During Bacci Mountain 2016 Paintball Weekend, Ted "Two Guns" Hines, of the Hawaiian teams, Rough Riders and Ronin, took out a Bill "Thunder Pig" Harvey T-Shirt that reads, Thunder Pig Springs and Things.

Ted purchased this shirt off the wall at the Carter Machine shop (Hawthorne at the time?) in either late 1990 or early to mid 1991, when he and fellow Ronin player Stuart "Stu" Fishel, traveled to Los Angeles. During this trip, Ted and Stu played with the Kamikaze Shooters, Carter Machine employees and members of Team America.

Thunder Pig passed away during the June 1990 World Cup (I believe). This would have been several months before Ted and Stu arrived in Los Angeles.

Thunder Pig T-Shirts on the wall at Carter Machine under a nelson framed Carter Comp and a "Rolling Thunder" engraved Buzzard that likely belongs to Fernando Castillo. Photo from the archives of Ted Hines.

In the video, I cut Ted off, but he was going to tell a story of how Stu phoned the Carter Machine shop, and Thunder Pig answered the phone. Fichel was immediately greeted with a loud "FUCK OFF."
This threw Stu off a little, but a second later Thunder Pig came back with, "Carter Machine, how can I help you?"

Ted said it was obvious that Harvey was talking to someone else in the shop and answered the phone a second too early, but it still was an awkward start to Stu and Thunder Pig's conversation.

Giant thanks to Ted for the shirt and the story and to Christian Van Horn for the help holding the shirt!

Find more on Ted at: http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/ted-hines/
And more on Thunder Pig at: http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/thunderpig-2/

And a little more about Ted and Stu in this write up on the Ronin team history:
http://www.angelfire.com/hi4/ronin/teamhistory.htm

Left side of G3pb Sterling Sovereign.

I bought this Sovereign 1 years back and actually used it for a while. It came with the stock Sovereign frame but I've since switched on a Bob Long 45 frame that has been modified for the Sovereign Switch.
Based on the other parts on the Sovereign the Bob Long Frame came off I would guess the frame was cut for the Sovereign 1 switch by John Gross from Florida Paintball Center.

Right side of G3PB modified Sterling Sovereign.

This Sterling Sovereign 1 was originally modified (reg added and a few other minor details) by Terry and Jeremy Garrett at G3PB. They also had it anodized in the British Racing Green. I have a matched LPR, trigger shoe, barrel and stock for it somewhere.

Pre splash anodized G3PB with ANS LPR. Photo courtesy G3pb.

It is also pictured with an Eclipse Ram bolt. original Sovereign 1 is c . 1996-1997 from the UK and modifications by G3PB were likely around 1999-2001. 

Post Anodized G3PB Sterling Sovereign. Photo courtesy G3pb.

Find the pictured modifications on the archived G3PB website at http://web.archive.org/web/20020121150104/http://g3pb.com/

And more articles on Sovereigns at http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/sovereign

At Bacci Mountain 2016 I met Northern California paintball player Eric Jordan. Has bought various part over the last year and since I knew he was close I invited him up to our game. 

While at the game, Eric showed us the Mechanical Smart Parts Ion he put together using a Deathwish_DW / Two Fat Guys Paintball kit.
Two Fat Guys paintball offers users with electro pneumatic Smart Parts Ions a drop in kit that will modify the marker to shooting using a switch.

In the video, Eric shoots his mechanical Ion over the chronograph and it gets pretty good consistancy.  He also explains a little about the construction. shoots over the chrono and tells us a little about the construction.

Find more on The Mechanical Ion Conversions at http://www.mcarterbrown.com/forums/dealers-forum/171881-y0da900-deathwish_dws-mech-ion-vibe-sp1-gog-mod-drop-kit-%2A-sale-thread%2A.html

Here is a nickel plated Pro Team Products Micro Cocker that I purchased off craigslist about 4 years back. This PTP Micrococker has a Race Frame on it but the back membrane pad on the race frame has come off.

This Micrococker is one of the later versions and has the top pull pin on the body and the nickel is actually in excellent shape. Luckily it wasn't drilled for eyes when the Race frame was put on it which will make it a spectacular example of a Micrococker to convert back to a mechanical marker.

I would guess the Micrococker dates to 1998 or 1999 and the race frame likely dates to 2000-2003 (?).

Find more articles on proteam products and microcockers at http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/ptp

And more Autococker articles at http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/autococker

In this video I look at two variations of paintball loaders offered by Nasty Boys. I don't know much of the history behind Nasty Boys, but they sold tubes, harnesses, and soft goods and were based out of Southern California. Nasty Boys were also one of the sponsors of the Ironmen, who wore their giant harness designs around 1991-92.

I've been told that the unbranded loader shown was sold by Nasty Boys according to Gilbert "Gilly" Martinez of Mafia, The California Bushmasters, Hostile Takeover and the Dirtbags. I haven't come across other evidence besides Gilly account relating to this loader. Year is likely 1989-1990.

