Let me start with a short review of the Smart Parts SP-1 and L7 ION bolt:

I'll upload pictures of the S-1 later this week. I got it just in time for the Hitman game. The box is pretty cool; a window box inside a slip cover box. My S-1 is number 241 if I remember correctly. The box includes the S-1, barrel, barrel sock, and instructions. No tools, spare parts, or lube are included. The marker comes ready to fire with a battery installed. I wonder if there might be an issue with batteries leaking if stored too long. The marker has a nice feel; the pistol grip is on the smaller side. The front grip is a little uncomfortable due to the warning label cut-out but you won't notice this if you wear gloves. The barrel inserts into a 4-5 inch tube that will limit barrel compatibility. There is enough room for a standard freak back if you remove the stickers on the sides of the barrel. The barrel muzzle break fits well inside an Apex tip, a little electrical tape and you're set.

The end cap on the back of the marker is not compatible with any Tippmann stocks despite several rumors floating around the forums. In fact I doubt the cap retaining screws will make a solid attachment for any stock. You'd definitely run the risk of stripping out the threaded anchors from the body if you install a stock. Side by side with no hoppers the S-1 weighs about the same as a stock A5. It definitely weighs more than a stock ION. The feed neck is not compatible with aftermarket ION\Impulse replacements. I haven't had time to break it down yet. I did try it out at the CPX game; unfortunately I blew an internal air line using 850psi HBA on a remote line after about 10 shots. That sucked but I don't think this is a common issue. The few shots I did take were louder than an ION but a nice medium report with noticeable, but light recoil. Pics and internal break down will be available soon.

I also installed an L7 ION bolt on my tactical ION the night before the Hitman game. I estimated the dwell and ROF settings based on an online guide. No instructions were provided but a quick search on Google and I was set. Aside from breaking down the ION it was fairly easy to install; the hard part is tuning the dwell. The recoil and noise levels were reduced quite a bit; I thought my ION was crazy quiet to start with. I had a hard time identifying when I was low on air because it was so quite. The reduced noise level was a huge advantage! I did have consistency and shoot down issues when running 850psi HBA but the issues went away when I switched to C02. I'm sure it’s just a matter of getting the right dwell setting. I didn't see a noticeable increase in air efficiency, though this might also be dwell related. Great upgrade though not entirely necessary.

Now to the Hitman Game Report:

I had been planning on attending the Hitman scenario at CPX for several weeks. I even cancelled game plans in late September to ease the tensions at home but inevitably my wife and oldest son started laying on the guilt trip as the game day neared. Sunday mornings are a fun time for my boys and me. We usually watch cartoons together in the morning and I usually make a special breakfast while my wife sleeps in a little. Then we make a trip to the gas station to get the news paper and my oldest is allowed to pick out a snack. I tried my best on Saturday to explain why I wouldn't be home on Sunday to my oldest son Adam. First he asked if he could come. Then he asked if my paintball friend loved me. I said no and he responded by saying, I love you so you should stay home and watch cartoons with me.

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