Editing Cooper-T (section)

== History ==

=== Early operations ===

Cooper-T was operating in the paintball equipment industry by the late 1980s under Chauncey E. Toombs.

A United States patent application filed by Toombs on 4 November 1988 documented an improved breech-bolt mechanism for gas-powered paintball markers. The patent, US 4,922,640, was granted on 8 May 1990.[3]

Cooper-T subsequently developed aftermarket equipment for several established pump-action marker platforms, particularly those manufactured by Sheridan and [[Worr Game Products]].

Original company advertising identified Cooper-T Products at 8010 Lake Shore Road, Angola, New York.[2]

=== IMP conversion system ===

One of the company's principal products was the '''IMP''', a mechanical semi-automatic conversion system for existing pump-action paintball markers.

The IMP used a direct-blowback operating mechanism that automatically recocked the marker after firing, eliminating the need to operate the pump handle manually.

The original manufacturer advertisement described the system as operating from an open bolt using liquid CO₂. It also promoted a semi-external velocity regulator and the ability to return the marker to pump-action operation without extensive modification.[4]

Cooper-T marketed IMP kits for Sheridan/PMI markers and the WGP Sniper platform.

The original advertised prices were:

* '''Sheridan/PMI IMP Kit:''' US$134.95.
* '''WGP Sniper IMP Kit:''' US$174.95.

The manufacturer also advertised an optional back-bottle adaptor for the Sniper conversion.[4]

VintageRex dates the Sniper version to 1990, although its records do not establish a confirmed introduction date for the Sheridan conversion.[5]

=== Sterling conversion ===

Cooper-T also developed an IMP conversion for the British [[Sterling]] pump-action marker.

VintageRex documents the conversion but describes it as a possible prototype that did not enter regular production.

The archive contains photographs of a surviving example, although it does not establish how many were manufactured.[6]

=== Later products ===

Cooper-T continued developing aftermarket components for pump-action paintball markers after the introduction of the IMP.

Its products included replacement breech bolts for Sheridan markers, including the [[Sheridan PGP]] and later PGP2K.

A technical review published by the Stock-Class Paintball Network documented a Cooper-T PGP2K replacement bolt using a Delrin body and an adjustable forward plunger intended to reduce paintball breakage during firing.

The reviewer, Eric A. Six, reported that Toombs had manufactured approximately 150 of the replacement bolts at the time of the review, with a selling price of US$26.95.[7]

The company's precise founding date and subsequent operating history have not been fully established.