PMI Piranha G3 User Manual

The PMI Piranha™ is a semi-automatic paintball marker designed to shoot .68 caliber
paintballs for use in the sport of paintball.

Paintball is a recreational and competitive sport played worldwide. Special equipment
used in paintball includes paintball markers, which are airguns; and paintballs, which
are liquid-filled gelatin capsules that mark with a bright color. The object of the game
is to capture the opposing team’s flag; while on that quest, players try to mark their
opponents to eliminate them from the game.

WARNING

Protective goggles and headgear specifically designed for paintball
must be worn by all persons within range when a paintball marker
is in use. Paintball safety rules must be followed at all times.

WARNING

THE PMI PIRANHA™ PAINTBALL MARKER IS NOT A TOY. MISUSE
MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. EYE PROTECTION
DESIGNED FOR PAINTBALL USE MUST BE WORN BY THE USER AND
ANY PERSON WITHIN RANGE. READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL
COMPLETELY BEFORE LOADING, PRESSURIZING, OR OPERATING
THE PMI PIRANHA™ PAINTBALL MARKER.

STATEMENT OF LIABILITY

This PMI Piranha™ semi-automatic paintball marker is surrendered by Pursuit
Marketing, Inc. (PMI, Inc.), with the express understanding that the purchaser
assumes all liability arising out of any unsafe handling of this marker or any action
that violates any applicable laws or regulations. PMI, Inc., assumes no liability for,
and shall not be responsible for, any personal injury or loss of property or life resulting
from the use of this paintball marker under any circumstances, including but not
limited to those resulting from intentional, reckless, negligent or accidental discharges.

PMI Piranha™ 1

READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL COMPLETELY BEFORE LOADING, PRESSURIZING, OR
OPERATING THE PMI PIRANHA™ PAINTBALL MARKER.

PMI Piranha™ is a registered trademark of Pursuit Marketing, Inc.

Pursuit Marketing, Inc. (PMI, Inc.), founded in 1982 and manufacturer of the PMI
Piranha™ line of semi-automatic paintball markers, is an industry-leading manufacturer
and wholesale distributor with warehouses in key locations throughout the U.S.A.
Headquarters: PMI, Inc., 5035 River Road, Schiller Park, Illinois 60176 USA;
phone [phone];www.buypmi.com

PMI PIRANHA™ OWNER’S MANUAL

WARNING

This paintball marker is intended for sale to adults only, for use in compliance with all applicable laws and
regulations. Adult supervision is recommended at all times whenever a minor is handling this paintball marker.
Protective goggles and headgear specifically designed for paintball must be worn by all persons within range when
a paintball marker is in use. Paintball safety rules must be followed at all times.

WARNING

THE PMI PIRANHA™ PAINTBALL MARKER IS NOT A TOY. MISUSE MAY CAUSE
S E R I O U S INJURY OR DEATH. EYE PROTECTION DESIGNED FOR PAINTBALL USE MUST
BE WORN BY THE USER AND ANY PERSON WITHIN RANGE. READ THIS OWNER’S
MANUAL COMPLETELY BEFORE LOADING, PRESSURIZING, OR OPERATING THE PMI
PIRANHA™ PAINTBALL MARKER.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAINTBALL SAFETY RULES .............3

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS............5

COMPRESSED GAS/AIR....................7

VELOCITY ADJUSTMENT ..................9

PMI PIRANHA™ SPECIFICAT I O N S....11

piranha parts location…………12

PARTS & DIAGRAM.........................20

MAINTENANCE & LUBRICATION...23

TROUBLESHOOTING......................32

WARRANTY ......................................36

This owner’s manual is provided with several models of the PMI Piranha™ paintball marker. Pursuit Marketing,
Inc. (PMI, Inc.), reserves the right to modify or change its markers without incurring any obligation to incorporate
such modifications or changes in any of its products that were sold prior to the modification. The information in
this owner’s manual may be updated or changed without notice.

This owner’s manual is intended to remain with the paintball marker upon any subsequent transfer of the marker,
whether through sale, resale, or furnishing in any manner. Updated and replacement owner’s manual may be
obtained from: Pursuit Marketing, Inc., 500 East Touhy Ave, Unit C, Des Plaines, IL 60176 USA; phone [phone];
www.buypmicom. Questions about the operation of the PMI Piranha™ paintball marker may be directed to
Pursuit Marketing Inc., or visit www.buypmi.com for updates regarding your Piranha™ purchase.

PMI Piranha™ 2

PAINTBALL BASIC SAFETY RULES

SAFETY FIRST !

