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Brass Eagle Tiger Shark Pump

Design/Construction:

The receiver, pump handle, trigger, and grip are manufactured from a high impact, very durable copolymer (man-made plastic). The barrel and constant air adapter are manufactured from aluminum. The Tiger Shark weighs twenty-six ounces, and is seventeen inches in length without a tank installed. Like the Stingray, the Tiger Shark's internals (stainless and aluminum) can be accessed by removing three push- pins and sliding the components out the back end of the gun. This however, is a bit slower than the standard two thumb-screw take down found on most pump guns. Like many other pumps, the bolt can be removed by unscrewing the pump handle screws and sliding the bolt out.

Like the Stingray, the feed port of the Tiger Shark is a non-standard 1-1/16" diameter, and requires a special elbow if you plan to upgrade to a larger feeder. A standard feed port size would eliminate the need for 'special' elbow's, power feeds, etc., and would add points to the design category. The Tiger Shark does not have a ball detent or anti-double cocking device. The pump handle screws do not include rubber o-rings like most pump guns (this helps prevent loosening during play). No method of adjusting the velocity is provided (changing main or rear springs is required).

Design/Construction Rating (2)

Accuracy:

PROCEDURE: With a securely bench- mounted gun, we fire 200+ rounds of paint (three brands) at four target distances. At 100 & 125 feet, the target size is 22" x 22". At 75 & 50 feet, the target size is reduced to 8" x 11". All accuracy testing is performed indoors at 60 - 80 degrees (f). The gun is re- sighted at each target distance change. For this accuracy test we used Nelson Precision, California Magnum, and Proball. All testing was done using a regular (gas) tank.

Out of the box, the Tiger Shark chronographed in at only 255 feet per second using a regular (gas) tank. At 125 feet, Proball's accuracy ratio was 46%, followed by Nelson at 44% and California Magnum at 40%. At 100 feet, the ratios were 64%, 59% and 61% respectively.

With the target size reduced, the 75 foot ratios were 57% for Proball, 58% for Nelson Precision, and 52% for "Cal Mag". All ratios increased dramatically at 50 feet. Proball's ratio was 91%, followed by Nelson at 90%, and Cal Mag at 89%.

Accuracy rating (3)

Performance tests...

(Maintenance of Velocity, Velocity Consistency, Field testing)

Maintenance of Velocity:

This test shows a gun's ability to maintain velocities during rapid fire situations. (The last shot of each 'string' is chronographed and recorded.)

1 shot 254 FPS (last shot)

2 shots 252 FPS "

3 shots 241 FPS "

4 shots 251 FPS "

5 shots 243 FPS "

6 shots 239 FPS "

10 shots 221 FPS "

Velocity Consistency:

This test demonstrates a paintgun's ability to maintain consistent velocities at a slow rate of fire (read from left to right.) see chart.

246 FPS 244 FPS 250 FPS

256 FPS 251 FPS 245 FPS

245 FPS 249 FPS 251 FPS

250 FPS 255 FPS 241 FPS

high FPS 256

low FPS 241

average (330 shots) 249 FPS

Field testing:

During the field test portion of this evaluation, the Tiger Shark proved fairly reliable. We used the Tiger Shark in a variety of weather conditions with equal success (in cold weather the velocities dropped 20-30 FPS). We used both standard and siphon tanks as well. However, we did encounter several double feed while rapid firing - ball breakage was average (about 1 per 850 shots).

Performance test rating (2)

Maintenance:

Maintaining the Tiger Shark is fairly simple. The internals can be accessed for cleaning and lubricating by removing three pins and two pump handle screws. The barrel unscrews for easy cleaning on or off the field. The o-rings (there are two) are easily accessible and are standard sizes should they need replacing.

The Tiger Shark does not have an anti- double cocking device, which makes it less appealing for field owners to use as rentals (How many times have you seen a new player pump about five balls into the chamber of a gun?). Replacement parts are readily available for the Tiger Shark. In 60 degree temps, we were able to get about 430 good shots from a seven-ounce regular tank.

Maintenance rating (3)

Other information: The Brass Eagle Tiger Shark comes with a ninety-day limited warranty which is average at best. About Brass Eagle...We have sent several Stingray's to Brass Eagle/Daisy for repair. All guns have been repaired and returned to us in a very timely manner. The Tiger Shark's owners' manual is 21 pages and contains several diagrams to back up the written content. Missing from the manual however, is any information regarding velocity changes.

Customer service rating (3)

Warranty rating (2)

Versatility:

Many of the accessories available for the Stingray can be used with the Tiger Shark (Pull Pins, Bottom-Line kits, Power Feeds, etc.). The Tiger Shark has a built-in sight rail, which makes attaching a sight or a scope very simple. Adjustable bolts, add-on barrels, etc. should be available for the Tiger Shark soon. The Tiger Shark will work with siphon or regular C02 tanks.

Versatility rating (3)

Conclusion:

The Tiger Shark is one of the least expensive paintguns on the market. It has some nice features, but when compared to guns about $20 more, (Trracer, Hammer, etc.) it's lacking in a few areas. Changing velocities is difficult (impossible without a spring kit), and it's a bit erratic in velocity consistency. However, when all is said and done, the Tiger Shark is the only decent paintgun in it's price range.

At about $80.00 retail, the Tiger Shark is an good value.

Price rating (4)

PCRI IS PLEASED TO AWARD THE TIGER SHARK OUR THREE STAR SEAL OF QUALITY.

Addendum: Although the following information has no bearing on the Tiger Shark evaluation, we feel an obligation to report it to you.

The Tiger Shark comes in a brightly colored box...probably one of the best paintgun packages we've seen from a marketing perspective. However, the box contains a color photo that depicts two teenagers shooting Tiger Sharks, with one adult 'supervising'. All three people are wearing 'shooting glasses', not Paintball approved goggles. This paintgun is sold in sporting good stores and 'chains' where impulse buying is common. The problem is this; Someone that is not familiar with Paintball and it's safety practices, may purchase this paintgun and think it is okay to play using only shooting glasses. Could you blame them when the picture on the box displays this?

The warning label on the box states, "Eye protection must be worn by the user...". What kind of eye protection...the kind pictured on the box?

Problem number three: How does the employee working in the firearms department of a sporting goods store learn about playing Paintball safely? Someone that is not properly instructed (we've seen it at our local Sports Authority) will actually sell shooting glasses to the customer asking for Paintball goggles, especially if the box pictures it.

With all of the 'public relations' work most people in the Paintball industry do daily, it's hard to believe a company this big could be so out of touch and irresponsible.

Does this bother you? Give them a call if it does and maybe they'll change it. Brass Eagle can be reached at (501) 636-1200, or write them at;

Brass Eagle
PO Box 220
Rogers, Ark 72757-0220