The Carter Comp -  The History behind the Carter Comp

Pictured on left, another of my personal comps.  It is an  earlier model of the  Carter Comp, setup for stock play with a horizontal feed and Rat attack C02 changer.

        Originated back in the mid to late 80's, Earon Carter has been making his Carter Comp, for pump players all over the world.  Starting with raw material, Mr. Carter builds each one these guns from hand, matching and customizing each part individually for the gun.  The Carter Comp designed, for as its name implies, early style of true "stock tournament" play.  The Comp pre-dates other guns of similar configuration (such as the NW89 by Nicky Wilson).  Lots of inovations came from Earon's design and has influences many on most other Nelson clones.
        Based on the original Nelspot 007 marker from Nelson, these guns use the same concept in the pumping and actual firing of the gun.  Some parts which Earon used, were subcontracted to Nicky Wilson for a short period.  She knocked off the Carter Comp to create her own line of inferior clones and variations (ie NW comp, etc).

Basics of the Carter Comp

Early Models

        Early versions of the Comps utilized an aluminum snub (as opposed to post 91 SS snubs) with non-removable barrel and direct feed.  These guns were designed to shoot Nelson paint and other "bigbore" paints (in the days when Nelson was the best there was).  The internal components were made of carbon steel not stainlees steel, reasons being that stainless doesn’t have as good impact durability like the carbon.  Velocity is adjusted by the changing of power tube springs and hammer springs.  Back then, knowing the right combination of springs was crucial not only for the gun to operate efficiently, but to keep the gun within playable limits.  C02 changers consisted of a "twist" changer which had an opening on the side.

Current Models

        The comp remained breechdrop through out the advent of bore drop guns.   Rapid fire and autotrigger testing showed that the bore drop configuration sometimes resulted in balls bouncing back into the direct feed upon feeding which resulted in pinched paint.
        The Carter 90 version of the comp utilized an integral valve body pump changer (instead of being screwed into the ASA which was becoming popular due to CA).  This configuration along w/Carters proprietary tri-port valve tube gave excellent gas efficientcy and speed.  There versions were known as the "Tri-Carter" Comps.  Adjustable venturi bolts became standard in 91-93 partly due to increased fragility in paint.  Early Carter venturi bolts utilized 6 holes.  Later Venturi bolts have 4 but with an increase of adjustable turns.

Breakdown of the Comp

        Carter Comp with the Buzzard collar which allows for vertical and horizontal feeds.  All stainless steel body and detachable barrel (custom feature).  Stainless internals (hammer and Venturi bolt).  Custom milled high rise sight rail, trigger rail, rat attack, and pump handle make the Comp a very attractive pump gun.  Using the concept of the Nelson gun, the comp gives you an amazingly consistent velocity, with numbers of shots per 12-gram C02, ranging from 25-28 shots (all over 285 FPS).

Options

        After 91-92 Stainless Steel  is used for the snub, and removable barrels become an option (in SS or Al).  The "Buzzard" collar system is used to make the Comp convertible between direct feed and stock configurations, by simply removing the top screw.  If desired though the older integral (or welded on) type of direct feed was obtainable.  1911 .45 trigger frames are utilized along withCarters original style, and matched with Hogue .45 grips..

Various Comp options include:

- an autotrigger adjustment screw through rear of the trigger frame
- stock/direct feed configurations, .45 (arched or non-arched) or standard trigger frame
- vertical ASA or “space gun” style (which the Phantom copies for its vertical)
- decorative machining package (actually lightens the gun)
- anodizing
- iron sight rail (stock)
- various barrel options (length, material, porting), etc.
- aluminum tube extender
 
 

Similar Comps compared to the Carter Comp

        The Phantom borrowed lots of features from the comp especially aspects involved in the stock configuration.  The Carter Comp shares a lot of stuff with it big brother the Buzzard except for undercocking.  Cocking on the Buzzards provided by dual pump arms on the left and right sides of the body.
        Throughout the history of the comp, Earon has made multiple changes which have truly enhanced not only the appearance, but the performance of the Comp, making it one of the best shooting comps I have owned.  Averaging between $450-500 in price, it is definitely not on the cheap side, but you can count on getting what you pay for: appearance, performance, satisfaction.  Committment and dedication from Earon, have made the Carter Comp, truly, one of the most remarkable pumps in the paintball industry today.
 

Sean Takeda
MPN Columnist