Paintball is not only a fun game, it also brings out the competitive spirit in players and pushes them to win the game for their team.
While paintball gear is a vital part of the game, there is one item that is not compulsory yet we see many professional players with this item taking control of the game to lead their team to a win. What are we talking about?
It’s the paintball sniper rifle. You probably all know that a sniper is not just any gun. A paintball marker or gun is something every paintball player has. However, a sniper is owned and used by professionals with perfect marksmanship. They like to sit back, plan a thorough strategy, and pick out players from the opposite teams without moving from their hiding place.
A sniper is a powerful gun. It has a longer range and high accuracy. It also comes with options for customization. A paintball sniper rifle is quite similar to a real one in its appearance.
You do have the choice of converting your gun into a sniper or directly buying a sniper kit with all the attachments. Depending on the brand and your budget, you can choose a model that offers basic customization, or pick a high-end model with mock silencers and scopes.
This, again, raises the question of what the best paintball sniper rifle would be and how you should pick the one that will best suit your game. As always, we are ready with the required details to help you gather more information about the top five paintball sniper rifles on the market and the factors to consider when buying one.
Let’s start reading more about these powerful guns without delay, shall we?
Table of Contents
- 1 In A Hurry? Here's Our Choice!
- 2 Table of Contents
- 3 Quick Comparison Table!
- 4 The Best Paintball Sniper Rifles For The Money
- 5 #1 Empire Paintball Sniper Pump Marker - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- 6 #2 Tippmann U.S. Army Project Salvo .68 Caliber Paintball - Best Budget-Friendly Model
- 7 #3 Tippmann US Army Alpha Black Tactical Paintball Marker Gun Sniper Set - Best Paintball Kit for Beginners
- 8 #4 Spyder MR100 Pro Paintball Marker Gun 3Skull Sniper Set - Best Versatile Paintball Marker
- 9 #5 Tiberius Arms First Strike FS T15 - Best for its Appearance
- 10 Buying Guide for the Best Paintball Sniper Rifles
In A Hurry? Here's Our Choice!
If you still haven’t decided which sniper rifle to buy, we would recommend the Empire Paintball Sniper Pump Marker with its classic pump system and noiseless mechanism.
We already know about the features and benefits of this model in detail and recognize that it is a great sniper rifle for professional paintball players who play in mid-range fields.
With its smooth action, good accuracy, sturdy build, and durable construction, the Empire Paintball Sniper Pump Marker is worth the price.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table!
The Best Paintball Sniper Rifles For The Money
#1 Empire Paintball Sniper Pump Marker - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The first paintball sniper on our list is from none other than Empire. This brand has gained much fame in the marketplace for manufacturing some of the best paintball gear. As the name suggests, this is a pump model (an old-fashioned one preferred by some professional players). It is reliable, feels comfortable in the hands, and delivers great performance. Since the sniper is promoted as a tournament marker, we understand that it is a model for professionals rather than beginners. Let’s look at the features in detail, shall we?
Features & Benefits
Design
Did you know that the design of this sniper dates back to 1986? A classic, isn’t it? Of course, you don’t have to worry that this is an old model. It has been redesigned to include modern features such as an auto-trigger.
The pump-style snipers have been designed for accuracy in the short and medium ranges. This model has the same shooting range. If you want a sniper with a long range, this isn’t the one for you. However, despite its low-pressure system, this sniper can generate enough power to hit the target bang on (within its range).
Key features
- The sniper is easy to use straight out of the box. You don’t need to assemble it or add any attachments to start using it.
- The sniper comes with a 14-inch aluminum barrel and three inserts.
- It can hold up to ten paintballs in the feed.
- The grip has been designed for comfort so that you can hold the sniper for long hours without feeling any discomfort.
- The firing rate is as good as the semi-automatic models. The sniper has a range of 50 feet.
- It hardly makes any noise, so that’s another advantage.
- Though disassembly of the sniper is not easy, it is not impossible either. You don’t need to take a lot of care about this model. Normal cleaning will be enough.
