[killem]

So I'm considering converting to a sniper. But I have questions. Surprise, surprise.

I've searched the forums and found some info on my issue but since I mostly want to ask about guns and there were some "events" recently I figured it was okay to ask this. If I'm wrong, or if this is in the wrong section, please tell me. (Since this is about a l lot of different guns I didn't think it could go in any of the gun-specific sections)

I've posted about getting a DMR or re-upgrading my L85 but I still like the idea of a full-on Airsoft Sniper with a Bolt-Action. Here's my dilemma:

I want to get into airsoft sniping but I have little-to-no experience inside an airsoft gun, spring or AEG.

Also, because I'm a "boot" I'm afraid that if I get a nice rifle (CA M24, etc) that I'll find that I'm either not good at sniping or that where I play doesn't allow it work that well that I'll be stuck with a really nice rifle that I can't use that well. But on the other side if I get a less-great rifle (UTG L96, etc) and I end up loving sniping and am really good at it that I'll be stuck with a not so great rifle plus I hate clones with a passion. Actually, I despise them.

So I tried to find a middle to these problems. And I think I found one, the JG Bar-10 (A clone, but a decent clone from what I found). Only one issue... China has shut down its airsoft export to my understanding an the JG Bar-10 is hard to find.

So I looked at the UTG L96 and found that its hard to upgrade and not a great stock rifle. Decent at best from what I found.

Then I looked at the CA M24. I liked it except that I got the impression that if don't know what you're doing inside an airsoft gun that the CA M24 will become a massive pain in the a**.

What are you opinions/thoughts on my dilemma? Any suggestions for other guns?

(Hope I didn't break any rules posting this)

 

[fuzzywolly]

"So I looked at the UTG L96 and found that its hard to upgrade and not a great stock rifle. Decent at best from what I found."

What makes you think the utg l96 is hard to upgrade. I am in the process of doing so, and the maruzen parts are compatible. Most of the parts drop right in.

Quite frankly, the clone route is the best route for you. Unless you borrow someones bolt action to give you a taste of sniping, you will have to buy a rifle. If you find you like sniping after you bought your own rifle you could....
1. sell it and get something better
2. upgrade it
3. put it in your closet to collect dust

Don't be so hard on the clones. They can be upgraded, they just are not as good as lets say a maruzen. The maruzen has better externals and internals stock as far as durability goes.

Overall, the utg takes all the parts a maruzen does. Just look at airsoft atlanta. They will have all the parts you need to make a clone into a decent rifle. This is what I suggest you do.
1. Borrow a rifle from someone
2. buy a clone (worst case, sell it)
3. Buy a high quality rifle from the start (risky) --still will have to upgrade for maximum performance
4. Stick with aeg's

Mainly, its your choice.

Hope this helps

Fuzzy

 

[woogie]

Clones are great. There is nothing wrong with them. That is what I use for my rifles, being as you will always upgrade them and what not.

Go with the MK96 they are a great rifle. They really aren't that bad out of the box. With a few upgrades they are awesome. Just upgrade the parts when they wear down.

 

[fuzzywolly]

Here is the link to airsoft atlanta's sniper rifle upgrades for the l96's: http://www.airsoftatlanta.com/Airsoft_Type_96_APS2_L96_s/279.htm

If you can not find the clone bar 10, the mk96 is a great base platform for upgrading. But before you do that, check out the role of the sniper, and see if you like it. If you do, that is when you start dropping in the upgrades

 

[killem]

I've been checking out the role of the sniper for awhile and I really like it. Plus, I was a "designated marksman" (sorta) before this.

Is the UTG the best MK96 clone? Also, what clone are the Well MB03/7/etc's?

Also, what are some starting upgrades that aren't massively expensive?

 

[fuzzywolly]

I have a mk96, and its not too shabby stock. And to answer the upgrade question...Depends, how much money is too expensive?

I would say get a pdi hop up chamber, new bucking and aeg tightbore inner barrel (Prometheus are high quality and do not burn a hole in the pocket).

Here is a thread written by Zulu, this should help you make a decision based on your price range: http://www.airsoftsniperforum.com/phpBB/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=681

Hope this helps

Fuzzy

 

[killem]

Thank you for all the help and the link.

I'd rather get an American gun but whatever, if it shoots well I don't really care that much. Now I just have to practice my painting skills.... Oh and ghillie suit making. If I decide on the Bolt-Action.

