[mojo]

the argument can be made in either direction..

I have built both styles of weaponry.. and have had excellent Effective Range (ER).

In my area the max limits are...
TM M14 AEG (full Auto) 365fps w/ .25g bb --- MY ER w/ .28g ~150-180ft
TM M14 DMR (Semi-Auto Only) 450fps w/ .25g bb --- MY ER w/ .30g ~180-210ft
CA M24 Bolt Action (Spring Cocking) 500fps w/ .25g bb --- MY ER w/ .40g ~200-240ft

Now as you can see all three weapons have a comparable ER but a 10-20ft advantage still allows me to be taking shots as my opponents BB's are dropping right in front of me. But please don't over think this... that advantage is lost by the third shot and I am vacating the area or starting to retreat while still remaining engaged with or without the Kill. To help better illustrate here is an image from last weekends big Op in the CA deserts. The large foliage on the right was speratic with 200-400 meter gaps between the clumps.

That's me with my M24 but it really does show how open the field was.

Now all this stuff wont mean much if you mostly play in a jungle environment like those found in Hawaii or some heavily wooded area. The number one key to your success will be your field craft. Look into how you move. Learn what gives you good fields of fire and proper egress. Learn how to support team mates and have them support you.. because one thing is absolutely certain --- Airsoft is NOT a solo sport... even in the Sniper position.

Happy Hunting

 

[mojo]

Silent, Modified the post to better answer your question.

Vindi, I completely agree with you.
I have the weaponry for when I can use them but most of the time I find myself just using my AEG most often do to field regulations.

For me weapons are like golf clubs.. choose the right one for the needs of the mission (Game).
But the weapon is secondary your field craft and tactics are what keep you in the game alive being a threat to the enemy...
Master that FIRST and you can be as devastating with your SMG as the other guys are with their upgraded M4s.

Here is a pic of a buddy of mine... you should notice his weapon choice is probably not mush larger than your SMG... but for our area he is one of the most Effective players around.