It is already time for the October Issue!  I just got done writing the September Issue, but that was my bad, oh well.  Thanks for all of the email you guys have been sending regarding the first issue.  I have incorporated some of the nfo you guys have provided me with in this month's letter.  I will try and cover some of the questions that I have been getting asked.
Now...onto the newsletter!

Things covered in this issue:

 ~ New Items
 ~ The Bob Long Signature Series Autococker
 ~ Upcoming Events around the U.S.
 ~ Advice for "Newbies"
 ~ Tricks and Tips
 ~ Q&A, Upgrading your stock Automag
 

The Tornado Valve by A.K.A. for the Autococker, sent by Mike Simmonds
Priced at about $80, the Tornado valve supposedly lowers the pressure at which your gun cycles at, thus increasing your amount of shots per tank. Out of a 114 cu.in tank (This is a High Pressure tank for you new players), you will get ~100 shots per 100 PSI, thus 3000 shots per fill (when you fill 3000 PSI).  Out of a 68 cu.in, you supposedly get about + or - 800 shots.

A.K.A. Performance Paintball - Javelin Barrels (in the November APG)
These new barrels are hard anodized and Teflon coated with a muzzle break.  It features a stepped bore for the closed barrel guns.  The Teflon coating supports a self-cleaning barrel (with most paint).  It is available for the Autococker in 10", 12", and 14".  Custom lengths up to 20".  Phone (317) 631-7200

The G-2 Pro Series Slingshot Venturi Bolt - by On Target Products
This bolt features a spring action front piece, which prevents blowback, loss of timing, and increases velocity.  It is also supposed to increase air efficiency.  Suggested price $65.  I have one of these, and highly recommend it.
 

         As Featured in the November issue of APG, I simply review the article and give a breakdown on what ya get for your money.  From what I have seen and read, this gun doesn't really feature any fancy machining.  The reason for this is to keep the price down, and because Bob Long wanted to keep the gun as close to Budd Orr's design as possible.  The only real feature is that you can get it in Solid or Splash anodizing.
         The cocking block is cut down, and features an optional "screw on" cap, which covers a shortened cocking rod.  Basically, the rod is replaced by a shortened one, and covered by a tourney cap, leaving the back of the rod completely covered.
         There are 2 available Trigger frames.  There is the conventional trigger which has the front of the receiver cut away (so you can put double fingered triggers and for faster firing) tapped with an adjustable trigger. The other trigger frame features fingered grooves.  The Trigger is much softer than the stock Autococker, however, is not really shorter.
         The stock 3-way valve is replaced with Danny Love's RAT (Rapid Air Transfer) Valve.  This valve allows you to set the gun's cycling pressure to 500 PSI.  Low pressure is optional, however available, which supposedly allows the gun to operate at ~225 PSI.  In my opinion, I would recommend leaving the gun at normal operating pressures of 450-500 PSI.
         The gun also features a Cyclone Bolt (which claims to give you a 4-6 foot increase in distance), a Cooper-T ball detent, Palmer Rock, and a Long Shot Barrel of your choice, available in .687,.689,.691, and .693.  You can also order the gun with either right or vertical drop.  The gun also comes with either a Bob Long expansion chamber by Benchmark, or a Unireg by Air America.
         Prices start at about $890 for model with the BL expansion chamber, internal valve work, Long Shot barrel, anodizing, and bottom line.  For $1030 you get the same gun except with the Unireg. I've played with this gun, it is pretty nice...for the price.
 

        In my experience with "walk on" field games and even some tourneys, I will see an occasional newbie who gets a beating on the field.  This ranges from either getting "lit up", all the way down to getting shot point blank because they let someone rush them.  This section is hopefully "useful" advice to help the first timers, get in the game.

Tip 1 - Who cares what kind of equipment other players are using, or even what they look like.  Remember, guns are only as good as their players.  If someone "sucks", they could have an awesome gun, but not know how to play with it.

Tip 2 - Invest in a harness to carry your paint.  Even if it is a pouch, which allows you to hold a few hundred rounds.  Carrying paint in a zip lock doesn't work.  You need to have a reliable way to carry your paint on the field.

Tip 3 - Wear dark clothing with appropriate protection.  You want to try and blend into the background as much as possible, not be the background.

Tip 4 - If you plan on playing more than that one time, invest in a decent mask.  Field masks are okay, but you should invest in your own with ear protection.  JT and Scott both have comfortable, affordable masks.  No one wants to lose an eye or get shot in the ear on their first go at it.

Tip 5 - Always keep you barrel plug in the gun when you are not using it!  If you are using a rental, check your air and paint supply in between games.  After checking to see that there is no ball in the barrel and your hopper is removed, check for broken paint.  Remember a clean gun is an accurate gun.