- One thing we love about this sniper is that it can sustain rough usage without any problems It doesn’t malfunction or jam when you don’t handle it with optimum care.
Pros
- Doesn’t make much noise
- Smooth action with little recoil
- Great for close and medium-range combat
- Comes with an auto-trigger function
Cons
- Not beginner-friendly
- Not long range
#2 Tippmann U.S. Army Project Salvo .68 Caliber Paintball - Best Budget-Friendly Model
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Who wouldn’t want an affordable sniper that any paintball player could use? Tippmann has manufactured various snipers and markers to different specifications. The U.S. Army Project Salvo is a model that has enough to offer to most players, even though it is not a high-end version or the best sniper on the market, and that makes it famous among paintball players. Shall we read more about this sniper?
Features & Benefits
Design
This 0.68 caliber sniper has been styled to replicate the AR-15 rifle. One look at it, and you can’t help but think of a super military sniper. It comes with an aluminum die-cast 11-inch quick thread barrel. The gas line is made using stainless steel and is rust-resistant. It is durable, sturdy, and solid in construction.
However, the magazine is made of plastic and can break if you are too rough with this sniper. That said, a beginner or intermediate player will not have to worry too much. The sniper will not malfunction or break unless the user goes really wrong.
Key features
- The sniper has a six-position collapsible function. You can fold and stuff it into a small kit. The magazine acts as a toolkit.
- A Picatinny rail is fit into the sniper’s receiver. This gives it a nice flat-design so that you can easily customize the sniper and add other items such as a scope or a handle.
- You can make as many changes as you want to this model. In fact, you can even use the upgrades that come with Tippmann’s 98 Custom Platinum series and use them with this sniper.
- You can use a cyclone feeding system or attach a response trigger.
- There is a quick-release feeder elbow that makes it easy to clean the rifle. Of course, it doesn’t need much in terms of maintenance. Occasional cleaning will be enough.
- It’s a bit heavy, but then we can’t have everything for a pocket-friendly prices, can we?
Pros
- Suitable for players with various skills
- Budget-friendly
- Low maintenance
- Stock is collapsible and foldable
Cons
- Plastic magazine
- On the heavy side
#3 Tippmann US Army Alpha Black Tactical Paintball Marker Gun Sniper Set - Best Paintball Kit for Beginners
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
We are back to Tippmann again, but this time we are talking about an entire paintball kit rather than just the sniper rifle. This kit contains an M16 style sniper rifle, a hopper with a capacity of 200 paintballs, a 20oz aluminum CO2 tank, a 6+1 harness with tubes, Genx XVSN paintball goggles, gun oil, and remote coil. The company also offers a two-year limited warranty on the marker. Isn’t that great? Let’s find out more about this rifle.
Features & Benefits
Design
The rifle has been designed to resemble another military sniper, the M16. It comes with a collapsible stock with six different positions. The weight of the sniper is not too heavy and can be easily used by a beginner.
The sniper has an 11-inch barrel and a removable magazine. This magazine can be used as a toolkit as well. Made of aluminum body and stainless steel gas line, the sniper rifle is quite durable and sturdy.
Key Features
- The sniper rifle is accurate and offers good speed. It doesn’t waste paintballs though it does jam once in a while. That shouldn’t worry you much, though. The jamming is easy to rectify.
- The CO2 canister that comes in the kit is big and might make it difficult if you want an extended stock. Switch over to a smaller canister to avoid this.
- The quick-release feeder elbow works great. The rifle doesn’t have a cyclone loader system, but you can add it.
- This sniper can be easily customized to include additional fittings.
- Cleaning and maintaining the rifle is also easy. Use the gun oil that comes with the kit.
- This is truly a beginner-friendly model. You can hone your paintball skills using this kit and then move on to more sophisticated, expensive models.
