Pump Talkin

Article by Matt AKA “Kenny”

Today, and leading up to the OKC Outlaws & Lawdawgs pump and pistol game, I will be posting a series of conversations with my fellow pumpers.

The pumpers have found a home here at OK Company, and the ranks have been growing. With more people seeing what we can do with one shot, we can bring back a style of play that can improve your game, along with growing our sport, to show that you don’t need to join the arms race to have a love for this game.

So our first interview is with the winning General from the last Outlaws & Lawdogs game…Trinket! Personally I remember playing with Mr. Trinket at the mountain during one of his first times with a pump (I think), we came up on a player and I heard Trink fire, then he said, “Holy crap I hit him!”, I turned and looked over casually after and replied “you dont need it do you?” I was referring to shooting Semi. You just don’t need 30 rounds in the air, you just need one, it’s that one clean shot that every pumper goes to bed dreaming of.

1. Who the hell are you?

Travis, aka Trink. I’m big in Japan.

2. How long have you been playing pump?

Since I got back into the sport in summer of ’09, so about a year.

3. Could you give me a brief rundown of your current marker of choice (If you have any cool stories about it, give it up!)? And what would be your dream pump?

My current marker is a dust black/dust white CCM S6. It’s a phenomenal open class pump. I originally purchased a converted 2004 super stock autococker as my first pump. The idea was to play with that for a year or so to decide if I “really liked” pump. I played with it 5 times, and then bought my S6. As I personally see CCM guns as the pinnacle of the pump gun market, it was a big step up. I LOVE it though.

4. What kind of player is attracted to the art of pump? What led you to becoming a pump player?

In my experience, those attracted to pump tend to be players who like playing a bit more aggressive. Due to the lack of volume of fire, you have to make your shots count. Often times this means you need to push the issue to get the right angles on your targets. Also, personality wise, pump players tend to be pretty laid back about the game. I’ve yet to meet a pumper who was fixated on winning at all costs. Most seem to take the ups and downs on the field in good stride.

5. What was it like the first time you stepped out on to the field with your marker? How long did it take to become comfortable out there?

The first time I played pump (which was also my first time playing paintball in several years), I got smoked pretty fast. It was a speedball field with a bunch of guys with electro race markers firing 30bps. To say it was intimidating doesn’t really convey what I was feeling. After that night, I thought I had made a mistake by buying a pump; I don’t think I got a single elimination, and I was getting shot out within seconds each game.

Once I started playing with OKC on a regular basis, I started to get back into the groove. Pump definitely takes a different mentality on the field, and once I was comfortable with the prospect of getting hit, I was able to play more aggressive/loose and succeed. It probably took me about 2 months to get to that point.

6. Do you have any advice to anyone who want to be totally awesome and pick up a pump?

My first, most important piece of advice for a new pumper would be to not get discouraged. The fact of the matter is, if you’re new to pump, you’re GOING to get lit up a lot the first couple of times you play. It takes awhile to adjust, and you have to have patience to get to that point.

My second piece of advice would be to play aggressive and make your shots count. I’m always reminding myself that if I’m not being shot at, I need to be moving toward the enemy. Opportunities present themselves if you act, not if you sit behind your back bunker waiting for stuff to happen. This is doubly true as a pump player, as (with some small exceptions) you’re not going to do anybody any good by trying to longball someone from 80 yards away at 0.5 balls per second.

Finally, play for fun. This is true in all forms of paintball, but especially important with a pump. You’re going to get shot up a lot early on, but learn to laugh at yourself and those you’re playing with. If you take the game too seriously, it ruins it. That said, pump for life!!

Thank you to Trinket for taking the time to inform us of his little corner of the pump world! So heres to you and everyone who calls themselves pumper!

“3-2-1…GO BITCHES”
Book of Layzar; Tick 4:16