6 Essential Empire Sniper Upgrades – Pump Action Paintball Musts

  • Updated July 31st, 2023

We’re going to show you all of the Empire Sniper Pump Upgrades you need to step up your game.

If you’re still haven’t picked up one of these markers, then go check out our Empire Sniper Pump Review.

Though there has been a surge in realism in the sport of paintball, sometimes it’s just fun to rock it old school.

That is what the Empire’s new Sniper Pump is.

Empire Sniper Upgrades Written in White Letters on a blue background

This paintball gun is for the enthusiast that wants to turn back time.

It’s for those who wish to have a good old paintball battle without having to enlist in the MilSim militia.

Even though it does not have all those fresh, realistic gun parts, it does have some outstanding upgrades you can use to up your battlefield game.

Best Empire Sniper Pump Upgrades in 2020

This paintball gun straight out of the box has some great features and rides on the history of its predecessor.

The new Sniper takes the name and builds on the foundation of the original Autococker blueprints.

After all, why mess with that legendary gun crafted in 1986 by Bud Orr?

The best creations have a solid foundation, and that is what Empire has done with the Sniper Pump.

Empire Paintball has taken that great foundation and elevating the marker to the paintball world of today.

They have created an outstanding, sturdy, and performance-driven paintball gun.

Straight from the box here is what you will get:

  • A kit comprising several Allen wrenches for maintenance and spare parts
  • Device to block your barrel
  • Multiple sizes of barrel inserts
  • Pump marker that is tournament ready
  • Operates with low pressure
  • Speedy firing with the auto trigger
  • 2-piece aluminum barrel (14”)
  • Barrel threads made to the Autococker specifications
  • 10 round capacity feed system
  • Detachable pump plate
  • Proprietary handle and sled
  • Designed for vertical feed
  • Can mount Psi gauge on either side of the marker

Even with all those impressive stock features, there is always room to improve.

If you want to step out of the shadows and leave your mark on the battlefield upgrading your paintball is the best and fastest way to do just that.

So, let’s take a look at a few key upgrades you should seriously consider.

Empire Sniper Handle

The stock paintball gun comes with a vertical pump handle that is removable.

The process of detaching this piece is simple and takes the removal of a few screws.

The inclusion of all the Allen wrenches you need in your box makes it easy.

Once you remove the screws, the handle slides out.

Empire Sniper Handle Upgrade

With the ease of removal, you can easily upgrade the part and one of the best options for this is the Inception Designs Autococker Trigger frame.

There are a few things that may be a concern to the paintballer.

For example, it comes un-anodized and does not allow the use of the auto trigger when used on a pump gun this upgrade still offers some great benefits.

Some of the benefits of this handle upgrade are:

  • Slide frame with a 45-degree design
  • Compatible with multiple Empire and WGP models
  • Designed to be ergonomic

Empire Sniper Regulator

Regulating your pressure when using Co2 or compressed air is essential to ensure safety and efficiency.

The Empire Sniper Pump comes with a nifty regulatory system that is a built-in inline mechanism.

But like with everything else there are ways to improve its efficiency and functionality.

One of those ways is to add this to the list of your upgrades and take a look at the multiple options you have like the one below.

Inception Designs LPR Low-Pressure Regulator

Inceptions Designs has brought to us another high-end upgrade that will enhance your play and show the rest of the field your mean business.

The LPR or Low-Pressure Regulator’s design is to be a balanced regulator.

This balance ensures consistency, and it also has the following benefits and features:

  • Compatible with many models from Autococker
  • Easily adjustable pressure
  • Recharges fast
  • Ergonomic
  • More thread adjustment options
  • Able to be completely rebuilt

Empire Sniper Barrel Kit

Our list of empire sniper pump upgrades would be incomplete without a barrel kit.

A great way to affect your accuracy and range is to remove that amazing stock barrel and replace it with an even better upgrade.

For instance, the Deadlywind Fibur-X which is a 14-inch barrel that will fit your Empire Snipe perfectly.

Check out all the cool benefits and features that come with this upgrade:

  • Constructed of carbon fiber, so it is light to carry, has better accuracy and keeps you stealthy on the field.
  • Saves money by using Freak inserts.
  • 3-layer construction that is unique to the Fibur-X
  • Swabs easily due to its intricate construction
  • The insert area is CNC aligned and ported

Inception Designs Universal Hammer

If you are thinking about making your marker smoother to use, then an upgrade that should be on your radar is the hammer.

