Hammer
This is the part of the paintmarker which is released and, under
spring pressure, strikes the valve, which releases the gas to propel the
paintball. The hammer may be of innumerable configurations, but their
jobs are essentially the same. Incidentally, in a blow forward semi-
automatic, there is no hammer. The release of gasses is done with some
sort of switch or other mechanical means of pressure relief.
Hammer Spring
The spring that drives the hammer into the valve, firing the
paintmarker. Adjusting the hammer spring is primary method of adjusting
the muzzle velocity of the marker.
The larger springs are hammer springs, the smaller springs are valve springs.
Harness
The general term for any system designed to carry loading tubes (and sometimes) a CO2 or high pressure tank.
(L)Stock Class harness (C) 4 loaders + tank (R)Six loaders + tank
Heiney Pack
See Harness, above.
High Flow Valve
A type of valve required for low pressure systems.
Typical high flow valve
High Pressure Air
This is one of the two "alternate CO2" gasses becoming popular. High
pressure air (HPA) is basically a regulated scuba system. The HPA system
is charged by pressure, not by weight like CO2 systems are. Because the
pressures are much higher than CO2, a regulator must be in place between
the power source and the marker or the marker's internal systems may be
damaged, or actually explode. Many newer markers are designed to work
with the higher pressures. The regulator is still required to aid in the
adjustment of velocity and control the flow of air. Components used for
CO2 systems (such as hoses, elbows, couplers, etc) are not compatible to
HPA systems. This system has been adopted due to its lack of liquid and
thus its performance is little effected by ambient air temperature. Two
troubles which have plagued CO2 powered systems, especially when used
during elevated rates of fire.
For more detailed information on Gas Safety see Pressurized Gas Safety in Durty Dan's Paintball Information Services.
Holster
A device that allows a smaller marker to be carried on a belt or under
the arm. Is essentially a ballistic nylon or leather "pocket". Holsters are
also specially designed to hold rigid and semi rigid "stick" squeegees.
Two types of pistol holsters.
Honing
The process used to smooth and polish the interior surface of a
marker's barrel.
Hoser
One who hoses or engages in hosing. A derogatory term.
Hosing
The act of firing copious amounts of paint. This practice is frowned
upon as hosing invariably results in the opponents getting hit several
times when they are eliminated. Players also see hosing as a technique to
make up for the player's lack of skill. Hosing is used to describe
indiscriminate and wanton firing and is not to be confused with
Suppressive Fire.
Hopper
Another name for a Feeder. The preferred term in the United
Kingdom.
HPA
High Pressure Air (qv)
Hydrostatic Test
This test is used to determine the structural integrity of a pressurized tank. The tank in immersed in a vat of water (this ensures that if the tank does rupture, the fragemts will be contained) and is then suject to overpressure to determine if the tank walls have any faults. I have personally witnessed a 20 oz aluminum tank explode in a hydrostatic chamber and have since gained great respect for pressurized gases.
Visual inspection of the tank usually reveals no faults so hydrodynamic testing is necesssary. Consult the tank's manufacturer, or a quailified airsmith, on how often the tank should be tested.
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All of the articles in the "virtual book" Durty Dan's Paintball Information Services are free to use for webpages, school projects, reference and to promote paintball to players and the non-playing public. Credit for the source of the information should be included in the bibliography or references page.
© Durty Dan Enterprises 2000. All rights reserved. All works contained herein are under copyright of the author Durty Dan. While the Terms of Use are broad they do not include the right to republish this work in any publication (hardcopy or electronic) for the purposes of personal financial gain.
