Guess I'll get one of these going.......
What is an Automag?
It's a blow forward,semi automatic marker. It's distinguishing feature is it's A.I.R.- Automag Integrated Regulator meaning it has a HPR built into the valve system that will take outputted tank pressure (~800psi) and 'reg' it down to ~4-500psi operating pressure.It is rated to reach approximately 16BPS.
In it's original stock configuration,it has a stainless steel body tube w/ either standard,power or vertical (rare) feed,mounted on top of an aluminum body rail which serves as a attachment point for the sear asembly and the grip frame.It includes a stainless steel rear mounted valve system and uses AGD twist-lock threaded barrels that include the ball detents as function of wire inserts in the barrel.FYI, if your still using the wire detents,get plastic nubbins....you will need them eventually. It most commonly came equipt w/ a carbon fiber/composite single trigger frame,no barrel or air plumbing.Some retaillers offered 'thier' own versions which often included barrels and air connections as a package deal.
What is the difference between a Minimag,68 Classsic,RT Pro,Emag and Xmag etc?
The 68 Classic is described in the above post. The Minimag adds to that the 'Minimag' body which is also SS but has a slotted front portion that extends out from the front to give that "machine gun" kind of look.It also includes a vertical air/bottle adapter as standard. RT mags are basically characterized as such by the addition of the RT or 'Retro' valve system.This is the premier Automag valve system that in addition to the classic valve features,has the Regulator portion milled from Aluminum for less weight and adds a reactive trigger that can allow for a far greater ROF.This is done primarily by the re-routing of the internal air passages that allows for instantanious recharge of the valve and enough pressure while doing so,that the force to return the trigger after a shot is dramatically increased.If set up just right,a fully automatic firing condition,known as 'sweetspotting' can easily be attained.Setting the marker up in that manner WILL constitute an illegal marker for Tourny play,however.It is rated to approximately 26BPS and has been shown to run the mid 30's BPS.
The "E" mag is an electronic version of the RT(retro)mag.It allows for both electronic and mechanical firing at the flip of a switch.Has a rather large rechargable battery up front as a foregrip and an LED display in the grip.The notable feature of this marker is it's ability to fire either with or without the assistance of the electronics making it one of the most dependable and reliable systems on the market.It originally came with SS parts as stock but in later versions did have currently available aluminum replacement parts offered stock.
The XMAG is a fully aluminum version of the Emag.It is an all one piece highly milled body that accepts 'Cocker' threaded barrels and has a removable breach that can be interchanged between vertical (standard) and warp feed.It has an ACE system (anti chop eye) in addition to the level 10 bolt system and an integrated on/off switch that the Emag doesn't have.It 'was' manufactured in very limited numbers and highly customized anno options.
Both of these markers use what is arguably the most adjustable trigger available on any gun.It uses a magnetic return and a magnetic trigger switch(HES Sensor)in place of the typical micro switch.This allows for an extremely short trigger pull and a trigger pull weight that can be adjusted down to ZERO ounces if so desired.
What kind of warranty does it have?
From AGD:
We offer a 90-day limited warranty from the date of original retail purchase. This limited warranty covers some parts, labor, manufacturing defects, and malfunctions. It does not cover abuse such as wrapping the marker around a tree when you lose a game, nor does it cover damage that occurs as part of an accident such as a house fire or hurricane.
After the 90-day limited warranty ends, we have what we call star warranty program. There are one to four stars laser engraved above the serial number on your marker's valve assembly. Each star entitles you to a free repair of your marker.
When you send your marker in for repair, we will drill a small dent into one star and so "punch" it out. After we have punched a star there is again a 90-day warranty to make sure we fixed your marker properly. If the marker still has the same problem it was sent in for, we will fix it again without punching another star, as long as the marker is returned to us within 90 days.
We will still service your marker after all the stars are used, but we will charge you a standard rebuild fee of $45 ($65 for E-Mags), which covers the replacement of soft parts and return ground shipping. There will be additional charges for hard parts such as bolts or sear assemblies. Just as there is a 90-day warranty on repairs done under the star program, there is also a 90-day warranty on rebuild repair work.
