Sniping Pump Vs Automag

[masterblaster]

I am thinking of building a sniper rifle for a scenerio
Are Pump guns really that more accurate?
Should I just buy a 14" Bbl for my minimag or look into a phantom or sheridan

Thanks
Gary

[56kSomeGuy]

I think that that they are around the same in accuracy. I suggest that you get an armson barrel to make it shoot more accurate.

[billmi]

Because the early semi-autos, like the SMG-60, and the PMI-III had large heavy hammers that shook them, and or rather inconsistent valves (especially the SMG-60) at a time when there were well refined pump paintguns, a myth developed that pumps where inherently more accurate than semis. The reality was that there were pumps built at that time that were more accurate than the semis built at that time. Semis have been highly refined since then but the reputation lingers on.

See you on the field,
-Bill Mills

[HoppysMag]

from what i hear VM68's are good sniper guns when set up right... Check EBAY you might be able to just buy a sniper setup.

[Aliens-8-MyDad]

i thought m98's with flatlines were sniper guns... oh well.

[TylerDurden]

The flatline system is weird. When it shoots a ball its like the ball is hovering coming towards you. If your looking for the ball, you can easily dodge it. Also, Tippmann 98's are kind of loud.

[tysonmachado]

I'd stick with the minimag, unless you think you'll like the challenge of playing pump. The benefit of sticking to the mag is if you are spotted or surrounded you still have that semi-auto rate of fire to back you up. Sure you can auto-trigger a phantom but that's definitely less accurate than a semi!
If you are currently running a drop forward or vertical bottle you might want to consider switching to a back bottle or remote set up while playing sniper style. It might make your minimag easier to aim while lying down or crawling.

[Trunnion]

if you're lookin for a sniper weapon, the mag is a good choice. get a long heavily ported barrel(i have an 18" boomie that works wel), so it'll be very quiet. the less sound the gun makes, the harder it is to pinpoint the shooter's location. match good paint to it and you're set. if you're lookin to go a little further than that, you might want to get a dot sight or something, but i don't think they're really neccesary. make sure you camoflague yourself pretty well. regular camo is good, but a duck blind or some 3d camo would enhance your ability to hide

[ThePatriot]

Originally posted by 56kSomeGuy
I think that that they are around the same in accuracy. I suggest that you get an armson barrel to make it shoot more accurate.

If you are referring to the rifling in some armson barrels, you are way behind the times man...it has been proven time and time again that the rifling doesnt do anything but make the ball curve more.

[krafty]

My old (and completely stock) Tippmann SL68-II is a very accurate pump, but no more so than my minimag. Accuracy comes as much from learning how the gun shoots as from how it's built. I know it's range, and how to aim at people at different distances, so it appears as though the gun is very accurate when I get the first shot on target... but I think that's a credit to my practice with it more than the gun itself.

It is a great feeling, all that being said, when you can nail someone with $2000 worth of gear with a gun I bought used for $60.

[sajohnston]

My 2 Cents

Are pumps more accurate than a QUALITY Semi- No. Are they a viable "sniper" platform for scenario games- YES.

I maintain a Phantom pump I bought in 1990 partly for this reason. They are quieter (less gas expelled with each shot and fire from a closed bolt(smooth barrel of the phantom can accept a silencer easily), and much more gas efficient=smaller tank (a 12gr will often do). My "sniper" setup includes a stock phantom, 9oz CO2, and silencer. Throw in a homemade gullie suit and a good low-crawl and you can wreak havoc in scenario games!

[billmi]

Having played in quite a few scenario games, and having played on the same team with Carson "Squeegie" Jenkins, one of the most noted authors of articles about sniping tactics in paintball, I disagree with pumps being so adventageous.

Yes, their lower noise signature can help, but you can get an Angel or Matrix rather quiet, and being semi-auto you can deliver follow up shots (to hit other players or deal with the first shot missing or bouncing) without having to disturb your sight picture by pumping, or make the pumping movement which can help to give away your location if you're dug in with a ghillie.

See you on the field,
-Bill Mills

[sajohnston]

As always good points bill. I feel the pump forces me to pick my shots and then lay still until the time is right for another. I tend to get greedy with a semi, less so with a pump. Sniper tactics only work with a very quiet gun and best at night. Otherwise they will be all over you in a matter of time. I mainly enjoy the light weight and ease of sighting with my Phantom- a phantom stock class gives a smooth top surface to sight over, the only other thing that comes close is a Sheridan KP or a warp (too bulky).

[Fred]

I like my pump...

But I will say, I don't play "the sniper" with my Phantom, i usually play fast, furious, and lead! Sure it's quiet, efficient, and people think it's some sort of Mag sometimes, but it's much more fun to see peoples reactions when they get bunkered, or gogged, with 1 shot.

I'd have to say my little brothers M98 would be a much better sniping tool, it can be made quiet, has a virtually infinite upgrade path, and is probably the most durable marker on the market for the money at this moment. A Ghillie suit will only hide you for so long...