The Nasty Boys branded loader was likely produced by Allen Paintball Products and sold around 1991-93? I don't think Nasty Boys was around much longer than 1993.
The unbranded loader is built from slightly denser or harded plastic. These sometimes crack around the feed but are typically found undamaged.
Find APP loaders for sale at http://www.baccipaintball.com/gear/hoppers/140-rds-and-smaller-loaders/app-sightfeeder.html
Find Nasty Boys products on baccipaintball at http://www.baccipaintball.com/gear/brand/nasty-boys-packs.html

Right side of Diamond Dust finish post 1990 Line Si Bushmaster.

Here is a diamond dust anodized Line SI post 1990 Bushmaster. This body style was typically used on sponsored team Bushmasters but quite a few have been popping up over the last year which makes me think it was probably sold as a finish players could order.
This example came off eBay a few weeks back and I bought mostly as parts since it was described as being in rough shape and missing parts. Looking it over the pump / bolt is completely stuck in place.

Oddly enough, the front half of the bolt is missing and only the back stainless portion is what's stuck. I'll probably hammer it out with a barrel swab eventually. I think this Bushmaster will eventually be getting a sliding stock. In the video I explain the different between pre 1990 and post 1990 Bushmaster being the outer diameter length of the valve body and the 2 side valve retaining screws.

Body of Diamond Dust finish post 1990 Line Si Bushmaster without pump arm.

Here is a better shot of the body of this Bushmaster. It looks nearly new aside from some black gunk staining it. I'm thinking that someone upgraded a classic Bushmaster with the 1990 body style but then stopped using afterwards.

Left side of Diamond Dust finish post 1990 Line Si Bushmaster.

The sight rail for this Bushmaster is also the incorrect stock length. It should come right up to the back valve body screw which makes me think it was for sure switched out with an earlier body. The barrel has been removed in this photo.

Find Line SI Bushmaster parts at http://www.baccipaintball.com/parts/pump/nelson/brand/line-si.html
And find Line SI articles on baccipaintball at http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/line-si

Here is a KAPP right feed autococker that I've slowly been assembling, disassembling, and then re assembling. I bought the CCM mech swing frame for this body and was hoping it would be a closer fit. I'll likely take it off since I don't like the match and put it on something else.
I'm hoping to eventually find the correct matched frame for this body but who know if that will ever happen.

The body originally came from Chris Haggin, owner of KAPP, through Ryan Podesta. Podesta had it lt included in a lot on ebay with a Navarone body and the prototype KAPP Reflex body.

Pictured on this cocker are a CCM swing frame, a delrin jam bolt, a ccm ram, and a Kapp switch. You can also see that the rear beavertail screw is missing, or not long enough since it doesn't hold the plug velocity IVG adjuster in place. This causes the adjuster to be pushed out slightly by the spring as shown in the video. Also missing is the LPR. 

I do a poor job of showing how the Jam bolt works.

 Find Autococker parts for sale at http://www.baccipaintball.com/parts/semi/autococker.html

And find Autococker articles at http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/autococker

Here is a look at a Force Recon built sometimes in the early to mid 1990s by Colin Thompson. Although the Force Recon wouldn't stand out as being Colin's finest work, it does echo a neat lever of customization and you can tell this paintgun was assembled from the parts that Colin had at the time.

Old left side photo of this Force Recon. I purchased this in likely 2002-2003.

This particular model is breech drop even though the rail is engraved as a Spirit. The removable cocker threaded barrel features a retained pump spring, Colin's standard front sight, a single breech drop pump arm (similar to a Ghost) and a bar under slung tank holder to take a 3.5 oz, 7oz or 10oz tank.

Right side of Lapco Force Recon in Electric Sky Blue.

This pump was likely built by Thompson after he separated (and moved out from living with) Jon Sivers at Paintball Connection in San Diego. This woud have been after 1992/93. During this time Colin was working in various shops around the San Diego area.

Close up on Lapco Force Recon logo milled in.

I would estimate 100 or so Force Recons were assembled from parts by Colin around this time and this would be the same period he was making his stock class Ghosts and other more custom pumps.

Find Lapco articles at http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/lapco
And Nelson based Lapco parts at http://www.baccipaintball.com/parts/pump/nelson/brand/lapco.html

Right side of AGD Minimag with Retro Valve and Flatline and Benchmark frame.

Here is a reverse Retro Valve equipped Minimag that I purchased last week. I haven't bought too many mags lately but this one came in a package and was just too nice to pass. The Retro Valve has the standard lvl 7 bolt and I believe is a reverse valve, meaning the air input is on the left side.

Left side of Retro Valve equipped Minimag.

This Minimag is also set up with a Benchmark 45 Double frame and an AGD Flatline air system. The pictured barrel is a one piece stainless Dye barrel from the late 1990s. It's laser engraved "DYE."

AGD Flatline 3K air system.

Here is a shot of the Flatline setup. I never really used the flatline systems and I don't plan on using this steel tank set up. 
The drop forward for the Flatline hpa system has a steel clamp that wraps around the body of the tank reg and then is held onto the drop with two machine screws going into lock washers, making it super simple. 

