We were debating what was the better gun -- a BT-4 (or whatever variant) vs. a Classic Automag.
Since he had never actually played with an Automag, and technically I have never played with a BT-4 (have played with a 98, and quite frankly, there is very little difference), I decided we needed and old fashioned gun swap and throwdown to decide the victor. So that's what we did.
The results:
Automag complaints:
- thought the trigger was too stiff
- thought the paint was pulling to the left (After reviewing his footage -- it wasn't. It was dead on, as long as he was, you know, pointed in the right direction.)
BT-4 complaints:
- too large
- too heavy
- too wobbly
- problematic chrono performance
- THE GUN FUCKING FAILED (hammer o-ring came apart)
I honestly do not understand why anyone would buy a BT-4/Tippmann 98 over a Classic Automag. They're both about the same price (Classics are only available used now). The Automag is:
- far better designed
- far better made
- lighter
- more compact
- faster
- easier to maintain
- more reliable
- more consistent (because of...)
- has a regulator
The only advantage a BT-4 has is the ability to put an e-grip on there, cheaply. Fat lot of good that does you without an anti-chop bolt though -- and ironically you can get an anti-chop bolt for an Automag.
There was a parts availability question, but the fact is parts last a very, very long time on an Automag. The only major wear item is the power tube o-ring (010 urethane same size as Q/D, 008 for Level 10 bolt). I've never had any other o-ring fail on me in the field.
Truthfully, the last 3 "failures" on that exact Automag are:
- Spyder detente broke on the mag->cocker adapter. Aftermarket part.
- Piston o-ring broke on the Azodin inline regulator. Aftermarket part.
- Level 10 O-ring went down in size -- changed carrier, still using the same o-ring.
Automag maintenance looks like this:
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