Nelson Identification and Red SL68-II

[Lane]

Picked these up from Craigslist. Anyone know what the nelson pump is? There's no markings on the marker other then the serial number. Pressed in barrel and metal frame with adjustable trigger.

As for the SL68II, the red appears to be a factory finish. Any information on when/why this was done? VintageRex has a photo of a red one as well but the SL-68 II text is painted white.

[Lane]

Little more research, looks like a Diablo pump from back in the day and I guess the barrel is removable?

[Chappy]

Yep, its a Diablo, I think they were distributed by NPS. And yes that barrel is threaded and removable.

[Lane]

Interesting Chappy, I'll have to heat it up or something. I've put a good amount of force on it and it hasn't budged.

[DocsMachine]

Some manufacturers, in the days before offering fancy colors as available options, would provide special colored markers to fields, as rentals. Montneel, for one, offered red Z1's that were also engraved with the word "RENTAL".

Not saying Tippmann did that- if they did, that's the first example I've ever seen. But that's a possible origin for that gun.

Doc.

[Lane]

Good insight, with seeing one other one like this I think you're right on it being a rental model

[Jellyghost]

I vaguely remember seeing a red SL68 on the old MCB. I thought it was cool and considered buying it. I think the seller was the one who made it red.

[Lane]

Doesnt look user painted. The barrel is red anodized and the body's finish is red inside and out. Definitely seems like a factory finish.

[DocsMachine]

Shortly after the 68 Special came out, I saw one in a pro-shop in Arizona, that had been factory-anodized in blue. Only one like that I'd ever seen, too.

Doc.

[Ecapnation]

Tippmann did colored sl68's and 68 specials...

My team mate has red and blue 68 specials.