Retro Valve Serial VV00832. Likely dates to 1999-2001.

The AGD Retro Valve was released in 1999, and with a serial of VV00832, this valve likely dates to 2001 or 2002. This valve originally brought the features of the 1996 RT to a valve compatible as a drop in replacement for the classic / standard Automag or Minimag and Micromag.
Eventually the Retro Valve had its name changed to the RT Pro valve. The two are essentially the same, with the Emag valve also sharing the same attributes.
Differences between these include different length on / off pins, some valves don't require the second top oring, which I believe is needed to use the ULT (Ultra Light Trigger) kit, and the laser engraving.

Find more Automag articles at http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/automag
And Find Automag parts for sale at http://www.baccipaintball.com/parts/semi/automag.html

Tim Firpo at Paintball Tek dot com disassembles a Freeflow Lotus Autococker with a match anodized Race Frame and Eclipse Drop Forward.
I bought this cocker because of all the matched anodized parts and the nice gloss acid wash finish. The raceframe is the older style and it originally had a match anodized AKA regulator that was lost somewhere in the past 4 or so owners.

Tim examines the back of the Palmer's Pursuit Shop Micro Rock.

Looking over this Cocker Tim got especially excited after he noticed a modification on the back of the Palmer's Pursuit Shop Micro Rock which would allow removal of the Rock's back portion using a two pin Spanner Bit tool.

Close up of back portion of Freeflow Lotus Rock reg with Spanner Tool holes. Close up.

The holes are a little bit to spaced out to use one of the Angel Spanner tools we found out.

Feedneck on this Freeflow Lotus body.

Continuing to look over the cocker Tim removes the feedneck to reveal the standard WGP feedneck thread which makes him think it's a genuine WGP body and not one of the Chinese machined Freeflow bodies that Freeflow used later on.

Find more articles on Freeflow Autocockers at http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/freeflow

And Find Autococker parts at http://www.baccipaintball.com/parts/semi/autococker.html

Right side of 1999 STO Minicocker.

Earlier this week I picked up this 1999 Mini STO from a local seller. The blue and black full body 1999 variations of this factory built STO (Standard Tournament Operations or Special Tournament Options?) Autococker pop up pretty often, but I haven't seen as many of this color way.

I had originally intended to keep this STO as part of my collection, but there is a ding on the right side of the red gills which to me, makes this more of a playing gun, and I would never play with this, aside from a shooting video.

Close up of damage on gills of Minicocker.

Above is a close up on the ding, dead center on the red cuts.

Close up of front block and "99 Mini STO" logo on Minicocker.

The engraved logo on the side of this Autococker is awesome. The black to red to black fade anodizing is also very nicely done with a slight sparkle in it!

Close up right side of STO Minicocker.

The pneumatic components include a chrome Sledgehammer, an STO ram and a nice chrome plated switch, that could be the same style sold by Belsales.

Close up of back block on STO Minicocker.

This 99 Mini STO Autococker also has the WGP cut P block. There is no two digit number, which would correspond to the last 2 digits of the serial, stamped into the inside of the back block. The bolt included, is the stock WGP P block length bolt.

Left side of of 1999 STO Minicocker.

As would be expected, the polymer plastic frame is cracked at the safety hole, which happens to all WGP plastic frames unfortunately. And the beaver tail is badly bent. Easy fix is you have a vice set up, but for me I'll need to wait to fix it. I believe the plastic frame uses post 1998 trigger internals.

Close up left side of STO Minicocker.

Another neat touch on this Autococker, is the WGP engraving on the end of the barrel. I would guess these barrels were produced by Brahim Estephan at OTP but I am not sure on this.

This will likely be fore sale, not sure if I want to part it or sell as is. The Ergo reg and ANS bottomline will likely be removed when it does go up for sale.

Find more Autococker articles at http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/autococker

Find Autococker parts for sale at http://www.baccipaintball.com/parts/semi/autococker.html

In this quick video I examine a Crossfire RamRod barrel which dates to about 2000-2002.
This barrel is threaded for the an ACI Griffin (and compatible with a F4 Illustrator and Tippmann A5?). The date on these barrels is likely around 2000 and you typically see them available for Spyders, cockers, and Tippmann paintguns.
Total usable barrel length is about 4 inches and the cage is actually constructed from welded stainless.

Find a review of the Crossfire Ramrod barrel at:
http://www.jchoefer.com/paintball/reviews/ramrod.htm

Here is a set of Autofeed Paintball Loader shells that arrived today from Fabrice Bertois in France. These Autofeed shells likely date to around 1993-97 and I think I've seen these exact colors advertised around 1995. In this video they are shown empty, but I should have internals to fill them.

This Autofeed loader opens on either side and takes standard pod lids as covers.  I quickly look over these shells and talk about the internals that will go inside of them.

Autofeed loader shells with blue and yellow shells.

These loaders functions almost identically to a 9 Volt Viewloader from the same period (before the Viewloader revolution).

