Here's a ton more pics (http://dan.pbnation.com/2k4/), courtesy of Dan Voils.
The 04 Excal looks quite strange with the bolt tube extending out the back of the gun like that. Also notice the relocation of the on/off switch (I rather liked it in the back). It also comes stock with the SCM LPR.
Word on the street is internals are not interchangeable with current Excals/Vikings.
04 Viking
http://dan.pbnation.com/2k4/dscf4236.jpg
04 Excal
http://dan.pbnation.com/2k4/dscf4266.jpg
AND here's the official AKA press release:
"PRESS RELEASE – November 24, 2003
The Excalibur was born in 1999 and the Viking in 2001. In 2004 the Excalibur and Viking have been reborn incorporating all the features you love and many new ones.
Both the Excalibur and Viking now feature the new SCM regulator to give you the best recharge rate and fastest response LPR currently available. Our new same-side dual ball detents keep the ball in the center of the breech to give the eyes the fastest response time possible.
The WAS Equalizer board is stock and the markers are predrilled for aftermarket eyes. The eyes will read any paint color or shell type. With eyes installed, the only real limit on bps is your hopper. (Excalibur 20+ bps and Viking 35+ bps)
The older Excaliburs and Vikings were described as “tanks” because they were so rugged. Now both bodies are at least ˝” shorter in length and shorter in height making them even lighter than the ‘03’s but just as durable. The new compact Hammer and Ram cartridges are smaller, lighter, smoother and add to the already proven durability.
The original and tournament-proven Tornado(5791328) ® Valve and Lightning® Bolt maintain the high efficiency of 2000+ shots on a 68/4500 nitrogen system. The operating pressure remains at approximately180 psi with a cocking pressure in the 50-80 psi range without the need for any cumbersome LPC's.
Both markers come standard with a 45 grip frame using a blade trigger that has 3 points of trigger adjustment, AC™ barrel threading, and AKA’s threaded low-rise feed tube - the strongest feed tube thread in the industry.
Maintenance is even easier with the new smoother releasing pull pin on the shorter Delrin Lightning® Bolt. Just slide the bolt out and pull a squeegee completely through, lube the Delrin Lightning® bolt with Extreme Lube, wipe the marker down and store until you are ready to play again.
The markers operate off a standard 9 volt Alkaline battery with an LED for battery indicator and programming ability.
Both markers come stock with the industry standard and highly respected Sidewinder®(pat pend) regulator.
The Excalibur and Viking are proudly designed and manufactured in the USA.
The ’04 Viking and Excaliburs will be introduced at the Pan Am Finale in Las Vegas the week of Dec 1, 2003.
For additional information contact: AKA at 317-631-7200 or email them at
[email protected] or visit the AKA forum on www.pbnation.com"