VIPER-M1 REVIEW
By: Roman Dalichow
(dalichow@garden.net)
Homepage:
Bombshell Paintball
I have been playing paintball for about two years now, and the Viper-M1 is the first marker that I purchased, and I currently still own it. Some specifications for this marker are as for this paintgun are as follows: caliber (.68), power source (CO2, or CA), action (blowback semi-automatic). Barrel length (6”, 9”, or 12” [all are ¼ turn quick release]). Length w/standard barrel (17.5”). Weight (2 ¾ lbs.).It also comes with a built in expansion chamber, which USAS (US Amateur Sports) like to call the Mag Chamber. The CO2 screws right into the bottom of the chamber, providing it with a nice center of balance (when running a 12 oz. CO2 tank). There are currently two models of this paintgun out, one is the Viper pre-1997, and the other is the Viper post 1997. For hose who are unaware, The Viper is actually an ancestor of the Lazer and also the Lazer-2. USAS purchased The rights of the Lazer, and refined it, thus producing the Viper-M1. The Viper differs From the Lazers, in that it has the paintballs drop directly into the barrel of the gun (similar to that of an AutoMag). This is great because it reduces the number of shredded balls in your barrel. Here are some qualities of the Viper M1 listed:
1.) Power Feed System- this is always a good quality in paintguns because prevents the paintballs from jamming up, even a rapid fire
2.) Mag Chamber-built in expansion chamber, great idea.
3.) Sidewinder release Barrel- ¼” turn releases the barrel, also balls drop directly into the barrel, like an automag, preventing ball breakage
4.) The Micro-flow Velocity Adjustment- there are no nuts, bolts, or springs to remove simply twist with an allen-wrench.
5.) Delrin High Flow Diffuser Bolt- open gas path provides even gas dispersal around. The entire paintball, allowing maximum gas efficiency.
No ones perfect, the negatives. (special note: these are my personal experiences)
1.) The trigger- it is really tough to pull back, thus unable to produce “rapid” fire speeds
2.) CO2 connection- The CO2 screws into the bottom of the Mag Chamber, but air frequently leaks out of the bottom, resulting in a lot of wasted air, and lots of broken o-rings.
3.) Bolt installation- The bolt has to be installed a certain way in order for the gun to function correctly. If the bolt is installed upside-down (which can happen, because there are no
distinguishing features) the velocity is surprisingly low. This happened to me once, I wasn’t aware of the “bolt” problem, so I didn’t know what to do, I wasted an entire playing day, attempting to fix it.
4.) Another CO2 problem- there is a little hole on the bottom of the Mag Chamber, I do not know why, but it lets a lot CO2 out when attempting to screw it into the gun.
5.) Cocking Knob- I should also mention that the cocking is extremely small and tough to pull back. This can be an annoying occurrence also.
Overall the marker is decent, it performs well in all weather situations, rain, sleet, or snow.
It doesn’t sputter in the cold, or shoot “hot” in the heat. The velocity usually stays at a constant
+/- 3fps. I should also mention the markers price tag. It is about $280.00. Which is more than
a lot of paintballers are willing to spend, for a medium-quality gun. There are a few package
deals occasionally offered from USAS, but they come around only a few times a year.
Currently, there are no aftermarket barrels available for the Viper, but it is to my understanding
That USAS is planning to announce a new barrel sometime soon. The Viper-M1 receives a three
star rating (***/*****) out of five. The gun performs well, but you have to buy a lot of extras in order
for it to work how you want it to. For any other questions on the Viper-M1, please contact USAS
directly at viper@usas.com or 1-888 622-3622.