Find more articles on the Autofeed (there aren't any right now unfortunately) at:
http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/autofeed

I've seen photos of the bizarre E-Tron Spin Loader for the last decade but I haven't been able to find one for sale until last week. This loader was offered by Avalon Manufacturing who made the Diamond GT Blowback Spyder clones.

The archived paintball review description states:
"The E-tron is a revolutionary new hopper that is the new alternative to tubes and e-hoppers. It will feed approximately 10 bps. They make spills very rare if ever because you don't have to use tubes to dump into the hopper simply pull out the next E-tron from the harness and put it on your gun and flip the dump switch. These hoppers use treaded elbows so you don't have to worry about the hopper falling off the gun."
Find that link at:
https://web.archive.org/web/20080116071036/http://www.pbreview.com/products/reviews/1734/

Lid with logo on the E-Tron 130rd Spin Loader.

The E-Tron 130rd Spin Loader arrived yesterday and my initial thoughts are that it's incredibly awkward, too tall, the paddle is not a desireable feature, and the clear plastic will be come brittle over time. Also, the actual shape is modeled after a grenade, possible in motion? The round shape is way too bulbous and reminds me of the AGS oil can loaders.

Side profile of the bulbous form of the E-Tron 130rd Spinloader.

I don't think this loader would stand up to many direct hits without cracking and breaking.  The lever to stop balls from feed seems like it could be problematic. I had always thought the leaver was for an electric control. I wonder if there ever was a motorized version? Maybe the hole where the paddle sits was originally for a motor and they did away with that and just threw the paddle in to cover it up. This is likely from c. 2003. The PBReview ratings are from 2004-2006.

Find more videos on paintball loaders at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJC7papTosfUA4JKBsCgPsSQxz8zkk4e9

Here's a right feed Kapp Autococker with a wild anodizing pattern. The color is sort of a rainbow splash over a solid black. I bought this paintball marker off craigslist probably a decade ago from someone in Colorado, and although it is missing the back block and barrel it's otherwise complete and looks great!

Kapp Autocockers at Pacific Paintball's booth from the 1998 Pittsburg Zap Am Open. Photos courtesy Warpig and photo credit Dawn Mills.

I've been looking for another paintgun with this anodizing pattern and the only other example I've seen is this photo, taken by Dawn Mills of Warpig, at the Zap Am Open in Pittsburg, which went from August 4th to 9th, 1998.

Find Dawn and Bill's write up on the 98 Zap Am Open at: http://www.warpig.com/paintball/tournament/zapam98/index.shtml

Kapp rainbow splash 1998 Autococker setup with a max flow and drop forward. Right side view.

The frames used on all the pictured KAPP Autocockers from the Zap Am Open are from DYE and the pictured bolts look to be OTP models. 

Kapp rainbow splash 1998 Autococker. Left side. "K" engraved logo.

This Kapp Autococker has the early ANS Sledgehammer 1 LPR, the ANS Clippard mini ram, a chrome plated WGP Switch, a Kapp Rhino drop, and a stock WGP bolt.

If anyone has a matched back block please contact me!

Find more articles on Kapp at http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/kapp

And find Autococker parts for sale at http://www.baccipaintball.com/parts/semi/autococker.html

Thanks to Bill and Dawn Mills from Warpig for permission to use the Kapp autococker photos.

Right side of Darryl Trent's heavily modified 1990/91 Autococker. Purchased from Norway September 2016.

Over the last couple years an early Autococker with serial 5501 and "DARRYL IRONMEN CALIFORNIA" acid etched on the side has surfaced multiple times. Originally etched for Darryl Trent of the Ironmen by WGP in late 1990 or early 1991, this Autococker has been heavily modified from its stock configuration.

Posted to several paintball forums by a paintballer in Norway, Darryl's Autococker appeared to have an early 90s P block cut done to the body / back block, as well as Belsales components added. In the instances this unique Autococker had been posted, the owner asked about changing pieces, value and history.

Here is one link on Tech PB:
http://www.techpb.com/forum/topic/66099-date-a-cocker/

Ironmen pictured at the 1993(?) Music City Open. Photo sent to me and then scanned from Tim Schloss.
Darryl wearing the below mentioned head wrap. This Autococker would have already left Darryl's possession by this tournament.

Asking Darryl about this Autococker's History

When I initially saw this Autococker posted back in 2010  I asked Darryl Trent, if he had any details on it. Darryl told me that this marker was stolen from him along with his gear bag while traveling in Europe. Also taken was a bandana head wrap he had silkscreened with Ironmen skulls and crossbones, which he frequently wore in early 1990s photos. Darryl also commented that he was really upset to see how it was modified since it left his possession. When he had last seen this Autococker it used the stock full back block, had an uncut trigger frame, and used the stock pneumatics (with possibly a Rock reg).

Darryl's Ironmen Autococker in 2016

Photo quickly shot from the June 1996 issue of Paintball Games International.

