Compare the Empire Sniper and Valken M17 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 Sniper | Valken M17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Tier | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
| Typical Price | $400-460 | $280-360 |
| Operation | Pump (Autococker-platform) | Mechanical inline |
| Firing Modes | pump | semi-auto |
| Caliber | .68 | .68 |
| Feed | Vertical feed | Magazine |
| Air | HPA/CO2 | HPA |
| Operating Pressure | ~250-300 psi | ~250 psi |
| Weight | 2.2 lb | 3.4 lb |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate |
The Empire Sniper and Valken M17 are both mid-range paintball guns, so the choice comes down to how each one fits your game rather than how much you spend. On price, the Valken M17 runs roughly $120 less, so budget-first buyers will lean its way. Players who want less upkeep should look at the Empire Sniper, which rates low on maintenance and asks less of you between games. For a higher rate of fire and tournament-style play, the Valken M17 pulls ahead with its electronic firing modes, while the Empire Sniper keeps things simpler and more rugged. At 2.2 lb the Empire Sniper is the easier carry over a long day on the field. The Empire Sniper is built with pump players and woodsball in mind. Bottom line: pick the Valken M17 for a tight budget, or the Empire Sniper for all-day comfort.