Maximum effective range

This was a question that was posted a few weeks back that really got me thinking.... 

"Hey guys, something I have been thinking about today. Maximum effective range. I got thinking about it when I was at the field today. I remembered seeing a player trying to shoot from the road into the field. I myself really like to make my shots count and find it pointless to take a shot that you would only get lucky for it to hit. Thoughts?"

When the question was posted there was a seemingly endless string of comments to answer the question. The first thing that came to my mind was what is your role on the team? If you are the sniper, are goal is selectively take your shots with the mentality of "one shot, one kill". Depending on the sniper, the conditions and his equipment, that could range out to well over 200 foot or as little as 50 foot. So then the next obvious question comes up "Is our goal always to get hits?" in the case of a suppressive gunner he answer is not always yes. Most if not all of us have been forced to duck behind something when we hear the shoots bouncing around our location because we don't want to get hit. So does that mean that the best playing style is to "Spray and Pray", NO!

So what are the factors that affect our range?
* Terrain - you'll get longer shots going downhill than you will uphill.
* Weather affects you in multiple ways, wind blowing your shot off track, rain affecting not only the path of the BB, but you and cold weather especially with a gas powered gun.
* Trees, brush and foliage. - the isn't "Real Steel" folks that 6mm plastic BB doesn't always plow through the patch of blackberry bushes like you think it should.

About this point you might be thinking "why isn't he talking about the guns?"

 So lets start out with this statement - "The maximum effective range of an airsoft gun is the range that your gun can get consistent hits on target."

So lets explore airsoft guns...

The first questions you need to ask yourself is what type of skirmishes will you participate in and what will be your role. Skirmishes can range from Urban Combat, to open battlefield re-enactments. 

The Side Arm
 

Side Arms mainly encompass handguns (automatics and revolvers). In the real world they are used by law enforcement, military, and security services. They are weapons that you carry in a holster to rely on as last resort or for very close quarters combat. Airsoft pistols come in spring loaded, gas powered and electric versions. Airsoft pistols tend to have shorter accurate range due to their shorter barrel length. A side arm is best used under 50 feet, although many are accurate at longer ranges. Most Airsoft players keep a side-arm at the ready in case they run out of ammo or their airsoft gun runs out of power.  

The Personal Defense Weapon - PDW
 

The personal defense weapon (PDW) is a compact semi-automatic or fully-automatic firearm. They are similar to most assault rifles but usually have shorter ranges and sometimes higher rates of fire. Many airsoft players will argue that PDW can be considered side-arms due to their small compact nature. An airsoft PDW can make a great back-up weapon (like a sidearm) or can be used as your primary weapon in close CQB. they tend to have high muzzle velocities, but are not as accurate at longer ranges. Depending on the PDW, the range can be anywhere from 50 feet to as much as 130 feet.


Close Quarters Battle (CQB)
 

This includes weapons that are best suited for Room-to-room, between building and confined space shooting. Many CQB weapons are favored as they provide good balance of maneuverability, accuracy and range. Most CQB weapons are shorter barrel variants of the normal assault weapons, and sometimes even include collapsible or folding stocks. The CQB Airsoft guns are great for the above described skirmish types, but also give you decent range and accuracy in open and woodland areas. If you will be doing a combination of Close Quarters and open area Skirmishes, a CQB would be a good choice. Depending on the quality of the rifle the effective range could be as little as 80 feet to over 180 feet. 

Assault Rifle
 

An assault rifle is a rifle or carbine offering Semi or fully Automatic firing modes. Assault rifles fit between Machine guns and CQB Weapons, and are the preferred small-arms issued to most modern armies. Many of the CQB and PDW weapons are variants of these full-sized assault weapons.They provide longer range and accuracy and are best suited for open area combat, Assault weapons are not very convenient or useful for close quarters combat but have a greater effective range to reach out and say hello on the field. Most are designed to effectively reach up to 170 feet.

Sniper and DMR
 

The next category encompasses the longer barreled sniper rifles and extended range battle rifles. Most of these rifles are intended for single shot, long range firepower. However, many of them can be shot on full-automatic firing mode. The ability to hit your target outside of your opponents maximum effective range is the strength of the sniper rifles. Most of the Airsoft sniper rifles and DMR rifles available have mounts for a scope which gives you magnified sighting power. Keep in mind the sniper and DMR rifle may be longer and bulkier that most Airsoft guns. This makes maneuverability low, but accuracy is generally very high. Range can be as long as over 300 feet.

Other Factors...

*Quality of your rifle - you usually get what you pay for.
*Quality of the BB's that you use - it really does make a difference.
*Weight of the BB's you use
*The right match of components in your gear box. 
*Maintenance - How clean is your barrel? When is the last time that you have had your rifles gearbox adjusted, shimmed and lubed?
*Hoop up - This is a discussion all by itself. 
*Your own abilities - face it we may need practice to get better.  

These are just my thoughts on the subject of maximum effective range......

 Padre' out...