Tippmann C-3
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This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please improve this article if you can. (October 2006) |
 The Tippmann C-3 |
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| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mechanical |
| Action | Pump-Action |
| Barrel | 13 inches |
| Bore | Not Specified |
| Rate of fire | Pump-Action |
| Retail Price | $229 |
At the time of its introduction, the Tippmann C-3 was the first propane powered paintball marker. It operates on a unique system Tippmann calls 'Propane Enhanced Performance'.
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[edit] Operation
While almost every paintball marker relies upon the expansion of liquid CO2 or HPA to propel the paintball, the C-3 is unique because it utilises the use of combustion of the flammable gas propane rather than the expansion of an inert gas.
This is a simplified explanation of the C-3's firing system:
The C-3 operates on a closed bolt system. As the pump is pulled back by the shooter, the bolt moves back to allow one paintball to fall into the breech.
As the shooter returns the pump to the forward position, completing the pumpstroke, propane is drawn into the ignition chamber. The bolt also moves forward, sealing the breach, and bringing the paintball into the firing position.
After the pumpstroke, the shooter pulls the trigger, creating a spark and igniting the propane. The resulting expansion of gases inside the barrel propels the paintball forward.
[edit] Advantages of Propane
Performance - Since combustion releases a great deal of energy compared to expansion, the C-3 is able to get up to 50,000 shots from one 16oz tank of propane, over 60 times the amount from a comparable CO2 or compressed air tank. In addition, propane is not affected by temperature, giving consistency comparable to compressed air systems.
Safety - The fuel in a standard 16oz propane tank is stored at about 120 psi, a much lower and safer pressure than the 800 psi for CO2 or 3000-4500 psi for compressed air.
Price - The non-refillable 16oz propane tank can be purchased at many discount, grocery, or hardware stores for about $3.00 and will be good for 50,000 shots. In contrast, a CO2 tank costs between 20-40 dollars and a compressed air tank between 75-150 dollars, and each must be refilled many times, usually for a fee, to deliver 50,000 shots. The efficiency of propane operation and the low cost of operating the marker are the main advantages of the C-3.
