Shocker NXT
by Bill Mills - Photos by Dawn Mills - Aug 2007

Testing

Features HowItWorks Disassembly Adjustment Testing Data

With the Shocker switched over to semi-auto, and ROFDelay minimized, dwell kept at the factory default setting, it was time to set the velocity. For review, the Shocker NXT was used with a high output (800 psi) Crossfire compressed air system, screwed into the ASA. It is important with the Shocker, that its internal pressure be raised slowly, rather than delivering a harsh pop to the solenoid valve. This was done with the on/off valve of the ASA at the chrono station, with goggles on.

The velocity lock screw was loosened, and the included 5/8” flat wrench made for quick velocity adjustment, using the onboard pressure gauge to make sure the Shocker NXT was within its operating range of 180 to 220 psi. Velocity was then dialed in to approximately 285 fps.

Once velocity was dialed in, it was locked in place with the lock screw, and the Shocker was ready to go. DraXxus Hellfire was used as test paint, fed from a BoostHoppers modified VLocity loader. In general feel, the Shocker NXT fired and felt very similar to its predecessor the SFT, though the new vertical regulator placement and and larger trigger guard provided more flexibility in how it was held.

Objective testing was performed by mounting the Shocker NXT on a test stand, and using microprocessor controlled firing sequences over a ballistic chronograph and at paper targets.

Velocity stability was checked by firing 30 shots at a rate of 1 ball per second, and also at 12 balls per second. Both at the low and high rates, the Shocker NXT maintained consistent velocities.

At 1 bps, the NXT had an average velocity of 279.4 feet per second, with a standard deviation of 3.4. The 95% figure – a quantification based on throwing out 5% of the data which is least consistent (this allows for odd, inconsistent paint to be discounted) was ±1.0. Full Chrono data is available here.

When the rate of fire was increased to 12 balls per second, the average velocity lowered to 274 feet per second. While this 5.4 bps decrease was measurable, it was small enough it was not noticeable during field use. At the higher rate of fire, velocity was slightly less consistent – the standard deviation shifting to 4.6 and the 95% value moving up to ±2.0.

Target groupings were fired at a range of 75 feet, with 20 shots at a range of 1 ball per second under microprocessor control both with the stock All American barrel and a Freak barrel with All-American front and .687 insert matched to the paint – the barrel used as a control standard in WARPIG Ballistic Labs marker testing. Not surprisingly, the groupings were very similar in ovarall size between the two set-ups, both of which were very similar. The stock AA barrel produced a more dense core group, however. Individual target photos are available here.

In all, the Shocker NXT stands more as a refinement and update of the Shocker SFT design. Changes are more than cosmetic though – notably the new break-beam eye and plunger ball detent system, roller bearing trigger and threaded mount pins, air system dovetail, standard inclusion of the HE bolt, and new regulator. Many accessories and factory parts are interchangeable between SFT and NXT Shockers, and Shocker SFT users will find ready familiarity with the new model.