| The People's Front of Judea |
| Directorate of Planning |
| Heavy Weapons |
| When the entire team is playing as a unit, we employ various heavy and crew-served weapons. Chief among these is the 52mm M-2A1 Paintball Mortar. After searching the internet, we decided that the Tippman Mortar was entirely too expensive for us to procure, so we set about making our own. Our requirements were simple. It had to be light, it had to have it's own air source, and most importantly, it had to be cheap. We finally settled upon a compressed air variation of the tried and true PVC Spud gun. The M-2A1 is constructed of 2" (52mm ID) Schedule 40 PVC plumbing pipe, black iron nipples and 45 degree elbows, and a 3/4" brass ball valve. We will post pics of the finished mortar soon. In the meantime, take a look at these sites to get a feel for what it takes to build one and maybe get a few ideas on how you want to build your own. How Not to Build an Air Cannon Xinventions.com Alternative Paintball |
| We prefer to use our mortars in the indirect-fire role. That means firing at the opponant from outside the effective range of his marker. Using 100 psi of compressed air produced by an ordinary bicycle tire pump, we are able to fire water balloons (usually filled with paint) 75 - 100 yards depending on the wind and the angle at which the mortar is fired. When massed together in a concealed position such as on the opposite slope of a hill from the enemy, this can have a devestating effect. The mortar can also be used in the direct-fire mode, using homemade discarding sabot rounds containing 20 - 30 paintballs. Fired in this manner, the mortar will produce a 6 foot spread of paintballs with an effective range of 50 - 60 feet. However, it is our experience that most people will become quite angry when peppered by that many paintballs. We mainly use the mortar in this fashion as a last ditch defense for bases. We have however been known to send out teams armed with this set-up to stalk and harrass wipers. Employing mortars effectively during scenerio combat requires teamwork, communication, and sound tactics. Always set up a defensive perimeter around your firing position using teammates armed with markers or your mortar crews will be easily eliminated. Also, use a spotter with a radio to adjust your fire, throw a few salvos downrange, then move to another position. The mortars are loud and will give away your position. |