Gun Choices...

[Dark Storm]

Didn't quite know where to put this so i figured this was a good area :D
I've been looking at these two snipers sniper:):
Us Army Project Salvo Sidewinder Sniper (http://www.rap4.com/paintball/os/us-army-project-salvo-sidewinder-sniper-kit-with-marker-package)
BT TM7 Sniper (http://www.rap4.com/paintball/os/bt-tm7-sniper-paintball-gun-package)

and I'd like some feedback on a few things.
1. Which is flat out better?
2. Which is better for the price?
3. I've never had a gun from either company so which is more reliable?
4. Are there any other snipers that are better/ worth looking at? (rap4.com only please, discounts for sponsor :D)
Thanks for your time!
/Storm out :character0095:

[C4 Explosives]

My 2 cents, of the two, go for the Salvo. The TM7 is built around Mini internals, translating to woodsball it's a sub-machine gun. Are you looking for a marker to "snipe" with, 1-3 shot kills? Are you looking for something that looks like a sniper rifle for milsim purposes or are you really wanting to play as a sniper, aka ambusher?

Scopes in paintball are useless, unless you're on point and using it to spot targets, then it has value. If you want a scope for this purpose i'd recommend an offset ("L") weaver rail so that you can use iron sights/red dot and survey with the scope on the side when needed. You'd be far better off with a red dot sight for shooting. If you want to run remote line then the stock is a decent alternative, if not, then these stocks will only be in your way. Stocks also kind of suck to use while wearing a mask, consider shouldering either of those, trying to sight through a magnified scope, with a mask on, doesn't always work.

So, unless it's all about looks for milsim purposes I wouldn't go with either of these, i'd get a really reliable woodsball marker and use your discount for RAP4 accessories that enhance its ability like a quiet barrel, red dot sight, maybe a stock, or accessory rails, which RAP4 has lots of nice options, build it yourself!

Reason I say this is that while their package deals look cool, and i've bought them before, I end up stripping half the stuff off anyways.

Also, the Salvo is a tippmann design I believe. I might be biased, but I believe that the Tippmann Pro-Carbine is an awesome platform to build a sniper marker around sniper:)

[Dark Storm]

Wow thanks for the input, i really appreciate it! I'll probably take your advise on that. (Other still feel free to still post I always like multiple take on thus stuff)

[AKA]

I see that you have playing for a few years now, and must have played a few styles of play by now. You should be able to see the differances in each of the styles of play and what your marker now is or might be missing for each need. If your looking for just the right marker for the style of sniper then you should be looking at a stripped down un-complicated heavy duty marker. One that would allow you easy movement through the thick brush either crawling or kneeling. One that would withstand the banging up against the trees and rocks your usually hiding in or around. Add ons such as scopes, red dots, magizines, shrouds, remotes, slings, etc. are a sure way to snag you up and take your mind off of what your doing. A tight little marker with a small air tank attached, with a offset hopper is what you should be looking for. You can keep it cheap and easy to use, and will allow you to play the sniper, and not be sniped because your marker hung you up.;)
I did'nt see anything on BT's sight that resembles what I'm talking about, but if I were to choose one I could play all styles of play in the woods or urban I'd say the BT Elite. The price seems right, just in case I found that perfect Sniper marker one day.;)/AKA

[MondoMor]

The best way to snipe is to buy top-quality paint and practice snap-shooting (popping out from cover, taking an accurate shot or two and popping back in). This is what pump players do.

Many people have done testing over the years and found that long barrels and "rifling" do nothing to improve accuracy. They don't shoot any farther, either. Get a quality 12-14" smoothbore barrel that you like and it'll be just as good as any other.

If you want some extra distance, get an Apex tip for your barrel. It adds some backspin (you can adjust how much) which flattens out the trajectory and gives you a little more distance. Unfortunately balls don't have quite as much energy at extended distances, so they're less likely to break. It's great for surprising people and keeping heads down so teammates can move up. You can switch it off if you don't want the effect.


Above all, get and shoot what you like. It's a game and it's all about having fun.

I own a TM-7. It looks cool and shoots nicely, but is more difficult to maintain properly than the Salvo or similar Tippmann gun. I like the built-in stock.

[C4 Explosives]

For sniping the First Strike rounds and markers look pretty good so far, Kylester925 has posted some great vids about range testing. Only thing there is expensive rounds and I don't know how many field paint only fields will be selling it early on, but the range/accuracy is impressive. Only marker I've seen where you really benefit from a scope for aiming.

[Krutsie]

Is that you storm?(rap4 sponsored gave me a red flag,LOL) Do what I do. get on craigs list and pick up a couple tippman 98's . keep looking for accessories(ops gear or Rap4)on ebay,craigslist,or even straight from the company. I have a 98 g36 and a 98 m82a1 all made for little of nothing,but very dependable. Out of the two markers you expressed interest in. TM7 all the way man. I used Kyle's tm7 at the HTFC 2008. loved it!

