The following is a list a specific uses for a Support Gunner on the airsoft field.

• Offensive Ally Advancement. Perhaps the most traditional use of a Gunner is for ally advancement. The Gunner provides rapid, suppressive fire against enemy forces, which essentially forces the enemy into a protective stance, allowing allies to advance. There are two areas of risk to keep in mind with this strategy. The first is friendly fire. The Gunner needs to be aware of allied movement at all times and be able to separate the friend from foe on the field. The second is reloading. The enemy will naturally wait for a Gunner to run out of airsoft ammo and exploit that moment. For this reason, temper your rapid fire to include natural breaks. Army Gunners are trained to maintain a steady volume of shots, usually 7 or 8, with short breaks between. Not only does this prevent overheating, but it keeps your enemy guessing.
• Defensive Suppressive Fire. Just as a Support Gunner can allow allied movement, they can also prevent enemy advancement. This is especially useful in games where guarding a target is critical, such as capture the flag. With this strategy, again, reloading can become an opportunity for the enemy. Long-term continuous rapid fire that suddenly stops is a dead giveaway that a Gunner is reloading and grants the enemy the opportunity to advance on the target.
• Defensive Cover. Similar to defensive suppressive fire, defensive cover is useful during times of retreat or escape. The Gunner provides a wall of bullets to cover team members when they are pinned down or escaping, a popular scenario with games that involve evacuating hostages or prisoners. Gunners can also provide excellent defensive cover for medics who are helping a wounded player.

Since the main objectives of an effective Support Gunner are to suppress the enemy, provide cover, defend an area, or wipe out a large group of enemies, it is critical to choose an effective, rapid fire weapon. Once you have selected a powerful field weapon, train yourself. Being an effective Gunner is about more than spraying the field with bullets. It is an exhilarating experience that requires coordination, strength, training and discipline.

About the Author

Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer specializing in airsoft AEGs and airsoft blowback pistols, featuring a wide selection of airsoft clips.

There are types of airsoft forums, as some of them are focused solely on this subject, while it takes a backseat in other forums. If you are really into this game, there is no reason to settle for a forum that is inferior to one that is focused on what you really care about. I know for a fact there are at least three awesome forums out there, and in general, there are millions of smaller forums. You might as well take a little time to find one that you would really like, as in many cases, you will end up staying at the same place for a long time. I know there are some forums I have been a part of for years, and the more you stay with the same forum, the more you become attached to it.

There are plenty of ways to find a quality website to join. The quickest way is to just do a Google search with the phrase “airsoft forum”, and a list will come up with the best in the business. Through Google’s PageRank algorithm, higher quality sites come up in the rankings first, so you do not even need to do much looking around. What you do in the end is your decision, and if you wanted, you could go searching through even the smallest airsoft forums, as being part of a less populated community does have its benefits.

About the Author

You can find some pretty cool airsoft pistols on the author’s website, which also features a lot of information about airsoft products.

Face Mask

Arguably the most valuable protection gear in airsoft, the face mask will serve to protect your eyes and face from injury by airsoft BBs and other obstructions in the bush. A full face mask is recommended, however as a minimum you should have the goggles in order to protect your eyes. Losing an eye in an airsoft game would just be senseless.

Tactical Vest

For mil-sim games, the tactical vest will serve as your carry on in the field. Getting a tactical vest with many pockets for storing extra clips, BB rounds, flashlights, knives, radios and perhaps even a snack is worth its weight in gold. Also, with higher end vests, the thick material and supplies you are carry will serve to help protect you from getting hit and perhaps hurt from an enemy player.

Holsters

Depending on your intents, there are lots of holsters to choose from. For mil-sims, a leg holster might be the preferred holster, due to the player already having a tactical vest, and not able to handle an additional load on his shoulders. But for police training, a shoulder holster is ideal, providing not only a holster for the airsoft pistol, but also a compartment for additional clips, etc on the other shoulder. When combined with a belt holster, the police trainee can store that extra sidearm that may be necessary in an advanced situation training session.

