Rufus Dawg Centerfeed

By Chris DeForge

Speed upgrades for the venerable Tippmann 98 Custom are some of the first modifications done by Tippmann owners to their gun. Whether opting for the tried and true response trigger, the aging E-Bolt, or the new sear tripping e-grip, properly tuned 98 Customs can shoot considerably faster than their stock counterparts. Despite the new firing options for Tippmann owners, the loading system has remained the same.

Many like the 98 Custom over the A5 because they dislike the cyclone feed. E-gripped A5s have no difficulty feeding quickly with properly maintained parts and a quick exhaust valve. Yet while the cyclone is now available for the 98Custom, it still juts out awkwardly from the side of the marker. The 98Custom’s 45 degree integrated, spring release elbow was a huge improvement over other early markers that required expensive and easy to break plastic elbows. However, times have changed and even the most basic “Walmart” markers come with vertical feed bodies. Like many aspects of Tippmann’s line, the side feed system never updated with the times. While it feeds fine for mechanical setups and for quick bursts, the elbow system is completely unsuited for the faster rate of fire required by tricked out Tippmanns.

The Rufus Dawg Tippmann centerfeed seeks to end this problem. By putting a vertical feed on a Tippmann, balls can fall straight into the breach without having to be pushed past a bend in an elbow. The benefit is that feed rates with non-forcefed loaders increases, and with a good forcefed loader there is a much better chance that a ball will be in the chamber even during high rates of fire.

The centerfeed arrives in two parts, the feedneck and a centerfeed plug along with all the necessary allen keys and screws you’ll need. Obviously, there is no existing place to fit the centerfeed onto the gun and so two circular holes need to be drilled into the receivers. If you don’t have access to the proper machinery or don’t know how to make the modification, Rufus Dawg offers the service for 35.00 USD. The elbow, small dowel pin, and spring are removed and no longer used. The feedneck fits over the provided base plate and secured by screws. Removal for servicing is just as simple. After installation the new feedneck stands about the height of a standard mid-rise.

The feedneck itself comes with a Rufus Dawg jewel and is slightly adjustable with an allen screw at the side. It has a higher profile than a low-rise or a Q-lock style feedneck and sits at a comfortable middle height. To call the feedneck “clamping” would not be accurate since the feedneck is not very adjustable and loaders may have to be shaved or taped to fit. I found that an unshaved feedneck to HALO Bs and Empire Reloader Bs fit fine without modification. Other loaders may or may not need some work. The major issue with the feedneck is that it is entirely made out of plastic. I never had a problem with snapping or cracks, but it is notable that a full loader puts a lot of pressure on the plastic. Either way, make sure your loader is on tightly for the best performance.

Above: The dowel pins are replaced by a new screw and locking nut, and the old elbow side of the breach hole is covered by a base piece. Part of the feed is also secured through the front sight area with an Allen screw. Despite the plastic construction, the feed has a very solid feel when properly installed!

There is still room for improvement on the Tippmann center feed. Metal construction and a better clamping system would be optimal improvements. Still, Rufus Dawg is the only company making a centerfeed for a Tippmann and it’s definitely an accessory you want to have for the fastest and most reliable loading.

Pros

-Comparable in price to other feednecks

-Unobstructed feed passage

-Easy to clean

-Different “speedball style” weight distribution

Cons

-You will not have access to the stock sights any longer

-The centerfeed does require drilling and is not a simple drop in replacement part

-The modifications to the receiver are irreversible: you cannot simply go back to elbow feed at will.

-Plastic construction.