WARNING

THE PMI PIRANHA™ PAINTBALL MARKER IS NOT A TOY. MISUSE MAY CAUSE
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEAT H . EYE PROTECTION DESIGNED FOR PAINTBALL USE MUST
BE WORN BY THE USER AND ANY PERSON WITHIN RANGE.READ THIS OW N E R ’ S
M A N UAL COMPLETELY BEFORE LOA D I N G,P R E S S U R I Z I N G, OR OPERATING THE PMI
PIRANHA™ PAINTBALL MARKER.

READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL COMPLETELY BEFORE LOADING, PRESSURIZING, OR OPERATING THE
PMI PIRANHA™ PAINTBALL MARKER.

Always wear protective goggles and headgear specifically designed for paintball when shooting this marker.

Every person within range of an area where a paintball marker is in use must wear protective goggles and
headgear specifically designed for paintball.

Operate a paintball marker only in areas where it is safe and lawful to do so.

Misuse of this paintball marker can result in criminal penalties, including jail time.

This marker is intended for sale to adults only. Adult supervision is recommended at all times whenever a
minor is handling this marker in any manner.

Never aim or shoot a paintball marker toward any person who is not wearing protective goggles and
headgear specifically designed for paintball.

During game play, follow referee’s instructions and all field safety rules. Avoid shooting at a player’s head,
neck, or groin area.

Play paintball only where the rules of safe paintball play are followed.

PMI Piranha™3

All paintball markers must be chronographed regularly.Adjust marker to shoot paintballs at a velocity
that is less than 300 feet per second (fps) and that does not exceed the velocity limit set by the
paintball park where the marker is in use. C h r o n ograph the marker at regular intervals during the day ,
as well as any time the power source is refilled or changed,a ny time the barrel or any part in the
p ower system is changed, and upon request of any player or game official.

This paintball marker operates using compressed gas or air at specified pressure ranges. Fo l l ow safety
procedures when handling compressed gas or air. All filling of compressed gas or air cylinders must be
done by qualified persons.

Follow the rules of safe marker handling: Keep finger off trigger until ready to shoot. Keep muzzle
pointed in a safe direction. In addition, firmly insert a barrel plug into the muzzle and push the
mechanical safety “on”when the marker is not in use and when in any non-shooting area.

Never shoot at domestic animals or wildlife.

Never mark objects outside the confines of the game or authorized shooting areas.

Never look down the barrel of the marker.

Before disassembly, storage, or transport of the marker, remove all paintballs from the marker, barrel,
and loader; remove power source; and remove all gas or air from the power system. Insert barrel plug
and put mechanical safety in “no shoot” position.

Carry marker in case or sturdy bag when in public.

Safely and securely store marker to prevent access to it by unauthorized persons.

Safety standards information is available from the American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr
Harbor Drive,West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959; phone [phone]; www.astm.org.“Standard Practice
for Paintball Field Operation” is publication F1777-97, and “Standard Specification for Eye Protective
Devices for Paintball Sports” is publication F1776-97; inquire about additional publications which may be
available at the time request is made.

PMI Piranha™ 4

o p e rating the pmi piranha™ marker

WARNING

Every person within range of an area where a paintball marker is in use must wear protective goggles

and headgear specifically designed for paintball.

1. Attach threaded barrel firmly to marker.

2. At this time, do not attach power source or loader and do not load paintballs into marker.

3. Insert barrel plug firmly into barrel.

4. Pull the cocking knob straight back from the rear of the marker until
the cocking mechanism locks back in the cocked position. Figures 1
and 2. Certain Piranha models come equipped with a flush cocking
bolt. See page 27.

5. Push safety “off.” See next page.

6. Squeeze the trigger with an even pressure. The cocking knob will snap
forward into the uncocked position.

7. Attach feed tube elbow and empty loader. If the feed tube elbow is
difficult to attach, run hot water over the elbow or soak it in hot
water for one minute, which will help the elbow expand for easier
attachment.When the elbow cools, the snug fit will help the loader
remain in position. Vertical feed guns do not need an elbow.

8. Cock the marker.

Figure 1. Pull Back

Figure 2. Fully Cocked

WARNING

The power system contains compressed gas or air when pressurized. Never disassemble marker until removing
all gas or air from the power system. Rules for safe handling of compressed gas or air must be followed at
all times.

PMI Piranha™ 5

8. Before attaching power source, read and understand the section in this manual on “Compressed Gas/Air”.
Follow safety rules for handling compressed gas/air. If any leak occurs in the power system, refer to
troubleshooting guide or to a qualified airsmith. Use only cylinders for compressed gas or air that comply
with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to those of the U.S. Department of
Transportation, OSHA, Compressed Gas Association, and/or American Society for Testing and Materials.

Vertical air: The power source is attached by screwing the threads of the tank or power source

adapter into the threaded ASA, forward of the trigger frame.

Bottom line: The power source is attached by screwing the threads of the tank or power source

adapter into the threaded bottom line ASA at the base of the grip.

