking about your weapon. Basically any AEG will do, as long as it is reliable, has decent range, and reasonable accuracy. It can be stock, or can be customized. Here are some reccomendations:
- M4A1-Of course, had to put this baby up. With it's ability to be customized out the wazoo, it is obviously a first pick. An already good weapon out of the box, you might want to consider:
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Power-M120 spring with metal bushings will give you great power to give support when enemies are closing in to 50 yards of you.
- Accuracy-A tight barrel can be installed (6.04mm TN barrels are great) to ensure greater accuracy at ranges necessary for support
- Scope-Add on a scope with a variable magnification, and you're good to go
Basically, a spotter's weapon is a lesser version of a sniper rifle. Good range, good power, good accuracy, but not maxed out so that it can't be used in closer conflicts.
I will add more later, but I hope this is a good start for anyone interested in spotting.
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