Yeah I'm back from my break now so I'm thinking of having a drive down to factory paintball and seeing what they could do, and I guess they could answer all the questions I have aswell.Dont forget the tippmann crossover so you get the best of both worlds
http://www.arsenalpaintball.co.uk/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=12264294
Find a second hand empire b2 or halo for about £30 and a new steelie tank for £40 and your done. maybe a better barrel later or as long as its A5 threaded.
Also the upgraded XVR model
http://www.fatbobspaintball.co.uk/paintball-guns/paintball-guns-uk/tippmann-crossover-xvr-red.html
You could always ask a shop to do you a package deal and see if you can save a few more pounds there
Thanks for the info on hoppers though dude