About the Author

When it comes to the military, police, and other groups who serve and protect, there is a lot of equipment that needs to be considered. Tactical equipment is the equipment that is used by these groups – whether it is guns, ammunition, helmets, belts, armor, and other types of equipment.

you can read more on 5.11 tactical and 5.11 pants at this website

• Find the right team for you. It’s easy to get excited about all the cool airsoft products out there, but having the right gear is only a part of the fun. Having a good airsoft team network is invaluable. How do you find that network? Popular resources include friends and family, forums, airsoft stores, meet-up groups, local extreme sports venues, and even Facebook. Once you have a team, you may decide to play against other teams or break off into smaller groups. Make sure each smaller team is evenly matched. Consider factors like number of players, fire power, skill/athleticism, and how long the players have been involved in airsoft.
• Find the right place or places to play. Outdoor areas are favored and a wooded area is ideal. A large field can work but if there is nowhere to hide or maneuver, it will be less engaging. Obstacles always add to the excitement. Check with your local military or law enforcement. They may have training fields that are open to the public or available for rent. Ask around at your local sporting store and network with other airsoft enthusiasts online through airsoft websites.
• Explore different games. Most people play a variation of a two team elimination game, but there are other exciting options. You can split the group into three or more teams… or consider other airsoft games like Zombie Hunt, King of The Hill, Last Player Standing, Capture The Flag, and variations on a hostage rescue theme.
• Set clear rules. No matter which game you play, set clear rules of play and boundaries. Define how many hits is an out. Clearly define the areas (safe zone, hospital, jails etc.) On a side note, don’t be a cheater. Everyone hates them because they ruin the game’s integrity. If you cheat (typically refusing to recognize a hit) you will likely earn a bad reputation which could end up alienating you from the team. New players joining an existing team should do their best to honor the rules that are set forth by the team.
• Become your own expert. The more you know about the sport, the more fun it can be. Get to understand the equipment you are using. Learn and use common hand signals; they crank up the team work and authenticity of the game.

About the Author

Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, the #1 fastest growing Airsoft retailer in the nation. Airsoft Megastore offers the latest airsoft guns and gear as well as a 125% low price guarantee on all new airsoft guns and gear.

 While it seems rather easy compared to attacking, defending can actually be much harder then attacking. The attacker has the advantage of choosing when, where, and how to come at you. Generally, the defenders are in a fixed position, and without a good defense strategy the defenders can get flanked, pinned, infiltrated, or simply charged. These are some defense tactics that can apply to any strategy used. (Strategies are overall plans, tactics are specific actions taken. For example, taking cover or providing cover fire are tactics, but advancing and defending are strategies).

Tactic 1: Fortify your position
 While this seems pretty obvious, but one would be surprised how much 5 minutes of preparation can help a position. Whether it be digging a shallow ditch to lay in, or piling sticks to provide some cover, fortifying the position allows one to customize a position to the needs of the situation. For example, if one is in a position covering the left flank, one would want to concentrate on the left flank rather than the right flank. It is a simple tactic, but a extremely effective one.
 Side note- When fortifying the position, one could make a firing hole in the cover. A firing hole is a small hole in the cover where one could stick out a gun barrel. This gives the defender a clear shot at the enemy while giving the attacker a very difficult shot.

Tactic 2: Know the overall strategy and one’s place in it
 This is another pretty obvious one, but I wanted to get rid of these two right away. Say the strategy is a hedgehog defense, where the positions are staggered. (More on this in the other article, General Defense Strategies). If one is in the tip of the formation, then one can fall back to the other positions. However, if one is in the rear of the formation, then falling back is not an option, and will screw over all the other persons on the rear line. If one is defending the left flank, then make sure to look to the left flank. One can leave the defense of the right flank to the positions in the left flank.

Tactic 3: Crossfire
 This is the biggest advantage of having different defensive positions. The attackers need cover that will cover multiple sides, rather than just one side. This makes it harder to flank a defensive position. If defenders hold position A and B, then the attacker not only has to find cover that protects him from fire from position A, but also position B.

Tactic 4: Retreating
 Retreating has a bad name in most circles. I like to quote Douglas MacArthur on the subject. “We are not retreating. We are advancing in a different direction.” When a defensive position is about be overwhelmed, one could certainly stay, and get stuck in close quarters combat. The attackers almost always win this battle, and the defenders end up losing. Another option is to abandon the fortifications for another position. This is much like pushing a reset button on the battle. The attackers have to attack another fortified position, and probably take heavy losses doing so. Retreating to another fortified position can also decrease attackers morale when they realize they advanced and probably lost some teammates for little gain.

Tactic 5: Counter-attack
 This goes hand-in-hand with retreating. One of the best ways to surprise an attacker is to attack after the attacking forces think they took a position. The attacker won’t be expecting an attack, so they will be open and won’t have bothered to fortify the positions. This can take the form of a flank, a ambush (of sorts), or a all our frontal charge. The last would be the most effective to demolish the morale of an attacking force.

