WGP Sniper

The WGP Sniper is a family of pump-action paintball markers developed by Bud Orr and manufactured by Worr Game Products (WGP) in California, United States. First developed around 1986–1987, the Sniper became one of the early purpose-built, aluminium-bodied tournament paintball markers.[1][2]

The Sniper is particularly significant as the mechanical foundation of the Autococker, a semiautomatic marker developed by adding a pneumatic recocking system to the original pump-action design.[3]

History

Development

Bud Orr began developing the original Sniper during the mid-1980s while working as an airsmith at SC Village in California.

The marker was based on mechanical principles and internal components associated with Sheridan paintball equipment, particularly the Sheridan PGP.

Rather than modifying an existing brass-bodied marker, Orr developed a machined aluminium receiver incorporating a removable barrel and manually operated pump mechanism.[1][2]

Orr established Worr Game Products to manufacture and distribute his equipment.

The original Sniper was developed around late 1986 or early 1987. The precise date of its first commercial sale has not been conclusively established.[2]

Sniper I

The original production model, retrospectively known as the Sniper I, featured a machined aluminium body and a Sheridan-derived valve system.

Early examples used welded feednecks, while later production incorporated press-fitted feednecks.

Historical research indicates that approximately 1,000 original Sniper I markers were manufactured before the introduction of the redesigned Sniper II.[2]

The Sniper I became associated with the development of high-performance pump markers during the late 1980s.

Sniper II

Worr Game Products subsequently introduced the Sniper II.

The model was documented in the April 1990 issue of Paintball Sports International, which described it as a new product.

Historical research suggests the Sniper II may have entered production during late 1989, although the precise introduction date remains uncertain.[4]

The redesigned marker incorporated several changes, including:

An extruded aluminium body.
An integrated sight rail.
A quick-disconnect bolt.
A revised grip frame.
Updated component arrangements.

Some transitional examples incorporated components from both generations.

These are sometimes described by collectors as Sniper 1.5 markers, although this was not an official WGP model designation.[2][4]

Development of the Autococker

During the late 1980s, Orr began experimenting with pneumatic mechanisms that could automatically recock the Sniper after firing.

The resulting design retained the Sniper's basic valve and firing mechanism but replaced the manually operated pump system with a pneumatic ram, regulator and control valve.

The new marker became known as the Autococker.

WGP's historical documentation identifies 1990 as the introduction year of the Autococker, although retrospective accounts describe prototypes and demonstrations during 1989–1990.[3][5]

The Autococker subsequently became one of the principal semiautomatic tournament markers of the 1990s.

Later production

Although semiautomatic markers became increasingly common, the Sniper platform continued to be used in recreational and competitive pump paintball.

The compatibility between Sniper and Autococker components also encouraged the development of aftermarket pump conversion kits.

At the 2000 Pan Am Seattle tournament, Chipley Custom Machine (CCM) attracted attention using customised WGP Sniper markers in competition.[6]

In February 2008, paintball retailer Paintball Online reported that WGP was again supplying limited quantities of pump markers assembled from existing inventory.

These included pump configurations using Super Stock, Nightkast and Karnivor bodies, alongside conversion kits for existing Autocockers.[7]

The Sniper name was subsequently revived by Empire Paintball for a separate modern pump-action marker based on the Autococker platform.[8]

Operating mechanism

The original Sniper uses a manually operated, closed-bolt, stacked-tube firing system.

A pump handle moves the bolt and cocking mechanism rearwards, allowing another paintball to enter the breech and resetting the hammer.

Moving the pump forwards closes the bolt and prepares the marker for firing.

When the trigger is pulled, the sear releases the hammer, which strikes the valve and allows compressed gas to propel the paintball through the barrel.

Unlike a semiautomatic marker, the Sniper requires the player to manually complete the pumping cycle between shots.[3]

Variants

Model	Description
Sniper I	Original machined aluminium pump marker developed around 1986–1987
Sniper II	Redesigned model with an extruded aluminium body and integrated sight rail, documented by April 1990
Sniper III	Later compact pump variant associated with the MiniCocker body design

Numerous customised versions and pump conversions were also produced by WGP and independent equipment manufacturers.[2][7]

Legacy

The WGP Sniper helped establish the use of purpose-built aluminium receivers, removable barrels and interchangeable components in high-performance pump paintball markers.

Its greatest historical contribution was providing the mechanical basis for the Autococker.

The Sniper platform also supported a substantial aftermarket of custom components and conversion kits, helping maintain its relevance within pump paintball long after the widespread adoption of semiautomatic equipment.

Original Sniper markers remain associated with vintage paintball collecting, restoration and classic pump competition.

References

External links