How To Select The Right Paintball Gun For You

If you have never played paintball or used a paintball gun before you are probably more interested in just getting out into the field and blasting your opponent with paintballs. However, if you plan to make it a sport you intend to play more than once you need to know how the paintball gun works in order to select the right one for you.

Most paintball guns operate quite similar to a regular gun. The difference between regular guns and also between different types of paintball guns lies in the details of what makes them work. Knowing this can mean the difference between a successful game or not being permitted at all to play on the field.

Basic Paintball Mechanics

• Paintball guns employ rapidly expanding gas. Usually CO2 or air. The gas will thrusts the paintball out the barrel.
• Most paintball guns range in velocity but the most common are those that have a muzzle velocity of about 300 feet per second.
• At this velocity, the force is enough to break open the paintball when it meets the intended target. However,this force is not great enough to break open your targets skin, just enough to cause some mild bruising at best.
• If you are going to play on a standard, commercial field, you will probably be restricted to a paintball gun that is at most the 300 feet per second variety.


Protection From The Paintball Gun

As with most sports, you can get injured if you are not properly protected. One of the most significant and painful injuries is eye injury. When playing paintball you should always wear protective gear. The fact is that there are plenty of players that didn’t and are now blind in that eye. As a result, most paintball fields make it manditory.

Know The Regulations At The Field Your Are To Play

Most commercial locations have regulations regarding not only the type of gun that you can use but also the safety equipment that you must wear. Make sure to call ahead to find out what those regulations are so that you don't make a wasted trip i.e., wrong kind of gun and/or improper safety gear.


The paintball gun is your weapon in the game of paintball. It is your tool to assist you in winning the game. Remember, misusing your paintball gun can result a great deal of damage not only to you but to your fellow players as well. If you are considering the purchase of a paintball gun and becomming active in the sport, then make sure to take into consideration the field restrictions so that your purchase and trip to the field is not in vain.


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