I know that this pump isn't new or high-tech, but is a common entry-level gun, and I want to inform people on starting out in this sport. So here it is, the old-fashioned pump review.
Looks
The Trracer (I bought mine from a PMI distributor,
the same gun as the ACI Maverick) is a clean looking gun. It is all black,
with a barrel wrap pump. It has a quite comfortable euro-grip. The trigger
is kind of sticky and creaky, I added some lube to it, but it did not fix
the problem. I would guess that taking apart the trigger assembly and sanding
the sides of the plastic trigger down with some very fine sandpaper would
remedy this. But I had neither the time or patience to get this done. It
has a direct feed from the right side. This allows sighting down the barrel.
The safety is standard for right handed markers. The gun looked very nice,
it is anodized very well, it is evenly shiny unlike some markers.
Mechanism
The Trracer works from a Nelson based firing system,
it is quite simple and nearly problem free. The pump is connected to the
bolt/hammer assembly via the linkage arm. When the pump is drawn back,
the sear on the hammer catches the striker, compressing the spring in between
the hammer and striker. Then the pump is drawn forward, sealing the ball
in the breech. This is what makes it a closed bolt marker. The trigger
is pulled, releasing the striker. The striker is hurled back to the valve
body, and it pushes in a cup seal, which in turn releases the gas. This
gas exits through the bolt, causing the paintball to be expelled. The gas
pressure within the valve re-closes the cup seal, and the marker is ready
to be pumped again. With this system, the velocity is controlled by spring
pressure. Like I said, this system is extremely simple, and near failsafe.
It is very unlikely for you to ever have more than a gas leak with this
system (which would probably be due to a 50 cent o-ring.)
Performance
Now is the moment of truth, see how the marker performs
out on the field. I had it set up with a 12 oz. CO2 in the rear CA adapter,
so I can use it for a stock, and a VL200. First at the chrono, the gun
performed quite well. The first string was 265, 260, 267. So I changed
to a larger spring. Field-stripping the marker and changing springs is
very easy. All you do is remove the 2 knurled screws from the bottom and
all the guts slide out the back of the marker. The next string was 289,
292, 286 awesome for a rear CA with no x-chamber or reg! It was easy to
hit a hub cap at 50 feet 9 out of 10 times using RP Scherer Premium Midnight
Sun paint. The sights are very accurate, but kind of awkward to look down
with a CO2 attached and wearing a mask. I would recommend a bottomline.
Game time, I brought it out, and I wasn't surprised to get a few odd looks from my peers. What happened to your Fox? I was asked (referring to my Desert Fox, which rules!) Nothing, just want to make it a challenge, I replied mocking them. Though I didn't do too well, I went 5 and 3 for the next 4 games, not bad for a pump vs. all semis. The gun is very loud, which may be a good or bad thing depending how you look at it. Not a single thing went wrong with my Trracer ALL day, and that is a feat for any gun! I am not gentle.
Conclusion
In conclusion I would like to say that if you are
looking for a entry level marker for a good price, or you just want to
have some fun with a pump. You would do well to consider a Trracer or Maverick!
It is an accurate, good looking, sturdy marker right out of the box, and
will have you flinging paint cheaply and accurately in no time!
ACI homepage: http://www.airconcepts.com
Stan Naspinski (Constipator)