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Post by jjron99 on Nov 14, 2012 18:22:38 GMT -5
I've been playing with first strikes rounds for almost a year and a half now and choosing the correct scope mount ideal for long range paintball sniping has been a challenge. Unfortunately, my indecision led me to four different options, with each having its own strengths and weaknesses. I wanted something that was lightweight, well made, stable and low profile. More importantly, I required something extremely useful at engaging multiple targets at different distances. I've been using Killjoy APRv2 which I really like. I just got the optimizer in the mail so I can't wait to try that out this weekend.
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Post by archorn on Nov 14, 2012 18:53:15 GMT -5
a suggestion (that i am going to try my self later when i get mine) if the choices of ranges you get from the optimizer isn't enough, I seem to remember hearing that you have around 50 yards to play with at paintball speeds so if you zero at 20 you get 20-70 yards, i can be mistaken though, anyway the suggestion is that you mount the optimizer on top of one of the others (i personally think the killjoy one since you can see better how many degrees tilt you add which makes it easier to calculate but its best to experiment i guess)
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Post by chicago on Nov 15, 2012 9:25:14 GMT -5
I agree. On my Silent Angel, the T9.1 with a Hawke XB30 sight, I have the Killjoy Version 1 (didn't like verson two).
Currently, I have the optimizer on my Silent Ghost , the SR1, with just the old Tiberius fixed riser.
I'm still tweaking both. Well, the Silent Angel is perfected so I'm not really touching her right now. Although, next paintball season (it's freakin 29 degrees here today!) I want to push the range finding capabilities of both.
20 yard is just too close so I'm going to see if I can re-zero the Hawke at 30 yards and push her to 70 yards (max without using the riser; and, then try using the riser to measure how far I can get in addition to the calibrated rangerfinder built into the XB30). I'm also thinking about a re-zero of the optimizer to 30 yards and pushing her range limit as well (may be even try the Killjoy v2 again).
But, that's for next year. Right now, I'm enjoying the risers comfort with a mask and the new found accuracy with no guessing.
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Post by casper on Nov 15, 2012 20:01:35 GMT -5
My optimizer didn't fit on the killjoy #1.I didn't want to mod anything so i put it on the Tiberius riser I will be working it this weekend.I was wondering about pushing the zero for the optimzer out to 40 and go from there .After all it comes with blanks.
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Post by archorn on Nov 15, 2012 20:07:18 GMT -5
other option if you want to zero at 40 and use the preset strips is to fasten the strip you want to use so that when the optimizer is at 0 degrees it points at 40 yards (if this seems possible i mean , can't check myself yet)
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Post by jjron99 on Nov 15, 2012 21:24:10 GMT -5
The tiberius would be ideal but it's just so monolithic and heavy for my playing style.
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Post by casper on Nov 16, 2012 21:26:07 GMT -5
what are you using ??take a look at chicago's set up on his sr1.Thats alot of weight!!
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Post by Allu on Nov 18, 2012 15:08:38 GMT -5
Casper, true that, but as I understand it chicago uses the sr1 for a slower, more meticulous playing style that gives him more space(witch he seems to be able to handle).
In a more aggressive playing style one might be more "up there" in dynamic fast paced situations at shorter ranges that will require a lower profile (Simo Häyhä used iron sight because he felt that the scope, tough all its benefits, presented a too high profile) and lighter weight because of lots of moving.
Ideally one could combine the best sides of all the gear but up till then it's a endless equation of pros and cons weighted against, purpose, time, training, economy and priorities.
I'm a firm believer of the right tool for the right job, however most of the time I'm stuck with adapting and using the available gear to the best of my ability.
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Post by jjron99 on Nov 19, 2012 0:12:23 GMT -5
I'm using a First Strike Modified ATS AT85 and it's already heavy. With my type of play, I need to be mobile, light and fast. The problem is no over the counter equipment is readily available. Chicago's setup is pretty smart and a viable option to mimic but not a suitable setup at the present time with my style of play as I need to constantly keep up with my teammates who are always on the move. I also don't need the extreme accuracy that Chicago demands. My killzone is only between 50 to 80 yards. I'm usually faced with multiple targets at different ranges that's constantly changing. I rather have a setup that can put more accurate shots downrange at 50-80 yards than one well ranged and angled shot that exceeds 80 yards. I hope that makes sense.
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Post by chicago on Nov 19, 2012 11:40:21 GMT -5
@jjron99, I agree with you that's why I have three markers.
One for up close and personal, my silent knight a T8.1 in a OPsGear MP7 shroud with a real Eotech holographic sight (round goes were dot is) and short 8 inch hammerhead riffled barrel. No suppressor at these ranges 10-30 yards. If they don't know where I am at that distance, they shouldn't be playing against me and won't be in very long!
Then there's my silent angel, a T9.1 midrange stripped down riffle (very, very light) with a Hawke XB30 sight (calibrated to 60 yards with quick acquisition ranger finding built into reticle); and, of course, a 14 inch riffled Hammerhead with Flasc suppressor). Very silent marker and extremely accurate with the scope within plus or minus 5 yards (enough to hit somewhere within the "triangle.") Note, on exact 10 yard increments from 20 yards to 60, I can drop two rounds in a row on the exact same spot!
Finally cause I'm really, really old and out of breath after playing half the day - who am I kidding, after 2-3 games (or, if I notice they have a sniper or two on the other team). I go to my silent ghost, a CCM SR1 with Hammerhead sixteen inch barrel and Flasc suppressor with "on gun" Leupold Vendetta range finder and HHA Optimizer. So, I can hang back, move up to a good position and strike from afar using First Strikes (head shots at 60 yards and the opposing sniper never hears the shot).
