by Joshua D. Silverman
Exclusively for ScenarioSource.com

Tippmann and Special Ops have joined forces to created the latest, and one the greatest, scenario paintball guns, the X7. Offering the legendary reliability and durability that comes standard with the Tippmann name as well as a plethora of factory upgrades enabling an X7 owner to customize their paintball gun in dozens of ways, the X7 incorporates tried-and-true Tippmann technology and ingenuity to create an impressive platform.

Looking like something straight out of the FBI gun vault in Quantico, Virginia rather than a paintball gun, scenario and tactical players immediately fall in love with Tippmann's X7. Standard with enough picatinny sight rails to mount everything from sights and scopes to night vision goggles, a grenade launcher, bipods, tripods and possibly even a jet engine as long as it's dovetailed, the X7 features a removeable magazine that opens to hold tools and oil. The steel braided bottom line air hose passes through it as well. The X7's receiver is made from a magnesium alloy rather than aluminum, but the gun is still hefty in the hands.

An upgraded, improved version of the Cyclone Feed system standard on the A5 is included with the X7, able to feed up to 20 balls per second. Conveniently, this does away with the need to purchase an upgraded hopper, saving the end-user money. The stock hopper holds around 200 paintballs and presents a lower but longer profile than the rounder A5 Cyclone hopper. The single trigger is light and smooth, with an H&K style lever safety switch on the left side of the receiver. Like the A5, the X7 cocks from the top of the receiver near the front via an enclosed cocking knob, helping to keep dirt, mud and paint out of the gun.

While the stock barrel of the X7 is decent, owners will quickly look to replace it with a longer, more ported option to improve overall accuracy and quiet the gun down. Front and rear adjustable sights are included with the X7, but as paintballs don't fly as straight as bullets, these are more for looks than delivering paintballs accurately to target over long ranges.

Most important about the X7 are its factory upgrades, available from Tippmann and Special Ops, who partnered in their development process. X7 owners can purchase modifications to make their X7 closely resemble everything from MP5 submachine guns to M-16, AK-47 or G-36 assault rifles, with everything from barrel shrouds, front and rear sights, carrying handles and stocks available. Double trigger kits, RT kits and electronic kits are also available to increase rate of fire.

Though a little pricey up front, the ability to endlessly modify and customize the X7 make this an excellent choice for any tactical player wishing to look the part. As it says "Tippmann" on the side, reliability and quality will likely be nothing less than top notch.