A Bit of History
Table of Contents
The first paint gun appeared in the 11th century and was used to train soldiers in France. And at the end of the 20th century, North American farmers used it to mark livestock and trees.
A little later, in the 80s, pneumatic paint throwers (as they were called at the time) were equipped with containers for paintballs and were first used for playing.
Despite its youth, the popularity of the military tactical game throughout the world has grown very quickly. Now it ranks third in the rating of extreme sports, where skateboarding and inline skating competitions are still in the lead.
Paintball is not only a type of sports team competition in conditions close to real combat. First of all, it is a year-round outdoor activity for extreme lovers of all ages.
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How Paintball is Played
There are many options for playing paintball. Clubs for organizing this type of recreation come up with the most original and exciting missions for teams – from protecting the president to capturing a fortress or the enemy’s flag at a height.
The size of the team is not limited. It can consist of several people or several hundred participants. Because paintball is considered the safest game, everyone can participate in it, regardless of gender, age, and social status. Like any other game, paintball has its own commandments that are binding on all participants in the competition.
Paintball Rules
- Indispensable and accurate fulfilment of the requirements of the instructor judge during the game;
- It is strictly forbidden to take off the protective mask from the face during “hostilities” on the site;
- Friendly and respectful attitude towards all participants in the game. Everyone is equal on the field, and paintball is just a fun game;
- During the rest period, the barrel of the marker must be closed with a special plug;
- A paintball club member is not allowed to play if he is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In addition, before the start of the game, the instructor conducts a detailed briefing with all participants in the game about the rules of behaviour on the playing field. Basic conditions for the use of pyrotechnics and weapons in the area of the playing field are told. The instructor conducts separate conversations with beginners on the specifics of the game of paintball.
Paintball Equipment
Such a bright and colorful game, where fireworks from breaking capsules constantly appear, cannot take place without special uniforms. It is designed to ensure the player’s complete safety on the battlefield and to protect clothing from paint bloopers.
How to Choose Uniforms
Choosing the right paintball gear is easy, even for beginners in exciting and fun entertainment. The counters of stores selling uniforms for war games are replete with a variety of high-quality and convenient elements of player protection.
Face mask
The face mask is the main functional component of a paintball player’s ammunition, without which they will not be allowed to participate in competitions. Choosing the right mask means choosing the right viewing angle.
Body armor
An equally significant attribute protects the torso from painful sensations after a direct hit of colouring capsules. Lightweight and durable vests do not hinder the player’s movements and are excellent protection against bruising.
Camouflage suits or jumpsuits
The dense fabric of outerwear does not allow moisture to pass through, thereby reliably protecting household items from paint penetration. They stay clean and dry.
Shoes
To feel comfortable and run fast while playing, shoes are chosen taking into account weather and seasonal conditions, but the main thing in them is comfort, lightness, and the presence of an anti-slip protector on the sole.
Marker
Weapons are bought depending on the preferences of the player, taking into account the rate of fire and the accuracy of the sight. Beginners should pay attention to the mechanical type of weapon, which is perfect at the initial stage of participation in impromptu battles. Check more paintball markers
Types of small arms of a Paintball Player
To defeat the enemy in the process of “battle”, pneumatic weapons of three types of action are used, which are collectively called a paintball marker.
How to choose a marker
According to the principle of operation, markers are divided into three types – mechanical, electronic, and hybrid (electromechanical) types of weapons.
All types of paintball “fire” are focused on firing soft, rapidly bursting capsules with brightly colored liquid. The main difference between markers is the technological method used to fire shots.
The method is as follows: after pressing the trigger, the paintball under the action of the bolt enters the barrel. In turn, the bolt itself moves under spring pressure. As soon as the ball enters the barrel, the breech kicks open the valve and release the compressed air. The capsule flies out and the bolt returns to its original position.
The range of semi-automatic and mechanical paintball weapons is wide enough. They are produced by well-known companies in a wide variety of options – ordinary plastic pneumatics at a price of around $ 1,000.
PROS
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Spare parts are available for sale at an affordable price
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The reliable and simple design of the weapon allows its use in any climatic conditions
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Great weapon option for beginners
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In case of any damage, it is possible to fix it yourself
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The possibility of modernizing the gun by installing additional equipment - butt, magazine, or elongated barrel
CONS
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The accuracy of the sight is completely lacking
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The ball release speed is too low
The assortment of popular brands from different manufacturers is no less than the types of mechanical paintball weapons.
The cost of an electronic marker is much higher than a semi-automatic one. As a rule, such weapons are purchased by professional paintball players.
PROS
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High rate of fire and excellent accuracy of hits
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Rather light and compact weapon facilitates operational movement on the battlefield
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Economical consumption of compressed air
CONS
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Maintenance and repair of pneumatics requires the participation of a professional master
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The high cost of an electronic gun does not allow everyone to purchase it
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Works only from the battery, so if it is discharged, the gun becomes a useless toy
With a combination of mechanical action technology and a trigger with built-in electronics; with the help of a signal coming to the sensor, the shutter is released to take a shot. The electronic board is programmed to select the firing mode: three shots, automatic and semi-automatic.
PROS
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The simplicity of the design of the machine and the reliability of the mechanism, allows a fairly long
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period to operate the weapon for its intended purpose
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The ability to increase the flight speed of the balls makes the gun convenient to use and more accurate hitting the target
CONS
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Accuracy and accuracy of hit leaves much to be desired
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Electronics can be fixed only by a specialist
Since, according to the rules of paintball, the flight range of the capsule, and hence the speed, have limitations, they are practically the same for any marker. Therefore, the accuracy of shooting depends on the cost of the model, the reliability of the aiming device, and the skill of the player.
Improved models of a conventional marker allow you to shoot from a distance inaccessible to the enemy. They are equipped with accurate calibrations, improving the quality of the barrel.
Such a weapon has less recoil, a low shot sound, and an increased flight speed of a more durable high-quality paintball. For shooting from sniper weapons, specially created capsules are used – seamless and solid, outwardly similar to real bullets.
PROS
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The presence of a sniper morally supports the team and increases the chances of winning
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Copes well with the assigned functions on the front lines
CONS
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The bulkiness and weight of the weapon complicate its transportation
It differs from the usual marker only in its compactness. The principle of operation is absolutely identical. Players use it as an additional weapon if they run out of ammunition or the battery on the main barrel has run out.
PROS
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Lightweight and dimensions contribute to better maneuverability of a soldier on the battlefield
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A great option for accomplishing a cunning tactical idea
CONS
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Poor accuracy of shots
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Complete absence of aimed shooting
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Complete absence of aimed shooting
Conclusion:
Each type of paintball marker has its own advantages, but which one will be most suitable for a particular person is up to the player himself.
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