WARNING WHEN COCKING THE PRESSURIZED MARKER, DO

NOT RELEASE THE COCKING KNOB UNTIL AFTER THE COCKING MECHANISM HAS LOCKED BACK INTO THE
COCKED POSITION; RELEASING THE COCKING KNOB DURING COCKING CAN CAUSE THE MARKER TO SHOOT.

9. Test for function after attaching power source: Squeeze the trigger. The marker should shoot air and the

cocking knob should cycle forward and back, stopping in the cocked position, after each trigger squeeze.
Repeat several times.

The PMI Piranha™ semi-automatic marker shoots one paintball for each squeeze of the trigger, and recocks
itself after each shot.

10. Following safety rules, paintballs may be loaded.

WARNING

Before disassembly, storage,or transport of the marker, remove power source first, then remove all paintballs
from the marker, barrel, and loader; and remove all gas or air from the power system. Insert barrel plug
and slide the mechanical safety forward into the “off ” position.

The safety is a small mechanical slide on the left
side of the marker above the trigger. When the safety
is “off,” a red dot is visible and the marker. The
trigger can still be pulled if the safety is “on,” but the
marker will not fire or de-cock.

PMI Piranha™ 6

COMPRESSED GAS/AIR

The PMI Piranha™ paintball marker may be powered by CO2, regulated compressed air, or regulated
nitrogen.

THE SAFETY RULES FOR HANDLING COMPRESSED GAS OR AIR MUST BE FOLLOWED AT ALL TIMES.

O P E RATING PRESSURE AND INPUT
P R E SS U R E

• Operating pressure range: 650 p.s.i. to 1000 p.s.i.

• Recommended maximum input pressure is 1000 p.s.i.

• Do not exceed recommended pressures.

When using a regulator in the marker’s power system, follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the regulator.

Do not leave cylinder or pressurized marker in direct sunlight or exposed to heat source. Increased
temperature will increase the pressure of compressed gas or air to dangerous levels. A stock Piranha
usually needs 650 p.s.i. to cycle and attain correct velocity

WARNING

DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED INPUT OR OPERATING PRESSURE.

VALVE-CYLINDER CONNECTION
The valve on a cylinder is to remain screwed into the cylinder; Figures 3 and
4 . Should it loosen, the cylinder may detach from the valve with extremely
dangerous force. Call manufacturer or take to qualified personnel for
i n s p e c t i o n .

Figure 3 Valve-cylinder
connection.

Figure 4 Valve-cylinder
connection.

PMI Piranha™ 7

Every time a cylinder is filled, the connection between the valve and cylinder

must be inspected. If any looseness or leak is detected between the valve

and the cylinder, do not fill. Drain cylinder and call manufacturer or take to
qualified personnel for inspection.

During filling, if any looseness or leak is detected between the valve and the
cylinder filling must stop immediately. Drain cylinder and call manufacturer
o r take to qualified personnel for inspection.

WARNING

A COMPRESSED GAS OR AIR CYLINDER IS A PRESSURE VESSEL. FOLLOW RULES FOR SAFE HANDLING OF
COMPRESSED GAS OR AIR. ALL FILLING OF COMPRESSED GAS OR AIR CYLINDERS, AND ALL REPAIRS TO A
MARKER’S POWER SYSTEM OR ITS COMPONENTS MUST BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

FILLING COMPRESSED
GAS/AIR

An overfill of any compressed gas or air cylinder can cause the safety
burst disk (Figure 5) on the cylinder to burst, or the cylinder itself to
rupture. A cylinder may rupture with extremely dangerous force . Use
properly rated disk only. Inspect the burst disc for a vent hole. If no hole
is present contact a local store or PMI immediately. DONOTFILL!

A scale must be used for all CO2fills to prevent an overfill. A pressure gauge must be used for all
compressed gas or air fills to prevent an overfill.

Fills must be performed by qualified personnel. A cylinder must not be filled beyond the cylinder’s
capacity per the U.S. Department of Transportation. A cylinder’s rated capacity appears on the cylinder
itself.

Figure 5 Safety burst disk.

WARNING

DO NOT OVERFILL ANY CYLINDER.AN OVERFILL CAN CAUSE THE SAFETY BURST DISK OR THE CYLINDER ITSELF
TO RUPTURE.

HYDROSTATIC TESTING DATE

M a ny cylinders are required by the U.S. D e p a rtment of Tr a n s p o rtation to be hydro tested at
periodic interv a l s, with the interval varying according to cylinder type. The date of the cylinder’s initial
or later testing appears on the cylinder. A cylinder that is out of date for hydrostatic
testing must not be filled or used.

PMI Piranha™ 8

V E LOCITY ADJUSTMENT

WARNING

All paintball markers must be chronographed regularly. Adjust marker to shoot paintballs at a velocity
that is less than 300 feet per second (fps) and that does not exceed the velocity limit set by the
paintball park where the marker is in use.

