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J-Marc (1989) The rarest Montneel gun. Designed by Jim Masse. The name comes from "Jim Masse" + "Marcus Neeley". Only 16 were made. Loosely based on the Bushmaster bore-drop nelson, and uses Line SI barrels. Body has signature Montneel "square" shape. J-Marc II D/A (1990) The first Montneel semi-auto was actually this rare double-action released in 1990. Functionally similar to the ICD Advantage, but otherwise unrelated. The market for double-actions vanished with the release of true semi-autos, and the project was cancelled. Z-Proto (1991) Montneel initially built 15 Prototype-Zs, that were different then the later guns in a few ways. Most obvious was it was "left cocking" instead of "right". The valve was not designed for liquid. And, especially odd was a SIDE-MOUNTED FPS adjuster. These were all hand-machine and not compatable with later models. Most were given away to teams and distributors for testing and promotions. Most interesting was these guns had an unusual defect that every ball curved to the left. The source of the curve was the right-mounted valve produced a mysterious spin in the ball. This was changed to the current under-mounted valve, which in theory, produces a backspin (and perhaps the source of longer then natural range on Montneel guns). Bullseye Grey Icon-Z1 "Type-1" (1991) This was the first production gun Montneel produced. Only about 100 "type-1" variants were made, and they differ from the more common "type-2" below because they were all hand-machined. As such, it is very difficult to swap parts, as the specs varied from gun to gun. The trigger layout is also slightly different, and these variants use Nylon bolts. Very rare as nearly all were upgraded to "type-2" or "dark z" specs whenever they came to the factory. Distributed by Bullseye. The best way to spot they early Grey-Zs was the detent plate was much smaller, and had a single detent. Bullseye Grey Icon-Z1 "Type 2" (1992) This was the original "Z" most people think of. About 400 were produced at the machine shop in Montrose. Most distinctive was the matte-grey finish produced by bead-blasting a black annodized coating and integrated muzzle-brake. Often called the "Grey-Icon". They are fairly rare because after mid-1992 Montneel would replace broken parts with later model "dark" Icons when they came to the factory for repairs or upgrades. The reason was they no longer had the equipment for the matte-grey finish. The bolt was changed from Nylon to aluminium, and the valve was modified to run liquid.The single-detent was replaced with a dual-detent. THe cocking knob was moved from the left-side to the right-side, officially to keep CO2 out of your face when shooting liquid. Distributed by Bullseye. Click Here for some more Grey-Z photos Bullseye Dark Icon-Z1 (1992) In mid 1992, Montneel switched to a higher-grade anno process, and stopped "bead blasting". This resulted in a darker color. About 1500 were assembled at the Montrose PA shop, though much of the actual machine work was contracted to an aircraft company called "Akraturn". Often called the "Dark Icon". Also added were a set of optional valves for "winter" and "summer" paintball. "Icon" was never an official name, just a nickname and the name was dropped when Marcus left and sold the blueprints to NPS, who then sued Montneel over the name "ICON" when NPS tried to make a clone. Distributed by Bullseye. When Montneel closed shop in late 1992, Bullseye and Akraturn pulled out, and all following guns were distributed directly by the factory. Legend Proto (late 1992) A handful of advanced Spool-valve blowforward prototype guns were designed. Functionally similar to the automag, except with the unbalanced spool working backwards. It also featured a built-in anti-chop device. They were going to be distributed by NPS, and Ironmen were going to use them exclusively. Unfortunetly, there was a critical flaw with the regulator, and the design was scrapped. It resurfaced years later as the refined "Falcon", and further streamlined as the "Equilizer". Both of those also suffered from regulator problems as well. Click Here for more info on the Legend Z-2 (1993-94) The first major upgrade. The internals were totally reworked. New valve, and faster trigger made from hardend steel to prevent wear issues found on earlier guns. Also featured field-strip screws, and thicker anno with very polished machine work. Uses higher grade heat treated aluminium. Sometimes called the "All New Z-1" since the "Z-2" name never stuck. About 2,500 Z-2s were produced at the New Milford PA factory, which much of the machine work contracted to a company called "Protofab". Original retail $320 Z-3 Super-Z (1995-97) Futher upgraded Z making some of the options from the Mega-Z stock, including the Mega-Z removable feed-block, trigger, steel-core frame mounts, and barrel-lock system. About 7,000 Z-3s were assembled at the Binghamton NY factory, with machine work contracted to a shop named K-Tooling. The name "Z-3" was never used since "Z-2" never stuck. At one point, the Z-3 was going to be named the "Super-Z", go to along with the "Mega-Z" and "Victory-Z" line, but the idea was dropped because all the clones on the market was confusing enough. In the end, these are usually called Z-2s, or just Z-1. Z-3 Left-Handed Here is a rare LEFT-HANDED model. Notice both the feed AND knob are LEFT-SIDED (unlike the original Icon-Z which was right-feed, and right-cocking). These were built in small batches to meet the small demand of lefties who did not want a hopper blocking the view. They were all hand-made, and few parts are directly compatable with standard RIGHT-HAND guns. Dual-Z(1994-96) Moe produced a handful of dual-barrel Zs. Basically, it consisted of a LEFT and RIGHT-handed Z, welded together at the receiver. None reached production status due to problems with the trigger mechanism. Mega-Z (Type-1) (93-94) Essentially, a highly upgraded Z-1. Came stock with a super-tuned W valve, super-fast trigger, vert ASA with stainless