By upgrading the hammer, you can increase efficiency while still maintain full functionality.

And one of the best choices you can make is to utilize the Inception Universal Hammer as that upgrade.

This hammer consists of polished stainless steel.

And is compatible with not only the Empire Sniper Pump but also multiple other models from both Empire and WGP.

The Inception Designs Universal Hammer will give your paintball gun the following benefits:

  • The cocking point is further back which can stop short stroking
  • Heavier construction that can make the IVG perfectly aligned with the rear of the gun while still keeping the power of the shot.
  • A top milled slot for cocking
  • Rear threaded for cocking rods

Inception Designs Pump Guide

We have talked about upgrading your barrel for accuracy.

And we covered your regulator to make sure your velocity stays the strength you need to be a hero on the field.

But one upgrade that many overlook is the pump guide.

Overlooking this would be a big mistake as with a pump guide upgrade you could make your pump stroke better.

The Inception Designs Pump Guide is one of the best empire sniper pump upgrades for this option.

In fact, take a look at all the cool benefits your marker will inherit by upgrading with this part:

The durable construction of stainless steel

Reduced friction from its fluted design

Extra internal volume from being precision machined

Designed to be shorter than the stock to create a longer pump stroke

Empire Sniper Drift Pump Kit

We talked about upgrading your pump guide already but what if you could get that same upgrade with just a few extra pieces to make your marker our very own.

Doesn’t that sound like a good deal?

Well then maybe the Inception Designs Drift Pump Kit is what you should be looking into for your marker.

This kit touts itself as being the essential gear to enhance your Empire Sniper Pump.

You can upgrade it to make it one of the best pump-action paintball guns.

Check out the features and benefits of this upgrade kit:

  • Pump guide that is stainless steel and fluted
  • Pump arm constructed of the same stainless steel
  • The fluted construction of the guide will keep the marker dirt free and maintain a smooth pump stroke.
  • One screw easy to remove for a no muss, no fuss cleaning
  • Replaceable bushings

Final Words

That sums up our list of empire sniper pump upgrades.

The Empire Sniper Pump is an extraordinary marker from the get-go.

But let’s be real.

You want to impress your squad.

And you want to show the rest of the people on the battlefield that you aren’t just another newbie.

So the upgrades, we have been talking about are essential.

The Empire Sniper pump is one of the higher end markers.

And the upgrades will only tack on to that hefty price point to buy it.

But there is no denying that this paintball gun would be a great addition to that paintball arsenal.

And if you have the skill set, it might lead to many victories on the battlefield.

So, shelling out that money for a lightweight, durable piece of equipment could be the best decision you make in your MilSim career.

 

The Empire Sniper Review – Serious Pump-Action Paintballers Only

  • Updated July 31st, 2023
Empire Sniper Review written in white letters on a blue background

Are you looking for an Empire Sniper review that answers all your questions?

Don’t worry we have you covered.


PROS

    • Firing is quiet
    • Firing is very smooth and accurate
    • Comes with an auto trigger
    • Ready for combat straight from the store
    • Price


CONS

    • Price
    • Simple barrel kit
    • Not as many upgrades as other markers

VERDICT

Great those ready to elevate their game


This marker takes the predecessors flawless track record and ups the ante.

It contains built-in additions that every modern paintballer expects.

If you’re in the market for the best pump-action paintball gun that has years of happy paintballers behind it, the Empire Sniper Pump may be just the right marker for you.

But like most consumers, you probably want to do a little research before shelling out your hard-earned money.

That makes plenty of sense and so what do you say we take a deep dive into the features and benefits of this marker.

How about we see if it is the best fit for your battlefield persona?

Or is it just another over-hyped marker?

Empire Sniper Pump Review

Straight out of the box this marker is ready for you to jump into tournament play and capture the glory and that is no small feat. The construction of this high-end pump paintball gun comes from the renowned blueprints of the Autococker designs. Building on a marker that is already illustrious the world over the designers at Empire has crafted the Empire Sniper. They created this marker to be competition for all the other tournament level paintball guns out there.

