Older mini, maintenance questions

[Rifter]

I have a Mini that is about 6 years old. Over that entire time, it has been used maybe 10 times. I was using it this weekend, and had some velocity problems. Thanks to the great help on these forums, I just put air on it, but I had a bit of consistancy problems... about 30FPS. I have not replaced the o-rings, and I am wondering if I should. I have put 3-4 drops of oil in the airline before each use, as well as putting 1-2 drops of oil in the oil holes under the valve every 2nd or 3rd time, before each outing. (I don't have many, each year, obviously). I also picked up an ANS Automag Xtreme Flow Valve (http://www.actionvillage.com/011-1000-121.html) and installed it before this weekend, but didn't notice any appreciable change.

I would appreciate any suggestions on this. Also, any suggestions on an upgrade path? I am thinking about the Xvalve, but that is a ways off, because of the price. I am kind of thinking about a 2 finger trigger, at this point.

[Dayspring]

ANS=crap. Don't waste your money.

I'd replace the orings and check the reg seat and make sure that it's ok. That can cause your velocity problems.

Also, are you using Nitro or CO2? That right there can cause velocity fluctuations.

[bluefan101]

I agree. Don't make any unnecessary mods to the valve itself. If you're running co2 you should at least have some kind of expansion chamber, stabalizer or remote. You need something to get the gas to deliquify. If you're running nitro, check your reg to make sure it's set for the psi range you need. It's always a good idea to make sure the o-rings are fresh and well lubed. You might want to concentrate your queries on the rear part of the valve. Like dayspring said, check your reg seat first to make sure it is inserted correctly, but you may also want to shcek the parts inside the valve reg, such as your spring pack and reg o-ring.

[Rifter]

I am running HPA now. This was my first time using it, so it was different. I will take it apart and look at it.

As for the ANS, I have already picked it up. I guess I can swap it out, and put the old one back in.

Thanks for the help!

[athomas]

Check the quality of the paint. Inconsistent paint can cause velocity fluctuations.

Stay with the original valve parts. You'll have less problems.

If you want a good two trigger frame get the AGD intelliframe.

[Rifter]

The Paint was brand new JT Blaze. I have never shot it before, but it seemed to travel well. They were out of the brands I would normally get.

Ok, I will drop the original piece back in. Not a big deal.

I thought about the intelliframe, but I am not 100% sure what it does. I use a Richochet for my hopper, and I don't plan to syncronise it with the hopper. Would the intelliframe still be the way to go?

Once again, thanks for all the help!

[Tunaman]

only shot a few times in 6 years? You need to get a parts kit and install it. Those orings and regseat are prolly hard as a rock. Let me know if you need help with it.

[bluefan101]

The intelliframe is a great two-finger. Check the classified section to see if anyone is selling one. Even if you're not going to wire it, they still have a good pull and are reliable. If you're going the upgrade path, I'd go intelli, then x-valve. With the intelli, you're looking at right around $100 give or take, but with the x-valve you're looking at around $300. Because your current valve isn't stock, you can't do a swap for the x-valve. You may want to try selling it in the classifieds to try to help recover some of your costs.