When choosing, most of the time you have two options: a spring-powered rifle and a Gas-powered DMR. Each plays a bit different and excels in specific areas so you should consider how does that go with your playstyle.
Are you familiar with these? Jump to product overview.
Spring-powered rifles are overall a great solution in terms of price to performance ratio. These are less pushy, more difficult to play and extremely satisfying when you get it right:
Spring-Sniper Advantages:
- Simple design
- Reliability & Longevity
- Little to no maintenance
- Customizability
Spring-Sniper Drawbacks:
- 1 shot per bolt pull
- Less pushy playstyle
- More difficult to play
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Gas-powered DMRs have more moving parts. They are easier to move with, more versatile and still extremely precise. The fast pace makes it very fun to play!
Gas DMR Advantages:
- Increased mobility
- Follow-up shots
- Useful for more playstyles
- Customizability
Gas DMR Drawbacks:
- Requires a bit more care
- Needs Gas to operate
- Not as simple as a spring rifle
When you’re choosing between those platforms, make sure you know what play style suits you the best. Playing with a bolt-action can be very tricky if you don’t know your way around yet, so we recommend trying it out beforehand with someone else’s gun.
With the Gas DMRs, you get a gun that is more of an all-rounder, giving you solid distance and extra mobility. However, besides having to buy Gas, these can’t take as much beating as the simpler-in-design bolt actions. From our experience, this won’t be as much of an issue if you handle your gun with respect.
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Platform Overview
Based on the mentioned These are the most popular sniping platforms, each will serve the best to someone else:
- The SSG10 Platform – Solution favoured by many. It uses the popular VSR platform, adding performance parts and 25 years of warranty. It is a Spring-powered rifle.
- The SSG96 Rifle – A bit larger, bulkier rifle following the legendary L96/AWP design. CS:GO masterpiece powered by a spring.
- The SSX303 Gas DMR – Optimized for performance, this rifle aims for maximum gas efficiency and accuracy while being minimalistic.
For spring platforms, we also have a more detailed comparison on our Blog.
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The Novritsch SSG10 Platform
The SSG10 is a great all-rounder long-range sniper. There are 3 variants of the SSG10, but the core is the same system – ensuring accuracy and performance for every rifle.
SSG10 A1
- If sniping is your playstyle and you want to do it cheaply, this is the way.
- Simple Design with the same battle-proven core system.
- Not overburdening with features
- A rifle for those who want the best in terms of Price/Performance ratio.
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SSG10 A2
- More features: Adjustable cheek rest, Enhanced bold handle, MLOK System
- 2 Barrel Lenght Variants with the short one giving new mobility options.
- A rifle for those who want a typical design mixed with modern Sniping Features.
SSG10 A3
- This is the MIN-MAX variant. Minimalistic package with Maximum features & performance.
- Foldable stock for easier transport, rails and adjustibles as with the A2
- A bit more expensive but also very recognizable.
- A rifle for those those who just want the best features and looks.
There’s a number of SSG10 choices for different people. If you’re not sure, you can always get the SSG10 A1 & get an A2 or A3 stock and bolt later.
The Novritsch SSG96
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The SSG96 is a classic intimidating design best known for being featured in Counter-Strike as the deadly AWP. Compared to the SSG10, this rifle is a bit bulkier and heavier with the same accuracy and performance. Great for those who want a “big piece of a gun”.
- Balanced Design built on the proven L96 Airsoft Platform
- Extremely comfortable ergonomics
- Fairly priced. Comes with Quick Spring Exchange for performance adjustments.
- A rifle for those who don’t mind weight and like the design.
SSX303
The SSX303 is a lightweight GAS DMR. This gun is less of a long-range deadly sniper, but more of a mid-range support weapon. It allows you to stay with your team and fight alongside your teammates. The accuracy of this thing is extremely satisfying, yet difficult to describe as a part of the text.
- Semi-Automatic – no bolt manipulation, fast follow-up shots
- Extremely Light & Quiet (1,6 kg or 3,6 lb)
- Magazine Interchangeability with the SSX23 Pistol – you can have 1 magazine setup.
- A rifle for those who like to move a lot and don’t need maximum range.
To learn more about the DMR role & using the SSX303 effectively, check out our article on how to play as a Designated Marksman.
Conclusion
All variants we covered are extremely accurate and will outrange AEGs in the field. Gas DMR works the best for fast-paced pushy players, Spring rifles for those who can take the time to shoot and outperform others.
The SSG10 is a classic design that is very lightweight.
The SSG96 is an iconic military sniper that so many people love.
The SSX303 is a custom DMR that’s still effective at close range.