Noob Sniper

Sup guys, I just bought this game like 2 days ago and already have logged like 8 hours. This might be the funnest game I've ever played. I'm really loving the sniper so far, but I'm having a few problems. I'm sure these are some really noob questions, so I hope you guys can help me out.

1. How do you deal with a scout charging at you w/ scattergun and zig-zagging around? SMG? Is the SMG even worth using at all?

2. Same as above but w/ pyro.

3. Good way to avoid being backstabbed by spies? I have trouble getting kills while constantly checking my back for spies.

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to playing more w/ you guys.

If a scout is charging you and sometimes if you get lucky you can scope in and get the headshot though you have to know where to shoot and a bit of luck never hurt either.

A more reliable way of killing a scout is take a no scope shot switch to your SMG unload your clip on him and then switch back to your sniper rifle and take another no scope shot usually that will kill a scout if you're accurate enough.If he gets to close for comfort whip out your kukri take a slice at him then as he backs up kill him with a no scope.

Pyro is a slow Mother just take in get the headshot and finish him with the SMG  or if hes getting to close backpedal and apply the more reliable scout strategy until you get back with teammates sometimes that will be enough to kill him also.

As a sniper in TF2 you always want to be mobile so try to zoom in as least as possible(Prefer many headshots over single charge shots more reliable accept against overhealed heavies then I usually charge my shot). Check your back constantly and you usually won't die by spies unless there a good shot with the revolver like GMan in which case you will probably die. 

If you have a tough time getting headshots try strafing with your wasd keys to get the kill. Also practice centering a good sniper always knows the center of his screen.(Or you can be a(lame) screen dotter.)

If youve just started playing, just play more :/ As you wont be able to hit a barn door with a no scope or anything probably.

Try play on less crowded servers, much easier as sniper.

Scouts are fairly easy to kill in the right surroundings. Provided you see them coming and they'll be right on top of you shortly, I always switch to my kukri and hide. Two good whacks with it and most light classes are down.

1. The SMG makes a excellent paper weight against any decent scout. The best way to deal with scouts is to have your team near by. A sentry or another scout/soldier nearby can help you out when you need it. Get buffs from your medic. If you really must fight him, try for a fast headshot. However, if the scout is good enough and determined enough, he'll be able to kill you anyway, he's just your counter that's all.
2. Quickshot him from a distance. Start running with the SMG/noscope well before the point where you think its a good time to run. Unfortunately the pyro buffs have put hit detection in his favour, he's rather irritating in that manner. He's one of the first things I shoot when I see, because he's the most reliable killer in the sense that there's very little "missing" with the flamethrower, therefore he can put down 3 people with minimal effort given the opportunity since the flamethrower melts everything, ever since the pyro patch. Flaregunning? Good. Flares are fairly easy to dodge and pyros will stay at a distance for some reason. Try to shoot him in between flares.
3. Have a high sensitivity while unscoped (research the zoom_sensitivity_ratio command), so that you can do one easy mouse motion to turn around 180 degrees and see whats behind you. Whenever your not scoping you should be checking around you. Plus if you snipe near a sentry, that is also a good way to avoid backstabs (the spy would have to die to kill you, which overall isn't all that worthwhile for the spy).

1. How do you deal with a scout charging at you w/ scattergun and zig-zagging around? SMG? Is the SMG even worth using at all?

Best way is to get good at headshotting them up close. I actually look for scout battles to try and practice doing this. However you may just want to get a few bodyshots and using the smg like you said if you're really new to sniping.

2. Same as above but w/ pyro.

If the pyro is close range you might as well give up but if you can actually see him coming a headshot will take him to 25 and then a half a second or so of smg will finish him off. If you have trouble getting a quick headshot like that off you could probably smg and backpedal since most pyros will just run in a straight line towards you firing their fire.

3. Good way to avoid being backstabbed by spies? I have trouble getting kills while constantly checking my back for spies.

Always be aware, constantly turn around. Good teammates will inform you about spies. Try not to remain scoped for too long, practice scoping for a second or two, getting a headshot, and then unscoping. This will make it harder for spies to get you.

If theres a scout charging at you, my favourite tactic is to back around a corner and camp there until he comes round the corner, then you can get an easy bodyshot, or even a headshot. Also, you can do the same with the machete, faint to run away, then double back and whack him.

Smg works wonders too actually.

I usually use the kukiri to kil pyros and scouts.  I find that instead of doing the smart thing and zig-zaging at you they get overconfident and run straight for you.  Scouts are especially bad about doing this.  What usually do is backpeddle for a little but while shoting w/ the smg, than i randomly switch to the kukiri and charge straight at them and swing away.  Most of the time they wont expect it, and if you get a lucky crit than they are pretty much dead.  If they are still alive, one more hit should bring them down.  You will take some damage, but its worth it to humiliate the other guy like that

Usually I try to take out scouts by hiding around a corner and guessing when they'll be rounding it: if the guess is right, you should land your kukri right on their face. Rinse, repeat... But scouts are quite good at killing snipers, so don't be surprised if you get killed by them frequently. Note that if for some reason they create distance between you and them, the sniper rifle is good with long range

Pyros are easy if you see them coming. Headshot, pull out smg or kukri. Remember that getting within range of a pyro isn't instant death. I kukri low-health pyros all the time. Although, the smg is most useful for keeping your distance.

Spies are gonna get you sometimes. Best counter is to snipe around a sentry... I get stupid spies backstabbing me instead of trying to sap a sentry, sometimes, but generally, you're safe like this. Otherwise, really, you should keep moving, not stay in one spot too long, but don't actively look for spies. You can't let them ruin your game.

Lastly: Learn how to noscope.