Chronograph the marker at regular intervals during the day, as well as any time the power source is
refilled or changed, any time the barrel or any part in the power system is changed, and upon request
of any player or game official.

1. Chronograph the marker using standard chronograph procedures and following safety rules. Shooting
velocity will vary based upon many factors, such as paint, weather, and air system.

3

2. Adjust velocity by using a
clockwise to raise velocity. Turn adjuster counterclockwise to lower velocity. Figure 7. Turning the
velocity adjuster changes the amount of tension on the hammer spring. The hammer spring may be
changed for additional velocity adjustment; insert stiffer spring to raise velocity and less stiff spring
to lower velocity (red spring is stiffer than blue spring). See next page for more about springs.

3. Chronograph the marker after every velocity adjustment.

/

16" allen wrench to turn the velocity adjuster. Figure 6. Turn adjuster

4. Chronograph the marker at regular intervals during the day,as well as any time the power source is
refilled or changed, any time the barrel or any part in the power system is changed, and upon
request of any player or game official.

Increases

velocity

3

Figure 6.
is used to adjust velocity.

/

16

"

allen

Figure 7. Clockwise increases
velocity. Counterclockwise
reduces velocity.

PMI Piranha™9

Decreases

velocity

Action: semi-automatic, open bolt blow-back

Length: 17 inches overall (with 9 in. barrel and without

a t t a c h m e n t s )

Weight: 1 lb. 12 oz. (PMI Piranha™ VTL)

2 lb. 2 oz. (PMI Piranha™ CLR)
2 lb. 8 oz. (PMI Piranha™ EXT, STS)
2 lb. 12 oz. (PMI Piranha™ PRO)

all weights are without attached air source or loader

Height: 8 inches (without attached loader)

Barrel: threaded and polished aluminum; ported for all models

Barrel Length: 9 inches for Piranha™ VTL, BL, CLR; 11 inches for

Piranha™ EXT, STS and PRO

Feed Port:

Paintballs: for use only with standard “.68 caliber” (.68-inch

Power source: accepts standard connections for CO2, regulated N2,

Operating pressure: recommended 650 p.s.i. to 1000 p.s.i.

Input pressure: not to exceed 1000 p.s.i.

Power source input: vertical or bottom line ASA; accepts

Grip: molded .45 style

7

/

inch outside diameter; fits standard elbow adapters

8

diameter) paintballs

or regulated compressed air

standard threading

Safety: mechanical slide / barrel plug

This owner’s manual is provided with several models of the PMI Piranha™ paintball marker. Pursuit Marketing,
Inc. (PMI, Inc.), reserves the right to modify or change its markers without incurring any obligation to incorporate
such modifications or changes in any of its products that were sold prior to the modification. The information in
this owner’s manual may be updated or changed without notice.

This owner’s manual is intended to remain with the paintball marker upon any subsequent transfer of the
marker, whether through sale, resale, or furnishing in any manner. A replacement owner’s manual may be
obtained from Pursuit Marketing, Inc., 500 East Touhy Ave. Unit C, Des Plaines, Illinois USA; phone [phone];
www.buypmi.com

PMI Piranha™11

V E LOCITY ADJUSTMENT SPRINGS

The hammer spring assembled with the PMI Piranha™ paintball marker is intended to provide appropriate
shooting velocity for most outdoor paintball game situations and will provide a range of velocities
suitable for most conditions. Shooting velocity will vary based upon form of regulated compressed gas or
air used to power the marker, outside temperature, and other factors.
DO NOT EXCEED 300 FEET PER SECOND (fps) VELOCITY.

spring kit instructions

1 . A l w ays remove the gas source and all paintballs from your marker before you even consider disassembly of any

part of it.

2. Before changing any component of a paintball marker, fully understand the entire owners manual.

3.When changing springs or anything else that will alter shooting velocity of the marker, have
appropriate chronograph available for testing results.

4 . For h i g h e r shooting ve l o c i t y use re d s p r i n g . Never allow the marker to shoot at velocities ex c e e d i n g

300 FPS.

5. For lower shooting velocity use the blue spring.

6. Never shoot marker at the heads of people or animals.Never shoot at anyone not wearing goggles and

head protection approved for paintball games.

SAFETY FIRST!

Use a Barrel Plug!

PMI Piranha™10

PMI PIRANHA™ PARTS LOCATION

Shown: PMI Piranha™ VTL

Power Feed

PMI High

Performance Ported

Custom Vertical Bottle Adapter

Ultra Light Double Trigger

Barrel

Ball Detent

Safety Slide

45.Grip Double Trigger Frame

Power Feed Plug

Sear Release Slide

Field Strip Pin

Cocking Knob

Velocity Adjusting Screw

PMI Piranha™12