When shooting from a concealed position how close do you usually let your target get before firing? Do you like to open up at your maximum range? Or maybe you like to see the whites of their eyes. Whatever you like vote and then tell everyone why you think that range is best.

The folowing is a quote from shartley:


To me this is not really a complete question or has one definite answer.

It all depends on a number of factors; which include (but are not limited to) weather, environment (woods, city/town, mix, brush, etc.), situation (what your intent in the mission is as well as conditions at the moment concerning that mission), opponent numbers (immediate and reserve), etc.

Given any mix of differences of the listed factors the distance could very well change, and SHOULD change IMHO.

I had written out a number of examples of how changing these factors would change your choice of distances, but for the sake of involvement (and discussion) I would like members to take that idea and run with it and give examples that show the need for different ranges.

Thanks to shartley.

The folowing is a quote from JackRock:

Okay, so here's my take on the optimal range at which to fire upon an opponent.


Now, the original post makes it clear the poll is generally about shooting from a concealed position (we will use the terms “sniper” and “snipe” from here on out to reduce confusion....any argument about the validity of these terms will be reported and I will ask the mods to remove such posts outright).




When sniping, I have spent much of my time to get into a position well ahead of my own side, well concealed, and generally I'm prepared to be patient. VERY patient. It also means I'm not willing to give up all that effort on a wasted shot. So I'm going to use the effort and energy to maximize the effect my ambush will have, as well as the effect for my side/team. So I'm first going to select a spot that fills two criteria: a likely avenue of approach and limited dispersal for my target group.


A likely avenue of approach is necessary for a sniper's job, just as it is for any major defensive force at a base or critical objective. Paintball players, for the most part, are still lazy. They take the easy way through the terrain. Very often multiple times until the defensive force makes the attackers realize that the easy way through is now the impossible way through. So, by picking the place that a large group is going to pass through, I can maximize my chances of getting a kill at all.


By making sure my target area has a chance for minimal dispersal, I can group my target bunch closer together. So I need a place that's narrow, or where I can quickly unload a large amount of paint. So this means I have to consider inverses. The narrowness of my target area is inversely proportionate to the amount of firepower I can utilize. So, in simplistic terms, the more firepower me (or my teammates) can unload on to the target playrs, the wider the area is allowed to be and still maintain effectiveness.


To further illustrate my optimal engagement range, I have to consider the specific terrain through which my target is travelling, and the terrain and concealment I place myself. For example, is the target to come around a berm or thick copse of trees, and I'm waiting on the other side? How much space do they have before they leave my target area once they enter it? Is my concealment good enough that I can engage them after they pass me, or must I fire upon the first appearance?


Also, the formation of the opposing players makes a difference, as does my intel on them. Do I have radio/visual contact with a spotter who relays to me that there are six players moving into my kill zone? Do I have ten, or maybe just one? If one, I might just engage immediately and let him be on his merry to the DZ. Or if one is coming, and I know a larger group is behind him/her, I may let that one pass and engage the large group when it is almost entirely in the kill zone. Or, if the large group is spread out, I may engage when only two are visible, and let the others come to find me, usually winding up in my kill zone in the process. Smart ones will find more difficult flanking routes...but, by that time, I've already caused more damage than I need to, and mission accomplished. The large player groups are now slowed down due to one sniper. Even after eliminating me, they are now on the lookout, and realize they have to move slower to keep a sharp eye.


But the team composition itself makes a big difference. For example, my team, Blacklight Company, is actually quite good at routing out snipers and ambushes. So, when I am sniping against the other side, and I recognize that the team coming my way is similarly good at noticing snipers, I have to make a decision. Do I try to wait it out and hope they screw up this time? Not likely. Once I recognize them, I'll probably try to engage them at the maximum range of my marker, with an effort to keep them at bay, then spam my radio to get some reinforcements to the area. Such teams are often employed to take positions....that means I'm probably keeping them from obtaining their objectives....and therefore denying them important points.


Of course, one major consideration is my own equipment. Do I have a flatline, and my maximum range is increased? Am I shooting a high-ROF marker that allows me many kills in a short time (which means the lead player is much closer to me when I open fire). Am I shooting a loud-as-a-cherry-bomb Tippmann, or am I shooting an ultra-quiet Impulse or Matix? With the former, I'm likely to engage more quickly at a larger range, since I want to keep the other players at bay. This makes it more difficult to extract my precise location and make them waste precious paint. With the latter, I can shoot many times, and the players may not know they're being shot at until they're hit with a nice blotch of blue/white/yellow/orange/pink paint on their immaculate tac-vest.




So, as Shartley and I have said...this is not an easy one-answer question.

Thanks to JackRock

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You can Run, but your only going to die tired.

just inside maximum range for me, just because i dont want to give away my position to any one else.

Nice, I wanna be on your side.

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You can Run, but your only going to die tired.

depends how much i want to scare them i once let a guy get within 5 feet, and stood up right in front of him. i just said "so... you'll be taking that mercy now?" with my barrel about eight inches from his mask.
i think he needed new shorts after that one

normally i let them get close enough for me to guarantee a kill with a minimum of firing, so 25-40 feet i suppose.
once i have an accurate barrel i'll likely try for longer engagements.

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Proud Canadian Baller
Kit: A5, camo job, polished internals, 14" Smart Parts Progressive barrel. Borrowed Opsgear G36 stock. 24oz CO2 w/ remote and slide check. Neat homemade sling. MORE TO COME
Vents Goggles and Multicam

His Face. Ha ha ha.

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You can Run, but your only going to die tired.

had i kept hiding he would have walked right into me, so i had to do something!

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Proud Canadian Baller
Kit: A5, camo job, polished internals, 14" Smart Parts Progressive barrel. Borrowed Opsgear G36 stock. 24oz CO2 w/ remote and slide check. Neat homemade sling. MORE TO COME
Vents Goggles and Multicam

ROFL! It's really funny when they step on you and then thay say "Oh Sorry man. What? How? Who's team are you on? Ok ok just don't shoot!"

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You can Run, but your only going to die tired.

Usually I will surrender within 20 feet if possible. I prefer to fire within 30 as long as I have an escape route. From a concealed position, better not miss

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as long as i have a clear shot that will be 100% accurate an they arent aware to me ill shoot them as soon as they come within range. otherwise i just wait until i can suprise them an they wont have time to react which is normaly around 50ft, give or take a little. i like for my shots to be dead on an not need more then 2-3 rounds max.

Close enough to ensure multiple hits in center mass. usually 30-50ft. Also depends on terrain and what my game plan is. Ambushing... then we want their whole squad in the kill zone before we open up. Don't just shoot the first guy walking through. I like to let guys pass me and hit them in the back. doesn't give your position away.

All in all. Get them close.... then let loose.