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Overview:
Below you can see some views of the Mini-GS exterior. The overall size is very similar to the classic Mini markers, but the GS version has some changes made to the bolt assembly, foregrip and frame, feedneck, and bottomline regulator.
Field-Strip & Firing Assembly:
Mini-GS firing assemblies share some components with the previous Axe and classic Mini markers. Namely, compatible parts include the firing poppet and bolt (along with its spring). Non-compatible parts include the bolt guide and velocity adjustment endcap.
Frame Removal:
Further disassembly requires removing the frame from body. The foregrip is integrated into the body so the board can only be removed when the frame is free. The frame's internals are visible ocne you remove both the grip wraps and the foregrip wraps. They all use the same 6-32 threaded button head cap screws. The frame attaches to the body using three screws, one of which will release the firing assembly.
The plastic "foregrip frame" component can be removed while the frame is still attached to the marker, but the board cannot be removed and you can't access the button pad. These components can only be accessed when the frame is removed from the body.
The button pad is held in place using a single screw, facing inward toward the trigger guard. This plastic button pad might accumulate debris over time.
Trigger is slid out by removing the pivot pin. One side oft he pin is knurled and digs into the surrounding hole; the pin should be pushed out from the non-knurled end. The trigger itself is the same as those used by Axes, however the Mini-GS stock trigger doesn't use a bearing (instead uses a pair os plastic bushings).
Regulator:
ASA regulator removal can be accomplished by unscrewing the bottom air transfer tube and unscrewing the two screws hidden within the inside of the frame. These can be tricky to remove unless you have ball-rounded allen keys, but in truth everyone reading this should own them (yes you!)
Body Disassembly:
As with Axes and classic Minis, the solenoid and top air chamber are screwed into the underside of the body. The body underside is a separate component called the transfer plate, which bolts onto the body. The two components can be unscrewed by hand.
The transfer plate can be separated from the body by unscrewing the seven(7) cap screws holding them together. The transfer plate sandwiches a complex gasket between it and the body; the sensor board is also captured between the two.
Circuit boards:
At the time of this writing the stock board in Empire Minis, Empire Axes, and Empire Mini-GSs is the Shockwave board. This is different from the previous classic Minis which used the Optimas boards. However, the boards are all physically compatible despite the programming and hardware changes. It's safe to assume you can use other LED-based Mini/Axe upgrade baords inluding those from Virtue, APE, Seventh Element, or Tadao.
