Gauges are a want for many. Even though, they are not accurate. They can be off by up to 25psi or more. Yet, there is still that want to know about what operating pressure your marker is running at. Some regulators do not have a port that allows you to screw in a gauge (like the AA Vigilante). So, you are forced to mount a gauge onto the vertical adapter or body. There are some aftermarket vertical adapters that allow a gauge to be mounted, but there is a home mod that you can do to save some money.

Below are guidelines for mounting a gauge onto a vertical adapter for a compact and a separate guideline for mounting on the body of a full-size Spyder body.

Remove all air and paint prior to doing this modification. Read the instructions through. Make sure you have an understanding on what is involved in doing and what is needed for a trigger modification. If you attempt to do any of the home modifications listed on this site, I am not responsible for any damage done to, or from, modifying your marker. Also, by doing any of these modifications, you will void warranty of the marker. Kingman does not support the home modifications that I share.

What you will need is a gauge (there all the same at the paintball shops; get one you like), a 1/8"NPT tapping tool and a 1/4" drill bit, and either some pliers or a wrench to tighten the gauge. Will also need to pick up some Teflon tape for making a good seal. You could use liquid cement for a permanent mounting.

Compact body styles...

Take off the VA from the marker and take off the LPC, regulator/x-chamber, and anything else that are attached. Drill a hole straight down into the side of the VA. Make sure you drill far enough back that you do not drill into the LPC threads and far enough up not to interfere with the ASA threads. If you do, you may find yourself with a leak and purchasing a new VA.

Next, use the 1/8 tap and make your threads in the hole you just made. Do not use a drill for the tap. Use your muscles. Using a drill may go to fast and you may end up with a stripped hole instead of a threaded hole. File as needed any sharp edges inside and out and remove shavings. Wrap the gauge threads with Teflon tape, about 2-4 full turns. Screw in the gauge. Tighten with a wrench. Re-assemble the marker.

Full-size body style...

This is a similar process as for the compact Spyder. Though I will advise against this since this is mounted on the body itself. The valve pin guide could catch on the gauge threads. An alternative is a Lapco VA with a gauge port already present.

If you want to do this anyway, then here we go! Take out all the internals from the marker except for the valve. Take a measurement with the valve inside and mark the outside where the valve sits. Also make a note of the LPC threads where they are. Try and drill somewhere between these two points. Drill one hole through one body skin. And drill straight.

Next, use the tap and make your threads in the hole you just made. Do not use a drill for the tap. Use your muscles. Using a drill may go to fast and you may end up with a stripped hole instead of a threaded hole. File as needed any sharp edges inside and out and remove shavings. Wrap the gauge threads with Teflon tape, about 2-4 full turns. Screw in the gauge and re-assemble the marker.

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