If I know what fields I'm going to be playing on or who I'm playing with, I'll choose any one of the above three markers dependent on the situation. To me it's about having fun; but, I can't have fun when my shots are flying all over the place. So, I pick my targets (no ropes of paint anymore). I always use first strikes always hit my target. Double taps with the short range weapons. When in one or two shorts with single action bolt SR1, but I always get the second shot!
So, I'm not telling other people how they should play, what I'm telling them is what I enjoy doing when I play. Pick the style or styles best suited to your situations. But, always remember. it's just a game and we are all out there to play and stay safe. Oh, and I don't really consider myself a sniper as much as a counter sniper or just an accuracy nut and I will usually pass up a shot at 80-100 yards cause I probably waste a first strike to wind or my own breathing pattern.
Last word, I promise.
I used to hate it when people wiped my "far shots" now, I love it. I keep shooting them until they finally give up wiping. If they stay in, I become their very own personal stalker! It's like an instant regen for them (so they think)! They think no one saw it! And, they have become a "new" target for me. Can you say "target rich environment? Just imagine asking a friend, "would you stand out there and let me shoot you multiple time with my first strikes." No, but, now you've found a wiper who has volunteer to do that for you. What a joy! Long may he wipe!
I play with my sons sometimes, they always look over at me and smile when they see guys walking off the field with multiple strands/smears of white paint in various spots on their bodies. They know I'll never "overshoot" anyone; so, to them they know he was a wiper and I had great fun that game. I encourage all snipers on this forum to adopt this attitude. Don't get frustrated with wipers! Enjoy them! No one else is dumb enough to volunteer to get shot over and over again with FS!
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Post by Allu on Nov 19, 2012 13:17:40 GMT -5
That last attitude part was awesome, I'll start working at it at once... And for you chicago; Long may you post
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Post by trinity on Nov 19, 2012 14:38:45 GMT -5
I'm using a First Strike Modified ATS AT85 and it's already heavy. With my type of play, I need to be mobile, light and fast. The problem is no over the counter equipment is readily available. Chicago's setup is pretty smart and a viable option to mimic but not a suitable setup at the present time with my style of play as I need to constantly keep up with my teammates who are always on the move. I also don't need the extreme accuracy that Chicago demands. My killzone is only between 50 to 80 yards. I'm usually faced with multiple targets at different ranges that's constantly changing. I rather have a setup that can put more accurate shots downrange at 50-80 yards than one well ranged and angled shot that exceeds 80 yards. I hope that makes sense. Chicago is right about everyone having individual playing styles. I understand completely when jjron says his emphasis is on being on light and mobile. I played with a team doing something similar for about a year. We were constantly on the move. That's what teams do. Everyone chooses how they want to play. Ultimately, for me I knew that being part of a tactical formation, while a lot of fun, wasn't going to work for me. I wanted to do other things, most notably hunt other snipers and that kind of slow, patient play didn'y mesh well with team tactics. The beauty of this game is that there is no one right way to play it. You take those ideas that work for you and leave the rest. Knowing what you want to do and how you want to play,you will love the Optimizer. It's faster that tinkering with an regular APR and more precise.
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Post by avengingangel on Nov 19, 2012 14:59:02 GMT -5
hey dad, if you are reading this later tonight. I think I could use and optimizer for christmas!
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Post by jjron99 on Nov 19, 2012 19:29:09 GMT -5
The comments have all been extremely helpful and very much appreciated. After reading it all, it appears the issues are deeper than just the adjustable rails problem I’m having.
First, both my markers and I will have to go on a diet and start losing weight. I can swap out some parts on my guns to save weight. Looking through various outdoor outfitters, it looks like I can trade my bipod for a lighter version at a reasonable price. The Tiberius adjustable rail will also have to go. It just doesn’t fit my playing style anymore. I should also probably start hitting the gym more often. Looks like my markers and I have a new years resolution already. This is going to be fun.
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Post by chicago on Nov 20, 2012 10:09:42 GMT -5
May I suggest shortening your barrel for better weight and easy of use in fast paced situations. The shorties are lighter too and almost if not as accurate as a barrel two inches longer!
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Post by jjron99 on Nov 20, 2012 12:39:08 GMT -5
Excellend observation. The actual barrel is only 9 inches long. The barrel front and the fake suppressor is removed during play. The suppressor is from Lapco. It's just block of aluminum. As soon as the adaptor is back in stock, I'll order the flasc fake suppressor since it's hallow therefore should be lighter.
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Post by chicago on Nov 21, 2012 12:52:30 GMT -5
@ jjron99, I still want to hear about that BEC riser. What do you think about? Do you have a link to where to get it. I've honestly never seen one before.
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Post by jjron99 on Nov 25, 2012 22:39:21 GMT -5
The BEC was a non-working red dot model SP-5. I took the electronics out and replaced it with a rail using the pre-existing holes. I really like it. It’s lighter than a Killjoy but has the same elevation adjustment and it has adjustments for windage. Having a lower profile, it allows my optic to sit at my natural point of aim when using my goggle. With the Killjoy, I had to either adjust my marker or my position to get it just right prior to squeezing the trigger. Windage adjustment was important for me because for some reason, my rounds tend to drift to the right even in a windless environment.
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Post by Allu on Nov 26, 2012 13:45:26 GMT -5
Nice tinkering, nice indeed. That is some good work
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Post by sterling500 on Apr 15, 2013 19:08:19 GMT -5
Just realized I could ask here...any chance of a couple of pictures of the optimizer with a tape measure at zero and "max range" settings? I am curious if I can shoehorn one on a DAM.
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