Want to learn how to ghillie your airsoft gun so you can become a fully camouflaged stealth player on the field? Our guide is full of tips and steps to help you properly conceal your airsoft gun and blend in with your surroundings.
Being camouflaged on the airsoft field can be the difference between being spotted by your opponents and sneaking up on them for the perfect shot.
While there are many different types of camouflage you can use, ghillie suits remain one of the most effective ways to blend in with your surroundings. But what about your airsoft gun?
You can actually buy ghillie wraps for your airsoft gun, which essentially act as a cover over your gun. Here are some of our top picks…
What is a Ghillie Rifle Wrap?
A ghillie gun wrap is a camouflage method used to conceal your airsoft weapon, making it blend into natural surroundings. It typically involves attaching fabric, jute, or other materials to the gun, mimicking foliage and terrain.
This technique reduces the gun's visibility, providing better cover and stealth during gameplay.
It’s especially useful for snipers and players aiming for a tactical advantage without being easily spotted by opponents and is often used in tandem with a full ghillie suit or a concealment vest.
Can You DIY Your Own Gun Ghillie?
More of a DIY person when it comes to your airsoft kit? Well, you absolutely can make your own airsoft gun ghillie, and it’s a great way to customise your weapon.
Particularly if you like to mix up the environment you play in (woodland, urban, CQB…), you can create different ghillie’s depending on where you’re planning on playing next.
Here’s what you’ll need if you want to make your own airsoft gun ghillie cover:
- Base mesh
- Raffia
- Filler — leaves, ripped fabric, cotton, hessian
- Coconut rope/twine
- Cable ties (black or brown are best!)
- Brown elastic bands
You'll also need a pair of scissors, and a pen can be helpful for marking out where to cut your base mesh.
How to Ghillie Your Airsoft Rifle
Now you've got all your materials together, follow these step-by-step instructions to create a removable ghillie wrap for your airsoft gun.
Step 1: Cut the Base Mesh
Lay your base mesh out on a table and fold it over your gun, ensuring it covers all necessary parts.
Then, pull it together so you can see the overall amount of material you’re going to need. Once you have a good estimate, cut it to size.
For greater accuracy, you can mark out where you're going to cut the material using a fabric pen or a plain old Sharpie!
It's better to cut too much than not have enough, so don't be afraid to be generous with your cutting. You can always trim it later.
Step 2: Cable Tie the Wrap in Place
Wrap the cut mesh around your rifle, covering the entire length evenly.
Use cable ties at regular intervals to loosely secure it. This will help keep the wrap in the right shape, making it easier to add more camouflage. You’ll tighten the mesh later.
You can also use elastic bands for this step, but we find cable ties easier to attach and remove.
Step 3: Cut Your Materials
Next, you'll want to cut your materials into random shapes. Once you pull the cable ties through, they should look like bunched-up foliage.
Take your time to vary the sizes and shapes to create a more natural and organic appearance. This will ensure the final look is more textured and dynamic, mimicking the intricate patterns found in nature.
Step 4: Add One Material at a Time
Now it's time to start adding your cut materials to your base mesh. Add one material at a time, like your hessian.
Spread it out and place it randomly over the wrap at different angles. Then, move on to the next material and repeat.
A good approach is to match the material you're adding with the colours on the base mesh.
Step 5: Add Raffia Strands & Twine
After adding some bulk to your ghillie wrap, incorporate your raffia strands and twine to break up the shape and prevent it from looking too rifle-shaped.
Top Tip: Cable ties are the easiest way to attach these strands to the mesh, although you can do some weaving if you want.
Step 6: Secure the Wrap With Elastic Bands
Use elastic bands to secure the wrap around your gun. Simply stretch the bands over the barrel or receiver.
(Optional) Step 7: Add Some Real Foliage
Finishing off your ghillie wrap with some real foliage can help your gun blend better into a forest or woodland setting.
Simply tuck the leaves, branches, and twigs under the elastic bands on the outside of the wrap.
You can pick bits of foliage from your garden or a local park to finish off the wrap immediately; however, we recommend picking some foliage at the skirmish site to add to your wrap on the day. This helps you blend into your current surroundings better.
Also, the natural foliage will need replacing regularly anyway, so why not capitalise on a natural skirmish site?
Things to Consider When Making a Ghillie Wrap
When making a ghillie wrap for your airsoft gun, consider the following:
- Colour: Match the colours of your materials to the environment you’ll be playing in. Earth tones work well in forests, while tans and browns are suitable for arid terrains.
- Materials: Use durable and weather-resistant materials to ensure your ghillie wrap withstands the elements.
- Skirmish Environments: Tailor your ghillie wrap to the specific environment of your skirmish field, such as dense forests, open fields, or urban settings, to maximise concealment and effectiveness.
When is a Ghillie Wrap Useful?
A ghillie wrap is useful in scenarios where stealth and camouflage are critical. It is particularly advantageous for snipers and players in woodland or dense vegetation, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
By reducing the visibility of the gun, players can move undetected and execute strategic shots without revealing their positions.
This transformation offers a significant tactical edge, making the wrap indispensable for serious airsoft enthusiasts.
For Hidden Airsoft Sniper Tactics
Ghillie wraps are particularly useful for airsoft snipers as they provide exceptional camouflage, allowing snipers to blend seamlessly into natural surroundings.
This reduces the risk of being spotted by opponents, enabling snipers to take precise, strategic shots undetected, thereby significantly enhancing their effectiveness in the field.
To Complete Your Ghillie Suit Look
A ghillie rifle wrap complements your ghillie suit by ensuring your weapon remains as inconspicuous as your attire, creating a cohesive and continuous camouflage effect.
This synchronised concealment enhances overall stealth, making it harder for opponents to detect you.
Key Takeaways: How to Create Your Own Gun Camouflage
Effective gun camouflage is crucial for tactical reasons as it greatly reduces the chance of detection.
By hiding your gun, you can move quietly, avoid being spotted early, and carry out strategic moves. This advantage is especially important in airsoft games, where surprise and stealth often decide success.
Complete your airsoft skirmish camouflage with high-quality ghillie suits from Socom Tactical. Our range includes full suits, assault ghillies, and concealment vests!
