Help on Nitrogen system for a minimag

[oOHiTmAn47Oo]

I just purchased a brand new minimag. I'm looking to upgrade to a nitrogen system. I plan to get a drop cradle but I don't know how it will be assembled. Also I dont know what other parts I will need.

[Russ]

Welcome to AO

Do you have a particular air system in mind?

Screw-in, pre-set regulator, or adjustable output regulator...

There are so many options, I don't know where to start!

Look around the forums and check out what others are using, that'll give you some direction.

[oOHiTmAn47Oo]

What's the difference between all of them? I'm totally new to Nitrogen systems.

[Blazingace]

A preset HPA or Nitro system (they are the same thing) puts out a set pressure. Usually about 800-850 PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) output pressure. Crossfire makes a low pressure system 400 PSI, witha blue reg. Don't get that one it won't work on a 'Mag since it needs at least 600 PSI to run good. They come in different sizes 45, 68, 70, 88 and 91 CI (Cubic Inch). They also come in different tank pressures either 3000 PSI, 4500 PSI or 5000 PSI. The most common are 68/4500 and 88/4500, but 70/4500 are getting popular and the 45/4500 is a very small tank prefered by front players due to there small size. Adjustable tanks allow you to vary the output pressures. These are popular on lower pressure guns like the Matrix, High-end Cockers and Impys. They include such tanks as the AGD Flatline, the Smart Parts Max-flo and the WDP Angel Air among others.

For your Minimag a nice Preset Screw-in will be fine. One word though, buy quality. Get the nicest tank you can afford. A 68/4500 or 88/4500 Crossfire, Pure Energy or comperable tank. Try to stay away from 3000 PSI tanks unless you can't get a 4500 PSI fill near you. You get alot more shots from a 4500 PSI tank. Another thing you should know especially if you are thinking of buying used. The tank must be inspected periodically. Most new tanks only need to be inspected ever 5 years. Older tanks are only good for 3 years. So check the Hydro (IE. inspection) date on the side of the tank. It is like a born on date. If it says 04-01 and it is a 3 year tank it must be inspected by 04-04. Month-Year. A five year tank with the same date is good until 04-06. If you buy a new tank splurg and buy a very tough cover like a DYE or new JT cover. Any damage to the outside might require the tank to be scrapped. Since they are fiber wrapped if the damage goes to the fiber they are no good.

As for setting it up on your gun you might need a Drop Forward. This moves the tank forward and lower on the gun. You will have to pick a drop that fits your tank, they are pretty universal, but some are better than others. It is also what you find comfortable. If the tank is too far back it is akward to shoot same thing if it is too far forward. If you have an Adjustable tank it might slide onto the dovetail of the drop. Certain tanks like the Air America Raptor require a drop that clamps the reg. like a KAPP Drop Zone. For presets you need a screw in style ASA (Air Source Adaptor). Get one with some sort of ON/OFF for it so you don't have to take the tank off everytime you are finished playing. Since you have a Minimag are you using a Gas thru foregrip? If you are make sure that the drop clears it since it is close to the gripframe. You might need some hoses and fittings to run the air. Look for Macro line fittins and hose. It is the most flexible to set up and works really well.

Damn my fingers are tired. Look around at pics of other set ups to see what works best. I am running a Shocktech Mid drop and a Shocktech ASA for a 68/4500 PMI tank and it fits nice. Good luck.

[oOHiTmAn47Oo]

Damn blazineace you've been hella helpful to me! I'm not running a foregrip. An expansion chamber instead

[oOHiTmAn47Oo]

What if my local field can't fill above 4,500 psi and I buy an adjustable tank? Can I set the psi to 3,000 and be able to use it?

[Dayspring]

The 3000 and 4500 is the internal pressure of the tank. An adjustable tank lets you set the output- meaning what the gun gets. - i.e. 800psi.

If they can't fill to 4500, save some $ and get a 3000 tank. Adjustable or not.

[oOHiTmAn47Oo]

What if I get a 3000 psi tank? Should I get an adjustable one?

[Blazingace]

You don't really need an adjustable unless you are running a very low pressure gun like I mentioned. The Minimag runs great on an inexpensive preset tank. One thing, though. If you are going to upgrade to the X-valve you might want to invest in an adjustable. With the adjustable you can change how reactive the gun shoots by altering the output pressure. More pressure=more reactive and visa versa. Otherwise save some money and get a nice preset. The expansion chamber is not useful for air. It is used primarily for helping CO2 expand before it gets into the gun. You can leave it on if it is more comfortable for you, but a nice small gas thru like a fighter X sports or a small CP would be lighter and smaller.

[rmhawk]

i got a 48/3000 Pure Energy and it works great on my minimag. Its preset at 800 psi. when the tank hits about 600 psi left, the gun will not fire.

[fire1811]

i would just get a preset for your first nitro system.
good ones are
pmi pure energy, crossfire, nitro duck all outpot between 800-900psi

i personally would go with a 68/4500psi tank
you never know when they will fill to 4500, and when they do you will be ready.

and you can get any of the above tanks for around $200

[i_baked_cookies]

i warn you to stay away from the 48/3000 pmi (pure energy). i have one, and after about 5 fills, the reg is broken and now it leaks (slowly) from the pin. becuase they are cheap, my freinds also have them (3 of them at least), and 2 have had that same problem. go to paintballgear.com and get a crossfire 48/3000 (it might be 47/3000 oh well) and thatll be ur best choice. 80 bucks aint bad

[oOHiTmAn47Oo]

So I should get an 4500 psi adjustable tank. Even though my field only supports 3000 psi. But if they do upgrade in the future to 4500 I'll be ready.

[fire1811]

i really dont think right now you need and adjustable but thats up to you it will be a lot more money for one
but yes i would definatly go with 4500 you never know when you will travel to a place with 4500, or they upgrade to 4500.

if you really want an adjustable later on you can buy a pmi T.H.O.R. reg and that will let you adjust your pressure down lower. but for a mag a screw in output is perfect

good luck
curt

[oOHiTmAn47Oo]

I think I'll go ahead and buy a fixed 4500 psi tank. But my field only supports 3000 psi. Can it still be filled?