Autococker Pump First Shot Drop Question

[Dirklax39]

Sniper First Shot Drop Off

I am getting terrible first shot drop off (from 290psi -> to 160fps.

Since I one-ball most of the time in speed and hyper games this is a big issue for me. Here is my setup...

Empire Sniper Shooting 290fps : Mylar Barrel Detent with an OG .692 UL) - Phat Rat, ID Hammer, Bearded Works springs (white valve spring & green hammer spring), IVG 1.5 turns in from flush, stock rebuilt reg sitting at 285 psi (pressure tested).

I sweet spotted the sniper to be able to shoot 290fps with an intentionally inefficient barrel (.692) and to have the IVG less than 2 turns in (personal preference).

Also, may or may not be related, but the reg seems to be creeping up to 400ish after a minute or so of the system being charged. Are both of these issues a REG SEAT issue?

How can I prevent the first shot drop off? What is causing it?

Where can I get the best and most durable reg seat these days?

[JohnB]

Sounds like the reg based on what you said. Pressure is too high and not letting the valve stay open long enough. Try a diff reg. Otherwise if you spring swapped maybe the springs, but that would be less one shot specific and more constant. Otherwise try different tanks.

Reg seats are built per company, some overlap. Some are rebuildable to a degree potentially. Many are a pain and about half the cost of a reg for a reg kit; so a new or used working reg gets swapped sometimes

[Dirklax39]

It's shooting 290fps consistently except first shot is below 200fps.

[Sottyman]

Just to confirm, is it first shot from airing up, or first shot after not firing for a few minutes?

It does seems like a reg creep issue, but just wanted to ask the question!

[Dirklax39]

First shot after 10-15 seconds.

[Sottyman]

Definitely seems like reg creep!

[Sottyman]

Probably a good starting point:

https://autocockerparts.com/empire-r...r-rebuild-kit/

[Dirklax39]

Reg was just serviced. Reg seat was unused but old stock. Might have broken down / shredded. Does the reg seat need to have a hole in it? Struggling to find a poured urethane reg seat with the hole.

[Sottyman]

I'm not quite sure. I never got my hands on any of the Empire guns. Someone will surely chime in!

[TimmysCabin]

Dirkenstein,

Here's what I gathered from a few-years old post but I admittedly I just skimmed:
Empire Sniper Regulator Replacement / Help - mcarterbrown.com - Best Paintball Forum on the Internet

Start from the air source and work your way up

See if your ASA is fully engaging the nipple on your air tank, allowing that consistent pressure into the gun.

Next, just completely take apart your regulator and look for any defects; without it screwed into the gun. While it's unscrewed, put some air through it and make sure it's not trickling through.

Your regulator seat should have a hole in it.

It wouldn't hurt to snag a little $70 regulator up and just swap it too.

[Dirklax39]

You da man! This is the META for sure. Thank you sir.

The reg was just completely serviced except the reg seat is NOS and I am afraid isn't very durable. I have a reg tester and the reg does seem to creep from 300psi to 400psi after about a minute. Not 100% sure what causes this other than a shredded reg seat. If that is true then it would explain the first shot drop off (too much pressure in front of the valve).

Reg seat does have a hole in it. I think the materials I am rebuilding with are all NOS and broken down a bit. Might need to rebuild with 2026 stuff this time. If any more issue come up regarding this reg I am going to be forced to swap it out after that.