Editing Armson (section)

== History ==

=== South African origins ===

Armson developed paintball equipment in South Africa during the early 1990s. Its original product range included pump-action markers and precision-machined barrels.

The company's Armson Pro-Series barrel was introduced in 1990. It used a proprietary internal rifling process known as Polygon Progressive Rifling, together with aluminium construction and barrel ventilation.[4]

Armson established a commercial relationship with [[Pro-Team Products]] in the United States, which imported and distributed its equipment.

According to historical information preserved by [[VintageRex]], this relationship developed from Pro-Team's early involvement in importing South African paintball equipment and subsequently expanded into collaborative product design.[5]

=== Paintball markers ===

Armson manufactured the [[Armson Rifle]], a .68-calibre pump-action marker using a Nelson-style operating system.

VintageRex dates the model to 1991 and documents its direct-feed configuration, removable barrel and constant-air operation.[1]

During the early 1990s, Armson and Pro-Team Products began developing a semi-automatic marker intended to provide an alternative to existing designs.

Development of the [[Armson Semi]] began in 1993. The design incorporated a blow-forward operating system based on technology licensed from [[Airgun Designs]]. Unlike the regulated [[Automag]], the Armson design controlled its firing characteristics through the volume of its air chamber.[2][5]

The marker was released in late 1996.

Contemporary reporting from the [[1996 NPPL World Cup]] documented Pro-Team Products exhibiting the Armson Semi alongside its [[Micromag]] range. The marker featured a blow-forward bolt, an expansion chamber incorporated into the grip, an Armson Pro-Series barrel and a sight rail.[6]

=== Acquisition by Pro-Team Products ===

On 20 September 2004, Pro-Team Products announced that it had completed the purchase of Armson Ltd, described as its long-standing sister company based in England.

The announcement stated that Armson's manufacturing facilities would be transferred to the United States, with production of its rifled barrels and optical sights expected to resume later that year.[3]

On 4 October 2004, Pro-Team confirmed that a shipping container containing Armson's factory equipment had arrived. The company also referred to remaining stocks of Armson Semi and Assassin pump markers.[3]

Armson USA subsequently confirmed the acquisition on 15 October 2004, describing Armson Ltd as a South African and British manufacturer.[7]

The Armson brand continued to be used for paintball barrels and sighting equipment following the acquisition.