In beginning this portion of the gallery, it is important to begin where other custom shops did with the stock WGP Autococker as it was first commercially available. Many years ago aftermarket manufacturers looked at the Autococker and saw potential for improvement. The first stock Autocockers did not come with many of the features we now take for granted. The pneumatics were crude, and combined with stiff Sheridan springs, provided a very rough shot compared to today’s standards.
WGP Autococker Related History
1987 – Bud Orr begins making the Sniper in his garage using machined bodies. The Sniper is a Sheridan based gun consisting of the lower internals of a Sheridan PGP and an aluminum block body designed by Bud Orr which would accept longer barrels. Early Snipers came with a square ASA (air source adapter) which were later replaced by a round adapter which could activate the pin valve on constant air tanks.
1988 – Production of the Sniper increases and WGP moves from Bud’s garage to the machine shop in Santa Fe Springs, California. The main bodies move from being machined to extruded to increase production and reduce cost.
1989 – WGP releases the Sniper 2.
1991 – The Autococker is released. The Autococker was marketed as the only marker to combine a high rate of fire with the accuracy of a pump due to it’s closed bolt design. The basic model retailed for $460. You could also send in your Sniper or Sniper 2 and have it converted to an autococker for $225.
1996 the ball detent, adjustable regulator, and vertical feed were added.
In 1997 the inline regulator, stainless steel pump and cocking rods, improved valve design, last of the spring coated hoses.
In 1998 the timing hole was drilled on the top of the gun. Nelson main spring and valve springs replaced the original Sheridan springs. The lower tube was tapped for a threaded velocity adjusting nut and hex barb fittings replaced the old round style barb fittings.
In 1999 the threaded timing rod was standard. The bolt was redesigned was easier field stripping and a polished nickel plated trigger plate was added to improve the pull.