Perentie Badger
The Perentie Badger was an Australian-made semi-automatic paintball marker developed by Bruce Roberts and Darren Hayes through Perentie Paintball in Seville, Victoria. Initially designed for rental use, it was subsequently developed into customised and regulated versions for individual players.[1][2][3]
Development
[edit]A prototype was described in Mike Wallis's “Badger Blaster”, originally published in Australian Paintballer in December 1993. It used a blow-forward mechanism similar in operation to the Automag, but lacked an integrated gas regulator. Velocity adjustment was provided by a restricting screw in the bolt.[1]
The prototype incorporated an aluminium frame, stainless-steel components and a brass barrel enclosed within an aluminium tube. Its barrel assembly could be removed by undoing a single screw.[1]
Production
[edit]Subsequent development included cast frames, CNC-machined internal components, a hydraulic cup seal and revisions to the loading system. Wallis's June 1994 report recorded an agreement to supply Michael Whybrew with 100 Badgers for use at his paintball fields.[2]
Custom versions featured finishes including anodised components, polished stainless steel and leather grips.[2]
Regulated versions
[edit]By December 1994, Perentie was developing lower-pressure Badgers using enlarged power chambers and bolt pins. Examples were fitted with either an American Thruster regulator or Perentie's own regulator.[3]
Quick-detachable barrels, vertical bottle mounts and L-shaped stocks were also reported as available.[3]
Related designs
[edit]Roberts subsequently used two Badger actions in the custom double-barrel Perentie Viper.[4]
References
[edit]- Badger Blaster. Mike Wallis, Australian Paintballer, December 1993; republished in Paint, archived 9 February 1999.
- Badger Digs In. Mike Wallis, Australian Paintballer, June 1994; republished in Paint, archived 2 March 1999.
- Perentie on Track. Mike Wallis, Australian Paintballer, December 1994; republished in Paint, archived 2 March 1999.
- Double Trouble. Mike Wallis, Paint, issue 1, January 1996, archived 5 December 1998.