Paintball gun
Paintball guns come in many styles, shapes and colors. There are two broad categories of paintball guns, mechanical and electronic, and each is sub-divided into several others such as rate of fire and speed of projectile. Deciding on which particular paintball gun to purchase can be a little daunting, but there are enough different models and features to satisfy any taste.
History of Paint-Balling
Paintball contestant
Paint-balling has become quite common among outdoor enthusiasts and those with a competitive bent to demonstrate skill and prowess without too much threat of injury to the participants. Originally used by forestry workers to mark trees in difficult-to-reach locations, and by farmers to label livestock, the paintball gun has been adapted for use in some fairly stiff competition. In 1981, a dozen friends played a version of "Capture the Flag" using paintball markers, firing the shots that lead to the opening of the first paintball field the next year in Rochester, New York.
Mechanical Paintball Guns
Mechanical marker
Mechanical paintball guns, or "markers" as they're called by paintball enthusiasts, use compressed gas (air or CO2) to propel paintball pellets. Mechanical guns, also called pneumatic markers, can fire between 4 and 9 balls per second (BPS). Mechanical paintball guns are considered to be very reliable. The firing process feels quite like a real firearm. You arm the mechanism once (called "cocking"), and you can fire repeatedly without further cocking until you fire your last pellet or exhaust the gas.
Electronic Paintball Guns
Electronic marker
Electronic paintball guns, unlike mechanical models, use electronic circuitry to activate the firing mechanism. The functioning of the electronics on those that are programmable also allows for varying the firing mode. Electronic markers usually employ regulators, which are mechanical in design, to alter air intake and control the release pressure. As with their mechanical counterparts, electronic paintball guns come in many different varieties and many different set-ups.
Electronic vs Mechanical Markers
Advantages of electronic paintball guns over mechanical models include greater accuracy (important for competition), improved consistency, lower air pressure requirement and more rapid firing, another plus for competitors. However, they are considerably pricier, more complex and usually require professionals for repairs and upgrades. Mechanical paintball guns are much less expensive, can be repaired easily and are more available. Their basic design and operation make them ideal for paint-balling novices and weekend warriors.
Things to Consider
Regular participation in paint-balling offers an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors and get exercise all at once. It also presents the opportunity to hone hunting skills for those who use real firearms to stalk and bag real game. Depending upon your level and frequency of involvement, it can be a source of pain to the pocketbook and significant demand on your time. Occasional participants can take advantage of renting equipment and avoid long-term, ongoing expenditures.
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