Critical Paintball Trigger for the Bob Long Marq Series


   * Dual Ball Bearing Pivot Point (using ultra smooth high quality bearings)
   * Ultra light weight design
   * Ergonomically correct design
   * Integrated adjustable reverse polarity magnetic return (the magnetic trigger kit is included)
   * Switch actuation point has been lowered to prevent bounce    
   * Rounded and smooth edges (fully radiused)
   * Super smooth and very, very fast
   * Fits all Marq models including 6, 7, Rapper and Closer
   * Easy to install using the included trigger post, all other necessary items are included
   * Available in polished black, blue, red, and silver

Bob Long's newest marker platform, the Marq series is taking the paintball world by storm.  When one considers the new fully enclosed poppet design (making many folks mistake it for a spool valve), several hot milling designs, and blistering out of the box speed coupled with pinpoint accuracy, it stands to reason that the Marq would make a splash.  In fact the Marq is by many people's standards darn near perfect, with few real areas for aftermarket improvement.  Alas, nothing in this world is without flaw, and the Marq is no different.

Soon after Marqs started hitting the hands of players, Internet message boards began lighting up with giddy ballers singing the praises of the gun.  The only real fault any could find consistently is the stock trigger.  Getting a pull they were pleased with often resulted in unacceptable "trigger bounce".  Complete removal of the trigger spring gave a nice pull, but often resulted in full auto, uncontrollable bounce, especially when combined with the stock boards limited debounce settings.

The Closer addressed these issues by offering a different style trigger, with a revised activation point, but if you are not a fan of two finger designs, you too may wish for other options. (Of course some folks love the stock trigger just the way it is, and if you are one of those you can stop reading now, nothing more for you to see here.)

'Ballers are a resourceful bunch, and soon folks were cannibalizing pens for the softer springs they contained or altogether modifying triggers meant for other guns to fit the Marq frame.  Of course if you are like me, you would rather not gut every Bic in your house searching for the perfect spring, or dremel/hack/hammer a perfectly good trigger designed to go in another marker so it will fit in your $1000 dollar Muppet Mower.  No, I much prefer someone with the proper know how and back ground to do all the hard work for me and offer me a smooth professional trigger at a reasonable price.  Fortunately Critical has done just that.

Following the forward raked, "scythe"- like design of many of their past designs Critical now offers a trigger designed specifically for the Marq 6, 7, Rapper, Closer, and Hybrid models.  According to Critical's website the trigger offers all these nifty features:  dual ball bearings for the pivot, fully radiused edges, and a magnetic return for the trigger.

The trigger comes packaged in a nice little box, with a tube of Super Glue, magnets, a new retaining screw, and all the setscrews already installed.  The anodizing is a nice deep gloss black, which perfectly matched the stock accent pieces on my Closer, none of that thin almost purple looking crap that some folks pass off as gloss black. Unfortunately my package had no installation instructions, which lead to a bit of 'Critical' thinking as to how to best get the trigger installed and magnet placed.  Separating the frame from gun, and opening the grip shed some light on things.

First remove the stock setup by unscrewing the retaining screw; it should then slide right out.  Next I unscrewed the two Phillips heads holding the black "spring holder thing" from the micro switch (yes I doubt that is the right name too, but you know darn well what I am talking about if you look in your Marq, so step off).  Once the "spring holder thing" is out get your super glue, establish which end of the magnet repels the one in the trigger and mark that side so you know which end to glue in.  Poke a hole in the glue, and place a small dab in the center circle of the ?spring holder thing" while chanting, ?I will not glue my fingers together, I will not glue my fingers together..." OK, so the last part is perhaps something only I have to do when working with super glue. Next place the magnet in the drop of glue, again so it will repel the trigger.  Once the glue sets, you can reinstall your new "magnet holder thing" (I have a patent pending on that name Smart Parts so back off!) onto the microswitch. 

Now find the new trigger retaining screw, and drop it into hole in the trigger. Slide it in from the top of the frame and line it up to thread in where stock screw was, grab the appropriate Allen key, and tighten it up.  This arrangement, while a bit odd, allows for a trigger pull with absolutely no side-to-side slop.  A few minutes tweaking the setscrews, and you should be able to get a feel that will satisfy anyone's personal taste in trigger pull.  The trigger offers both pre, and post travel stops along with switch activation and magnet strength.

So how does it feel?  It's fast and very smooth.  The revised switch activation point allows you to get a nice light pull with no bounce at reasonable debounce settings.  The magnetic resistance is a big plus, and allows for much finer tuning as compared to a spring setup.  I am personally a big fan of forward rake type triggers, so this one is a big hit with me.

Pros: Silky smooth, and ultra adjustable, without a hint of side to side play.  Magnetic return.  Forward rake design that many love.

Cons: at a cost of 50 bucks, some may say it's a bit pricey, but if you are spending the cash to play a tourney, especially one of the semi only variety where every BPS you are squeezing out is contingent upon a comfortable trigger, it is a bargain.