Pump-action paintball markers

Pump-action paintball markers are paintball markers that require the player to manually operate a pumping mechanism between shots. The pump typically cycles the bolt, loads a paintball into the breech and recocks the firing mechanism. Unlike semiautomatic markers, pump-action markers do not automatically complete this process after each shot.[1]

Pump-action equipment was central to the early development of paintball during the 1980s. Although semiautomatic markers became increasingly common during the 1990s, pump-action markers have continued to be used in recreational games, pump paintball competitions and stock-class formats.

Notable examples include the WGP Sniper, CCI Phantom, Line SI Bushmaster, PMI Trracer and various Sheridan pump-action models.[2][3]

Operating mechanism

Pump-action paintball markers use a manually operated mechanism to prepare the marker for its next shot.

In a typical design, moving the pump handle backwards opens the breech and recocks the firing mechanism. Returning the handle forwards closes the breech and positions a paintball for firing.

The precise arrangement varies between marker designs.

Most pump-action markers use mechanical firing systems rather than electronic controls.

Some designs incorporate an auto-trigger, which allows the marker to fire when the pump is cycled while the trigger remains depressed. This feature is found on certain Nelson-based markers, including the CCI Phantom and PMI Trracer.[2][3]

An auto-trigger does not make the marker semiautomatic, because the player must still manually operate the pump between shots.

Historical development

Early marking pistols

The earliest organised paintball games used manually operated marking equipment originally developed for forestry and agricultural applications.

The first recorded organised paintball game took place on 27 June 1981 near Henniker, New Hampshire, United States.

Participants used Nel-Spot 007 marking pistols powered by disposable 12-gram carbon dioxide cartridges.

These early pistols required manual cocking and loading between shots.

Although not all early manually operated markers used a conventional sliding pump handle, they established the mechanical principles from which later pump-action paintball equipment developed.

Development during the 1980s

During the 1980s, manufacturers developed more specialised pump-action markers for recreational and competitive paintball.

These incorporated improvements including longer barrels, larger ammunition capacities, bulk-gas connections and alternative feeding systems.

Companies including Sheridan, Pursuit Marketing Inc. and Line SI produced or distributed pump-action equipment.

Bud Orr developed the WGP Sniper during the mid-to-late 1980s.

The Sniper used a machined aluminium body and a manually operated pump mechanism. Its design subsequently provided the mechanical foundation for the semiautomatic Autococker.

Component Concepts Inc. began developing the CCI Phantom in 1986 and introduced it commercially in 1987.[2]

The Phantom became associated with stock-class and open-class pump paintball.

Competition with semiautomatic markers

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, semiautomatic markers became increasingly common.

Markers such as the Autococker and Automag eliminated the need for manual recocking between shots, allowing players to achieve higher firing rates.

Electronic markers subsequently expanded the distinction between pump-action and other marker types.

Nevertheless, pump-action equipment remained in recreational use and continued to support dedicated competitive formats.

Later pump-action markers

Pump-action marker production continued after semiautomatic and electronic systems became dominant in mainstream tournament paintball.

Manufacturers developed revised versions of historical designs and specialised competition markers.

Examples included the CCM Series 6, CCM T2 and Empire Sniper.

Some players also converted semiautomatic Autococker markers into pump-action configurations by removing the pneumatic recocking system and fitting a manual pump assembly.

Such conversions use the underlying mechanical architecture of the original Sniper and Autococker designs.

Principal operating systems

Nelson-based markers

Nelson-based pump-action markers use a mechanism derived from the original Nelson marking equipment.

These designs generally incorporate an inline bolt and hammer arrangement.

The manually operated pump recocks the hammer and cycles the bolt.

Examples include:

CCI Phantom
Line SI Bushmaster
PMI Trracer
ACI Maverick
Lapco Grey Ghost

Specific components and operating details vary between models.[2][3]

Sheridan-based markers

Sheridan-based pump-action markers use mechanisms derived from Sheridan marking pistols and rifles.

Many incorporate stacked-tube bodies, with the bolt and firing components arranged in separate but connected assemblies.

Historical examples include the Sheridan PGP and various PMI pump-action models.

The WGP Sniper also incorporated engineering principles associated with Sheridan equipment.

Sheridan-based designs contributed to the later development of the semiautomatic Autococker.

Other mechanical arrangements

Not all pump-action markers use directly interchangeable Nelson or Sheridan mechanisms.

Manufacturers have developed alternative valve arrangements, body configurations and pump assemblies.

These differences can affect maintenance procedures, component compatibility and the marker's operating characteristics.

Stock-class and open-class configurations

Pump-action markers may be configured for different forms of play.

Stock class

Stock-class configurations are associated with early paintball equipment.

They commonly use:

A manually operated marker.
A horizontal ammunition feed tube.
A disposable 12-gram carbon dioxide cartridge.
A limited ammunition capacity.

Some stock-class configurations require the player to tilt the marker to allow a paintball to enter the breech, a procedure commonly called rock and cock.

Precise equipment restrictions depend on the rules used by a particular competition.[2]

Open class

Open-class pump markers generally permit larger ammunition loaders and refillable compressed-gas cylinders.

They retain the requirement for manual pump operation between shots but are not restricted to traditional stock-class feeding and gas arrangements.

Some pump-action markers can be converted between stock-class and open-class configurations by changing their feeding systems and gas connections.

Notable markers

Marker	Manufacturer or distributor	Notes
Nel-Spot 007	Nelson Paint Company	Early marking pistol used in the first organised paintball game
Sheridan PGP	Sheridan	Compact brass pump-action pistol
WGP Sniper	Worr Game Products	Pump-action marker that provided the foundation for the Autococker
CCI Phantom	Component Concepts Inc.	Nelson-based marker introduced in 1987
Line SI Bushmaster	Line SI	Historical Nelson-style pump-action marker
PMI Trracer	Pursuit Marketing Inc.	Lower-priced pump marker introduced during the early 1990s
ACI Maverick	Air Concept Industries	Marker related to the PMI Trracer
CCM Series 6	Chipley Custom Machine	Specialist pump-action tournament marker
CCM T2	Chipley Custom Machine	Modern stacked-tube pump-action design
Empire Sniper	Empire Paintball	Later commercial pump-action marker

Pump-action competition

Pump-action markers remain associated with organised competition and recreational play.

Some events are restricted to pump-action equipment, while others permit pump markers alongside semiautomatic and electronic markers.

Stock-class competitions may impose additional restrictions on ammunition capacity and gas systems.

Open-class pump competitions generally permit more flexible equipment configurations.

The playing format is covered separately in Pump paintball.

References