Editing PMI Trracer (section)

== 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]