My First Marker - From Begining To End

Welcome

I thought I would use this topic to post each modification I make to my new A5.  Let you, the knowledgeable, give me input and direction each step of the way.  All of your constructive input, suggestions and criticism is wanted.
I am new in paintball.  A couple guys at my fire house who play woodsball have easily convinced me to join the ranks of the welted.  Hopefully, if I develop the talent I would like to play on thier team, IDLH.  (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) for those that don't know fire fighting acronyms.


Upgrades I am planning:

Tippmann A-5 Basic new in box  $172.25

Flatline Barrel and shroud installed $90.00
I have heard great things about this barrel.  I have seen it in action and have made up my mind that this the barrel I would like to be proficient with.

Tippmann E-Grip APE Board installed $99.99
I considered the WAS grip but was turned off because I keep finding people online that are having trouble with it.  The APE board is slightly slower but can still get to 20bps with the right care.

polished internals installed $14.50
I have heard and read a lot on this.  I am going to polish only what needs to be polished and go from there.  This should be fun.  It will be my first time inside my marker.  I hop I get it back together correctly!

Palmer's Pursuit QEV installed $29.99

paint job researching
This winter will be the time to paint the marker.  I am probably going to go with a digi camo.  I really dislike markers that have a dark aftermarket finishes.  Camo is usually much more effective in lighter hues.

JCS Red Hot Powertube installed $49.99

Shocktech Super Fly Bolt installed $24.99
Pretty standard.  From what I can see it is the best bolt available at a mid-range price.  Input on this is appreciated.

TechT Vortex Modification installed $34.99
Thanks Jawa_Nz I didn't even know this existed.  I was wondering if there was a way to improve the cyclone to keep up with the marker.

Palmers QEV kit installed $29.99
This upgrade is a must have for high return after minimal pressure for the cyclone feed system.

OPSGEAR MP5 gas through mag installed  $81.50
OPSGEAR Folding Stock installed  $68.59
SPECOPS MP5 Foregrip researching
When done right, the A-5 makes an awesome milsim MP5.  With the stock and mag installed I am still looking for a foregrip that will ease the transition between the marker and flatline.

NcStar LED tac light for the HK installed  $40.96
Goes with the MP5 theme.  This light was actually made by NcStar for the MP5.

NcStar 30mm red dot sight installed $29.98
Standard red dot.  Cheap and good quality.  Has the tactical assault rifle look and feel.

Lapco offset sight rail installed  $58.61
This simple upgrade will allow me to mount the red dot in front of my dominant eye.

ACI HPA coiled remote w/slide check installed $43.34
Yes.  I will be running a remote system.  This is perfect coil for what I need.

PMI Pure Energy 68/4500 installed  $179.95
I really want to go with a Crossfire but I can't justify the extra expense.  Not when the Pure Energy is just slighty behind in pressure refresh rate.

Total Price of all ordered upgrades = $879.67


September 29, 2006
Tippmann A-5 Basic arrives.
About time!  I ordered the marker from an eBay dealer.  Got a good price.  New in box = $164.95.
The first step:
Remove the lame brand placard on the side of the marker.  I have nothing against Tippmann but a true milsim will look exactly like it's intended counterpart.
Next:
Dissessemble marker and polish the internal compartment.  Clean and grease it up.
This took me about 8 hours of elbow grease but I am extremely please with the results.  I used 220p sand paper for the rough removal and 500p for the finish.  I cleaned with WD40 then greased with Hankin's Gun Oil.

Last step for the day:
Upon reassembly I  knew I was never going to use the built in sight.  So I left out the front loop and turnable rear sight.  Making this decision was made easier after I found the MP5 I want to clone also has the factory sight filed down.



October 2, 2006
Installation of the E-Grip
After doing research online I decided to go with the E-Grip APE board.  Found one at a local dealer in town for $69.95.
The First Step:
Remove the stock grip.

Next:
Install battery in the E-Grip

Last:
Reassemble the marker!  I hope I put it back together correctly.

October 13, 2006
Final installations
The rest of the upgrades arrived pretty much on the same day.  I installed each one.  And tested after each installation.
First, the stock: For those that are interested.  I was a little disappointed with the quality of the stock.  There is no place to install an oRing to properly seal the chamber (the factory rear cap had this).  The stock is made of plastic and isn't manufactored the best.  When I can afford it, I will be purchasing a high quality sliding stock.
The offset rail, NcStar tac light and NcStar 33mm red dot: Not much to say about this.  They screw in and set up nicely.  I love the red dot, it has great visibility during daylight hours.  This couple with the offset rail really sets up nicely in my line of sight.
Flatline barrel w/shroud: As stated above I really wanted to go with the flatline.  But I also wanted the most realistic MP5 milsim I could achieve.  The shroud does that for me.
Cyclone Vortex Mod: Hardest thing I had to install.  But still not that difficult.
PP QEV: I love this mod. Allows the marker to rotate the cyclone more effectively.
3 Point tac sling: After playing last Saturday for 8 hours, I reliezed I needed a way to hold my gun to rather than just lay in on the ground and let my coiled remote strain.





Edited by HomingPigeon - 13 October 2006 at 1:09pm

Maybe like a palmers staby? You can get an inline one to mount between the tank and the remote, so it doesnt take up any room on your gun. Maybe a paintjob of some kind? I like digi or tigerstripe, theres a few How To's around you could have a look at.

As far as the bolt goes, alot of people feel that stock internals are best in most respects. But the JCS Red Hot powertube is probably a good idea because its aluminium and it makes a nice booming sound. Also to keep up with the wear of an e-trigger maybe vortex the cyclone and get a QEV + bigger hoses for it at the same time. This will help the cyclone keep up.

You really seem have it pretty well sorted I think.

Oh and one last thing. As you upgrade check it still works as you go, if you upgrade it all at once then you find it doesnt work... It'll be harder to pinpoint whats causing the problem.

sounds like a good plan, though with all of that your looking at most likley over 1000 dollars...keep that in mind  lol

sure why not, go ahead and post all the items and prices, im curious to see what all is on/in it

eh, you could buy an arikon for that kinda money, and it would look a lot better

looks like you have it pretty planned out good luck with it

Does anyone have a suggestion on what works best with the Flatline?

I went out last Saturday and chopped paint like crazy.  I chronoed around 280fps.  I was using AllStars and the temp was dry and 75F.  The rate was as low as the APE can go and I was in semi auto all day.  Any Suggestions?

that gun is AWESOME.

GOOD STUFF!!!KEEP IT UP!

looks good man ... one question how you like that crazy APE rampage :) you able to pull off the 25bps yet?? iv'e seen vids and a few people who empty their hopper so fast its crazy...mine should be in tom. or i'll be mad its been 7 days and i payed for 3 day shipping... any advice on the APE since you have it??