Tactic 6: Ambush
 This tactic takes a lot of planning. In order to ambush the attacker, the defenders must discover where the attackers plan to go, find positions that have good cover, and then conceal the defenders. However, if all of these are accomplished, then the attackers will probably take heavy losses from an unknown source. This will most likely lead to a retreat by the attackers, and a stigma associated with that area. Ambushes slow down attackers considerably, and force them to look for defenders in all directions.

Some tactical gear is more focused on safety than providing an advantage, such as masks. Safety is even more important than winning, as if you get hurt in a game, the consequences could affect you for a variable amount of time. A few players prefer to just where goggles rather than a full face mask, and while this is technically okay, it is definitely safer to protect your mouth and other parts of the face as well.

Most tactical gear is surprisingly affordable. You can get a vest with all the pouches you need for around fifty dollars, and since many vests have camouflage coloring, they help you blend in with your surroundings as well.

About the Author

The author owns www.eastcoastairsoft.com, an airsoft retailer that carries a large assortment of airsoft tactical gear.

Most players on the team will be good old fashioned infantry. The Rifleman is your standard infantry unit. A semi automatic airsoft rifle with good accuracy at a mid distance is a standard in the field. It is also recommended that a Rifleman carry an airsoft pistol for a sidearm. The Support Gunner is the heavy infantry unit on the team. Fully automatic weapon with a high rate of fire and large magazine will be a defining characteristic of this player. The Support Gunner will roam the field or be strategically used to lay down suppressive fire to aid his comrades. The Designated Marksman is the teams most effective non sniper combat threat. This specialized infantry unit shoots from long range, but unlike the sniper the DM is engaged in main combat instead of staying covert. Generally an accurate shooter combined with an effective long range semi auto rifle will create a good DM. Depending on your team’s style of play and size you will want 1 to 2.

Recon units main role is to assist the other team members, generally one or two will do. Recon is all about setting traps and gathering enemy intell. Generally you want a fast and agile player in this role. Generally a Recon Role can be supplemented by carrying a pistol and/or a shotgun for close quarters combat and fast action.

The Sniper. One of the most feared tools in an airsoft game. The Sniper should have a high powered and highly accurate airsoft rifle as well as a dependable side arm for close quarters engagements. Camo becomes more essential for this position. The Sniper’s key role is to tactfully take out opposing targets based on the recon and instruction of the team leader. As a covert unit, depending on field size, one is all you will need.

We hope that this will help your team function well. Feel free to comment or email us with questions!

About the Author

Webmaster for www.OvertAirsoft.com a reliable online source for everything airsoft!

This does not mean that they are unable to communicate. Airsoft hand signals are hand and arm signals that are used to indicate certain things to players on the field. While most teams use standard airsoft hand signals, some players do go to the trouble of organizing complicated airsoft signals with their team members so as to prevent others from knowing what their plans are.

Here are a few of the common airsoft hand signals used by teams during combat.

Get Down/Get Low

To signal that others should get down or get lower, the hand should be moved toward the ground with the palm facing down. Players will understand that they have to crawl or lie down flat.

Enemy Sighted

This signal is used to indicate that a player has seen the enemy. Use two fingers and place them at your eyes. Then move them in the direction of the enemy. Do this back and forth a few times and your team should understand what that means.

Ambush!

When players want their teams to form an ambush, they use their fingers to cover their eyes and point in the right direction. Usually, team captains or leaders make this signal.

Halt/Stop

The halt signal is easy. It is used to indicate that other players should stop, or crouch down. This will make the enemy’s target much smaller and more difficult to hit. Raise the hand up stiff, with the palm facing toward other players to make the ‘halt’ signal.

Hurry Up/Move Faster

This one is to be used (of course) when a player wants other players to move it along. Raising a fist above the head is the signal used to indicate to the group that they should begin to move more quickly.

All is Clear

This signal is used to indicate when the team should know that no enemy is near or in sight. Make the OK signal with the index finger and thumb and raise the hand above the head. This is how the team will know that it is safe.

Airsoft hand signals are not difficult to interpret when used properly and in context. They are a critical element of any true military simulation play and can become more advanced as the members of the team gain experience.

MJ Williams is an avid Airsoft affectionado, and runs one of the top websites on Airsoft Guns, Rifles, Reviews, Tips and Tactics. Learn more Airsoft Hand Signals by clicking here. For more information on everything airsoft, cheap airguns, etc please visit: http://www.airsoftdome.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Jackson_Williams

Of all the role players one can choose to be in these weekend battles, perhaps the most popular of all is the “Sniper”. The Airsoft Sniper is often referred to as the Lone Wolf or Rouge of Airsoft. This is the gamer that wants to place himself in the perfect hidden location in order to eliminate the opposing players in a deadly ambush. Although a popular identity among Airsoft warriors, few players have mastered the skill of becoming a feared and effective “Super Sniper”.

