Z-RAM Z-MAG for First Strike FSC and PepperBall TCP: 8–20 g CO₂ Capsules and Z.68s — Full Original Presentation

This is the complete edited text of Z-RAM’s original product presentation. Availability, development plans, recommendations and performance claims describe that presentation’s historical context; they are not new measurements or guarantees. Current offers are linked separately below.

Z-MAG for First Strike FSC and PepperBall TCP

On its YouTube channel, Z-RAM introduces the Z-MAG, the magazine for the First Strike FSC and PepperBall TCP. Its special feature is that 8 g, 12 g, 16 g and 20 g capsules fit inside. Another special feature is that the Z.68s projectiles, which will be available soon, also fit here.

Frames, spacers and four capsule sizes

It comes with these two frames and three spacers. The spacers are needed for the different capsule sizes: 8 g, 12 g and 16 g. The 20 g capsules fit directly. However, the threaded capsule shown here cannot be used. Here, 20 g capsules without a thread are very difficult to find.

The thread could be ground away with a file: buy a threaded capsule and grind the thread down a little, and it should then fit. But this must be treated with caution: it is dangerous. If too much is ground away, the capsule could burst. That is something to judge for yourself. At least in the USA and some other countries, unthreaded 20 g capsules are easier to obtain. Z-RAM tested those too, and the 20 g unthreaded capsules worked fine. They have now run out, so only the capsules shown here remain.

For example, to load the 16 g magazine, take this spacer, put it in here and insert the capsule. It is then tight. The cover makes the magazine fit the FSC perfectly.

What the Z-MAG set contains

The set includes the two frames, the three spacers shown here, the MagMode, the cover and this little mini screw. The MagMode can also be purchased individually in the Z-RAM shop and used in the normal magazine so that Z.68v2 projectiles load into the marker better.

The mini screw goes here and gives the whole assembly additional stability. The standard magazine does not have this screw. All the other screws and the valves down here come from the FSC, T8.1 or T9.1 magazine. Everything is taken out and installed in these frames.

The original magazine assembly demonstration

Pull this off, take out the spring, and take out the follower. Then loosen the screws here, open the part, remove the valve and remove the locking screw. Put this in, close it and screw everything together. Then put the little screw in here.

Slide the MagMode in with its falling side towards the back. Then slide the spring and this cap back in. That completes it. The process should be self-explanatory; it does not require particular craftsmanship. This is what it looks like in the end.

As already mentioned, other bullets and balls also fit easily. The next item is demonstrated here, although its name at 05:20 is unclear in the original captions. This is how it looks, and it looks pretty good.

Barrel covers, foregrips and the bottle stock

There is also the compensator, shroud or barrel cover. This is new in the Z-RAM shop and can be bought there. It fits over here, giving the complete assembly this appearance. A shorter version is also available; the smaller one is ideal for the 5.5-inch barrel.

These two types of grips are now in the shop as well and can be mounted here. This one fits a little better here. There is also the flexible buttstock. It slips over bottles measuring 5 cm in diameter. It fits on there and can be mounted here accordingly, giving a cool setup.

The historical steel chamber and regulator overview

The Z-RAM chamber, turned from stainless steel, is already installed here. It is very stable at higher pressures. It comes with a cap that is also made from stainless steel, a Heat Core O-ring—a very strong O-ring that goes here—and the O-rings for the chamber and lid. Z-RAM previously used the Milsig Heat Core O-ring but now has its own.

The steel pin can also be purchased in the normal length or in a shorter version. The shorter version increases performance a little: “up to 14 joules, maybe more,” depending on the barrel and the bottle pressure or regulator. The original wording does not establish whether that figure is total energy or the increase.

The regulator currently offered in the shop is adjustable, up to 2,000 PSI, and its pressure can be adjusted by the user. A regulator with a standard 1,100 PSI output will be available in the near future. That is roughly the ideal outlet pressure at this point.

Z-RAM recommends its steel chamber when using such high pressures. There were no problems at 1,300 PSI, and 1,500 PSI was also tested without problems. For regular or long-term use, this setup was run at 1,300 PSI without problems; nothing broke.

