Paintball Gun Digest

                         Paintball Gun Digest
                               8/30/94

                            maintained by
                       steve@cati.csufresno.edu


 This is the Paintball Gun Digest of rec.sport.paintball.  This digest
 is the compilation of paintball gun knowledge provided by contributors
 to rec.sport.paintball, as well as the original author, Steve Mitchell
 (steve@cati.csufresno.edu).  This digest attempts to give people a
 brief description of paintball guns, old and new, and to serve as a
 starting point for further investigation.

 The following rec.sport.paintball participants have provided
 invaluable information and have aided in this digest's creation and
 continuing evolution:

    Bill Mills (billmi@zimmer.csufresno.edu)
    "Randy" (DAY@sask.usask.ca)
    Svante Svedin (a3svasve@ulmo.stud.slu.se)
    John E. Howard (jhoward@ozarks.sgcl.lib.mo.us)


 The guns are listed in alphabetical order by their common name.  No
 attempt has been made (yet) to classify guns by type (Stock Class,
 etc.)  Where possible, estimates of current available price have been
 provided.  Few technical specifications are provided, but may be at a
 future date.  These technical specifications may include weight, rate
 of fire, etc.

 The author has attempted to be objective in writing these
 briefs--including good points, as well as possible weak points about
 each gun.  Suggestions, corrections, and additions to this digest are
 always welcome.  Send any comments to steve@cati.csufresno.edu.

 The latest version of this digest is available via anonymous FTP from
 caticsuf.cati.csufresno.edu as /pub/paintball/gun-digest.

 ......................................................................


  3357 Spotmarker (Crossman Airguns)

    A .50, 12-gram paintball "revolver" that looks much like a real
    firearm.  The Spotmarker holds six .50 pellets in its cylinder, and
    fires from a 12-gram in the grip.  The gun can be fired double action
    or as a more accurate single action.  Additional cylinders are
    available for quick reloading in the field.  The marker went new
    for around $80.

  68-Special (Tippmann Pneumatics)

    A classic from Tippmann.  This gun, along with the PMI-3, was the
    warhorse in the early days of semi-autos.  Designed to run on
    liquid, it is a solid, easy to maintain, easy to use marker.  It is
    slightly more complex and less refined than its descendants, the
    Pro/Am and Pro/Lite, but is a very reliable, good quality,
    mid-range gun.

    68-Specials are no longer made by Tippmann, but can be bought used
    for about $200, depending on what kind of shape the gun is in.

  Autococker, Minicocker (Bud Orr/Worr Game Products)

    This gun is gaining increasing popularity among pro and amateur
    players.  The Autococker is known for its accuracy and long
    effective range.  The gun's design is based on the Bud Orr "Sniper"
    series pump guns.  A pneumatic ram, regulator, and three-way valve
    allow this gun to cock itself after each shot.  However, due to
    the gun's mechanical complexity, the Autococker has developed a
    reputation as being hard to debug and maintain.

    Autocockers, like Automags, can be very expensive when accessories
    and custom work are added to the original price tag.  $1000
    Autocockers are not uncommon.  Unlike the Automag, the Autococker
    generally requires at least some custom work before it performs
    well out of the box.  With good custom work, the gun becomes a fast
    shooter and retains its closed-bolt accuracy and good effective range.

  Automag, Minimag (Airgun Designs)

    One of the most well designed guns on the market.  This gun was
    designed by real engineers, with performance in mind.  The
    Automag's high price tag means it isn't the gun for everybody.  It
    can also be an expensive gun when accessories are added.  $1000
    Automags are not uncommon.

    The Automag shoots very fast.  Out of the box, it is probably the
    fastest gun on the market.  The gun has some pretty complex
    internal pneumatic workings.  Although reliable, any new owner
    should be willing to consult the manual and carry a spare parts kit
    if o-rings fail.

  F1, F2 Illustrator (Feral Action Sports Technology, Inc.)

    A simple, elegant, mid-range semi-auto.  This gun is an excellent
    design that easy to use, easy to maintain, and performs well.  In
    the $290 price range, this gun is slightly more expensive than
    other mid-range semi-autos.  While its rate of fire is not as fast
    as some of the high-end guns can be, it is considered a good
    alternative for anybody who wants a good quality gun without the
    potential maintenance headaches of the Autococker or Automag.

  GZ-1000 (National Survival Games)

    A low cost gun very much like the Splatmaster.  The GZ-1000 has a
    direct feed, so it is not useful for real stock class
    competition--but is probably a fun gun for the beginner.  Look for
    a GZ-1000 as low as $30.

  GZ-2000 (National Survival Games)

    A semi-auto (double action?) version of the GZ-1000.  Cheap
    materials and a $125 price tag make this gun a poor choice when
    compared to mid range pump guns.

