Compare the Empire BT D*Fender and Proto Rail (PMR) side by side: price, specs, firing modes, weight, and maintenance — and see which paintball gun is the better buy for your style of play.
| Empire BT D*Fender | Proto Rail (PMR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Tier | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
| Typical Price | $120-220 (used) | $120-240 (used) |
| Operation | Mechanical inline blowback | Electropneumatic spool |
| Firing Modes | semi-auto | semi-auto, ramping |
| Caliber | .68 | .68 |
| Feed | Dual-feed (magazine + hopper) | Force-fed |
| Air | HPA/CO2 | HPA |
| Operating Pressure | ~250 psi | ~150 psi |
| Weight | 3.4 lb | 2 lb |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate |
The Empire BT D*Fender and Proto Rail (PMR) are both mid-range paintball guns, so the choice comes down to how each one fits your game rather than how much you spend. The two land close enough on price that cost alone is unlikely to settle it. Players who want less upkeep should look at the Empire BT D*Fender, which rates low on maintenance and asks less of you between games. Both fire electronically, but the Proto Rail (PMR) offers more firing modes for dialing in your rate of fire. At 2 lb the Proto Rail (PMR) is the easier carry over a long day on the field. The Empire BT D*Fender is built with budget magfed and scenario in mind. Bottom line: pick the Empire BT D*Fender for easy maintenance and newer players, or the Proto Rail (PMR) for all-day comfort.