I'm happy 'cause I think I just found a solution to my slippery HP bottle. I've tried everything from velcro, to grip tape, to non-slip tape on the backend of my fiberwrapped bottle & the solution that seems to work best is to use those small cork pads w/adhesive on them. I put some in the center and the bottom left quadrant of the back of my bottle since I'm right handed & it seems to hold almost as well, on my shoulder, as a 20 oz bottle.

If you have a tip or trick that you would like to share with others, please feel free to send it to me, and I will be glad to post it, giving you full credit of course! 

Thanks for emailing the monthly newsletter.
I'm thinking of buying a new paintgun.  I currently own a Tippman 68-Carbine, but often find myself heavily outgunned by 'Mags and Autocockers which both have higher rates of fire, better accuracy and longer range.  Which of the two(Automag or Autococker) would make a better upgrade in terms of accuracy, range, and cost(initial cost and mods)? Also, which barrels are best suited for each?

Arnold Q:  How much more accuracy and range does the autococker have over the mag?

Warlock A:  It is pretty close.  When it comes down to one shot one kill, the Autococker is dead on.  The automag might miss the first shot, for specifics.  As far as range, the cocker ball for ball at 285 fps, will out shoot the mag by about 15-20 feet further.  To get the mag to shoot that far, you need to turn it up to about 295-300 fps.

Arnold Q:  Is it a noticeable difference?  Even if a mag was upgraded w/ a good barrel and venturi bolt would its range and accuracy approximate the autococker's range and accuracy?

Warlock A:  well...I don't want to put a damper on your decision on buying either of these guns.  I have a ANS bolt and a DYE and Check-it barrel, and it seems to shoot just as good as my cocker.  I would say that on a good day, my mag might be a little more consistant than my Autococker (maybe + or - 5 fps variance)

Arnold Q:  Also, how much maintenance is necessary for the autococker?  From what you told me, I'm assuming it's a twitchy marker.

Warlock A:  Your assumtion is right.  When it works right, it ROCKS!  When it has a problem, it HAS a problem.  Usually, the only thing that can be a severe pain is the timing.  If it gets out of whack, it may become necessary to take it into a local store to see their "cocker doctor" as you will.  It takes a little time to learn the gun and the way it operates, but if you are willing to be a little patient, I would recommend it.  Just FYI, if you look in the magazines, media, etc., most amatuer and pro players use an autococker.  That's not why I have one :), I've actually had my Autococker for about 5 years now.  It was within the first generation right after the Budd Orr Sniper II (a pump version which became the Autococker).
* I will be posting some pictures of my guns on my web page some time this week.  If you want to get a looksy at what can ultimately be done to them.

Arnold Q:  One more thing - what do ya think about Armson barrels?

Warlock A:  I have not heard anything bad about them.  I think that they might be a little on the "tight bore" side.  Other than that, probably just as  good as any other barrel.  Oh I know, the shape of it is a little different than the typical (appearance only).

Thanks for your help,
Arnold

** Update ** 12/20/97
Arnold writes:

Well, I finally did it.  I made the jump from the 68-Carbine to the 97 Autococker.  I purchased a used 97 Autocker which was used only twice.  I haven't had the chance to play with it yet, but I'll have the timing rod replaced soon and do some research on barrels.  From what the two of you (Warlock and Ravi) have told me, Dye and Lapco seem to be the barrels of choice.

Thanks for your help,
Arnold

Warlock - Hey Arnold,
Congrats on the new gun.  Always glad to help a fellow paintballer.
the Warlock
 

Email from Kirby201@aol.com - 12/17/97
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kirby writes:

Hi warlock.
I have'nt talked to you in awhile. I would like to know if you could help me
with something?
I would like to find others in my area to form a team. Any help with this
would be deeply appreicated.

Thanks........... Kirby.............. :-)

Warlock - For anybody out there who's interested, Kirby is in the Johnston, PA area.  Quite a few of the MPN subscribers are from PA, any of you plan on forming a team?