The Monthly Paintball Newsletter "Covering the Paintball Industry from around the world" July 1998                                                                    VOL 1 - Issue 11

        First off, I would like to dedicate this month's edition to Earon "the Big Kahuna" Carter.  He is a close friend of mine who has been experiencing some life threatning complications in the past few months.  Earon was hospitalized for some time in March, and recently has had some heart problems.  Earon, being the "strong hearted" and good character that he is, has pulled through what doctors have said "were extremely dangerous complications".  He is out now and from what I last heard from Wes Wong (a good friend of ours) is doing much better.  Earon hang in their big guy, because the paintball world just wouldn't be the same without ya!
 

        Finally, completed the July issue within the month of July!  I have been playing alot of paintball so far this summer and have been taking alot of pictures of players all over California.  I plan on incorporating some of these pictures into the issues.  Let me know if you see yourself in one of the issues.  I will be adding a section to the MPN as well, which allow you the players to send in your pictures to have them published.
        Many of you have been sending your emails to me with questions to answer, wanting to know about new guns, products, as well as info on joining teams.  I have been basing my issues around email that you the players send me.  Just wanted to say, keep the mail coming...!  You can also look for articles from this newsletter to be published in the Splatter Times!

    Thanks,
       The Warlock
 

** MPN News Flash **

        If you have a Paintball team and a home page, get them on the web!  You can do this by visiting the Paintball Web Ring.  With the Paintball Web Ring, you can get your team advertised to other teams, players, sponsors, and others on the web.  You also get a web ring logo to put on your web page, which allows for easy access to other sites (Kewl Isn't It?).  It also gives you full credit for you Paintball site.  Join today!!  Here’s some words from Ants, founder of the Paintball Team Webring (pTw)...
 
 

If you have pictures, stories, ads, whatever, feel free to send it to us if you would like us to use it as material for the MPN.  We are always looking for new material and would love to hear from you that players.  Keep the stuff coming!

**** We have a new sponsor!!!  Please take a moment to click on "CyberCasino"  link on the bottom.  I know it has nothing to do with paintball, but they are willing to help us out if you visit them.  Even if you are not a gambler, every click counts.  Thanks for your support paintball players!!!

** Looking for guest/full time writers **

** The Splatter Times **

** Wild Geese Newsletter **

** Jeremy'sPaintball Pageand Field **

****************************************************************************

Things covered in this issue:

~ I Spy, an Editorial by the Warlock
           The Difference between Tourney and Recreational Paintball
~ Paintball Corner – articles from the MPN Staff – NEW!
       Featured this month:
            -Basic Cover and Concealment, by Richard Chown
~ New Products (Guns, Accessories, Equipment)
~ Upcoming Events (Tourneys, Special Events, Holidays)
~ Tricks and Tips from the Realm / Learn About... / Newbies on the Field
~ Q&A for the Warlock
~ For Sale / Classified
~ Coming Soon / Announcements
 

          This editorial section was created to inform you the Paintball Players from around the world about things within the sport the way I see it.  As many of you already know, I have been around the industry for quite a few years now, and have seen the goods, the bads, and all the changes which have made this sport what it is and isn't today.  I feel readers can benefit from this section because it brings foward the way I read, understand, and interpret the way things are running in the paintball industry today.

"Why would I want to pay more to play paintball?"

        Tournament paintball is rec ball brought up to the next level.  It consists of high paced play, extreme levels of determination, stress, and most important, team play.  Brought on with the increased cost of play, travel costs, team equipment, etc., tournament paintball can get rather expensive.  You don't need to have all the coordinating uniforms, tricked out guns, and many of the other nice things that sponsored teams have, but you cannot escape the tournament entry fees, travel expenses, and hotel accomodations that can make a simple paintball tournament into a financial nightmare.
        When the cost of playing tournament level paintball is significantly higher the rec ball, it discourages people from trying it.  Not many people would be willing to try something new, especially if it was going to cost them money, and if they were not guaranteed something out of it.    Most players reactions would be, we probably wouldn't stand a chance anyhow, and would probably get punished on the field as well.

