Editing Glenn Palmer (section)

== Development of semiautomatic paintball technology ==

=== Early experiments ===

Palmer began experimenting with semiautomatic paintball mechanisms during the early part of 1988.

His first attempt involved adapting a blowback operating principle to a PMI paintball pistol.[3]

The design was abandoned because it required spring-assisted feeding and did not provide the reliability he wanted.

Palmer subsequently concentrated on a closed-bolt system that could operate using gravity-fed paintballs.

This required the bolt to remain open long enough for a paintball to enter the breech before the next firing cycle.

=== David Craig ===

Palmer credited '''David Craig''', associated with Adventure Game Supplies and later TASO, with providing an important early influence.

Craig had demonstrated an experimental automated Sheridan-based marker at a tournament in New York.[3]

The prototype used an external regulator and pneumatic cylinder.

Palmer discussed the design with Craig while developing his own system.

He subsequently worked on producing a compact regulator and a pneumatic timing mechanism suitable for use in a paintball marker.

In his historical account, Palmer explicitly acknowledged Craig's contribution to his thinking.

=== Camille ===

In August 1988, Palmer began constructing a semiautomatic marker known as '''Camille'''.

According to Palmer's account, the marker became operational in September 1988.

He continued refining its pneumatic switch and timing mechanism until late October.[3]

The marker was based on a Sheridan-style rifle.

It used a pneumatic cylinder to operate the bolt and cocking mechanism.

Camille was designed to function with gravity-fed paintballs rather than a spring-loaded magazine.

This distinction was important because gravity-fed loading subsequently became standard on most commercial semiautomatic paintball markers.

=== Initial configuration ===

Camille initially retained much of the appearance of a conventional Sheridan rifle.

Its pneumatic operating cylinder extended behind the bolt.

During 1989, Palmer revised the configuration.

The pneumatic cylinder was repositioned alongside the marker, and the external appearance was substantially modified.

By June 1989, Camille had acquired the configuration documented in later photographs.[3]

=== Historical significance ===

Palmer regarded Camille as one of the earliest reliable gravity-fed semiautomatic paintball markers.

He did not claim to have invented the first semiautomatic paintball marker of any kind.

Earlier semiautomatic systems included the [[Tippmann SMG-60]] and the [[Brass Eagle Eagle]].

However, these designs used different operating and feeding systems.

Palmer's historical claim concerned the practical operation of a gravity-fed semiautomatic paintball marker.[3]

WARPIG's technical history also distinguishes the Brass Eagle Eagle's earlier gravity-fed design from Palmer's more reliable custom equipment.[7]

The precise priority of individual innovations remains an important subject in paintball equipment history.