  Icon Z1, Z2 (Bullseye)

    A light, reliable, consistent semi-auto.  This gun is unique in that
    it is designed to shoot only liquid from siphon bottles.  It needs a
    special summer valve for warm weather.  The Icon is known for its
    consistent accuracy and good range.  It is in the $300 price range,
    and is often compared to the Illustrator.

  Model 85 (Para Ordanance)

    Not really a paintball gun, but more of a firearm, this marking gun
    is generally used in police/military training to allow "live fire"
    without hurting people.  The Model 85 is not pneumatic.  The gun
    uses plastic cartridge cases, much like the brass cartridge cases
    uses in firearms, loaded with a small caliber paint pellet.  The
    pellet is ejected from the cartridge with magnum pistol primers.
    The gun is fully automatic and operates much like any blow back
    operated automatic firearm.

    Since the gun's velocity cannot be adjusted, and it shoots its
    non-standard projectile at about 400fps, using this gun for
    paintball is not advised.

  Nel-Spot 007, and other Nel-Spot based pumps (Nelson)

    The Nel-Spot 007 was the gun that started paintball.  It was
    originally designed for marking things like trees or cattle.  At
    some point, people started shooting at each other with them, and
    paintball was born.

    The gun is outdated now, but has a huge number of descendent pumps
    that carry on its name.  These pump guns are referred to as
    "Nel-Spot" or "Nelson" based guns.  They share some parts with the
    original 007.  There are too many of these guns to include a
    complete section for each of them--or even to include a complete
    list, but here are a few of them:

       P.I. 90 (CMI/Thunderpig)
       Tusker (CMI/Thunderpig)
       Spartan (T.A.S.O)
       Razorback I (?)
       Grey Spirit (LAPCO?)
       Apex Elite (Air Power)
       Rebline (Confederate Army Supply Line)
       Phantom (Component Concepts)
       Trracer (Pursuit Marketing International)
       Ranger (Bud Orr)
       SL-68 (Tippmann)
       Bushmaster (Line SI)

    When looking at a Nel-Spot based gun, consider its quality of
    materials, quantity of desired features, and the gun's general
    "feel" for you personally.  These guns can go from $100 to $200
    dollars.

  Panther VTS, Puma, Bobcat (Indian Creek Design)

    One of the latest paintball guns on the scene, this marker is
    quickly earning the respect of many in the industry.  High quality
    materials, inovative engineering, and lots of features make this
    gun well worth its $200-$300 price tag.  The Puma comes with built
    in power-feed, dual bottle adaptors, hammerless vertical valve, and
    venturi/delrin faced bolt.  The guns have no seams or welds and
    enjoy low maintenance due to few screws or o-rings.

    Accuracy is thought to be a little less than that of other guns in
    this price range, but a high rate of fire may make up for that.

  PGP, KP-2, PMI-1, PMI-2, P68 series (Benjamin Sheridan/Pursuit Marketing
                                       International)

    The gun that the "old timers" started with.  The PGP is a durable
    little stock class pistol.  It was the basis on which most of
    Sheridan's other pump guns were created. The KP-2 with its
    distinctive wood stock, the PMI and P68 series guns with their
    increasingly modernized list of features, are all solid, well built
    performers.  The PGP itself is generally outmatched on the modern
    paintball field, even against other stock class pistols.  The other
    pumps in the PMI and P68 series have been modernized and are
    probably a better gun to start with.  Due to the quality of their
    construction PGP's are still sold new for about $80.

    The internals of the PGP often serve as the foundation for many
    other guns.  The Sheridan valve body and hammer design is found in
    guns from several different manufacturers (Autococker, for example).

  Pheonix (?)

    A unique design that just might be a peek into paintball's future.
    The Pheonix is a space age marker that incorporates radical new
    design ideas.  The gun has a synthetic rotary bolt--the gun's only
    major moving part.  It is a simple elegant design, but needs some
    debugging before it is perfected.  The gun currently is reported to
    have trouble with ball breaks.

    Look for a Pheonix in the $500 price range.

  Pro/Am, Pro/Lite (Tippmann Pneumatics)

    The Tippmann Pro/Lite is the latest in a long line of mid-range
    Tippmann semi-autos.  The Pro/Lite, and its older brother the
    Pro/Am, are solid, reliable, decent performing paintball guns.
    They are based on a proven design that allows for good performance
    from a simple, easy to maintain marker.

    The cheaper materials used in these guns do not make them
    indestructible, but Tippmann's excellent service reputation
    generally makes up for this.  The Pro/Lite starts at about $245,
    making it a great first gun for many beginners.  Beware of the
    Pro/Lite's limited upgrade path, however.  A new barrel is about
    all that can be done to this gun to increase performance.  A fairly
    average rate of fire with above average accuracy is as far as this
    gun goes.

  Rapide (National Survival Games)

    A successor to the Splatmaster, this interesting little 12-gram
    features a double action cocking mechanism, a 20 round rotary
    magazine, and a brass lined barrel.  It is made almost entirely
    from plastic, which explains its $30 price tag.

