Bolt versus Semi-Auto

[scrambledpotatoes]

Okay, so for a designated marksman, how does everyone feel about bolt-action versus a semi-auto rifle.

I could get a cheap bolt action from someone on this team, or get a semi-expensive gas sniper rifle.

Or I could get a semi automatic m14.

Since I'm relatively new, I'm not sure how useful one would be over the other. I was thinking the m14, because I can still click that into semi auto and rattle off a series of shots in case we run into some major problem. But the gas-powered bolt-action is much more powerful and accurate right out of the box - however won't be able to fire as many shots in nearly as quick a time.

Keep in mind I'm not planning on making a purchase like this until maybe June/July. Have waaaay too many things to purchase at the moment.

[output01x]

Well, you have three options really: electric semi-auto, spring bolt-action, and gas bolt-action. Each category has its advantages and disadvantages.

An electric semi-auto (M14, SR-25, M16, etc) will typically chrono in at around 300 fps. Getting it closer to 400 fps would be best, but using it stock is definitely a good start. Parts for upgrades are often plentiful and are reasonable in cost. Batteries are typically easy to swap in and out, giving low down-time.

A spring bolt-action (VSR-10, Dragonuv, etc) will typically chrono anywhere between 300 fps and 400 fps. Upgrading them can sometimes be a pain since some use proprietary parts. Upgrading the gun can make using the gun more difficult since a higher powered spring means that you will need to exert more energy when thingying the weapon. Since you power the gun, it is cheaper to fire. Also, the power source is not affected by weather, so the gun should continue to chrono relatively the same fps even when cold.

A gas bolt-action (M24, M40A1, etc) will typically chrono anywhere between 300 and 400 fps. Upgrading can often be as easy as changing the gas you use. However, with some guns, using higher powered gases will force you to upgrade certain parts in your gun so that it can withstand the pressure - this can also be quite expensive. Powering the gun can be a problem since you will have to carry a bottle or two of compressed gas which is much more bulky than a battery. Gas is highly affected by the weather, so your gun may chrono at 400 fps normally, 450 fps on a hot day (setting you over your limit), and 300 fps on a very cold day (leaving you under powered). Gas bolt-actions can be finicky for newer players but are often considered to be some of the best guns for sniper rifles.

Ultimitely the choice is yours. However, if you plan to be a DM, I would have to recommend that you go with an electric gun. Because they are semi-auto (a big advantage to a DM) and tend to be quite reliable, you can put out a lot of rounds with little worry. They are easy to maintain and tend to have very similar internal designs as other AEGs, which gives you the peace of mind knowing that they will be easier to fix. Spring and Gas-powered rifles tend to be best for snipers, not for DMs.

Now if you want something cheap and easy that you can jump right in with, you might want to look at purchasing Dave's Super X-9. He is selling it for a very cheap price, saving you money to use toward a better gun in the future. It isn't a gun you are going to want to bring to an event, but using it during practices can give you a feel for how to fill your roll effectively.

Output

[scrambledpotatoes]

Tons of research done, and I have decided this.

If Dave will let me buy his rifle in a month or so, I'll be taking that off of his hands. If he wants to unload it sooner, no problemo; I understand. I'll be using it mainly for target practice and to get used to "one shot, one kill"

I'm planning on getting a UTG M14. There are some great guides out there for upgrading it; and getting it to around 400fps isn't that difficult, it seems. It shoots 300 fps out of the box, and is amazingly accurate. Plus, the fact I can rattle off round after round as I pull the trigger will be great for when you guys invariably screw up.

I keed. I keed.

[Hawk]

I play role of a sniper...but I don't go by that name because of my tactics and how I switch often. I am a sharpshooter...or marksman as some call it. I take pride in being an on the ball shot, though my sight has changed due to an injury. I use 2 weapons...I use an M16DMR and an L96.

The DMR is my assault weapon...I stress accuracy and I get it from it when needed on a full auto or semi situation. But if I am lying in wait and need a very long, precice, and quiet shot I use the L96 that is bolt action. It's really down to the situation...you wouldn't hide in a tree with a gun sounding like a sewing machine and be shot, and you wouldn't want a long and slow rifle when supression is needed.

I got the best of both worlds...for the most part...

[Hawk]

scrambledpotatoes said:

Tons of research done, and I have decided this.

If Dave will let me buy his rifle in a month or so, I'll be taking that off of his hands. If he wants to unload it sooner, no problemo; I understand. I'll be using it mainly for target practice and to get used to "one shot, one kill"

I'm planning on getting a UTG M14. There are some great guides out there for upgrading it; and getting it to around 400fps isn't that difficult, it seems. It shoots 300 fps out of the box, and is amazingly accurate. Plus, the fact I can rattle off round after round as I pull the trigger will be great for when you guys invariably screw up.

I keed. I keed.

Don't get a UTG...get an AGM MP008...with the UTG anything can go wronge with what you are supplied with because they don't make M14's, they use TSD (crap) and AGM guns rebranded. I've handled an AGM before and I will tell you, it is DEAD on accurate even with iron sights, it hits hard (got hit in the nose and I had to quit for 5 minutes because of pain), and it is almost in audible unless very near it.

After my L96 I'm getting an M14 to for my older style getups and also to convert into an M21 with a desert wrap and make it my desert sniping weapon.

I have the L96 for range and accuracy when obstructions are preasent sch as trees and brush, and the M14 for urban and feild where it's more open and confined when you need semi auto capabilities.