A couple months back while browsing old Paintball Games International magazines I saw a photo of an unnamed player holding with the same Autococker! Post back block conversion, but prior to the addition of Belsales pneumatics. The trigger guard is also uncut. I made a mental note to scan the magazine and threw it back in whatever unsorted box it came in.

Two weeks ago this same "DARRYL IRONMEN CALIFORNIA" Autococker was posted for sale on http://www.customcockers.com by the same paintballer in Norway, Simon Aslund.

I spent a couple hours searching for the Paintball Games International and shot the photo quickly with my phone and sent it over to Darryl, along with the Custom Cockers link to see if he wanted to try and import it back into the US. The ad had been up for a day so I figured any efforts were probably too late, but I emailed the seller regardless.

Left side of Darryl's 1990-91 Autococker.

The next day I talked to Darryl on the phone. Still very adamant about his feelings on the backblock cuts and other modifications, he did remember a few details after seeing the PGI photo.

Darryl recalled that his earlier memories of this cocker being stolen were incorrect. He remembered letting a UK player stay with him in Northern California in the early to mid 1990s and at that time either gave, sold or traded this Autococker away. Darryl told me if I was interested in it for my collection to go for it. Later that night Simon emailed that the cocker was still available and I sent over payment.

The next day, Simon Aslund shipped it off from Norway and I started looking into the history and modifications of the "DARRYL IRONMEN CALIFORNIA" Autococker.

History:

Rick Cendejas playing for the Ironmen in late 1990 with an early Palmers Hurricane.

During the 1990 paintball season the Ironmen began transitioning from their Line SI sponsorship to shooting a mix of Bushmasters, Palmer's Pursuit Shop Hurricanes and WGP Snipers. Carpet Bob, Marty Bush, Chip Hyde, Rick Cendejas, and Bob Long won the 1990 5 man Line SI Masters in October 1990 with this mix or markers.

Ironmen after winning the Line SI Masters 1990 5 man championship. C. fall 1990. Back row left to right, Carpet Bob, Marty Bush. Front right left to right, Chip Hyde, Rick Cendejas, Bob Long.
Photo courtesy Rick Cendejas.

Going into late 1990 / early 1991 the Ironmen began talks with Bud Orr on a full WGP sponsorship, and shortly after began receiving markers from Bud. This would be sometime between October 1990 (Masters) and the March 1991 Lone Star Open, (where the Ironmen premiered the Autococker).

Alexander "Zander" Rose's acid etched Sniper 2 serial 5800.

During this period from late 1990 until March 1991 a few Ironmen members received their first WGP sponsored markers. Ironmen player Alexander "Zander" Rose received his first sponsored marker from Bud Orr, a Sniper II, with a serial of 5800, prior to the March 91 Lone Star Open.

Close up of Zander's 1990 Sniper 2 with serial 5800 and acid etched "Zander" from Bud Orr.

Zander recalled the history of the above pictured Sniper 2 in an email from September, 2015. He writes, "The Sniper is serial number 5800 and I remember Bud pulled that even number body for me specifically and had my name etched in it." And he goes on, "I don't remember [the exact date] but I know it predated the Autocockers for sure.  I believe it got pulled when we were just getting to know Bud before the full sponsorship and the prototype cockers in 91."

Acid Etching from WGP

The WGP acid etching on Darryl's Autococker c.90-91.

Acid etching doesn't turn out as clean as laser engraving and the edges aren't super crisp, but sort of fall away as a gradual transition into the anodizing. A few feet away the letters look clean, but under closer examination the edges aren't sharp.

I asked Bud Orr about the acid etching on Zander and Trent's Ironmen Autocockers and he replied, "I think Jr [,Harold Bruce, who worked for WGP,] did do the acid [etching] job on them."

Based on Zander's Sniper 2's similarities, I had assumed this paintgun would have been given to Darryl as a pump, but talking to Darryl he doesn't remember shooting any WGP pump markers on the Ironmen. He explains that he moved from his Line SI Bushmaster, now owned by Tony Meno (video above), to the Prototype Autococker used at the 1991 Lone Star Open.

Darryl Trent's Team Ironmen Line SI Bushmaster, now owned by Tony Meno.

Darryl remembers that Zander, Marty Bush, and James Walsh were the players who would have continued to use Sniper II pumps after the team switched over to WGP markers from Line SI Bushmasters.

Ironmen pictured at the Lone Star Open 1991 with their WGP Autocockers. Darryl pictured far left with an Autococker and a WGP Ammo Box II. Scanned from Paintcheck, July 1991.

Based on the similarities in the engraving, The "DARRYL IRONMEN CALIFORNIA" Autococker was likely given to Darryl by Worr Game Products in late 1990 to early 1991. The three likely possibilities for this Autococker are:
•Received as a Sniper II and not used and then converted to a Autococker for the 1991 Lone Star Open.
•Received for the 1991 Lone Star Open.
•Given to Darryl after the Lone Star Open but during 1991.

Darryl Trent in an WGP ad printed in the February 1992 issue of Paintball Sports International.
Darryl is shown holding the 1991 World Cup Trophy.