The Empire Sniper Pump gun gives you these features and benefits in its stock model:

  • A kit comprising several Allen wrenches for maintenance and spare parts
  • Device to block your barrel
  • Multiple sizes of barrel inserts
  • Pump marker that is tournament ready
  • Operates with low pressure
  • Speedy firing with the auto trigger
  • 2-piece aluminum barrel (14”)
  • Barrel threads made to the Autococker specifications
  • 10 round capacity feed system
  • Detachable pump plate
  • Proprietary handle and sled
  • Designed for vertical feed
  • PSI gauge that can mount on either side of the marker

See An Unboxing of the Empire Sniper

The Empire Sniper paintball gun has some impressive specs.

But let’s get deeper into what makes this tournament level marker the right choice for your battlefield exploits.

A Few Words About The Empire Sniper Pump Manual

The Empire Sniper Pump gun manual is an in-depth tool that gives the paintballer a leg up on the minute details and maintenance.

It has a detailed break down of the composition and parts specifications.

You will be able to keep your marker working at t’s highest capabilities, and that will increase your credibility on the field.

After all, only a newbie wouldn’t realize they need to lubricate and clean their gun after each use.

Where To Find The Empire Sniper Pump For Sale?

Even with its highly efficient production and all the fantastic features, this gun comes in at a reasonably mid-grade price.

There are less expensive choices from companies like Azodin.

But for what you are getting when you buy the Empire Sniper the price is well worth it.

Available on many sites the average price ranges from $380 – $420.

For a new player, this may seems like an astronomical price tag and be a bit of a deterrent but take a deep breathe and think about what you are getting.

It has a durable construction and ready to play straight out the box.

This marker will quickly earn its money for you during your scenario campaigns.

Empire Sniper Pump Action Goodness

If you’re ready for a super reliable and durable gun to complete your paintball kit, then look no further.

That is what the designers of this marker wanted to bring you.

So Empire crafted everything on this gun from the handgrip to the barrel to bring you the perfect play.

The first thing to consider when thinking field performance is the comfortability of use.

Several aspects of this marker come together to make an ergonomic product.

Down to the molded wrap hand grip with its perfectly crafted finger grooves, the Empire Sniper screams comfortability.

The entire frame of this gun becomes a testament to the designer’s dedicated to creating a marker that is for the player.

Composed of aluminum the Sniper won’t add extra heft to your kit (it weighs just a meager 2 pounds) and therefore frees you up to be as stealthy as you want to.

Several little additions shine to add on to the lightweight frame.

The marker contains an ambidextrous adapter so that it doesn’t matter if you are a lefty or a righty.

The auto trigger is one drill to allow for the right weight allotment.

How much more comfort does a paintball player need?

As much as they can get that’s why the designers even made the safety button effortless to reach.

This highly functional pump action paintball gun is perfect for the newbie or the seasoned veteran.

And it can play on the same level as its many high-performance peers.

It is no wonder that the industry recognizes the Empire Sniper as one of the most effective ones on the market.

It becomes evident when you see all the great thought these designers put into the crafting of this paintball gun.

Empire Sniper Pump Feeding Tube

One of the pluses to this marker is the feed system that comes with the marker.

The 10-round system is easily installed and converts your marker into a paintball scattering machine.

On top of making this as an inbox upgrade, it requires no tools and just a few minutes to execute.

Empire Sniper Pump Firing

All of that is well and good.

But if this marker does not sparkle when you fire it, then that’s a no go.

It would be pointless to talk about the durability or even the comfort-focused manufacturing of it.

The good thing is that this paintball gun does not suffer from any negative aspects when it comes to firing.

It starts with the feel of the weapon in your hand.

This feel is reason enough for all the accolades that the paintball community showers on the Empire Sniper.

And you can pair that with the fact that it has a rapid-fire capability akin to most of the semi-automatic paintball guns that share the battlefield with it.

Not to mention the incredible accuracy at distances of more than fifty feet is impressive.

Quickfire is excellent, but easy quickfire is even better and with a two-finger pump assist.

This fun addition to the features allows the MilSim player to re-cock just be pressing their two fingers together.

Not having to make much movement allows the player to maintain complete focus on their targets while being on the go.

So, efficiency is the name of the game with this paintball gun.

Not only does it fire rapidly and with extreme accuracy, but it does it with all the capabilities of some of the best semi-auto markers out there.

Empire Sniper Pump Durability

I know what you are rethinking for the price; I better get my money’s worth.

The Empire Sniper will not disappoint on this point either.

