PMI Trracer

The PMI Trracer was a pump-action paintball marker distributed by Pursuit Marketing Inc. (PMI) and introduced around 1992. Designed by Brian Sullivan and manufactured by Air Concept Industries (ACI) in California, the Trracer used a Nelson-based inline valve system and was marketed as an affordable entry-level marker.[1][2]

The Trracer became widely used for recreational paintball and commercial field rental equipment during the 1990s. Related markers included the ACI Maverick and PMI Tagmaster. The Trracer name was subsequently revived by Empire Paintball for an updated pump-action marker around 2010.[3][4]

History

Development and introduction

The original Trracer was developed by Brian Sullivan of Air Concept Industries, a California paintball equipment manufacturer.

ACI manufactured the marker for distribution by Pursuit Marketing Inc., an established American paintball equipment supplier.

The Trracer was introduced around 1992 as a relatively inexpensive alternative to more costly pump-action markers.[1][2]

Its design used an aluminium receiver and valve assembly combined with polymer components, including the grip frame and pump handle.

These manufacturing choices reduced the retail price while retaining a conventional mechanical pump-action operating system.

A historical technical guide identifies the Trracer as the recipient of Paintball Consumer Reports International magazine's Pump Gun of the Year recognition in 1992.[5]

Original Trracer

The original Trracer incorporated a Nelson-based inline valve mechanism.

Its bolt, striker, spring and valve were arranged along the same axis.

The pump handle operated a cocking rod, allowing the user to load a paintball and recock the firing mechanism between shots.

The marker incorporated an auto-trigger mechanism, which permitted firing during repeated pump cycles while the trigger was held.[4][6]

The Trracer was marketed with a removable barrel and could operate using carbon dioxide or compressed air.

Velocity adjustment on standard versions was performed by changing springs rather than using a conventional external adjustment screw.[3]

ACI Maverick

Air Concept Industries also sold a closely related pump-action marker under the Maverick name.

The Maverick and Trracer shared their principal internal operating system, and many components were interchangeable.

The relationship reflected ACI's position as the manufacturer of the PMI-distributed Trracer.[3][5]

PMI Tagmaster

PMI subsequently introduced the Tagmaster, an updated version of the Trracer.

The Tagmaster incorporated twin undercocking rods rather than the side-mounted arrangement associated with the original Trracer.

ACI marketed a related model under the Hornet name.

The Trracer, Maverick, Tagmaster and Hornet shared aspects of their mechanical construction, although their external components and configurations differed.[3][5]

AutoTrracer

A semiautomatic conversion system was also developed for the original Trracer.

Known as the AutoTrracer, the system used a pneumatic mechanism to recock the marker automatically after firing.

It was offered as both a conversion kit and a complete marker.

The arrangement differed from the conventional manually operated Trracer and did not become an established replacement for the original pump-action design.[3]

Empire Trracer

Around 2010, Empire Paintball introduced an updated marker using the Trracer name.

The Empire Trracer retained a pump-action operating system but incorporated revised external construction and contemporary accessory fittings.

Features included Picatinny accessory rails, an updated pump handle and an Autococker-threaded barrel.

The marker could also be configured to load compatible First Strike projectiles individually.

According to a contemporary technical account, the Empire model retained internal compatibility with elements of the original Trracer design.[7]

Operating system

The original PMI Trracer used a Nelson-derived inline valve system.

The pump mechanism moved the bolt and recocked the striker before the next shot.

Pulling the trigger released the striker, which operated the valve and allowed compressed gas to propel a paintball.

The marker's auto-trigger system allowed the player to hold the trigger while repeatedly operating the pump.

Despite this feature, it remained a pump-action marker because manual cycling was required between shots.[4][6]

Models and related markers

Model	Manufacturer or distributor	Description
PMI Trracer	ACI / PMI	Original Nelson-based pump-action marker introduced around 1992
ACI Maverick	Air Concept Industries	Closely related pump marker using compatible internal components
PMI Tagmaster	ACI / PMI	Updated Trracer incorporating undercocking rods
ACI Hornet	Air Concept Industries	Related version of the Tagmaster
AutoTrracer	PMI	Semiautomatic conversion and complete-marker configuration
Empire Trracer	Empire Paintball	Updated pump-action marker introduced around 2010

Recreational use

The Trracer was marketed primarily for recreational and entry-level paintball.

Its comparatively simple mechanical construction and affordable price contributed to its use at commercial paintball fields.

The marker was also suitable for pump paintball, including open-class configurations using conventional ammunition loaders and refillable gas cylinders.

Although semiautomatic markers became increasingly common during the 1990s, the original Trracer and related ACI designs remained part of the established pump-action equipment market.[3][4]

References

External links