"What do I have to gain from playing tourneys?"

        The bad news is, yes, it will cost you, and yes, you might get punished?  So why play?  The good and most importatnt thing that you get extreme amounts of (which is not as apparent in rec ball) is experience.  Most teams play in tourneys to see whos the best.  How do you become the best, with practice.  If you practice with so-so players, you will only becomes as good as they are.  Upon confrontation with each player you encounter, there is always something you learn to do and not do.  When you play with/against players at high levels of experience, it only makes you better.
        Rec ball has many of the same factors but is lacking one thing, organized team play.  Rec ball is for the players who like to go out on the weekend, shoot people up, and basically have a good time.  In my many years of experience, I have encountered players of all levels of experience when playing walk-on.  The players who usually excel on the field, are those who have taken the initiative to organize a group of players, to play as team.  I'm not saying that you need to have a team to be a good player, I'm saying that it helps to play with a group of people that you know, so that you can back and help each other out on the field.

"How do I find out about tourneys, and how do I get started?"

        First of all, get a team, or a close bunch of friends together.  Even if your paintball skills aren't extraordinary, get an organized, committed group together.  This is the most important step in having a long term relationship with a team.  Teams which lack organization don't work well on the field and usually end up disbanding within a short period of time.
        Second, find out what local teams/groups play in your area.  Contact them and organize team scrimmages, etc.  Ask them for advice if they have played in a tourney before.  Most players can't wait to tell others about stories which they have experienced and would probably spill their guts to ya.  Learn from them.  Afterall, this is why you are doing it, to learn and get experience to prep you for the tourneys.
        The final step is to sign up.  Ask your local paintball store about tourneys going on in your area.  Don't forget to mention that it is your first time, so you don't get mixed up with the novice or amatuer players.  After you sign up, just follow up to make sure that you are entered into the tourney, you pay promptly to reserve your team a spot in that tourney, and finally, make sure that you show up early on game day!  You wouldn't want to start off your first tourney experience by being late and disqualified!
        Tournament paintball is a great experince.  You get to play with teams from all over the US, including international teams when they come out.  You will also notice that you will see alot of the same teams at your local tourneys.  Tourneys also get you alot of publicity (exposure to the players, paintball resources (internet, magazines, papers), and people in the paintball industry); this is how teams get to where they are today with all of their sponsorships.  If you have been waiting to play in a tourney, but have been afraid to do it, now's your chance!  Go for it, you might suprise yourself at what you can do as a team!
 

Basic Cover and Concealment
By Captain - Richard Chown
Team - Xtreme Mayhem

 I thought a few basic tips for tactics.

 A common mistake that I see very often is players leading with their gun.  In other words, the first thing that the opposing player sees is a gun coming around the corner. This telegraphs your position and allows the other player a chance to prepare for your impending doom, as he/she knows just where you are going to appear.

 This applies in the woods as well as an urban field. If you are in a hidden position, and are not under fire, you MUST acquire a target before you can engage it. Simply put, look before you shoot. The exception to this would be if you are already engaging a player and you need to ‘force’ his/her head down. You can’t hit what you can’t see. Look for a target, once you have one, engage it.  When you bring your gun up, and then look around for an opponent, you present a large target which can be seen clearly from across the field.

 To properly look around a corner (or a tree or barricade), or to locate a target, use the "quick peek" technique. This is done while keeping as much of your body behind cover as possible, and exposing only a small portion of your head, quickly looking out from behind your position.  If your teammates are under fire, and you don’t have a target, use this technique to locate the opposing team members, then communicate their position, or look for an opportunity to engage them.

 An important addition to this technique is to not look out from the same place twice. Often times, an opponent will see you look out, then set up and wait for you to reappear in the same place. When you do, SPLAT! Change the location of your peeks by changing positions, i.e. kneeling, crouching, or standing, or by alternating sides of a barricade.  If you are behind a barricade, and know where your opponent is located, set up before your shot.

