Using A CQB Gun For Field Battles

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One of the questions I get asked by other players is “Do I need to buy an outdoor gun and a CQB gun?”.  A common belief is that each of these weapon systems are necessary to enjoy various fields and combat environments.  I currently use a KWA SR7.  This weapon isn’t a big, DMR-style gun, doesn’t have 400+ FPS, and will never have the same range as an airsoft sniper rifle.

But…

I still use it for field, and woodland, battles.  It performs on the field as well as at the short ranges of a CQB battle, due to the way I use it.

In order to use a CQB weapon on the field, you need to implement some basic tactics to keep yourself effective while in battle.  Here are some tactics that I use when I take my SR7 to a field game.

Know The Range

Oftentimes, airsofters don’t fully appreciate the short range that airsoft weapons have.  Depending on the combination of internal parts, BB weight, and FPS, your gun may only be able to reach 150-200 feet (which is actually a great range for a standard outdoor weapon).  My SR7, combined with 0.25g BBs, can get an effective range of 125 feet.  This is a bit less than most field-style AEGs and snipers.

Through testing, sighting in, and using the weapon at games, you learn what the range of your weapon is and how to judge the distances you can engage targets at.  Use the known distance of your weapon to move up the field and engage players who are within range.  Never try to fight a smart player who has a longer range gun if you aren’t in a position that gives you an advantage.  These players will just move to a range that suits them, and take you out or force you to move.

(TAC Tip: Practice judging distances with your battle buddies. Have a friend lay out a course with targets (which can be as simple as buckets or pieces of scrap wood) at various distances.  At least a few of these targets should be man-sized. When your friend tells you to start, stand in place and identify the distances to the various targets.  To make it even more difficult, have some of the targets near objects that are larger or smaller than the target, in the shade, or partially around a corner.  This will change the way you perceive distance and make the training harder.)

Move Up

While using my SR7 at a field battle, I chose to move up the flank.  After being engaged by players with weapons that outranged my own (and eventually getting hit), I decided to head back up to that flank and see if I could push up and gain some ground.  Working with my team, I was able to rush up to a good spot, locate an enemy, and take him out at a range that was well within my weapon’s capabilities.  It turned out that he was THE ONLY enemy on that flank and was holding up around 15 players! (Great job to that guy, by the way)

The point of the story is that you need to move up to a position that suits you and your weapon, while helping your team.  Don’t stay behind and try to fight the enemy at a range that you can’t reach.  Use that CQB weapon for the purpose it was made for – fast moving, in-the-enemy’s-face combat!

Be A Team Player

When you have a CQB weapon at an outdoor game, you can’t “do it all” while on the field.  Each weapon (and airsofter) works better in different environments and situations.  Use the strengths of a team to outweigh the weakness of individuals.

Focus on directing teammates and their weapons to achieve the goal of that specific game or scenario.  Snipers can stay 15+ feet behind other teammates and provide overwatch while being protected from enemy operators with higher ROF (Rate Of Fire) weapons.  Operators with CQB guns can focus on being breach-and-assault elements for buildings or bunkers on the field.  Again, make the weapon work for you and your team.

Never be afraid to take a CQB gun to an outdoor field.  Just go to the field, learn the terrain, and be a tactical airsofter.  You’ll be a great operator if you adapt to the environment and avoid being concerned that your weapon will slow you down.  Let me know what you think is the best way to play at an outdoor field with a CQB gun in the comments!