Spyder E MR 1
by Joshua D. Silverman



Once Spyder realized just how large a portion of the paintball playing people of the world enjoy the game in the woods, they jumped in with both feet, launching a complete line of tactical paintball guns called the MR series. From the basic, mechanical MR1 to the electronic, eye-equipped MR3, the MR line has sold well, at least well enough to warrant adding to the family. Spyder's latest electronic paintball gun is that new addition, an electronic version of the basic but solid MR1.

to allow for down-the-barrel sighting or scope mounting, dovetail sight rails and, of course, an electronic grip frame, the electronic MR 1 boasts higher rates of fire than its mechanical brother could hope to reach. However, what the E MR 1 doesn't have, unfortunately, is anti-chop eyes to help prevent chopped paintballs at high rates of fire. The EMR 1's low price, however, putting electronic performance in a tactical package in a player's hands at a very low price, in some way makes up for this.

As the EMR1 is not equipped with anti-chop eyes, using the gun without a motorized hopper is asking for trouble. At least a Viewloader Revolution or, better yet, a Spyder Fasta should be used during play to help ensure a steady stream of paintballs reaches the breech without interruption from jams. While the feed neck of the EMR1 is aluminum, the elbow is a decades-old plastic model that can easily slip, spin or crack, so any owner would do well to keep a spare or two in their gear bag in case of a mishap.

Available in silver or a slightly more subdued matte olive with black parts, the EMR1 is an inexpensive, well-made electronic tactical paintball gun that delivers solid all-round performance. A very accurate stock barrel provides tight shot groups over all ranges, while the electronic trigger offers high rates of fire. Many players will elect to use the EMR1 without the shoulder stock, using the bottle to shoulder the gun to allow for easier sighting and a lighter overall setup. While the EMR1 will operate on CO2, this can lead to liquid velocity spikes at high rates of fire or during warm weather, and degraded performance during cooler times of year. The best performance, accuracy and reliability will be delivered by an EMR1 when used with compressed air.

Dismantling the EMR1 is simple, requiring only the removal of a single retaining pin and pulling the cocking handle out the top of the body to slide the bolt out the rear of the receiver. Once dismantled, the striker can be lubricated, the bolt wiped clean and the inner tubes of the receiver squeegeed clean.

Simple, reliable and fast, the EMR1 is a great addition to the MR family of tactical Spyder paintball guns. For more information, visit www.spyder.tv.