12 Gram Changer - Removable? Also, question about pump spring...

[Doodler]

Can one simply unscrew the top section of the twelve gram changer (it's a male screw section) so it'd be possible to put normal tanks on the vert air system?

THanks, I just didnt want to force it or anything.

Oh, also - Would it be OK to clip the stock pump spring? I personally think there's too much tension, so I cut it without thinking (:D).

-Doodler

[JJcoola]

Yes, tanks are fine to run on the vertical air setup. I have a 3.5 oz tank and a 4 oz tank that I use with mine. Although a 4 oz tank should be the heaviest that you put on. Sure you can put a 20 oz tank on, but that weight is gonna be rediculous, you don't have to shoot that much, and IF YOU SLAM INTO ANYTHING YOU WILL PROBABLY RUIN THE GUN! Besides, if you are going to be using a big tank I don't know why you are using the phantom in the first place.

Since you can remove the pump spring if you want to, I don't see why it would be all that bad to cut the spring.

[spirit without]

sure you can remove the 12g top. you'll just need a 3/8 allen key to do it.

[Vubonic]

Yeah I agree, I just got my Phantom today (will post pic soon once I get my stock class breech, got a vert feed CENTERED EW!) and the pump spring is a lot more tense than I thought. I'll try taking out the spring and see how it goes.

[Vern1]

Greetings,
Believe it or not, the return spring will add consistency in your shots.
When you shoot, the bolt wants to go back some from the pressure on the ball when the air hits it.
If you hold it pushed forward, you can very rarely hold it with the same tension, so you may be pulling the bolt a little to one side, so when the hammer comes forward, it may rub on the internal tube of the velocity adjuster.
I have found that the spring adds just the right amount of pressure to hold the bolt in the proper forward position and you will gain consistency in your FPS over the chrono.
Try it and you will see what I am talking about.
With the spring on, just pump the marker and hold the pump handle loosely and shoot.
You will see pretty consistent shot to shot performance.
Now, pull the handle forward and hold it while shooting - you will probably see a "drooping" shot when you do that.

Basically, Mike has tuned the marker for quite a few years and has a really good all around setup out of the box.
Sit at home and watch TV and pump your marker and practice your "air snap shooting" at characters on TV. The hammer won't latch if you don't have air on the marker, but the pumping will help to break in the marker and the extra tension of the hammer spring will pump up your pump muscles. After a little practice, the spring tension won't be a problem and will actually help you out!

Hope this helps!

[Doodler]

Thanks for all your help guys!

I tested my phantom out in the backyard, using a 12 oz tank (I dont have access to a store this weekend), and it was BEAUTIFUL. I noticed that yes, the pump spring is useful, but it's a little late because I cut it :D I've got a few half-cocked pumps (where the ball loads but the gas doesnt), but it's not big deal.

Woohoo, now just to get some 12 grams and head on down to a local field...

-Doodler