So, your looking at an Autococker, but is it what you really
want or is it going to end up being one of the most frustrating purchases you
ever make? Before you buy, think carefully about what type of person you are
and what your abilities are, you may find an Autococker isn't what you really
want.
Before you even start though, there are a few things you must first realize.
Any cocker you buy, or any other marker for that matter, is a complete gamble that it will be perfectly functional out of the box. Even a new cocker is a coin flip as to whether it will be set up correctly from the factory.
You may wish to consider a third party transaction with someone who is an experienced tech that can make sure its in working order for you. Regardless, if this is your first or only gun, you run a very high risk of not being able to use it until you can find a tech or through trial and error you fix it yourself. Guides like the tech section at MoodyPaintball are a great start, but there are very few people that ever managed to time a cocker the first time completely by themselves and get it perfect.
Over the years, the biggest reason I have seen for cockers not working is not that they are complex, finely tuned systems. No, what it really is is that people can't keep their hands off of it and keep poking, replacing and adjusting it right into problems without understanding the systems involved and the interaction of the parts.
If you can avoid the temptation to tinker with it and just do basic maintenance, then a cocker could be a good marker for you. Just realize if you have problems, you may need help. If you can handle that, then look for a well set up cocker that has what you want on it already. Trilogies are a decent option here, and can be decent performers.
On the other hand, if you are a go for it tinkerer with some mechanical abilities and a tolerance for frustration, experimenting and learning, then a cocker could also be a good option for you. Be warned, If this is your only marker, then you need to be looking for a second marker because you will have many times it doesn't work until you have learned it inside and out and can assemble it blindfolded.
If you just want something to tinker with and "screw around with", then a cocker is NOT for you. You either must be willing to learn your marker completely inside and out, or you need to LEAVE IT ALONE. Anything in between is likely to leave you with headaches. Autococker can be very rewarding markers, however if abused they can also be your worst nightmare.
Before you even start though, there are a few things you must first realize.
Any cocker you buy, or any other marker for that matter, is a complete gamble that it will be perfectly functional out of the box. Even a new cocker is a coin flip as to whether it will be set up correctly from the factory.
You may wish to consider a third party transaction with someone who is an experienced tech that can make sure its in working order for you. Regardless, if this is your first or only gun, you run a very high risk of not being able to use it until you can find a tech or through trial and error you fix it yourself. Guides like the tech section at MoodyPaintball are a great start, but there are very few people that ever managed to time a cocker the first time completely by themselves and get it perfect.
Over the years, the biggest reason I have seen for cockers not working is not that they are complex, finely tuned systems. No, what it really is is that people can't keep their hands off of it and keep poking, replacing and adjusting it right into problems without understanding the systems involved and the interaction of the parts.
If you can avoid the temptation to tinker with it and just do basic maintenance, then a cocker could be a good marker for you. Just realize if you have problems, you may need help. If you can handle that, then look for a well set up cocker that has what you want on it already. Trilogies are a decent option here, and can be decent performers.
On the other hand, if you are a go for it tinkerer with some mechanical abilities and a tolerance for frustration, experimenting and learning, then a cocker could also be a good option for you. Be warned, If this is your only marker, then you need to be looking for a second marker because you will have many times it doesn't work until you have learned it inside and out and can assemble it blindfolded.
If you just want something to tinker with and "screw around with", then a cocker is NOT for you. You either must be willing to learn your marker completely inside and out, or you need to LEAVE IT ALONE. Anything in between is likely to leave you with headaches. Autococker can be very rewarding markers, however if abused they can also be your worst nightmare.
Guide created: 09/19/06 (updated 06/04/08)

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