    This gun does not qualify for stock class competition, so its
    usefulness is probably limited to a very low-end entry level
    pistol.

  SL68, SL68-II (Tippmann Pneumatics)

    A classic pump by Tippmann.  This is one of the best mid-range pumps
    made.  It is accurate, reliable, simple, and made with excellent
    materials.  The SL68-II has a built-in bottom line, as well as a
    velocity adjustment on the bolt (accessible externally).  Find a good
    deal on a used SL68-II at about $100+.

    This gun is often compared to the Trracer, but is generally thought
    to be better built.

  SMG-60, SMG-68 (Tippmann Pneumatics)

    One of the most unique paintball gun designs ever made by Tippmann
    or anybody else.  This gun is a fully automatic, clip fed marker.
    Its low magazine capacity, high rate of fire, and, in the case of
    the SMG-60, hard to find ammo, makes this gun impractical on the
    modern paintball field.

    This gun is no longer made by Tippmann, but can be found used for
    about $100-$200.  Some paintballers consider them as collectors
    items.  Most fields do not allow their use during regular play,
    although they can sometimes be seen (and heard!) during special
    24-hour or "scenario" games.

  Sniper series (Bud Orr)

    Bud Orr set out to make the most accurate pump available.  Based on
    the Sheridan valve/hammer design, these guns have a deadly
    reputation.  Later the Sniper would become the foundation for the
    Autococker.

    Look for the Sniper at over $200.

  Splatmaster (National Survival Games)

    Another "old timers" gun.  The Splatmaster arose from paintball's
    first big commercial enterprise (National Survival Game, Inc.)
    This 12-gram stock class pistol is entirely plastic and is cocked
    manually.  The gun's plastic barrel limits accuracy and
    reliability.  It has been supersceeded by the GZ-1000.

    While the Splatmaster is a stock class pistol, it will not perform
    nearly as well as modern stock guns, but might be useful for the
    occasional recreational stock game.  Look for used Splatmasters in
    the $20 price range.

  Sterling STP, STP Turbo, Silver (Sterling)

    A very high quality pump gun that not everybody can afford.  The
    Sterling guns go for $200+.  They are made of very high quality
    materials, have all the parts matched by hand, are highly accurate,
    consistent, smooth, and nice to look at.

    The STP and STP Turbo are Sterling's flagship guns.  The STP as
    steel internals and an aluminum barrel.  The Turbo has aluminum
    internals and a brass barrel.

  Stingray (Brass Eagle/Daisy)

    This semi-auto starts at only $100.  It is made of the cheapest
    materials and manufacturing techniques available.  While the gun
    might be cheap, it works.  If you really want an entry level
    semi-auto, and don't want to spend much money, the Stingray is the
    gun for you.

    Brass Eagle products have suffered from a bad reputation due to
    quality control problems.  The Stingray is assembled by Daisy (the
    BB gun maker), so quality control is likely to be better these
    days.

  Trracer (Pursuit Marketing International)

    This gun is one of the most popular pumps on the market.  It is a
    great entry level gun.  Lots of accessories are available--even
    several different kits to convert it to semi-automatic.

    This gun is often compared to the SL68.  It does not come with a
    built-in bottom line, like the SL68-II, however, and is not made of
    quite the same high quality materials.

  Typhoon, Stroker (Benjamin Sheridan/Palmer's Pursuit)

    Highly respected autococking conversion of the reliable, accurate
    Sheridan pump guns.  The Typhoon and the Stroker might be a bit
    slower than a highly customized Autococker, but the guns are well
    done conversions that cost much less.

  Vector (Air Power)

    This gun's design started fresh, from the ground up, in order to
    make a fast, accurate, tournament level gun.  Initial reports are
    that they've succeeded.  Air Power is still working some of the bugs
    out--with the gun current suffering from a few unreliable parts and
    a excessive gas consumption problem.  But the gun is said to have
    excellent accuracy and effective range, while still having the speed
    required in the modern paintball field.

    Look for new (and improved) Vectors in the $500+ price range.

  VM68, PMI-3 (Benjamin Sheridan/Pursuit Marketing International)

    This gun is an indestructible work horse.  It is a classic design
    that has been around since the first semi-autos appeared on the
    market.  It has changed very little over the years, which means it
    features tend to be dated.

    The VM68 is often compared to the Pro/Am and Pro/Lite.  It is in
    the same price range ($200+), so it is often purchased by first
    time semi-auto buyers.  This gun is not as "operator friendly" as
    the Pro/Lite, however.  It tends to be heavy, has a slow rate of
    fire, does not have an external velocity adjustment, or a standard
    bottom line.

    This gun's major advantage over other guns in its price range is
    its upgradability.  The VM68-Mag, and EXC-68 are efforts by the
    gun's maker to update some of its dated features.  Additionally, the
    gun has an almost unlimited upgrade path.  Almost every part can be
    replaced with aftermarket improvements--eventually leading this gun
    to become a tournament ready marker that can compete with the best
    of them.