Recently, I tested Lapco's new Bigshot barrel for the Tippmann 98.  Even though Lapco is making several high quality products for the Tippmann model 98,  such as cocking knobs, velocity adjusters, and drop forwards, they are most famous for their barrels.  Up until recently, Lapco only manufactured the Autospirit, a tight bore barrel for many popular paintguns.  Yet, many people found it difficult to constantly use small high quality paint to accommodate this barrel.  Thus, the Bigshot was born, a "big bore" barrel, which can pretty much accommodate all paint that you can use.

Specifications:

        The Bigshot is currently available in a 11.5" length for all styles.  It is available in stainless steel, powder coated and black aluminum.  The version I tested was a Bigshot Stainless, which retails for about $100.  All versions are ported, and can use "medium" sized paintballs (.689).  The aluminum and powder coated versions is hard anodized black, and can shoot a ball as large as .693.  This version retails for about $75.

Material:

        As for the Stainless version, it is a little heavy, however,  it balances well when one runs a tank bottom line.  It is very good-looking and shiny (which I personally like).  The manufacturing process was one of quality with this gun, as all material is very durable and top notch.

Cosmetics:

        I believe that the Bigshot actually makes a very stylish barrel.  While many think it's design is "simplistic", Lapco has added straight milling along the sides of the barrel, which makes it look very nice.  Lastly, the name of the gun, is machined onto the side of the barrel, a nice touch.

Performance:

        The Lapco barrel is simply, one of the most accurate barrels I have ever owned (and tested).  I was putting one ball on top of each other, every time.  I used RP Marbilizer paintballs for the test, but the barrel should be fine with mid-bore paint (.689).  As for noise, the Bigshot is a little loud barrel, but no biggy.  I feel noise is not of importance due to the fact that a person will know where you are regardless of the barrel you use.  The barrel seemed to self-clean only on par with other barrels, so nothing new.  Once again, this barrel is about accuracy and nothing else, and it is extremely accurate.

Overall:

        If you are looking for a well made barrel, look no further.  Lapco offers some of the best performance in a barrel and it is substantially less than the competition.  Great barrel, Lapco!

Lapco's web sight is located on the "Links" page.

Brian Speiser
MPN Columnist