 From behind cover, bring your gun up to your sight plane, and roll your upper body out from behind the barricade. As you appear from behind cover, your weapon is already sighted, and you are on target quicker. This avoids lag time in bringing the weapon up from a resting position and allows you to immediately engage your would be attacker. This exposes only as much of you as needed to complete an accurate, controlled shot while remaining as protected as possible. SWAT teams all over world use this method, called the "Cyrillian Roll". It is effective if you are standing, kneeling or prone.

 A word of caution for paintballers, however: be aware of your hopper. As you complete this maneuver, or any shot from behind cover, your hopper sticks up 6-10 inches from the top of the gun. A slight canting of the weapon as you roll may expose less of the hopper. Enough of a cant however, MAY impede the performance of your gun by causing a misfeed or a failure to feed. Practice with your weapon, and be aware of how it may perform under a situation as described above.

 A final note: if you own a gun, you should own the tools to work on it! An allen wrench and/or a screwdriver is all that is required for most paintguns. Buy them, take them with you, and know how to use them. Time spent asking for help for minor problems that are simple to fix is time away from your play, and the player that helps you. However, no one knows your gun like you do, and if you learn to work on your gun off the field, problems on the field are easier to handle.

                Have fun, and I’ll see you on the field!

                - Richard Chown

Richard Chown aka -=MAXIM=-
Thank You For Reading!

paintball@pemail.net
ICQ 13640016
 

 Nothing new this month.  Look for it in the August issue.

- Zap International Championship - Pittsburgh, PA August 5-9
        For more info call 412-935-6100
- Great Western Series - Seatlle, WA August 21-23
        For more info call Russell Maynard 800-899-9957
- Zap International Masters - Nashville, Tennessee October 8-11
        $85,000 in prizes.  $95 per person will get you in for all activities on all four days.  For more inzo call 615-833-7376
 

Tips for the first time player(s)

Using Field Rental Equipment

For those of you who are renting equipment still or are playing for the first time, these tips are intended for you.  I have noticed lately that many people who rent field equipment get rather upset when that run out of air, etc.

1. When you rent a gun, make sure that it is not leaking C02.  Make sure the bottle has a nice tight seal.
2. Check the barrel to make sure that there is no old or broken paint down the barrel.  This will severly dampen the performance of the gun.  * Remember a clean gun, is a good shooting gun.
3. Check the operation of the gun.  Know how to operate and shoot the marker before the game.  Also know how to clean it should you break a paintball on the field.  If you don't be sure to let someone at the field know so that they may assist you.
4. When the gun stops shooting far:
       - Check to see if you are running out of air.
       - Check to see if you have paint in the barrel.
5. Last but not least, if the gun feels like it is not performing properly (i.e. it is shooting too hard, or too soft, lack in performance) be sure to let somebody know immediately!  This not only is for your safety, but the safety of others.  Also, no one wants to play with a marker which isn't working properly, especially when you have to pay for it.
 

Q: I would like to know your opinion on the Tippman Pro-Lite or the Tippman Mini-Lite. Please, E-Mail me as soon as possible with your opinion.
Thanks, codytc@gte.net

A: Hi Cody,
They are essentially the same gun.  The main difference between the 2 guns is the Mini-lite can mount 2 bottles (one in the back and one underneath).  The other difference is the overall length.  The Prolite is 32" all together where the Minilite is only 21"  If there is anything else that I can think of, I will be sure to let you know.

Q: Could you do an article about the Evolution AutoCocker? The Smart Parts one, plz.
Thx,
Mike Scherrer

A: Hi Mike,
UPDATE:  Haven't gotten around to playing with the Evolution yet but plan to this month.  I will make sure that we put in an article soon!
I will be sure to do an article next month.  My friend Steve just bought the Evolution 98.  I plan on playing with it first before I give it my 2 cents.
 
 

Tricked "Carter" One of a kind Autococker for only $900!!!!