Tip 6 - When you get shot, don't call yourself out unless you are absolutely positive that the ball broke on you (in otherwords you can see it).  If you can't see it, call for a ref or buddy near you to check it for you.  Also, if it just splatters on you, most fields require a mark the size of a quarter for you to be out (check with refs at the field you play at).

Tip 7 - Don't be afraid to go after your opponent (but do it smart!)  If you hide the entire game, you are waiting for them to come to you.  There is nothing wrong with this, but be ready for your opponents to come up near or even behind you!  Playing paintball is like playing with dogs, if you show fear, they will eventually get you.  It is natural to feel nervous and uneasy at first, but this feeling usually goes away after getting shot for the first time.

Tip 8 - Try to gain positions, which give you an advantage over your opponent.  These types of positions usually give you a "bead" (good sight on your target) on your opponent.  It usually also provides you with good cover as well.  The "choice" spots usually offer good angles, good cover, and good outs (escapes in case you can't handle it).  Shooting from hills, downward are also good locations.

Tip 9 - Communications with you teammates.  This is one of the most important tips.  Try and play with someone if you are alone.  If you are with your buddies, communicate.  Let others know where your opponent is.  Let them know if people are moving, if your team should rush them, how many, etc.  If you don't communicate, there is no way others can help you out, unless they see or hear them as well.

Tip 10 - Have fun and play smart.  A lot of paintball is common sense.  Play smart, play safe, play aggressive.  For the most part, use good sportsmanship and have fun, that's what its all about.
 

Oct 4 - Planet Paintball - Oregon.  5-man, field paint only.  GWS Aff. Sponsored by Nelson Paint.  ph 503-614-9830 or 503-370-8749

Oct 5 - NAAPSA 3-man.  Global Paintball, Emmaus, PA ph 610-966-4780
 
3-man tourney hosted by CA Landsharks at Paintball Sam's, Sacramento CA. ph 916-482-GAME

Oct 11 - NAAPSA 10-man @ Trailblazers Paintball, Jacksonville, NC ph 910-346-9715

Oct 12 - GWS Aff. @ Fields of Fury, Los Angeles, CA.  5-Man.  See ya out there! ph 806-944-3011

Oct 19 - Great Western Series, Portland, Oregon.  Contact Russ Maynard at  ph 619-689-9720

Oct 21-26 - NPPL Orlando, Florida - Final Event ph 216-974-0077

Oct 26 - Kid's Day @ S.C. Village.  $20 all day for kids 10-15 ph 714-489-9000
 

-Save your paintball bags (those large bags your paintballs come in) to put your dirty equipment in after a day at the field.

-To prevent losing your keys on the field, buy an inexpensive clip the hardware store to clip it to your pants.  You can do the same to your barrel plug by putting a string though it  and attaching a clip.

-To keep track of the "time" left in the game, buy an inexpensive timer at your local department store an d some self adhesive Velcro, and stick it on your loader.  This way you can always keep track of your time.

-When taking your gun apart, get a box to put all of your parts in so that you don't lose them.  Label parts if you think that you might forget.  This prevents losing those small pins, screws and springs. Trust me, this is the best method!

-When looking into "getting sponsors" for your team, put together a team resume of your accomplishments, goals, and what your team stands for.  Be creative, remember, you are trying to give the sponsor a reason for wanting to sponsor you.  Communications is the most important key in getting a sponsor.  Ask your local paintball store when you visit the next time you visit if they would be interested.  Mail, call, email, etc. to get your team across.  When playing in tourney's, many sponsors are usually present.  Play good, hard and fair.  That is another characteristic that many sponsors are looking for when finding teams to represent them.  Good Luck!
 

This month's question comes from a member of the Xtreme Paintball Chat Group (which you can become part of at my web page) who asked:

Q: I am thinking of buying an Air America Automag, but don't want to spend a lot of money on after market accessories.  In your opinion, what necessities do I need to get to get the gun shooting good, while not spending a lot of money?

A: First of all, the Automag series guns tend to be pretty good right out of the box.  I would recommend spending the extra money and get the "power fed" model of the Automag to start off.  Depending on how you want to run your C02 or HPS, I would recommend running the system "streamline" for C02, that way you can run an inline regulator (this should only be done id you play in very hot temperature area, otherwise not necessary).  Also, make sure that your C02 bottle is Anti-siphon.  That's pretty much it.  As far as upgrade, I would recommend the ANS Venturi bolt (especially if you are blowing up balls with your current bolt).  Another item I would recommend would be a new valve from Check-It products, which provides more flow through your Unireg.  The last item would be an after market Unireg from Check-it as well.  The "power station" which replaces the front part of your Unireg, which offers a series of holes (rather than the factory 1 hole) which also provide more air flow, preventing the gun from "choking" up.
 

That's all folks for October.  If you have anymore questions, suggestions, comments, please email them to me at stakeda@thempn.com

Happy Halloween!

Sean Takeda <#23>

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