 

[fuzzywolly]

Check out the link I posted in the concealment section called "Making a ghillie suit". First time I put a ghillie suit together, I used this guys information he posted. It helped a ton.

 

[killem]

Thanks. Sadly, after looking at all of the upgrades, I'll have to wait till next year or later to get a sniper rifle. Its just not in the budget right now seeing that I have to pay for car insurance soon and I don't have $300 for an airsoft gun... But thank you for all the help.

I mean I guess I could leave it stock but when I get a sniper rifle I want to perform extremely well so I guess I'll wait.

 

[fuzzywolly]

Just to let you know, I played with the mk96 stock for about 1 and 1/2 years. Now I only used it with friends, but I was able to understand the role of the sniper. I did not outrange anyone by much, but still got a few kills with her.

I think if you use some heavier bbs like madbull .4s and adjust the hop up right, along with a few mods, you might find yourself able to cope with the rifle stock for a year or so. If not, stick with the aegs, and upgrade the rifle once you get the cash.

Its up to you though. Just wanted to give you some of my personal experience.

 

[killem]

Thanks again. Now when I looked at the upgrades and saw that some barrels were about $140 I overreacted a little bit.

Is it possible to buy and upgrade a UTG MK96 to decent standards for about $200-$250?

 

[fuzzywolly]

Lets see: Estimation on my part (this is what I would get)
1. mk96-$115
2. prometheus tightbore barrel (6.03mm)-$68
3. Bucking-$6 (might want two incase one wears down and you need replacement)
4. PDI hop up chamber-$58

Thats what I would go with based on your price range. You can always drop in some more upgrades in the future. Just do not upgrade the spring first as it will require many other durable but expensive upgrades like a zero trigger and new cylinder set. And do not worry about the $140 dollar barrel. That is a PDI barrel, which is basically the best out their, but is not entirely necessary.

You could also get some new trigger and piston sears as they are a nice cheap upgrade that offers durability.

 

[killem]

Sweet I'll look up those upgrades. What about a scope? Should I just go with the scope package at GI? Any specific brand thats amazing and not $$$?

 

[fuzzywolly]

I used the bug buster 4x32 scope from utg. I have been looking into getting a scope with a zoom, so cannot help you from my personnel experience. But I would look at some 3-9x40 scopes and other ones like that. There are a few around $30-$50 dollars that might suit your budget. Maybe someone else can help you from their own experience with scopes from nc star, leapers, etc.

 

[killem]

Ok I think I'll just get the NC Star 3x9, it should work fine for what I need.

Where did you find the MK96 for $115? I've only seen it for $140.

 

[fuzzywolly]

I believe Evike is now selling theirs at $115. They used to be sold for $100. Here is the link: http://www.airsoftpost.com/index.php?cPath=21_48

 

[killem]

Is there really any difference between the TSD/UTG/Well/AGM MK96?

 

[fuzzywolly]

I believe from what I have heard that the UTG is the most solid clone out of the l96 variants. The UTG takes maruzen upgrade parts including the popular laylax and pdi parts meant for the l96's. However, despite having the body of a l96, the Well version takes vsr-10 parts because it is a clone of the vsr.

I would go with the UTG unless you would rather upgrade with vsr-10 parts. In that case, go with the well. These days though, both have many options and places to buy the upgrades from. It just comes down to personnel preference.

 

[killem]

Thats what I figured. Well I'll just get the UTG MK96 Scope package then (Assuming I get a bolt-action)
I'll also get a TBB, barrel spacers, and hop-up unit. Is the Madbull TBB any good because they have it in the exact length of the MK96?

 

[fuzzywolly]

Well, if you go with the PDI hop up unit, you will have to get an aeg barrel. I do not know if the madbull is specific for the mk96 hop up unit, or for an aeg hop up unit. I would spend the extra $30 on a prometheus. It will be alittle long and might need 10mm cut off, or you can take off the end piece which will allow the barrel to slightly stick out the end of the barrel (we are only talking about 10mm or so)

I personally got a 509mm aeg barrel and cut off 10mm to make it the 499mm length the stock barrel is. Just make sure if you do go with a madbull barrel that its not specific for the stock hop up unit. If its an aeg barrel, it will work just fine with the pdi hop up unit.