Sniper is one of the most challenging and rewarding positions a person can play on an airsoft team. The role includes marksmanship, positioning, observation and stealth and a good sniper can be a serious force in helping their team to victory. Sniper rifles are also some of the coolest airsoft replicas produced with some registering blisteringly high on the FPS scale and featuring amazing externals. Many sniper rifles operate on simple spring operation which makes them a breeze to maintain. Others operate on green gas and produce a satisfying kick when fired. Choosing the right rifle can be hard, and that's why we have rounded up the top 5.

1. Javelin M24 – M24 is the military designation for the M&P version of the Remington 700 rifle. This replica from Javelin comes in olive drab to help with concealment. It fires around 450FPs using .2g BBs and operates on a basic bolt-action spring design. The grips, stock and body are all polymer and the barrel is full metal. Included is a 15 round magazine and integrated rail for a scope. The stock of this rifle is also adjustable so it is comfortable for users of any size. It makes a great first rifle for an aspiring sniper and is affordable as well.
    
2. Jing Gong BAR-10G – Jing Gong are known for making affordable guns that stand up to the higher end competition and this sniper rifle is no different. With a metal barrel and included silencer the gun feels well-balanced and looks excellent. It fires around 400FPS using .2g BBs and comes with a 27 round magazine. This gun also includes a 3-9x40 scope making it a great starter package as scopes can be expensive. It functions on bolt-operated spring power and features a metal cylinder and trigger assembly.
    
3. UK Arms M28AB – This sniper rifle from UK Arms is another based on the M24 design. It features a polymer body with adjustable stock and metal barrel. It also fires at a fairly incredible 500FPS using .2g BBs. It still features simple bolt-action design but outclasses the other rifles in its price range with that stunning power. Included in the package is a 3-9x32 scope, folding bipod and two 26 round magazines. All in all this is a very solid package with high performance and great accessories for an incredibly low price.
    
4. G&G G96 – G&G has a well-established reputation for manufacturing some of the highest quality guns in airsoft today, and the G96 is certainly a high quality sniper rifle. It has a polymer body and metal barrel, cylinder and trigger assembly. This gun fires well over 500FPS right out of the box and operates on Green Gas. There is still a bolt and it functions much the same way as a spring rifle, but the magazines have to be filled with gas. However, the result is astounding and this is one of the most high-powered stock rifles available.
    
5. Ares PGM – The Ares PGM is some serious business. In fact, it is one of the nicest airsoft sniper rifles that money can buy. This gun is made from nylon fiber and CNC aluminum alloy. It weighs around fifteen pounds, which is over double what most metal AEGs weigh. The stock is both folding and adjustable and features and adjustable cheek rest. The included bipod has a quick release and a 3.5-10x50 scope is also in the package. This rifle fires around 380FPS using .2g BBs and Green Gas magazines. However, C02 magazines are also available that cause the gun to fire well over 500FPS. The Ares PGM comes packaged with a 23 round metal magazine. This gun is truly a work of art.

These are some of the top sniper rifles on the market today and represent the cream of the crop. With replicas ranging from affordable spring-powered rifles to insanely-detailed gas-powered ones there is a lot to choose from and a rifle in every price range. All of these five rifles are great value for money and will work reliably with proper maintenance.