Darryl also explained to me that he owned several Autocockers during 1991 and 1992, so it's unclear how much he might have used this particular Autococker. He thought it could be the same Autococker pictured in his WGP / Tiger Stripe / Nasty Boys ad, but really, without seeing the serial number or engraving that cannot be proven.

Post Ironmen Modifications at MDS (Marcus Davis Supplies)

The "DARRYL IRONMEN CALIFORNIA" autococker is covered with various body cuts machined post 1991, which can either be a huge turn off, or really neat if you think about the continued history.

Researching the backblock cuts I recognized similarities to a style posted on the Old School Paintball Guns group and the Old Age Paintball Paintball Gun group on facebook. Two UK players, Richard Power and Tim Iline, had posted several old Autocockers with nearly identical cuts. 
Power played on Dragon Company and Iline worked for Marcus Davis Supplies (MDS) doing modifications on Nelsons, Sterlings, Automags and Autocockers.

Tim Iline back block and quick pull bolt modifications, post Darryl's ownership.

I sent photos to Tim Iline, who confirmed that "The block & bolt certainly looks like my work."
Iline's modifications include the "P block, diffuser bolt, the pin system seen, timing adjustment through the top of the body, Nelspot springing, hi flow valves, etc."
Inspecting the photos of the Autococker he remarks, "Darryl's gun looks like it has the hole in the body for the hammer lock screw that I used to do before using nylon screws in the side of the hammer. I also started using 1/4 in. dia screws instead of 3/16, in the hammer, with the fronts turned down to fit in the slot in the body, though I believe that was Danny Love's idea before mine."

Belsales Components

The LPR, beavertail and switch were all replacement component from Belsales and not part of the work done by Iline at MDS.
The brass switch is unique, and is 94/95 aftermarket Belsales 3 way, with the barbs spaced close together, similar to the early aftermarket switches that Russell Breeden, of RKB Engineering, designed.

Front block on Autococker Sniper serial 5501.

I explained what I had discovered about the modifications to the seller, Simen Aslund, and he replied that a while back someone recommended emailing Belsales, to see if the body was modified by them. They wrote back the following:
"No we didn't produce this gun. It looks like its one of the original California Ironmen WGP sponsorship guns issued to Darryl Trent. I have seen this gun before but a very long time ago. I think Darryl either gave it or more likely sold it to someone in the UK.
Although it wasn't produced by us it has a Twister end cap hence the Evolution sticker."

By "Produce this gun," I believe the Belsales employee was referring to the body cuts done by Iline at MDS.

History determined upon arrival, back in California

Once I received the Autococker I started asking around for clues as to who might be holding the "DARRYL IRONMEN CALIFORNIA" Autococker in the June 1996 PGI photo. Was it the UK player Darryl traded/sold it to?
I posted two photos of Darryl's cocker, along with the June 1996 PGI photo to the Old Age Paintballers facebook group. Almost immediately I started receiving extremely detailed responses. 

Paintballing Gladiators

A scan from the September 1994 issue of Paintball Games International sent in by Paul Cross.

Paul Cross and Mark Howes replied, and Cross posted an article in PGI covering the Russian Gladiator Television show visiting the UK and playing paintball. The player holding Darryl's cocker was a contestant / actors on the show. 

Another scan from Paul Cross from the September 1994 issue of PGI show Darryl's Autococker in the UK.

The Previous Owner, James Tristan Hewitt of Rage and NWC

And the following day, September 25th, James Tristan Hewitt replied that Darryl gave the Autococker to him in late 1992!

UK Rage c. 1993?. Photo courtesy James Tristan Hewitt.

Hewitt, who was playing for UK Rage at the time (c.1992) commented:
"So I was the original player who Darryl gave the gun to [in late 1992]. Had a holiday up in Petaluma, [California] with some friends and partied with for a few days after meeting at Nashville Masters.
I had the block chopped and detent fitted.
Sold when I was short of cash, man I'd like it back.
Tim Tighe from PGI borrowed it for Gladiator photo shoot at Paintball, Kidderminster."

And Hewitt continues that he "didn't install Belsales parts. [The] Detent was done when being [P] blocked."

UK Rage scan, sent from James Tristan Hewitt. Scanned from unknown UK made, likely 1994.

Hewitt used this cocker on Rage at the Mayhem Master in 1993, where they made the semi finals. Rage disbanded in 1994 and Hewitt went to play for Nam Wreckin' Crew (NWC), who he won the Mayhem Master with in 1996. 

James Tristan Hewitt shooting a Nam Wreckin' Crew Evolution by Belsales. Photo c.1996. Photo courtesy James Tristan Hewitt.

Hewitt sold this cocker in 1995/96 to "Tim, from Team Librarians." "Tim" may have had Belsales upgrade the components, including the Twister Reg cap, beavertail (not pictured) and switch.

1994-2010?