The first step in becoming a successful Super Sniper begins with having the right equipment! This begins by choosing the Sniper’s most important accessory-the sniper rifle. The goal of the Sniper is to be able to shoot the enemy from long distances, therefore his rifle does not need to be fully automatic or even semi-automatic. A well built spring–action rifle is usually the choice. The spring sniper rifle must be one of the more powerful models in order to shoot from long distances with great accuracy. It is also important to keep in mind that the most powerful weapon the Sniper has is his stealth or the ability to stay hidden. The spring action sniper rifles are much quieter than the electric automatic rifles.

One of the most recommended spring sniper rifles is the Super 9 Bolt Action Airsoft sniper rifle. This great Airsoft gun is made by UHC, which is widely recognized as one of the premier manufacturers of spring guns.

Perhaps the next most important piece of equipment for the secretive Super Sniper is his riflescope. The ability to see long distances with accuracy is critical to his success. Often the original equipment scope does not fulfill this requirement and an upgrade is needed. A minimum 4×32 power scope is the desired measure.

The successful Sniper has also mastered the art of military camouflage. Without proper clothing the Sniper is doomed to failure. It is essential for him to be undetected by the opposing teams. Investing in a “ghillie” or camouflage suit is critical to maximum concealment from enemy patrols and other snipers. This suit is made from a central binding layer and loose strips of material designed to break up the shape of the human body. Super Snipers typically customize their suits by adding plant-matter or rolling in the dirt or mud in order to deaden color contrasts. With the potential for wearing this suit a long time during battles, comfort is a premium.

One of the great mistakes of the amateur sniper is running out of ammunition. As simple as this may seem, this is a common mishap due to the underestimated length of many Airsoft skirmishes. Many a sniper meets his demise as he emerges prematurely from his secret hideout at the most inopportune time in order to retrieve more pellets. You will always find the wise Super Sniper well stocked with plenty of ammo!

Understanding the role and choosing the right equipment will help the Airsoft warrior to be well on his way to becoming a Super Sniper.

Part 2

As the sport of Airsoft continues its meteoric rise in worldwide popularity, Airsoft war games called “Skirmishes” are emerging on sophisticated replica battlefields in many venues as well. Veteran Airsoft warriors as well as beginners don their camouflage battle suits and Airsoft guns and head for the battle sight as military role-players in an imaginary war. No one role-player has captured the interest of Airsoft players more than the venerable Airsoft sniper. Though many players ascribe to be a sniper, few have mastered the needed skills to become a “Super Sniper”.

Once the player desiring to be a sniper has wisely chosen the proper equipment, it is then encumbered upon him to master the simple tips and techniques needed to become a deadly sharpshooter. The veteran sniper has come to understand the capability of his Airsoft sniper rifle through regular firing practice. He has become extremely familiar with his guns unique shots and its accuracy at various distances. Constant practice keeps the sniper’s instincts sharp and ready for quick wartime responses.

Much like real soldiers, the smart sniper keeps his equipment in tiptop shape in order to gain an edge on the enemy. A soiled and dirty rifle will affect its accuracy and overall performance. Regular cleaning of the Airsoft sniper rifle is a must, along with any other weapons he carries. Buy a proven Airsoft gun cleaner such as a silicone spray and use it every 2000 to 5000 shots.

Though often alone in hidden hideouts, the sniper must be ready for close range firefights. In close quarter skirmishes, the lengthy Airsoft sniper rifle designed for long range shooting is awkward in its maneuverability. The “Super Sniper” prepares for this close battle by carrying a sidearm such as a pistol or an automatic electric weapon. A holster or a back strap for this sidearm is critical along with extra ammo magazines.

With dedicated care and familiarity with his weapon, the sniper must now learn perhaps the most important steps to his success – proper stealth techniques. The sniper must first study his environment. The terrain, trees, and bushes can become allies of war. These natural elements should be viewed as potential hiding places or fallback points. When entering the battle zone, the sniper should move carefully, slow and preferably low to the ground, in order not to be detected by the enemy.

When moving through the field, the sniper must watch his step. Twigs and leaves snap and make a crunching sound when stepped upon which can expose his coveted secret position. The silent warrior looks for hard surfaces such as rocks or packed dirt to step on. The sniper must not be afraid to get dirty. Often he must crawl on his belly through mud and dirt to achieve the best hidden position. Sometimes crouching beneath low hanging tree limbs with plenty of dusty leaves is the optimal hideout.