A/C #21861
-   2 sets of Full Blown Products grips  (white) wraparound and wgp style
-   custom cut aggressive style shroud with front sight and Full Blown Products side panels and neoprene
-   1 Check-It Power chamber
-   chrome trigger shoe
-   Chrome Palmer's rock regulator w/ stainless steel adjuster
-   Stainless steel 3 - way shaft
-   threaded timing rod
-   beavertail
-   venturi bolt with locking block.  (1/2 turn takes bolt out, 1/2 turn keeps bolt in-- no push pin)
-   1/4 28 adjustable hammer nelson spring kit
-   timing holes
-   Decorative cuts w/ eclipse style sight rail and windows
-   custom two sided exhaust ports for no blow back
-   stainless steel rod set (pump arm and cocking rod)
-   10' Stainless steel Check-It Products barrel
-   PMS 68 minireg system w/ powerline fittings and quick disconnects
-   PMS custom cut drop forward cradle mounting system
-   Custom trigger job with adjustable shortened trigger pull
-   Worr Game Products low pressure valving modification - to increase gas chamber area
-   Clear coat anodizing for silver look
-   Custom Carter Machine valve to increase gas efficiency

All work done at Carter Machine

Asking $900 or best offer, this is definitely a one of a kind gun!

email warlock@sj.bigger.net
 
 

Tricked "Carter" Tournament Level Minimag

I have a fully tricked out Minimag which I have for sale.  Overall appearance is all silver with black detail.  It features:
- Polished Steel Power feed Minimag body
- Polished Aluminum Taso 45 trigger with Hogue grips and setup with a Micro switch for the viewloader
- Custom trigger job with shortened trigger, trigger pull, modified sear
- Custom rail with sharkfin cuts and black anodization
- Check-it Armageddon S/S barrel (bored to .0691)  This barrel ROCKS!
- Check-it S/S tourney velocity Adjuster with dual lock screws (to prevent it from moving)
- Custom 8-hole Unireg.
- Custom S/S "foamless" Venturi Bolt
- Earon Carter Sight Rail with custom "teardrop" cuts
- All steel braid hoses, setup for streamline C02.
- PMS 68ci Nitro (not pictured)
* Serial Number of this gun is in the "Lifetime" warrantied series.
 

** More details available.  Send me email to  warlock@sj.bigger.net Asking $700 OBO (serious offers only please).  Definitely a "one of a kind" gun.
 

Tricked Autococker for sale

A/C #21###
- 12" Lapco s/s barrel
- 16" All American press fit aluminum barrel
- Minicocker block with push-pin
- BBT S/S 10-hole Venturi bolt
- Rat Vavle (drilled for low pressure)
- Timing holes
- Tourney beaver tail
- Bad Boyz spring and hammer kit
- s/s pump arm and cocking rod
- ball detent
- Palmer Roc
- Bad Boyz custom s/s 3-way
- Matching splash 2 finger trigger.  Custom trigger job, 45 grips and reciever
- Air America Unireg
- PMS 68ci Nitro system
- New Microline with Quick disconnect fittings

Asking $550 for the gun and $275 for the Nitro or $800 for both.
Send me an email if interested by clicking "here"

Bob Long Verticle Feed Autococker
Green, silver, and black marble
Bob 2k series df .45 frame w/finger grooves (comfy)
KAPP trigger, sear, and timing rod (fast as hell)
mini ss clippard, stock (polished) 3-way, black rock w/knob
Bob lp valve and OTP hammer kit (needs a pair of yellows and a Mitey Max to
be LP)

Picts available, not the greatest, but you'll get the idea

$650 + shipping

Have an aluminum 16 oz and some barrels for some more $$$$
Email Chris
 

We are trying to setup another Pump gun game at Mare Island on Sunday, August 30.  Please send me an email for the details!!
Email Warlock

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Well that's it for the July issue, i know i know, late again. I'm still working on the format of the newsletter, should have much more pictures and stuff in the next issue.
 

Till then....

Happy Paintball'n!!

Sean Takeda <#23>
a.k.a. "the wArLoCk"

***********************************************************
   ->>>>Play Hard...or Don't Play at All<<<<- me
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  So Cal's SUBZERO - Tournament Paintball Team
      So Cal's YELLA - Tournament Stock Team
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