Reviving my first custom job - the Model 98 Pump

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  • Magmoormaster
    Only here for the zipline
    • Jul 2020
    • 1294
    • Glendale, AZ

    #1

    Reviving my first custom job - the Model 98 Pump

    Before we get to pics, I have to explain the lore.

    Back in 2006, I got a small pile of paintball gear from a cousin. It included a couple Piranhas, a Model 98, some masks and a CO2 tank. The 98 didn't work (cracked powertube and missing ball latch) so I used one of the Piranhas for the first year. At the very beginning of 2008, after getting the 98 working, I played with it and really liked it. I found model98.org that night and it became my first internet home. For those who never visited that magical place, it was all about modding Tippmann 98s, especailly super e-bolt builds.

    In 2007, I got a stack of 2003 APG magazines from my school library, and I was enamoured by both the cocker ads (but that's a different story) and the articles about pump play. At the time, I only knew about the Phantom, which was $300 at the time. As a broke high schooler, there was no way I'd ever be able to afford one of those. So in 2008, I set out to modify my Model 98 into a pump action.



    The first iteration was still a blowback, but I uncoupled the bolt and hammer, cut a slot for the bolt and turned it sideways, and operated the bolt manually with the linkage arm attached to the pump handle. I think I played with it twice, and ended up losing the linkage arm the second time. I loved pump, so I set out to make it a true pump action.



    The second iteration featured a more rigid attachment between the bolt and pump handle, and a notch in the bolt to push the linkage arm to cock the hammer. I also made a stock class feed by cutting down the stock feedneck and epoxying a PVC elbow onto it. I even had some anti-twist rods for the pump handle!! I played most of 2010 with it.

    But eventually the pump handle fell apart and I had some other ideas for it. It sat until 2018 or so, when I started the third iteration. I cut off the front grip off, and then it sat again. UNTIL TODAY!!!



    So, the bottom of the body will be rounded off, and the pump handle (likely to be 3d printed, maybe I'll spring to get it milled in delrin) will ride on the body directly. I'm going to run a vertical ASA directly into the valve, possibly running a 12g changer or a gas thru. I'll need to figure out a solution for the feed, the plan is to drill it for vert feed and make a stock class feed.

    Here's an old concept sketch:


    Still have a long way to go, and I'm hoping that this thread will keep me motivated to keep working on it. So post up and
    Last edited by Magmoormaster; 02-09-2026, 12:26 AM. Reason: Fixed a duplicate pic
  • Myrkul
    2026 ICD Sponsored Team
    • Jul 2020
    • 905
    • Jaegers

    #2
    I remember when this first dropped on model98.org....I was VERY excited then, and now, 18 years later, I am somehow even more excited to see it perfected.

    Velcor has given you a gift. A vision. Embrace it and let it consume you. There is no glory but that which Velcor bestows anyway.

    Lead us on the path Velcor has set before you so that we to might share in his blessings.

    Comment


    • Magmoormaster
      Magmoormaster commented
      Editing a comment
      Dang, 18 years... that hurt my soul. How has it been that long already.

    • FlightMedic938
      FlightMedic938 commented
      Editing a comment
      Who is Velcro?

    • Myrkul
      Myrkul commented
      Editing a comment
      Velcor was the god of paintball on pre-hack MCB.
  • Buff_phroggie
    Trilogy King?
    • May 2025
    • 322
    • Central Iowa

    #3
    Damn, now I gotta build another 98. Good thing I have a beatup set of cases

    Comment

    • capitalpaintball
      Bunker Buster
      • Jul 2020
      • 298
      • Coventry, Rhode Island

      #4
      I did a similar mod with my XTS Pump. the pump is attatched to the bolt from the bottom, ascrew is threaded up into the bolt Click image for larger version

Name:	SHERIDAN XTS PUMP.jpg
Views:	326
Size:	2.65 MB
ID:	795077

      Comment


      • Magmoormaster
        Magmoormaster commented
        Editing a comment
        That is remarkably close to what I'm going for
    • Magmoormaster
      Only here for the zipline
      • Jul 2020
      • 1294
      • Glendale, AZ

      #5
      Made substantial progress today.




      I rounded the bottom of the body all the way back to the valve and made room for the VA. The cuts around the VA aren't quite as square as I'd like, but considering I'm doing this all by hand I'm satisfied. At this point, I just need to pretty it up, get a pump handle machined, and figure out the feed. My original intent was to paint it a matte nickel, reminiscent of a PPS. But that's still up in the air.

      Comment


      • Cal440
        Cal440 commented
        Editing a comment
        Progress is looking good.

      • devilzcall
        devilzcall commented
        Editing a comment
        Anyone ever build a 98 sidearm?
    • DBrazXeno
      Rockin and Cockin
      • Feb 2026
      • 63
      • Farmville, VA

      #6
      This looks awesome!!! have some spare 98 shells laying around and I have been thinking of doing something similar with them. Definitely interested in you progress.

      Comment

      • Cal440
        MCB Member
        • Nov 2022
        • 263
        • Michigan

        #7
        I am working on a 98 sa right now. It has a horizontal asa and a side mounted spring fed.

        Comment

        • Magmoormaster
          Only here for the zipline
          • Jul 2020
          • 1294
          • Glendale, AZ

          #8
          It doesn't look like it, but I made a lot of progress yesterday.




          Just about done with the body work. I finished rounding the bottom, finessed the cuts around the VA a bit (might do a bit more), got the rear sight cut shaped the way I wanted, and sanded down the remaining JB weld fillers. All that's left is to fill the feed port, drill it for centerfeed, and get the feedblock and pump handle fabricated. Oh, and finalize colors and paint it lol. Actually looking at it again, I might fill in the FVA as well, since the pump handle will cover it.

          Comment

          • Ecapnation
            MCB Member
            • Jul 2020
            • 4209
            • South Central Long Island

            #9
            Poor mans MVP in the making

            Comment

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