I just saw that Tippmann has a new pump that uses propane.  Are they crazy???  Is it just me, or is this an accident waiting to happen?  Say the gun has a small leak and someone decides to light up a cancer stick close by...boooommmm!!!  Not to mention the fact, that I'm sure people will store their tanks inside the house, or worse yet, in an equipment case made of plastic.  Knowing a little about propane, having built many propane spudguns, I know the proper precautions and care to take with propane, but I wonder how many teens will heed warnings (not to say the MAJORITY of teens aren't responsible, I believe they are...)?  Myself, along with most plumbers will store their disposable bottles either in their work truck or in a HAZMAT certifide cabinet in their garage or shop.  I just wonder if this is the best thing for paintball. 

I don't mean to bust on Tippmann as I love their markers, but this one frightens me...

Oaky, I am now prepared to be flamed.....

Or, you could try to learn something instead of just speaking out of ignorance.

Propane will be SAFER than CO2/HPA.  Not to mention much more efficient, and much easier to access - great for backyard players.

I for one am very excited.

OS is right. 

The C3 will obviously not appeal to speedball players, and many pump enthusiasts will prefer the premium CCI markers.

But for the bulk of pump guys, a gun that can shoot 50,000 shots between air fills will be a godsend.  A gun where you can get air at the hardware store will be a godsend.

How many threads have we seen on the forum with some poor guy who has to drive two hours to get a fill for his weekend game?

This is obviously a bit of a proof-of-concept, but it is a major advancement in paintball technology.

oldsoldier wrote: OK you get free fills, and the rest of us? Even with free fills, your airsystems and bottles outcost the C-3 marker, and you do not have to rehydo or buy a new marker every 5 years or at first ding in compressed air tank body.

My HPA bottle costs $30 less than the C-3 marker.

I also own a SL-68II which I get free CO2 fills for my 9oz tank, therefore making the C-3 pointless for me personally. This is a good idea, but it just isnt feasable for me to buy one.  I wasnt tlking about anyone else.

I think it'll be a big hit for people like me who are the ones that need to drive all over creation to get co2 tanks filled.

First of all, I have NO problems with pumps.  As a matter of fact, I wish more places had pump only days, as I'm 36 and can't keep up with the younger kids. 

Second, Rambino, your comment about speaking out of ignorance is uncalled for and ridiculous.  I do know alot about propane as it applies to not only spudguns, but household uses.  I don't doubt the efficiency and safety, as OS states.  My issue was and is, what OS said "[people] insist on doing STUPID things to create a problem".  So read what I said before calling me ignorant.

Third, the picture of the bulk tank means very little to me.  ***EDIT***Oops, Sorry Pandaman, I got the idea of the pictures and I agree***  Where was that picture taken???  OUTSIDE.  No problem.  Do you store bulk tanks, that can easily be turned on inside?  NO...If you do, then you're the ignorant one.  Things like stoves, heaters, dryers, fireplaces, etc.  aren't messed with by kids, they are "messed" with by licensed professionals, otherwise you won't be getting an insurance claim on your property if it blows up due to you fixing something like that.

As far as airsoft using propane, I admit, I had no idea.  However, I still find it dangerous for kids.  It's just like real firearms...I have no problem with firearms, as I personally own quite a few, but I would not let my kids touch them, unless properly trained.  However, I doubt any of these people that get the C3 will be properly trained for propane.

I also agree that propane CAN be safer than compressed gases, since propane is stored at low pressure.  But again, I emphasize the fact that it needs to be handled carefully and should NOT be modified.

I said I AM prepared to be flamed, but don't call me ignorant when you have no idea what my background is on this subject...  And read my original post.  My concern is with kids and propane and their curiousity with experimentation.

Shorty, I own a Pasload, too, I've never modified it, have you?  BTW, how's the house coming along??? 

For the people saying "ZOMG SOOO DANGEROUS", please consider this.

Propane tank = roughly 60psi

The HPA bottle you are using now = 4500psi

spudcrazy wrote: Second, Rambino, your comment about speaking out of ignorance is uncalled for and ridiculous.  I do know alot about propane as it applies to not only spudguns, but household uses.  I don't doubt the efficiency and safety, as OS states.  My issue was and is, what OS said "[people] insist on doing STUPID things to create a problem".  So read what I said before calling me ignorant.

I apologize for my outburst - it was uncalled for.

But I do stand by the substance of my comment.  Tippmann has done significant research on this - all of the safety comments that have been raised have been raised in ignorance.  Not ignorance of propane, but ignorance of the intended application of propane to paintball.  As OS pointed out, airsoft companies have been doing this years.

CO2 has become a safety issue over the years, with valves coming off and other pressure concerns.  Propane solves all of those problems in a single stroke.

This will be MORE safe, not less safe.

Rambino wrote: I apologize for my outburst - it was uncalled for. But I do stand by the substance of my comment.  Tippmann has done significant research on this - all of the safety comments that have been raised have been raised in ignorance.  Not ignorance of propane, but ignorance of the intended application of propane to paintball.  As OS pointed out, airsoft companies have been doing this years. CO2 has become a safety issue over the years, with valves coming off and other pressure concerns.  Propane solves all of those problems in a single stroke. This will be MORE safe, not less safe.

Thanks for the apology, accepted.  And, I would say, you're absolutely right in what you say about Tippmann doing their homework, otherwise they probably wouldn't be allowed to market the product.

I guess, having built spudguns, done plumbing work and girlling with propane, I just have issues with safety as it pertains to kids and experimentation.  I have seen propane spudguns blowup on people and have personally seen my wife singe her eyebrows  sparking the grill.  I guess it's the volatility issue.  There is a reason they won't let some bulk cannisters of propane (like the ones on your grill and camper) through tunnels, but will let HPA tanks thru.  VOLATILITY.

However, point taken.  Thanks.

paintbusta wrote: ne from smart parts LOL

I think its easy to say...

Worst. Edited Picture. Ever.

Enos Shenk wrote: Just like a nerf gun except it uses propane instead of a spring.

Winner for best C3 marketing slogan. 

"Really - it's just like a Nerf gun"

DeTrevni wrote: i dont think it can be semi. the propane doesnt give enough pressure to drive the pneumatics. the shot count with pneumatics would be drop from like 50,000 to 1000. it would take a lot of propane to drive the heavy springs. even if they are set light.

Assuming that is true, why use gas to run the pneumatics?  Heck, why have pneumatics?

A simple electric motor can run the bolt back and forth.  All you really need the gas for is to create propulsion.

But, of course, there is plenty of pressure from the propane to run pneumatics - after ignition.  Propane isn't stored under very high pressure, but there is nothing like lighting a fire to increase pressure.  :)

ShortyBP wrote: Wal-Mart, any outdoor/camping store. They are fairly common.

Heck, during the summer Walgreens carry them.  That's definitely one of the big plusses of this new design - the easy availability of these propane tanks.

The more I think about this idea, the more impressed I am.  If Tippmann is able to develop a semi that is able to put out 8+ bps, and the lingering safety concerns are put to bed, this could truly be a complete revolution of paintball.

Think of field start-up costs - no need to buy expensive CO2/NO2 fill stations, or constantly hydro rental tanks.

Genius.