Spyder MR5 Semi-Auto

From a scenarioball point of view, I often wondered which marker I would need to have in order to look intimidating and be accurate at the same time. Of course, accuracy depends on the barrel-to-bore aspect as well as the quality of paint you have in your hopper.  So I went around and tried different milsim markers to find the perfect combination of the two. There are other criteria like weight, ease of maintenance, etc.

I tried many scenario type markers from the Tiberius Arms T9.1 to the Tippmann X7 Phenom. But I found that the Spyder MR5 was the best choice for my preference and wallet.

First off, the Spyder MR5 isn’t as heavy as it looks. I was actually surprised at how light it was considering the fact that it looks like an AR15. Don’t get me wrong. Prolonged use out in the field will tire your arm out. But this marker will let you hold it up longer than most markers its size.

Another thing about the MR5 that I like is the dual loading system. All you have to do is twist the barrel to switch from magazine to loader. Pretty cool if you ask me. Unlike other DLS markers, you don’t need to fiddle with internal parts if for some reason you DLS fails. This also makes taking the barrel off very easy on the field. You don’t have to waste time unscrewing the barrel off the thread, wasting precious seconds and increasing your chances of getting flanked. All you have to do is twist the barrel and line up the arrows, pull out, swab, replace the barrel and twist. My record is currently 4.8 seconds when it came to removing the barrel, swabbing it then replacing it.

Next thing I like about this marker is the First Strike round capability. Yes, this marker is has the capability of using the highly accurate FS rounds. This is what I meant be accuracy. Sure, you can get the best quality paint to help with your accuracy, but nothing is as accurate as FSRs. The marker comes with one (1) 9 round FS magazine out of the box. I have fired a couple mags worth of FS rounds. No chops, no malfunctions, no misfeeds. Transition from mag to loader was also flawless even with paint in both loading systems.

Another cool thing about the marker is the charging handle. It’s similar to that of an M4AR. When you air up the marker, you won’t be able to fire off a round unless you pull the charging handle back. It adds to realism of this milsim marker.

Out in the field, the combination of First Strike rounds and advanced grade paint works great. From afar, I snipe out people with the First Strike rounds. The only variables you have to consider when using FS rounds are wind and arc. This is provided you have a clean barrel. Otherwise, prepare to be disappointed when using FS rounds. As my team went in, I provided sniping cover fire. When I saw that we lost a couple people, I switched to my hopper and moved up.

The only things I do not like about the marker are the stock length and magazine release button. The buttstock, even when it’s collapsed all the way, is too long for my liking. An inch or two shorter would be great. It does not affect the performance of the marker, though. As for the mag release button, it’s on the right side of the marker and you’ll have to take your hand off the grip and press it. The mags also won’t just drop down after pressing. It seems like you need to pull it out of the magazine well and drop the mag. That wastes time and is uncomfortable for players like myself who are short. Releasing you grip from the handle to change mags isn’t really a good way to keep positive control of the marker.
One other (insignificant in my opinion) problem this marker has is the optional iron sights. Once attached, they are next to useless because your mask getting in the way of properly aligning it. You’ll need a riser if you want to use the iron sights to be able to have a good sight alignment and sight picture. I decided to just mount a red dot sight on mine. Even with that, I still have to tilt the marker a little bit counter-clockwise to be able to fully center the red dot in the lens. If you plan on using any sighting apparatus on this marker, you may want to get a riser first.

And, because I’m used to maintaining my M4, one other thing I did not like was the fact that I needed to use allen wrenches to unscrew the receivers and open up the marker. It would have been better if it was like an M4. Just pop some pins out and flip it over. It’s a convenience thing on my part. It does not affect marker performance in any way.

Other than those minor (personal) issues, the marker does what it was made for. It does not disappoint when put to use out in the field. It’s durable, reliable, accurate (when conditions are met) and intimidating. For $200, this marker can perform equally with the more expensive Tiberius T9.1 of T4.1.

So if you’re planning on buying a good milsim marker, look to the Spyder MR5. It’s cheap, durable and can do the same things that most FSR markers can do at a cheaper price.

I’m done,

-X-