A dual-feed milsim gun from Empire's Battle Tested line, common secondhand for budget magfed scenario play.
Technical Specifications
Operation
Mechanical inline blowback
Firing Modes
semi-auto
Caliber
.68
Feed System
Dual-feed (magazine + hopper)
Air Source
HPA/CO2
Operating Pressure
~250 psi
Weight (unloaded)
3.4 lbs
Street Price
$120-220 (used)
Maintenance
Low
Notable features: Dual feed, Milsim furniture, Rail system
Pros & Cons
Pros
Dual feed flexibility
Durable
Cheap used
Cons
Discontinued
Heavier
Best for: Budget magfed, Scenario, Woodsball
Setup & First-Day Tuning Guide
Function-Test Magazines Dry — Seat each magazine in the Empire BT D*Fender until it clicks. Partial seating is the #1 cause of misfeeds — a mag that wobbles is not fully seated.
Break In New Magazine Springs — Load 15 rounds in each new magazine and leave overnight. Repeat 2–3 times. Stiff factory springs cause intermittent feeds that mimic gun problems.
Bore-Match Barrel to Ammo Type — First Strike rounds need a tighter bore (~.685") than standard .68 balls (~.689"). Install a bore insert kit and match to each ammo type before chronographing.
Chrono Each Ammo Type Separately — FS rounds and round balls produce different velocities. Chrono both and confirm each stays under your field limit. Check the field's FS rules first.
Label & Test Magazines Individually — Number each magazine and function-test with 5 rounds. Weak springs or dented feed lips cause intermittent issues that look like gun problems.
Clean Breech After Every Session — FS rounds leave polymer residue that shaves the tailfin on chambering if buildup is left. Clean the breech with a patch and isopropyl after every outing.
Maintenance Schedule
Interval
Task
Detail
After every outing
Barrel, bolt & exterior clean
Squeegee twice, bolt wipe, screws snug.
Every 5 sessions
Bolt O-ring lube & cup seal check
Clean with isopropyl, dry, apply Dow 33. Inspect cup seal — replace if deformed.
Every 6 months
Valve & fitting service
Re-lube all O-rings. Check all fittings and inline regulator if present.
Annually
Full teardown & O-ring replacement
Complete disassembly, full O-ring kit replacement, inspect springs.
Standard blowback care; maintain magazines.
Common Problems & Troubleshooting
Magazine misfeeds
Cause: Partial seat; weak spring; debris
Fix: Reseat the magazine firmly until it clicks. Inspect feed lips; replace the spring if weak.
First Strike rounds tumble
Cause: Bore too large for FS projectile
Fix: Install a .685" bore insert. FS rounds need a tighter bore than round balls.
Round balls roll out barrel
Cause: Bore too tight
Fix: Switch to a .689" bore insert or barrel. FS and round balls need different bore sizes.
Ball breaks on chambering
Cause: Dirty breech shaving FS tailfin
Fix: Clean the breech with a patch and isopropyl after every session.
Upgrade Path
Magazines
Barrel
Optics
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Empire BT D*Fender good for beginners?
Yes, with some paintball experience. The Empire BT D*Fender rewards players who understand basic maintenance and operation.
Does the Empire BT D*Fender run on CO2 or HPA?
Compatible with HPA/CO2. CO2 works but HPA gives significantly more consistent velocity and is better for long-term seal health.
What is the operating pressure of the Empire BT D*Fender?
The Empire BT D*Fender operates at ~250 psi. Match your regulator output to this spec.
How hard is the Empire BT D*Fender to maintain?
Easy — basic bolt cleaning every few sessions. Standard blowback care; maintain magazines.
What loader does the Empire BT D*Fender need?
Mag-fed guns use proprietary magazines, not hoppers.
How much does the Empire BT D*Fender cost?
New: $N/A MSRP, typically $120-220 (used) on the street. Used prices vary — check BST forums and eBay for current asking prices.
What barrel thread does the Empire BT D*Fender use?
The Empire BT D*Fender shoots .68 caliber. Confirm the specific thread pattern for your variant before ordering a barrel.
What firing modes does the Empire BT D*Fender support?
Supported modes: semi-auto. Most recreational fields require semi-auto only.
How heavy is the Empire BT D*Fender?
3.4 lbs unloaded. With a full hopper and HPA tank, expect roughly 5.9–6.9 lbs total.
Is the Empire BT D*Fender worth buying?
A dual-feed milsim gun from Empire's Battle Tested line, common secondhand for budget magfed scenario play. Strengths: Dual feed flexibility, Durable. Trade-offs: Discontinued, Heavier.