[Krutsie]

For sniping the First Strike rounds and markers look pretty good so far, Kylester925 has posted some great vids about range testing. Only thing there is expensive rounds and I don't know how many field paint only fields will be selling it early on, but the range/accuracy is impressive. Only marker I've seen where you really benefit from a scope for aiming.


first strike rounds tend to drop down and to the left after 250 ft. LMAO. gotta watch his video to get it.
http://www.minnesotascenariopaintball.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1609

[Ravenwood]

first strike rounds tend to drop down and to the left after 250 ft. LMAO. gotta watch his video to get it.
http://www.minnesotascenariopaintball.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1609

I still say it had more to do with the guy aiming if you ask me lol :p

[Dark Storm]

Is that you storm?(rap4 sponsored gave me a red flag,LOL) Do what I do. get on craigs list and pick up a couple tippman 98's . keep looking for accessories(ops gear or Rap4)on ebay,craigslist,or even straight from the company. I have a 98 g36 and a 98 m82a1 all made for little of nothing,but very dependable. Out of the two markers you expressed interest in. TM7 all the way man. I used Kyle's tm7 at the HTFC 2008. loved it!

yea sorry bout that I made this account before i decided on a call sign so they turned out to not be that same lol. I looked at those first strike rounds and they look great but you need a gun conversion kit or a T4 marker to even shoot them because of their build with the fins

[cutstep]

get the tm-7...... you are crazy if you get the other one....

if you want to snipe with it thats fine but if you change your mind the tm-7 works in either capacity and pretty darm good when you really need to get the job done with 60 balls (for me thats all the time ;))

[prodigy]

Only thing i have to say if u want to "SNIPE" ur gonna want a consistancy!!!

in saying that take the TM7 over the Salvo simply because it is Regulated pressure which amounts to simmular FPS over the chrono which means that the marker will not jump around like a Tippmann will.

Also because Salvo has a 140gram block of pure kick behind it which moves before the bolt reaches a far enough point to release the air it is going to be very inconsistant!!!

As for quietness also go with the TM7. it is an ENclosedbolt so alot quieter than the Salvo. Barrel has less to do with the sound than the marker it self does.

I agree with C4 scopes are worthless because you can only site a scope in to hit one point and distance. In paintball because the shots have ark(duh) the scope will not help you unless you plan on only takeing shots from a mesured distance. NO SCOPES just get the feel of where the marker is goning to put the ball. it is going to be faster and in the end a better choice.

Also dont get an APEX! it does shoot farther but it is inconsistant. by that i mean the shot cluster will be wider (less accurate) than many other barrels. If you want to go full out get a Redz pepper stick kit. they have amazing 8inch backs longer than any other. Along with that they are quiet.

Take the TM7, Raise the Dewell (if possable, it helps consistancy and you dont need it high for low rates of fire), set up cans in ur back yard, take a shot and every time shake the marker so you get used to first shot accuracy not ajusting ball on ball.

I have shot both markers and i would go with the TM7 any day that ends in "Y",

[Stretch]

Not to bust your chops but the TM7 has an ENCLOSED bolt not a closed bolt. Also lowering your dwell will not help consistency.

[prodigy]

Enclosed is basicly the same thing
and as for dwell it does a little because it has more time to punch the full blast of air to the paintball.

this was taken from the TechT shop:
** NOTE: The lower you set your dwell the more gas efficient the gun will be, but it will also be more inconsistent. The higher it is, the more gas it will use, but you will see better accuracy and consistency. It’s up to you to find the balance that you like most.

If the consistency is good during the game (accuracy), after the game, lower their dwell by one flash. Then go play another game.... see if the change in dwell noticeably negatively affected the consistency (accuracy). If not, lower the dwell again by 1 after that game. Continue to lower and test until you notice a loss of consistency at low and high rates of fire.
Also taken from the TechT bolt instlation site

This may be refrencing only one company but these guys have been teching, tinkering, and timing markers for years.

[Stretch]

Closed bolt and enclosed bolt are not even close to being the same. An enclosed bolt only means that the bolt is fully enclosed by the marker body, DM"s for example. Vs an exposed bolt like an ego. Closed bolt means the markers bolt rests in the forward position, examples are Cockers and Vikings. Also the reference you just posted said exactly what I said. UPPING your dwell will improve CONSISTENCY while lowering your dwell will improve EFFICIENCY.

[prodigy]

ok well ill go back and edit. little mistyping. and i do know the difference it may just come out wrong when so much is typed.

[Stretch]

I wouldn't worry about it man. I just didn't want the OP to get bad info. Btw, personally I think that getting the TM7 over a Salvo is a no brainer. Although I'm sure some people on here would disagree. In the end it's only personal preference that matters.

[Krutsie]

this is kylester925's review of the tm7. This video was my debue. I ran the camera when jude was firing and running. Fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBFKGgDbznI

[Hydrohawk]

What about the TM-15? It's essentially a long rifle version of the TM-7 and supposedly some of the known issues with the TM-7 (mainly the trigger and selector switch), have been improved. Granting it's a bit more than the TM-7, but it's still under $500.

[novo53532]

http://www.sakworldpaintball.com/tit9rastpari.html

[Dark Storm]

novo53532 that is quite the deal you found there, i am seriously tempted to go for it. I wish it was on rap4 though, that'd be nice.