hard-lines. nylatron bolt, removable feed-block, 3-pc locking barrel (brass, SS, AL), barrel pull pin, and breech pull pin. Widely popular throughout the tournament curcuit. About 800 "type 1" Mega-Zs were made at the New Milford factory. Retail price was $525 Mega-Z (Type-2) (95-97) The Mega-Z was updated after Montneel switched to the Binghamton factory. Improvements included replacing the nylatron bolt with a "Starfire" aluminium bolt, plus a stronger bolt-link. Mount blocks had inserts added to minimize stripping. Longer, more effecient hammer was added. Sear cam was changed from wire type, to c-clip type. About 1000 "type-2" Mega-Zs were made Both the nylatron, and star-fire bolt were produced by PICCO of Connecticut Mega-Z (Type-3) (93-97) The "Type 3" referred to Z-1 and Z-R guns that were CONVERTED to Mega-Z specs. This meant upgrading the barrel, barrel/lock and the breech/lock system. Adding the Vert-ASA and hardline. Adding the MegaZ sear, valve, hammer, bolt, etc. Cost of all availible upgrades was $200, though any individual upgrade could also be done for less cost. (For example, the Vert-ASA option was $50 and very popular). The only thing that was not upgrade was the site-rail, making the "Type-3" MegaZs easy to spot. Depending on when they were converted, they may have used "Type-1" or "Type-2" parts. Splash Mega-Z (93-97) The Splash Mega-Z retailed for $725-850 depending on the options. Options included matching 20oz tank (with special Montneel siphon installed), matching cooper-T 45degree adapter, and choice of anno patters. Common patters were purple splash, blue splash and green splash. Less common were blue lightening, silver lightening, and green brush. Montneel used a special anno process that resulted in an anno nearly twice as thick (18µ) as nearly any other gun (most guns have an anno of 3µ-11µ. This results in a glass-line appearence that is almost unscratchable without any visable machine marks. The anno work was done by Power Finish of Utah. About 450 Splash MegaZs were made, with most being the "Type-2" variety. Rental Z (94-97) The extreme durability of the Z made it a sutable choice for a rental. But the high cost made it a theft concern. So, Montneel released the RentalZ, which was an modified version of the Z-2 ONLY availible to field-owners. It featured the word "RENTAL" machined in large size into the side, and a dull-red anno to deter theives. It had the Mega-Z style barrel-release, and featured stainless screws instead of standard. The RentalZ may have either the SUMMER or WINTER valve, depending how what the field desired. About 1,250 were made. Often referred to as the "Z-R". The machine-work was not as finished as other Montneel guns. Swirl marks are visible on the grip-frame. MZ-16 (1995-99) The MZ-16 was a Z-1 highly modified for Law Enforcement training. Modifications include a removable 30-rnd magazine, M-16 style T-cocking knob, 7oz tank hidden inside an M16-style stock. Other mods included a barrel with M16 style site and hand-guard, with M16-style raised site-rail. Development with input from law-enforcement, and made using actual surplus M16 parts. Sales were strictly to LEO-ONLY and distributed through a company called "STRESS SHOT". Could fire in full and semi auto via a selector switch. MZ-16 Commando (95-99) Same as the MZ-16, except with the "Commando" option which included a collapsable CAR-16 stock, and a shorter, CAR-16 style barrel. Blue Z (96-97) "Blue Z" is an ambiguous title, referring to batches of blue annodized Z's that Montneel released in 1996. They are special because they are made up of all the various left over parts laying around the shop that Montneel assembled during the final days of the original company. Its common to see a mix of Z1, Z2, RZ, and MegaZ parts, from the Montrose, Milford, and Binghamton machine shops. Usually annodized blue with "Gator Grips". Cheater Z (94-96) During the height of popularity for the Mega-Z in tournaments, Marcus Neely released a modified version of the Mega-Z, often called the "Cheater Z". It was modified with a special external valve that allowed the Cheater-Z to shoot 350-400fps on the field, but only 300fps at the chrono. He also offered the modification for his Checkmate guns, but it was with the MegaZ that his mods were most infamous. It was sold through Pro-Star as the "Nitro-Z", since its INTENDED PURPOSE was to allow the Mega-Z to work with HPA/Nitrogen. Victory-Z (95-97) The Victory-Z was a Mega-Z completely modified to run nitro instead of liquid Co2 (The stock MegaZ can not run HPA/N2). This consisted of a special valve, hammer, spring, and external volumizer. Montneel initially resisted making this version since HPA offers no real advantage over running liquid CO2. But by 1995, CO2 had a bad reputation from cocker and mag owners, and developed a stigma of being for recreational players, and not for pros. Also availible as an upgrade for the standard MegaZ and Z-line. Retail price was $650 for black anno, and $850 for custom anno. Other options could bring the price above $1000! Commonly called the "Nitro-Z", though Montneel discouraged the use of the name to avoid any connection to the cheater-z mentioned above. Plate History Dating a gun is tough since factories tend to subcontract, and produce guns in large batches, but one easy way to date Montneel guns is what the type of plate the gun has. Here are the plates used: This is from the original factory, when Maurice and Moe were partners. Dates 1991-1992 Below #500 are the "Greys". #500-#2100 are the "Darks". All have the welded feed. This is the shop that Moe opened after the split. Dates late 1992-1994. #2101-4500. First 500 still had welded feeds, but were changed to bolt-on afterwards. #1-1200. Numbers for Mega-Zs were started back at #1 This is the shop that produced most of the guns. Both the Z-1 and Rental-Z have the same plate. Dates late 1994 to 1997. #4501-#12000 #1201-1500 Perry Khuen currently produces custom Montneel guns. The plates should say "110 E. Front St, Hancock, NY" on them and date from 1997-current