Fiddling With Paintball Gear
I don't buy into the notion that getting the newest, fanciest gear is the best. I, instead prefer to get things that are interesting and fun to work with. Some people love their gear to be pretty, and that's fine. I, though, get much more enjoyment modifying a bolt with a grinder than I get from polishing some acid-washed anodizing. I just find it exciting to then go out and play with something that's unique because I made it that way.
Recently I've been experimenting with turning semi-automatics into pumps. A hack saw, a dremel, a clamp, some random parts and some ingenuity (and quite a few hours) and I've got a working pump. It's fun, exciting and rewarding. Of course it also can be expensive, frustrating and extremely inefficient. The result, though, is definitely worth it.
Paintball is a way for me to relax. Whether I'm sprinting on the field or fiddling at my workbench, it's a rewarding experience. If you've never explored the fiddling aspect, I highly recommend it. It's a whole world waiting to be explored.
Comments
I can definitely understand your need to modify/build and put your stamp on it. I tend to over-due it some times and I’m left with a pile of shavings
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of converting a semi into a pump though. That’s down right crazy. You should post some pics of your mods, it might be entertaining for us to get a glimpse into your head =)
I agree with Redwood…..love to see some pics of the semi to a pump conversion.Never seen that done.Hmmmmm,could be a new life to a few semi’s I have.
I saw a odd piece of…tinkering on ebay.It used to be a Sheridan…I think.It had a flat piece of metal for a handle and the tank screwed in up front…parallel with the barrel.The owner said they would draw straws and the loser had to use this gun.
When I finish the semi-to-pump conversion I’ll share what I did. In the meantime, check out http://www.freewebs.com/vikingshadow/index.htm to see where I got my start on the project. Mine will not look as nice as his, but then again, as those that regularly read this blog know, I’m much less concerned with looks as I am with functionality and originality.
Oh god, I had to read this one…lil late….but none the less…
Good article as always man…I actuly turned a POS Autococker Trilogy Competition into a “Pump”…I actuly ended up messing up the rod arm that connects to the back block so many times that i just took what I had, super heated it with an oxygen torch, and bent it facing away from the gun. (to resemble a bolt similar to a bolt action center-fire rifle.) I have scince added a 98 Custom sear spring (from the old 98 C’s) to the rod arm, and then to the loop that it used to pass thru so I dont have to hold the bolt forward, or push it forward to finish the loading process. I also took the hoses out of the 3 way, and JB welded a few choice areas to prevent any leaks. If you want pictures, let me know. just email me at biggychris@msn.com