What kinds of upgrades should I get?
There are numerous upgrades available from aftermarket bodies to grip frames to valve parts. I'll just touch on a few common ones:
Bodies-
MicroMag bodies- An all aluminum one peice body offered in powerfeed (older) and vertical feed (newer) that accept 'cocker' threaded barrels,have proprietary ball detents and can come as a complete marker with 'MicroMag" engraving on the valve,single or double trigger frames and various annodizing options.(still available)
Gactic Z bodies-Similar to Micromag bodies but have a proprietary 'range' extending feature as it's main benefit.(No longer made.)
DeadlyWind bodies- Also similar in 'spec' to Micromag bodies except for dramatically more organic milling and lighter overall weight.Takes threaded ball detents and threaded feednecks. Typically sold with matching milled body rail. Check out the 'DeadlyWind' web sight for more info.
AGD ULE bodies- All aluminum 'tube' type bodies offered from AGD as an upgrade to the SS bodies and is also available on current production Mags.Includes threaded ball detents and threaded feednecks and in a variety of colors.
Slug bodies or anything else made from a slug bodies- Slug bodies 'ARE' ULE and DeadlyWind bodies in thier unmilled form.Available from AGD in raw form for the intended purpose of being milled by the end user or other aftermarket supplier.Built by AGD to AGD specs and therefore conform to AGD warranty requirements.Any body NOT milled from an AGD slug is not covered by AGD in any way.
Body Rails
The aluminum rail that comes standard is more than suffucient to do the job.However,like many other 'upgrades',people want something different so.... There are a number of differently milled and anno'd rails available.Some of these are made by Benchmark,Omega,Eclipse,Logic Paintball,Rogue Factor and AGD,to name a few. The only advantage that can be gained from a rail change is color options and the potential for less weight.
Grip Frames
Intelliframe- An AGD double trigger frame. Comes w/ either blade or 'double' trigger and the unique option of 'intellifeeding' an electronic hopper to fire with each trigger pull.This is however,a mechanical frame...NOT electronic.
Y Grip- Intelliframe based frame with a forward angled ('y') grip portion for a more relaxed hand position in the normal 'firing' stance.It's angled forward an equal amount as a typical .45 frame angles backwards.
Z Grip- Pre-Y frame style with an extreme forward angle ('Z').
Benchmark,Dye,Powerlyte etc.-All are aftermarket aluminum frames in either single or double trigger options.
Hyperframe,BooYah- Electronic bolt on sear tripper style frames.
Pro Line Autoresponse- Mechanical frame designed to fire on the pull AND return of the trigger offering twice the ROF of standard single trigger frames.
ULT Trigger Kit-Going to stick this here.This is the ONLY PRACTICAL way to lighten the trigger pull on a mechanical mag.It is a replacement on/off assembly that lowers the weight of the pull to around 15oz.It is designed to function on RT style valves(some older valves will require additional milling to fit,most newer style and all X valves drop in) but can function in Classic valves with varying results.
**Only the Benchmark and AGD frames are authorized by AGD for use/warranty.**
Barrels
Pick one you like, there are none 'especially' suited for a Mag.Any good aftermarket barrel will basically shoot the same.
Valve Parts
Level 10 upgrade-Replacement bolt system,fits any AGD valve.It is a low impact bolt system that if set up correctly,makes it impossible to chop paint.Requires no 'activation' , simply works all the time and in both mechanical and electronic Mags. Get one.....you need it.
ULT Trigger Kit-This is the ONLY PRACTICAL way to lighten the trigger pull on a mechanical mag.It is a replacement on/off assembly that lowers the weight of the pull to around 15oz.It is designed to function on RT style valves(some older valves will require additional milling to fit,most newer style and all X valves drop in) but can function in Classic valves with varying results.
X Valve-Now comes stock on current production Mags as well as being available as an upgrade either in straight up purchase or as part of the AGD valve exchange program.It is an Aluminum version of the RT (retro) valve.Has the same overall performance and features of the RT style valve with less weight and available in various color options.It includes the Level 10 bolt system factory installed.Comes with a replacement sear assembly and all neccessary parts for further tuning of the bolt system.