How Do Paintball Guns Work?

Paintball is an exciting and thrilling sport that is gaining a lot of popularity around the world. Players advise that it is an excellent way to bond with friends and build camaraderie between competitors. Paintball is a sport that requires strategy and excellent communication between teammates. It is also a graceful combination of the physical skills such as strength and agility as well as good mental acuity. An important part of paintball which is often overlooked is the Paintball Gun. It is important to understand how they work and also some of their features to help pick the right gun for your next game.

Types of Paintball Guns

Before we dive any deeper into how paintball guns work, it is important to discuss the different types of paintball guns available. There are two main types: mechanical guns and electronic guns. Each type is further broken down into two main categories: a marker, and a pump or stock class gun.

The mechanical guns are less expensive, but require more maintenance, and are in the most basic form of paintball gun. The electronic guns, on the other hand, are easy to maintain, provide more control over shooting scenarios, and come in a wide range of styles and shapes.

The Mechanics Behind Paintball Guns

At the core of a paintball marker is a mechanism that turns compressed air into energy. This energy is what will send the paintball flying out of the gun barrel at the desired velocity and range. Each type of paintball gun has its own unique mechanism, but all of them utilize pressurized air which is sent through a release valve in order to expel the paintball.

Mechanical Paintball Guns

Mechanical paintball guns are the most basic type of gun and don't utilize any type of electronics. With these types of guns, air pressure is sent into the barrel of the gun via a pump, and when the trigger is pulled, it releases a pin that opens the valve allowing air and the paintball to be released.

Electronic Paintball Guns

Electronic paintball guns use a circuit board and battery to power an electromagnet which is connected to a solenoid valve. When the trigger is pulled, it sends a signal to the circuit board which in turn activates the electromagnet and opens the solenoid valve, allowing pressurized air and the paintball to be released out of the barrel.

Barrels and Calibers

The barrel of a paintball gun is where the air compression takes place and also the paintball is sent on its way. The length and size of the barrel determine the accuracy and velocity of the paintball. The diameter of the paintballs, referred to as the caliber, is important because the barrel size needs to accommodate the size of the paintball. Some of the most popular barrel sizes are .68 and .50 cal.

Common Accessories

Paintball guns can also have additional accessories and modifications added to them, depending on the make and model. Some of these include:

Air Tanks

Air tanks come in all shapes and sizes and are used to store and send air into the gun for firing. They come in a wide variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber.

Hoppers

Hoppers or loaders are devices that hold the paintballs and feed them into the gun. There are many hoppers available on the market today, and each has its own set of features and capabilities.

Grips and Stock

Grips and stocks are both modifications that will enhance the ergonomics and comfort of the user when holding the gun. These are also customizable based on the user's preference and comfort level.

Final Word

If you're looking to get into paintball, it is important to familiarize yourself with the different types of paintball guns and the different accessories associated with them. Knowing how they work and what features are offered can help you select a gun that fits your individual needs and preferences, and ensure that you have the best experience possible.

Takeaways:

There are two main types of paintball guns: mechanical and electronic.

At the core of a paintball gun is a mechanism that turns compressed air into energy.

Air tanks, hoppers, and grips and stock are some of the most common accessories for paintball guns.

It is important to understand how paintball guns work and the different features available in order to pick the right gun for you.