Tippmann 98 Custom Platinum Series Ultra Basic Paintball Gun

Inside the gun

How the Tippmann 98 Custom Works

Every 98 Custom, from the Basic to the Platinum Series ACT, runs the same open-bolt blowback system. A spring throws the rear bolt into the valve, the valve fires the ball, and the same burst of air blows the rear bolt back to cock the gun for the next shot. The animation shows the whole cycle slowed down.

The firing cycle, step by step

1. Ready 0:00

   The sear holds the rear bolt back and the breech is open for a ball.

2. Release 0:02

   The trigger moves the sear and frees the rear bolt.

3. Chamber 0:03

   The drive spring pushes both bolts forward and the front bolt loads the ball.

4. Gas pulse 0:05

   The rear bolt knocks the valve open and air fires the ball.

5. Blowback 0:06

   The same air pushes the rear bolt back against the drive spring.

6. Reset 0:08

   The sear catches the rear bolt, the breech opens and the next ball drops in.

Read the full breakdown: every part, how ACT works, and what to check when something goes wrong