Between 1994 and 2010 this cocker made its way to Norway, where Simen traded for it. He remembers, "I traded it for an [Dangerous Power] G3, 4 or 5 years ago from a guy here in Norway. Had some trouble get it shooting so the lpr, asa and main reg was taken off a [2003 Autococker]."
I switched the Lpr back to the Sledgehammer with Twister cap back before the photos.

Darryl Trent shooting a full body early Autococker at the 1992 Store Wars III event at Paintball Hill, in Pope Valley California. No visible engraving on the Autococker pictured in the Store Wars video.

The Future

In the future I will be removing the regulator, bottomine and grip frame and then replacing them with a stock frame with an Air America Expansion Chamber or Unireg (not sure if I want to go HPA or co2). I'll use an uncut guard WGP frame and either a bottomline or a Fred Shultz Signature Series bottomline mounted Air America (pre Raptor) system. Or maybe a Tsunami regulator system with an aluminum bottom. 

Giant thanks to everyone that helped with this article, Darryl Trent, Paul Cross, James Tristan Hewitt, Tim Iline, Richard Power, Simon Aslund, Bud Orr and Mark Howes.

Find more articles on Darryl Trent's paintball history at:
http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/darryl-trent

And more on the Ironmen at:
http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/Ironmen

And more Autococker articles at:
http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/autococker

Here is a Taso back block made around the mid to late 1990s that integrate a cocking rod cage into the design.
This is similar to the Bob Long back blocks except for the cage is not removable. 
The splash pattern is similar to the pattern I've seen on some Taso Autocockers from the mid 1990s. I can't remember where I found this, but this block is in surprisingly good shape. There are also neat extra cut throughs.

Find Autococker parts on baccipaintball at http://www.baccipaintball.com/parts/semi/autococker.html

And more Autococker articles at http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/autococker

Over the last month and a half I added close to 100 items to the site, mostly comprised of paintguns and gear. None of these new (old school) products are super exciting, but mixed with the photos and videos I think this sales pitch is pretty interesting.

The paintguns added aren't too exciting. There are pumps, semis and even two electronic markers. I'll highlight a couple of each below that stand out (which means they aren't Brass Eagle Eradicators, although I did add one or two).

A Line SI Bushmaster that I purchased from Larry Boone several months back.

The pumps included a Line SI Bushmaster that came from Larry Boone.

I did a short interview with Larry on his paintball history when I met up with him a few months back. Boone was the original owner of this Bushmaster and it was purchased from a Southern California shop (not Skirmish). He used this pump a little, but Larry was transitioning to his Automag by the time he received it, so it's still in good shape.

A Mac 1 Avenger direct feed conversion.

Another neat pump added for sale in October 2016 is this Mac 1 Avenger.

The Avenger is a direct feed converted PMI 1. The difference between the Avenger and Mac 1's more popular Annihilator, is that the Annihilator was rebarreled.

I bought this Avenger probably over a decade ago on mcb. I think it came from Repoman, of Damage inc.

This AGD Sydarm could be new?

One of the semi automatics that stands out is this AGD Sydarm I bought earlier this year in a large lot of paintguns.
This Sydarm looks nearly new and although it would be great for my collection, I'd prefer a used model so I could shoot it and do some videos with it. Aside from some white tape around the feed plug, this pistol looks new.

I disassembled this Sydarm while testing my live streaming a few months back.

A neat Nelson Challenger with a PMI Chameleon kit added.

Another semi that isn't pretty, but is unusual, is this Nelson Challenger that was converted to a semi automatic with a PMI Chameleon kit attached onto it.

This was one of the kits included in a large lot I bought a couple years back. Unfortunately this example is one of the more crudely constructed versions (which is why I'm getting rid of it). A nicer version is shown in the video above.

Find the article detailing these neat kits at http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/pmi-chameleon-kit-nelspot-challenger

A Zeus Pistol that looks new.

Along with the Sydarm I pictured up this Armotech Zeus. This looks brand new in the box, and since the barrel is still wrapped up I don't think it was used.

Tippmann's first direct feed semi auto, the Tippmann 68 Special premiered at the Bay City Open in July of 1990.

Last of the neat semis added over the last month and a half is this Tippmann 68 Special. This early semi auto came from a player that used to frequent Conquest in Malibu, California, named Tony. I bought a couple paintguns from Tony about 6 months ago and we recorded a few videos. Those videos aren't online yet, but this Tippmann 68 special is in fantastic shape.

Alien Revelation Serial 02

And in an unusual turn of events, I happen to end up with a couple electronic Alien paintguns. I noticed a lot on ebay a few weeks back that included an Alien Revelation. Although I already own one Revelation, I needed another example to find which parts I'm missing. This was the perfect example, a low serial (#02) and possibly some spare parts mixed in with the Alien parts the lot included.
Find a couple Alien Revelation history articles here.

Alien Interceptor. How does this gun work? It uses a battery? I need to ask Tim what that means...

From that Alien lot I've listed this Alien Interceptor. I aired it up and it dry fired without leaks. If you want to make an offer on it feel free to email me, since my price is a little high.

