Editing Automag (section)

== Mechanical design ==

=== Blow-forward operation ===

The Automag uses a blow-forward operating system.

Its integrated regulator controls the pressure of gas delivered to a firing chamber.

When the trigger is pulled, the on/off valve closes and the sear releases the bolt.

Regulated gas pressure drives the bolt forward, chambering a paintball and releasing the gas required to propel it through the barrel.

After the shot, a spring returns the bolt to its original position.

Releasing the trigger allows the on/off valve to reopen and recharge the firing chamber.

This sequence permits semiautomatic operation without the external pneumatic recocking components used by the Autococker.[1][5]

=== Integrated regulator ===

The original Automag incorporated the Advanced Integrated Regulator (AIR) valve.

The regulator was built into the rear valve assembly rather than mounted separately on the marker.

This configuration allowed the marker's velocity to be adjusted through the regulated operating pressure.

Original Automags could operate using CO2 or compressed air, although liquid CO2 entering the valve could cause operating problems.

Later high-performance valves, including the RT and X-Valve, were designed for compressed air.[6]

=== Power Feed ===

Airgun Designs developed the Power Feed system to improve paintball feeding.

The design used an angled feeding tube intended to reduce the effects of gas travelling back towards the loader and improve feeding reliability during rapid firing.

Power Feed bodies became widely associated with classic Automags.

Later versions incorporated alternative feeding arrangements, including vertical-feed bodies.[2][4]

=== Level 10 bolt ===

The Level 10 bolt system was introduced to reduce paintball breakage caused by a bolt striking a partially loaded paintball.

It used a two-stage pneumatic action to reduce the force applied during the initial part of the bolt's forward movement.

If the bolt encountered an obstruction, the reduced force allowed it to stop and reset rather than crush the paintball.

The system operated mechanically without requiring electronic anti-chop sensors.[5]