I know we can pick snipers, but are there any levels where you have to use it? (I am still at the Data Hub extraction in Dante's casino)

Also, does using a silencer not cause as much damage?

TIA

I don't know about the sniper but I read yesterday that when using the silencer you will inflict up to 25% less damage then when not using it.

there are really no levels to use the sniper and yes the silencer does reduce damage..

Silencer doesn't matter with the sniper rifle if it's a head shot.

Try an Assault rifle with the 6x,12x scope and switch fire to single shot.

The only places I can think to use sniper rifles is the helipad on Calypso casino, and the top of the church on streets (or maybe it's border town). You could also use them effectively on killhouse, but the rooftops are not secure enough to post up with a rifle there.

Really though, just put a rifle scope on the mp9 or mp7 and watch the kills pile up.

Silencer provides less recoil, which means groupings are much tighter (with the exception of the sniper rifle, as mentioned above). Since I don't like to snipe, I try using the silencer as much as possible and get close to your target. After all, the game is based on close-quarter tactics.