Pros
- Complete paintball kit
- Sniper can be customized
- Pocket-friendly price
- Not heavy
Cons
- Tends to jam once in a while
#4 Spyder MR100 Pro Paintball Marker Gun 3Skull Sniper Set - Best Versatile Paintball Marker
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
We have got a second paintball kit on our list. This set includes an MR100 styled sniper rifle, a 20oz CO2 tank (empty, of course), transparent tubes, a hopper, 6+1 deluxe harness, 140 heavy-duty paintballs, a car shoulder strap, and a paintball mask with an anti-fog lens. The rifle is a versatile model that is best suited for beginners and intermediate players. It is a durable and reliable sniper with good accuracy up to 100 yards. Let’s check out a few more details about the Spyder MR100.
Features & Benefits
Design
The classic design is one of the biggest attractions of this model. Who wouldn’t want to hold something this beautiful? The black matte finish gives it a distinct charm, and Spyder’s Eko Evolve Valve system ensures that the sniper is worthy of the praise it gets.
This rifle delivers wonderful results in large paintball fields. Another advantage of this rifle is that it can be used without any upgrades or customization. You don’t need to spend more money on it.
Key features
- It has an adjustable rear stock, a comfortable rubber-coated grip, and an aluminum foregrip for optimum accuracy and control.
- The set also includes 10z of gold cup oil. Use this to keep the sniper in pristine condition and fire the best shots.
- The sniper has a central feed system. This means that the hopper is right on the top of the rifle rather than on the side. Not everyone likes this style, though it has its advantages.
- You can either fire single shots or a rapid burst of paintballs. Just change the setting using a switch on the side.
- The rifle has an anti-double feed system. This ensures that there is only one paintball in the feed. This will prevent the sniper from jamming.
Pros
- Can be used with both CO2 and HPA tanks
- Lightweight
- Comes with a durable polymer clamping feed neck
- Kit includes adjustable car shoulder strap
Cons
- CO2 leaks at times if you fire too fast
- Not everyone likes a centered feed system
#5 Tiberius Arms First Strike FS T15 - Best for its Appearance
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The last sniper rifle on our list is the FS T15, a replica of an AR-15 in more ways than one. In fact, it even has a charging handle that makes it look very much like the real sniper rifle. Apart from its good looks, this sniper rifle delivers good performance and can be used by beginners and intermediate players.
Features & Benefits
Design
The rifle is a lightweight model made using aluminum. It is still durable, though. The company sends the sniper in a box with custom-cut foam to cushion the rifle, two magazines, and a few tools needed to keep the sniper rifle in working condition.
However, the rifle cannot be used directly without a few upgrades. You might have to send it to the company for some additional fittings. Players who use this model say that the company has friendly customer service and that it is always willing to work with them and provide the customization they need.
Key features
- The sniper rifle has a few plastic parts but still seems to be quite sturdy.
- The magazine can carry up to 20 paintballs of the regular size or 19 of the First Strike projectile rounds. This is, indeed, an advantage.
- There is a small adapter that lets you switch from the magazine feed to the hopper’s feed in an instant. You twist the adapter located at the end of the barrel.
- Though you cannot use a CO2 tank with this model, you can use the integrated 13/3000 HPA tank.
- The rifle also has an aluminum handguard with numerous 7/8” rails for you to attach upgrades or other fixtures to it without much effort.
- One tip we give is to retain the box in which the company sends you the rifle. You can easily cut the foam and store the sniper rifle safely inside it.
Pros
- Lightweight yet durable
- Magazine can hold 20 paintballs at a time
- Customize as much as you want
- Comes with a 14-inch aluminum barrel
Cons
- Need to regularly upgrade the rifle for better performance
- Needs periodic investment
Buying Guide for the Best Paintball Sniper Rifles
Now that we’ve seen some of the best paintball sniper rifles on the market, it’s time to understand how various factors will influence our buying decision. There are no hard and fast rules. A sniper that is perfect for a professional may not be the right choice for a beginner, and vice versa. When you read the factors to consider before buying a paintball sniper below, you should look at them from your point of view, and pick the right one for your game.
Factors to consider when buying the best paintball sniper rifles
Game frequency
The first point to consider is the frequency of your game. How does this have any relevance to your choice of paintball sniper? We’ll explain. If you are a non-regular player and don’t join a paintball game more than two or three times a year, do you think it is wise to invest around $150- $300 on just a sniper rifle?