MagMode, Z.68v2 and the upcoming Z.68s

In any case, the magazine already includes the MagMode. The Z.68 projectiles are already available in the shop in 8.5 g and 10 g versions. The Z.68s will be available soon, but a few particular points need attention.

Z.68v2—or Z.68v1, if you still have it—can be loaded and used normally here. Grease it well: grease this inner area a little, grease the projectiles themselves and grease the inside of the barrel a little. There should then be no problems.

If problems persist, Z-RAM definitely recommends the MagMode, which should eliminate them completely. If isolated problems still occur, as can also happen with other projectiles, this pin can be removed and left out entirely.

When loading, pull this down and hook it in at the bottom. Load the magazine, insert it, and release this once everything is in place. With that part removed, nothing can happen here.

Z.68s length and the magazine fit shown in the source

For those wanting to use Z.68s, they will be available in a month or two. Pre-orders may be possible in the near future. The Z.68s only work here with the Z-RAM magazine. They are perfectly aligned: the magazine is perfectly matched to the Z.68s projectile. They would not fit in a standard magazine like this. Thank you. They only fit here in the Z-RAM magazine.

The opening here also has to be extended by 2–3 mm so that the projectile passes through. This is not a big job: mark 2 mm here, then file this area down. If using an electric mill, hold it here. What matters is making another 2 mm of space in this area; it can be somewhat pointed.

The Z.68s are around 2.6 mm longer and weigh around 9 g. They are really sharp. The angle is different: Z-RAM thinks it was 80 degrees here, compared with 100 degrees on the other projectile. In any case, this is very sharp. If that part were left in here, the projectiles would get stuck and twist into the magazine.

Loading and the planned opening cover

Z.68v2 can be loaded normally with the pin in place. Round and other projectiles can also be loaded normally. If the S projectile is loaded here and the magazine is then put into the marker, this can of course be released.

But what about the compensator and the slip covers? The cover cannot be pushed over it and this then pulled down here; that is not possible. A cover that can be fitted afterwards will therefore be available soon.

In that case, pull this down, load all the projectiles and insert the magazine when finished. Then unclip it here and put the cover around it. The marker is then ready to go.

Four capsule sizes and the next chronograph video

As already stated, 20 g, 16 g, 12 g and 8 g capsules can be loaded without problems. This is the Z-MAG for all capsule sizes from 8 g to 20 g and for Z.68s projectiles.

The next video will show the performance differences between the different capsules. Z-RAM will demonstrate them with the chronograph and show the results in that next video. Stay tuned, give the video a thumbs-up and subscribe to the channel so you do not miss anything. Until then, have a good time—from Z-RAM. Thank you.

Related reading: First Strike FSC / PepperBall TCP: ASA and Z-Extension Chamber Kits Compared.

Current products — separate from the historical presentation

Z-RAM Z-MAG 8 Shots Magazin for TCP/FSC (Fits: 8, 12, 16 & 20g co2 & Z.68s Bullets)

The current Z-MAG offer includes the two-piece frame, cover, three spacers, small screw and MagMode. It accepts unthreaded 8 g, 12 g, 16 g and 20 g capsules. The donor magazine supplies its valve, spring and other screws; the marker and capsules are not included.

View the current offer

Z-RAM MagMode for FSC T8.1 T9.1 TCP Magazine! (Must have using Z.68)

MagMode is available separately for an existing FSC, T8.1, T9.1 or TCP magazine. The current offer describes improved feeding for Z.68v1/v2 and shaped rounds. It is already included in Z-MAG: do not buy a second one merely to complete that set.

View the current offer

Important Legal Notice

Laws and regulations governing the purchase, possession, installation, modification, and use of the products described on this page vary by country, state, and local jurisdiction and may change. Before purchasing, installing, modifying, or using any product, you are responsible for confirming that it is permitted in your location and for your intended purpose. Product availability or delivery does not mean that purchase, possession, installation, modification, or use is lawful in your jurisdiction. Z-RAM does not provide legal advice, and the information on this page must not be treated as legal advice. If you are unsure, contact the competent local authority or a qualified legal professional.