The construction allows this marker to be able to take a beating as is the internal workings.

The aluminum construction is not only to make it a lighter carry but to make it that much more reliable.

But like with anything that relies on mechanisms and gears it requires maintenance.

A strict repairs schedule will only lengthen its life and increase its durability on the field.

With proper patience and upkeep, this marker can last a lifetime of paintball combat.

So, make sure to read the manual to ensure you completely understand your markers needs.

Empire Sniper Pump Options

With all of that, the Sniper also offers limited options for both color and upgrades.

Aesthetically the marker comes in only two colors with all the parts in black.

This may not be as cool as some of the military style markers you see on the field.

But it is not about what it looks like it is about how it functions, and this marker performs mighty well.

Now for upgrades, there are a few that you should think about once you get accustomed to the piece.

But the Empire Sniper certainly does not offer as many as some markers on the market.

Once again though because it is a high-performance piece maybe a limited variety of upgrades is all you need to amp your game up.

Final Words

The Empire Strike Pump is ready to use straight from the box.

And that alone means that it is excellent for that eager newbie that wants to hit the field as soon as possible.

Once you add in all the other benefits and features, one thing becomes evident.

This marker would be dandy for any player at any level of experience even though the price is excellent for this type of marker.

Check Price At Amazon

For the beginner, it could be a little bit of an investment.

But this investment will give them a durable and efficiency start to their MilSim career.

So, if all that sounds like just what you were looking for make sure to check out the Empire Sniper Pump.

Empire Axe Review: Is This Marker The Wave Of The Future?

  • Updated February 15th, 2023
Empire AXE Review
Empire AXE Review

Empire Axe Review

4.5 out of 5 stars


PROS

    • Excellent Detents
    • Consistent PSI
    • Advanced Trigger Design
    • Lightweight
    • Lifetime Manufacturer’s warranty


CONS

    • Poor Feed Neck Construction
    • Shorter Barrel
    • Self-servicing might result in voided warranty
    • Inefficient with air

VERDICT

Above-average marker at a reasonable price


Specs

  • Bore: .689
  • Weight: 2 lbs 4 oz
  • Barrel Length: 12 inches
  • Firing Modes: Semi-Auto, Millennium-Ramping, NXL, and PSP-Ramping

Empire Axe Review

The Empire Axe has a well-known and well-respected place in the paintball community. And that place is well-earned. With you buy this marker, you get quite a bit. You get a quick start guide, an owners manual, a parts kits, the barrel and a barrel sleeve. The parts kits contain o-rings, screws, detents, and lube.

The Axe is a testament to how much paintball marker technology has evolved over the years. Ten years ago you would have to pay 3-4 times the price of the Axe to get this same quality. You now have an excellent marker that has proven itself in professional play. The best part is that you get all this at a reasonable price.

 

Company and History

The Axe is Empire’s answer to the issues reported with their earlier model; the Mini. There were feeding problems, feed neck problems, and chopping issues, just to name a few issues. Also, the design of the mini was just as the name implies. It was compact which was reportedly uncomfortable to use for long periods of time.

The fact that Empire, as a company, listens to their customers sets them apart from other manufacturers. Customers of Empire know their voice has power and this has resulted in a very loyal following. Empire heard all the complaints of the Mini. They then took these considerations to the design floor, and made the Axe.

Design

The threads of the barrel are Autococker threads instead of the Tippmann A5 threads. There is a lot of “discussion” on the paintball forums about which is better. We want you to be aware that you will not be able to use A5-threaded barrels with this marker.  This way you will be able to find the best barrel that is compatible with the Axe.

Similar to the Tippmann Crossover the Empire Axe has the regulator built into the ASA. This assembly feeds into the marker via an internal gas line (air transfer tube). The benefits here are the same as all interior gas line systems. Namely, you don’t have to worry about a leaking or damaged macro line while playing. The downside is that to service the tube it requires taking the grip panel apart.

The bolt is possible to remove without tools which are not exceptional by today’s standards. But there are two noteworthy design features. First, a spring-loaded button located on the back and underside of the bolt chamber holds the bolt held in place. This button makes the bolt even easier to access on the Axe than most tool-less bolt systems. There is far less twisting required. Also, the spring then has to go through a bit of a maze. You have to physically twist the bolt back and forth before you can remove it. Both of these design features ensure secure placement of the bolt without making it a fight to access when needed.

