Paintball

[Frink]

Last January, I got a hankering for some Carter Machine action so I started looking for a used Buzzard and was contemplating ordering a new Mini-Buzzard. I hadn't really considered a Mini-comp because I thought it looked a little out of proportion and I just generally preferred the VSC look. I ordered a Mini Comp in the beginning of February after reading "Shoot to Thrills" glowing review and deciding to try form over function.

My order was:

$500 MiniComp Base Cost
$25 Finish: Polished
$150 Anodizing: Angel Hair (1) color angel hair splash *Charcoal on (1) color base *Cobalt
$50 Color: Cobalt & Charcoal (2) custom colors
$75 Stock: T-Stk Milled
$38 Inserts: .686 and .689
$ 848 USD Subtotal
$ 24 USD Shipping
$ 872 USD Total

Due to the Annodizing choice, my build was delayed slightly, and I received it June 17th, for a total order time of 4.5 months. There were numerous times I completely forgot I had ordered it, so I wasn't upset over the increase time (10-12 weeks was the estimate going in, and that would have been true if I hadn't gone with the splash anno).



The colours on the marker seem a bit off, the Cobalt base has a purple tinge to it instead of the blue, but it mainly comes out in photos. Not quite the look I was going for, but fantastic non-the-less. There are a few minor flaws in the anno, but you can only notice them from 6-12 inches away. Also note that I didn't go for the extra milling option around the BBA.

The autotrigger (which I didn't pay for but got) was tuned perfectly on arrival, and the pump stroke out of the box was a little stiff, but very smooth. This is my first Carter, and I'm puzzled as to why I can cock and fire it without air, whereas every other Nelson I've owned need to have a gas supply to cock.

Took it out for the first time today and even though I'm a huge "PPS Fanboy" I have to admit that this is the deadliest stock class paintball marker I've ever shot. Chrono'd it to around 270, the big red was showing +/- 5 fps waiting a few second between every shot. On the field, I was switching 12g every 4 tubes and saw no visible shoot down. When I pushed it to a 5th tube, I'd make it halfway through and start seeing some drop off.

The most amazing consistency I've ever seen, and it's not even broken in yet. It was a low turnout to our fairly new Pump Nights in town, and only a few people had played pump before, but I slaughtered them. I seemed able to put paint where ever I wanted it, over and over again. In 4 on 4 games I probably average eliminating 2 people each go, with lots of head shots, exposed hands, etc. Anything that I could see was hittable. On a side note, in a 4 on 4 game, I managed to eliminate all 4 people in one run through.

So in conclusion, my new Mini-Comp is one of my "Top 3 Favorite Markers of All Time", and by far the best performing stock class marker I own.

Stock class Favorite: Mini Comp
Open Class Favorite: Pyre
"Fun" Class Favorite: Palmerized top tube springfeed KP2

New Pictures to follow, as my card reader isn't working at the moment.

Edit: New Pictures:

[xkpxfatassxx]

Wow, this review has me thinking. Need to rethink my shopping list.

[idkfa]

I am very excited about my Box Gun order, especially given the field test of the BBA setup on Carters. It won't be exactly the same, but I am hopefull.

I am thinking about getting a Copper Mini-Comp next year as well.

[Schmitti]

Very nice gun.... question with the autotrigger.... my understanding was that all nelson based guns had an autotrigger. That it's inherent in the trigger/hammer/sear set up. I would think it would be more work not to have an autotrigger if this is true.

E

[incynr8]

no not all nelsons had AT, some sears essentially reset by shape.
very few do not.

[Frink]

But my question is, why can I dry fire it without CO2? Its the only Nelson gun I've ever owned that's allowed me to do that.

[Chefdave]

Any nelson will dry fire if you put a heavy enough valve spring in.

Most aren't setup that way but some Carters are.

[BigOldSkool]

Originally Posted by Frink

But my question is, why can I dry fire it without CO2? Its the only Nelson gun I've ever owned that's allowed me to do that.

Its been tuned for 12 grams..

I tuned the spring wieghts and power tube on my lever action nelson and I can catch the sear every time.

[idkfa]

My Buzzard did it as well.

[shoot to thrill]

sexy arent they?