And would it not get old as the months pass by? New versions will be released periodically, and you will have to make do with an outdated paintball sniper because you invested too much money on it. A high-end sniper rifle is of no use if you don’t play paintball at least once a month or more.
Paintball game style
Paintball isn’t just about a group of people shooting paint at each other. The tournaments have other rules. Some paintball games have speedball field settings. Some have scenario-based, where you role-play a certain character. Some have a military setting (recreating a war-like scene on the field). A paintball sniper rifle is useful in the second and third settings (and even for a forest setting) but not in the first one. For a speedball setting, you need a super-fast marker rather than a sniper.
Not only that, but your individual playing style also matters. If you prefer to be constantly in action, moving from one place to another on the field, a sniper would not be the best choice for you. You need something easier to carry and shoot on the go. Alternatively, you can choose a sniper with a shorter barrel.
A long-barreled sniper rifle is best when you are comfortably hiding or have camouflaged yourself and are waiting for opponents to come into your line of vision.
Skill level
You will have understood by now that a paintball sniper rifle wouldn’t be of much use if you are not a good shot or are still at the beginning stages of the game. Snipers are used by professionals who can shot accurately across a wide field. However, to hone your skills and become a better paintball player, you can buy entry-level models or guns that can be converted to snipers.
Game location
How does the location or area of the tournament affect your decision about buying a paintball sniper? It doesn’t, directly. Still, you should know that not all paintball tournaments allow you to use your own guns and snipers during the game. This is done to create a level-playing field for all participants. Also, not all fields offer free air refills.
If you usually play on walk-in days, you can happily use your own paintball gun. The organizers also tend to offer free air refills on such days. That’s a definite plus.
You also need to look up the rules and regulations applied for a tournament. There are restrictions on the type of guns and snipers a player can use during certain games.
Sniper feed type
There are two types of feed for a paintball sniper, namely centered and offset. If you are a beginner, this shouldn’t make much difference to you.
A centered feed will let you fix the hopper in the center of the sniper. This will allow you to use the rifle with either hand and you can also tilt the sniper to the sides as you aim and shoot.
An offset feed is usually located on the right side, where you fit the hopper. This makes it easy to take an aim through the center of the gun and fire your shot. This model is preferred by many players, but it doesn’t help much if you have to shoot over an obstacle.
This is essentially a personal choice. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages.
Requirement for other markers or guns
A paintball sniper rifle is not the only item you will need to buy if you are new to the game. A professional would already have most of the gear and need to invest in the high-end models.
You will need a tank, hopper, scope, and more such items to use the sniper rifle. And you will also have to buy paintball gear (goggles/ mask, barrel, jacket, pants, etc.) to take part in the game. You will have to pick a sniper rifle depending on what other gear you have to purchase.
Budget
Obviously, your budget is an imperative factor to consider as paintball sniper rifles are expensive. That said, an expensive model can be upgraded and used for a longer time compared to an entry-level model that may or may not work after the warranty period is over.
You don’t have to go beyond your budget to buy a sniper if you are a beginner. You can practice using cheaper models and then invest in an expensive one to show off your marksmanship when you are ready.
Used vs. new
Paintball sniper rifles (and the rest of the gear) can be purchased second hand or even rented for the game. While those who play once or twice a year like to rent equipment, players with a limited budget tend to buy second-hand gear.
But the biggest disadvantage of buying a used sniper is that there is no guarantee of its performance. A less expensive, brand new sniper rifle would be a better investment.
Repairing
It’s natural for paintball snipers to take a hit during the game. As such, the snipers don’t have a long life span, no matter how durable they are. If you are a professional player, you will find it easy to buy a gun compatible with attachments manufactured by other brands. This makes a sniper rifle more customizable and easy to use.
You should also check the ease of disassembling and cleaning the sniper rifle. Maintaining it on your own will save you money. And if you can even replace the damaged spare parts with new ones, well, you’d save a few more bucks. Taking a sniper rifle to a repair/ service center can be a costly affair.