The foregrip is comfortable and spacious. However, the materials used to make the foregrip could have been better. This material feels like a hard plastic and when covered in either paint or sweat can get a little slippery. We recommend modifying this with some grip material.

The feed neck on the Axe, while a clamping feed neck which is the best kind, only has the clamp to make a secure fit. In other markers, there are additional options such as a bolt to tighten as well as the clamp. This configuration results in a somewhat insecure fit even when an attached hopper. And the clamp just flops around when you don’t have the hopper attached.

The eyes of the Emprie Axe connect to the board via connector plates instead of wires that complete the circuit to the rest of the marker. A design feature like this makes one big difference. If you need or want to take the bolt chamber off of the marker then you do not need to unplug any eye wires to do so. This reduces the risk of damaging them.

The stock barrel that comes with the marker is 12 inches. This length is about 2 inches shorter than what most professionals recommend using. It is not imperative to the function of the marker that you get a 14-inch barrel. However, it would maximize your marker’s performance.

 

An Illustration of a Paintball Gun - With Text ASA / Regulator

ASA/Regulator

There is an updated ASA with on/off capability, but the system still can use some improvements. The lever is not very sturdy, and if you flip it too fast or too hard, you could bend or break it.

The gauge on the side of the ASA can also be a source of contention for some. It sticks out of the side of the ASA which just adds bulk to the side of the grip panel. You would want something that follows the line of the marker. Adding this to the side means you might hit it with your hand when trying to access the on/off switch. This could also happen even in general use. Some players like it and some don’t.

Lastly, you should note that the regulator of the Axe is not a self-serviceable part. This means that if you take apart your regulator you void your warranty. For some players, this is severely irritating. Why? Most of us enjoy making such tweaks to suit our liking. We don’t appreciate either not being able to enjoy their marker or voiding our warranty entirely. If you are not the type of player, who makes internal adjustments to your regulator then don’t worry. It is unlikely that this regulator will ever malfunction.

Bolt Chamber

One of the updates to the Axe from the lessons learned with the Mini is that Empire enlarged the back of the bolt chamber. The reason for this is that the change made it easier for a larger volume of air to pass through the market. The increased airflow made its operation much more comfortable and smooth.

However, there were two problems that resulted from this.

  1. Users have reported that the poppet o-ring on the bolt tends to dry out very quickly with the extra airflow. Make sure that you take great care in keeping all your o-rings well-lubricated. You want to focus especially on this one.
  2. The larger volume of air also has resulted in lower air efficiency. Some users claim to be able to shoot one or two additional pods more with other markers with the same air tank.

Trigger

The stock trigger that comes with this marker is where the Empire Axe truly shines. It is a 3-point adjustable, four position magnetic-return trigger.

What does all that mean?

It means you can adjust the trigger to whichever firing signature you prefer. If you do not already have a preferred firing signature, then you’re in for a treat. This marker has a wide variety of options to play around with. By tinkering around a little, you can determine your preferred firing signature.

The magnetic-return functionality of this trigger gives you consistent pressure against your finger. You will feel this pressure whether you are depressing the trigger to fire or release the trigger to reset. With spring-return triggers, you can sometimes get slop followed by stiffness in a trigger. That makes it difficult to know when it will break. Magnetic-return triggers make it easier to predict when your trigger will break. These are therefore better for distance.

 

A Graphic of a Paintball Splattered Inside the Bullseye of Crosshair

Performance

As mentioned before, the Axe has a firm reputation in the field. In fact, it is not uncommon to see these markers in professional tournaments. Professionals use it against considerably more expensive paintball guns.

The Axe operates at a low 200 PSI with a regulator. The PSI is so consistent that it would be unusual to experience more than a 10 PSI variance between shots.

While one of the weaknesses of the marker is that it is not very air efficient it is very reliable. Many reports being able to fire thousands of paintballs without a single malfunction. They do this even when switching between firing modes.

Essentially, once you set this marker at the recommended 200 PSI, leave it there, and fire to your heart’s content.

Summary

There are few negative things to say about the Axe. If there are negatives they don’t impact anything significant about its operation. Empire listened to its customers, put effort into redesigning the Axe and made a reliable marker that the professionals trust.

Pick up the Axe and feel the difference between what a company thinks you want in your hands and what a company knows you want in your hands.

Image