The wise sniper always has an escape route. This prevents him from being encircled and trapped by the enemy. When on a deep strike mission to pick off an enemy commander behind their lines, always know your way out. The enemy most likely will hear your shot and try to track you down. Often the seasoned sniper will employ along side of him another player to be his “spotter”. The spotter helps in searching for enemy targets and to protect the sniper in a firefight.

With the right equipment and good stealth techniques, the Airsoft warrior who desires to be a sniper cannot not only be effective, he can be well on his way to being a “Super Sniper”!

PJ Ace is a writer and administrator for Flynt Airsoft & Paintball a site that specializes in Airsoft and Paintball. For more information on the latest product or news concerning Airsoft and Paintball visit us at http://www.flyntairsoftpaintball.com.

Airsoft gun games are the most exciting ways to enjoy and explore the use of guns in a safe and secure environment. If organized well they can provide all the thrills and the adrenalin rush of a real battle situation without the fatalities.

Participants play in a variety of simulated situations. Players can engage in short term skirmishes, organized situations with a number of players involved, military simulations and even historical re-enactments. Airsoft gun games using both pistols and Airsoft rifles can be played during daylight hours or the heat can be turned up by playing in night time conditions. Each situation calls for some guidelines on how to achieve the aims of winning. We are here into a discussion of tactics. In its broadest sense, tactics are about finding the right actions to take to achieve a particular set of aims. In the context of airsoft gun games we are talking about establishing a military strategy where strategy is the larger-scale framework of direction and control and it follows that military tactics include specific offensives or maneuvers in the presence of battle. This is not a game for woosies!

Despite having the overall aim of taking down the enemy, different guns with their respective features are used in different ways to achieve this goal. And each player using their particular weapon will have a different role in the overall strategy of the game.

Below are some of the basics of tactics in Airsoft gun military strategy:-

Positions for carrying your gun – these include tactical carry, alert carry, guard positions and threat positions.

Basic Gun Marksmanship - including shooting position essentials, correct body support, trigger squeeze and firing positions.

Firing during combat - including rapid semi-auto firing, rapid reload and quick firing.

Target Detection - this includes search techniques, target indicators, target marking and use of the ‘Map Method’.

Other strategies include covering and concealing personnel, co-coordinating the team, guidelines for tactical movements and night -time fighting.
While everybody can join in the game, one of the most popular roles is the ‘Airsoft Sniper’ sometimes known as the Lone Wolf or ‘Rogue of Airsofting’. This seems to be because of the marksmanship of the role such as the stealth involved, the power of the sniper rifle, and for many the sheer ‘coolness’ of being the sniper. His main tactical aim is to set up the perfect ambush and take out the enemy with a combination of cunning, speed and precision.
What would the sniper choose as his weapon? This Airsoft warrior plays with a Sniper Airsoft Rifle, designed for accurate, long range shooting with high velocity.

n a snap shot, here’s how to be an effective ’sniper’.

In order to become an effective sniper or marksman, here are a few tips:

• Know the features of your gun. This is basic for all airsoft players alike, but crucial for the airsoft sniper. Knowing the shooting range of your gun and the best way to hit your target.

• Travel light. Whether you are a mobile sharpshooter or a stationary sniper, try to travel light. The Sniper Airsoft Rifle allows you to fire quietly, that’s its advantage, but moving quickly is aided by traveling as light as possible.

• Choose your BB’s well. Heavier BBs allow for better accuracy but you may lose on the ability to cover a longer distance.

• Be patient. Patience and stealth is the hallmark of a good sniper. Don’t just fire the first time you see your target. You do not want to be detected a missed shot could mean your position is compromised.

• Stay cool. Being nervous means your hands will shake, your goggles mist over and you lose sight of your target. Stay cool and wait for the best shot.

• Work with a spotter. As in the military, most snipers do not actually work alone. Your spotter is there to support you if things are not right for you to snipe effectively.

• Fine tune your skills. While it might be the most exciting role in the game for some, it is also one of the most skilled. The more you know your Sniper Airsoft Rifles and its capabilities, how to use different cocking positions and accessories like a bipod and shoulder strap the easier it will be to find the best sniping maneuvers that ensure success in the game.

There are many types of Sniper Airsoft Rifle available. A good, quality internet stockist will be able to provide you with the most appropriate model for your level of skill and ability and of course provide you with an upgraded model as you hone your sniping skills.