Editing Tom Kaye (section)

== Airgun Designs ==

=== Founding ===

Kaye established [[Airgun Designs]] during the late 1980s.

Historical accounts give slightly different starting dates.

Kaye stated in a 2001 Automags.org post that he had operated the company since 1986, when he began manufacturing paintball products.[6]

A WARPIG interview identifies 1988 as the year Airgun Designs was formed.[2]

Kaye's personal website states that he was involved in the paintball business from 1987 until his retirement in 2005.[1]

These dates reflect different stages of his involvement rather than necessarily conflicting accounts of a single incorporation event.

=== Early products ===

Before the Automag, Kaye developed several accessories and equipment designs.

These included:

* PMI protective masks
* PMI Turbo Valve
* Sharpshooter Sight
* Micro CA
* CA II
* SixPak+ CO2 cartridge system

The products reflected his early focus on mechanical design and improvements to existing paintball equipment.[3]

=== Engineering approach ===

Airgun Designs became known for producing durable, serviceable paintball equipment.

Its markers commonly featured stainless-steel valve assemblies and modular components.

Kaye emphasised engineering reliability and customer support.

In a 2001 statement to the Automags.org community, he described customer satisfaction and long-term product durability as central company priorities.[6]