This is the broadest category of markers since it easily includes the most simple mechanical pump markers, all the way up to the most developed electropneumatic-class markers, and everything in between. These markers function by using mechanical force to pop open a valve plunger, thereby releasing a burst of air pressure to fire the ball. The means of moving the bolt forward and back dictates the differences from one design type to another.
Many of these designs can be described as based from one of two vintage paintball guns, either the Nelson or the Sheridan. As far as I understand, Nelsons were the original paint-marking device whereas the Sheridan was the first marker deeloped specifically for paintball. Most present-day markers resemble Sheridans.
Nelson-based Pump:
Nelson |
Phantom |
Sterling |
Splatmaster |
Nelsons were the original hammer/valve paintball markers and are characterized by a hammer that travels rearward to fire. All of the above are closed bolt, non-automatic pumps. Sterlings were a stacked-tube variation of the Nelson design while alternately the Splatmaster is similar, though its hammer is actuated by the articulating barrel when fired.
Nelson-based Semiauto:
ATS-AT |
Rainmaker |
Rainmaker |
These markers are similar to the original Nelson in their design, however are semiautomatic instead of non-automatic pump. Rainmakers are an electronic version of the Vector, which was a pneumatic Nelson semiauto.
Sheridan-based Pump:
Sheridan |
PGP |
Sheridan is the first major offshoot redesign of the Nelson markers. The noticeable difference is that the hammer travels forward to fire the marker. The vast majority of present-day markers use this same design.
Sheridan-based Semiauto - Open bolt Blowback:
Kingman Spyder |
VM68 |
F4 Illustrator |
Tippmann Prolite |
Tippmann A-5 |
These use the same valve design as the Sheridan, however are modified for semiauto. This is easy to do with the Sheridan design since the bolt can be linked to the hammer.
Spyders are examples of "stacked tube" blowback markers, including the Piranha as well as many others (the VM and F-Illustrator are older examples). Tippmann Prolites are an early example of "inline tube" blowbacks, similar in layout to the other Tippmann markers, as well as a few other low-end blowbacks (Stingray, etc). The design of the A-5 is similar in action however the valve outlet is reversed, allowing for a less complex layout of parts.
Sheridan-based Semiauto - Closed bolt Blowback:
Autococker |
Autococker |
Omen |
Excalibur |
Same valve deisgn as the open bolt blowbacks, however the bolt action has been separated from the hammer to allow them to act independantly. Autocockers accomplish this by linking the bolt to a set of trigger pneumatics (similar to Sovereigns; Blazers). Omens are a literal semiauto version of the original Sheridans, using a bolt that is blown into the open position by the hammer but closes afterwards by spring action. Excaliburs aren't blowback markers (they're electropneumatic instead) but the design is similar so I put them here.
First animation from WGP.
Sheridan-based Electropneumatic; Stacked-Tube:
Impulse |
Impulse |
Angel |
Nerve |
Fusion |
Sheridan valve system, except here the spring-loaded hammer has been replaced by a pneumatic piston. Examples of this type of marker include the Impulse, Bushmaster, Intimidator, Angel, Viking, Ego, NME, Daidem, and others.
Angels share the same basic layout with the Viking, except parts are in different loctions. Nerves function using a hammer weight placed behing the ram instead of in front. Fusions are an example of a
FASOR marker (forward air, spring return). Click for a slower
Nerve or
Fusion animation.
These are newer-generation hammer/valve markers. They use modified diameters and air features to eliminate the use of a traditional hammer weight. First Ego animation from
x420psykoticx.