The 2012 Alien Independence from that lot has also been listed. It's leaking a little from where the LPC meets the body. If it doesn't sell in the next month or two I'll fix the leak. This Alien definitely needs some better grips. Again, I'm happy to hear offers on this paintgun.

I also purchased a bunch of misc gear over the last month locally that came with a CCM J2. I mixed these items in with other gear that was pilling up, and there is a nice selection of vintage and misc gear in this batch, including masks, pads, packs and loaders.

JT Flex masks added in October of 2016.

Here are a majority of the masks I added. A few flexes and some junk masks. 

A brown Flex 7 added in October of 2016.

Another mask, not pictured was a scratched up brown JT Flex 7 Ize.
Find masks here.

Pads, gloves and bags added in October 2016.

Here's some of the misc pads and gear added over the last month.

Thunderwear knee pads added to inventory in 2016-10.

The old black knee pads pictured are, I believe, Thundewear pads.

A CCM barrel bag added to inventory.

The CCM barrel bag is also neat, but I probably priced it too high?

Packs and harnesses added in October of 2016.

This pictures show a few of the harnesses added.

A nice Unique Harness in green.

The Unique pack is neat and is the signature OD green Unique style I like. If it was a vert pack I'd probably keep it (although I already have too many Unqiue Vert Packs)...

Foxwood 3V harness that was added to the site in October of 2016.

Another neat vert harness added this month was a Renegade Foxwood 3V pack. Not a very innovative style but a perfect to match a Foxwood camo setup.

Find hundreds of harness styles available here.

Barrel bags and squeegees.

These really neat barrel bags were added. Not sure why I waste my time with some of this stuff. But there's probably someone looking for a WGP barrel bag. Find barrel bags at: http://www.baccipaintball.com/gear/plugs.html

Loaders including a Dye Rotor, a Ricochet and Winchesters added on October of 2016.

I also added these loaders which came with the CCM J2. A couple winchesters with flip lids, a Brass eagle mini loader and a Dye Rotor.

A Winchester Loader.

Here is one of the winchesters loaders, which has a hole drilled in front of the feedneck. Maybe a vent for when you have to pump really fast and need your super small loader to keep up?

Find loaders in all styles here.

Aluminum freak inserts.

I also took the time to inventory the several cases of aluminum freak inserts I have sitting around. Some of the smaller sizes have sold but there is still a good selections.
Find them at: http://www.baccipaintball.com/parts/barrels/freak-fronts-backs.html

7oz tanks from Gary Bennett at Paintball Hill.

Other misc items added over the last month include a bunch of 7oz tanks i received from Gary Bennett at Paintball Hill. These came in a tub of trracers and vms that were pretty beat up. 

Above is Gary introducing himself. I'll be posting more videos we recorded eventually. And find other Paintball Hill articles at:
http://www.baccipaintball.com/oldnews/tag/paintball-hill/

Lately I've been adding items to the site every few days. And I'm always posting on both facebook and instagram, and although most items aren't for sale and just for documenting paintball history, it never hurts to ask!

And find the latest products inventoried at 
http://www.baccipaintball.com/newproducts?limit=108

Southern California Stock will be playing an Ammo Box only game at Jungle Island Paintball tomorrow in Lake Elsinore so I've gathered a few of my favorite options for Ammo Box loaders.

WGP Ammo Box 2 made from softer, non brittle plastic.

My number 1 pick for uniqueness is the Ammo Box 2. Fearless Leader didn't mention that Ammo Box 2s aren't allowed since he probably figured most have shattered because of the brittle plastic they were made out of. The Ammo Box 2 pictured above is the exception. It's made from a softer and more flexible plastic that actually allows it to withstand direct hits! This loader also features a platform inside which I'll have to remove before it can be used (reliable). The pictured side piece on the mid right side of the photo above holds your barrel plug.

PMI Ammo Box 1 with PMI Butler creek flip top lid.

And above is a PMI Ammo Box with a PMI branded Butler creek scope lid flip top.

Find So Cal Stock at https://www.facebook.com/socalstockgroup/

And Find WGP Ammo Boxes online at http://www.baccipaintball.com/gear/hoppers/140-rds-and-smaller-loaders/wgp-ammo-boxes.html

In this quick video I show an easy technique that can help remove a stuck 12 grams in Sheridan paintball markers. In this video the marker shown is a Jim Masse KP3 that was shipping out.

Here are the steps:

1. Determine if your 12 gram is stuck in the lower tube of your Sheridan. Try cycling the Sheridan and occasionally the pierce pin making contact with the 12 gram will free up the stuck cartridge. If this doesn't work continue to step #2.
2. Add a blog of super glue to the end of a straight shot squeegee (find straight shots at http://www.baccipaintball.com/gear/squeegee/straight-shot.html)  
3. Stick the straight shot in the lower tube of the Sheridan rifle so that the blob of glue is making a good surface connection to both the squeegee and the stuck 12 gram.
4. Let dry for a few minutes.
5. Remove the straight shot and hope your 12 gram comes out.