When signing up for a round of your first paintball experience, chances are you’re going to be renting some equipment. You’ll need pads, a mask, and a paintball gun. Using range equipment is fine if you want to play a game once or twice a year.
However, if you want to start taking the sport seriously, you’re going to need gear of your own. Renting gear is expensive, and after a few sessions, you’ll probably spend plenty on rental fees. Buying your equipment makes sense.
You don’t have to worry about ammunition or firing failures due to unmaintained and abused guns, and there’s no more strapping on a sweat-soaked face mask someone used in the game before yours.
The cornerstone of your gear is the paintball gun, and it’s also the most expensive piece of kit you’ll buy for your time on the range.
In this guide, we’ll review the best paintball guns, and give you a few options on the best models for your next game.
Our Top Picks
Contents
- 1 Our Top Picks
- 2 Paintball Guns Reviews
- 3 Other Best Selling Options
- 4 Paintball Guns Buyer’s Guide
- 5 Types of Paintball Guns
- 6 Other Important Features of Your Paintball Marker
- 7 What are the Different Types of Paintball Propellant?
- 8 Paintball Mods and Upgrades
- 9 Basic Strategy for Your First Paintball Session
- 10 Paintball Guns FAQs
- 11 Paintball Guns – The Verdict
If you can’t wait to get to the range and start playing paintball, why waste your time reading through the entire review? You can rely on our top picks for a gun that will give you the best accuracy and power.
We looked through dozens of models to select three models we think represent the best of the bunch. In these top choices, you have options to suit your playing style and your budget. Choose the paintball gun that matches your gameplay, lock-and-load, and hit the range!
- The Best Overall Paintball Gun – Tippmann Stormer Elite
This model features operation with CO2 or compressed air, with a genuine AR resemblance. You get a stippled handgrip with pop-up sights, Picatinny rails, and front handrest. The Stormer Elite model features dual-feed design, allowing you to use magazines or a hopper for the gun. - The Best Premium Paintball Gun – Tippmann TMC Magfed
If you’re looking for the most lifelike AR experience in a paintball gun, the Tippmann TMC Magfed rifle is your top choice. This premium model features adjustable FPS for paintball and home defense applications. This weapon’s design is suitable for use with CO2 or compressed air, and you get an extended 20-round magazine. - The Best Budget Paintball Gun – Tippmann Cronus
The Tippmann Cronus is a solid choice for your paintball marker. This model features an AR-type design, with a barrel that takes the shape of a silencer. The comfortable handgrip and front rifle grip give you total control over this paintball gun in CQC situations, with hopper-fed operation allowing maximum firing rates.
Paintball Guns Reviews
Now that you have an idea of our top three models in this review let’s unpack them in further detail. We’ll also look at a few other models we feel are worthy of using on the paintball range.
Tippmann Stormer Elite
The Stormer Elite from Tippmann wins our award for the best overall paintball gun. This marker has everything you need to perform on the paintball field. You get a modular feed design that accepts mag-fed ammo, or the use of a hopper.
We like the mag-fed action, but we would like to see a larger magazine capacity. The ergonomic handle features stippling for improved grip during gameplay, and a wide trigger guard to accommodate gloved fingers.
- Tippmann Stormer ELITE DUAL FED Paintball Gun Marker - Black - 14913
- GO MAGFED Load Up your Hopper or Go Magfed with Tippmanns Stormer ELITE Semi-Automatic .68 Caliber Paintball Gun Marker; High-impact, composite construction; Extremely lightweight and features (4) Picatinny rails complete customization; Stormer ELITE includes: Tactical Front Shroud, Front and Rear Flip Up Sights, 6 Position Collapsible Stock, Dummy Magazine, (2) 20 Round Paintball Magazines and Loader to Magazine conversion parts for the best of both worlds
- TIPPMANN STORMER ELITE DUAL FED MILSIM STYLED .68 CALIBER PAINTBALL MARKER - Semi-Automatic - Adjustable from 250-325 FPS - Barrel Thread: A5 - Proven, In-line Bolt Design - Internal Gas Line - High-Impact Composite Body - Multiple Picatinny Rails - High-Performance Barrel - Bottom Mounted ASA - Single Trigger - Offset Feedport - Tactical Accessories - And MORE
- Package Dimensions: 18.03 inch L x 13.58 inch W x 3.46 inch H
This model comes with Picatinny rails on the top and bottom, and flip-up sights included with the package. You get a front handle for better control over the marker and improved accuracy. The realistic AR-style design gives this model a mil-spec look, with adjustable power for shots from 250 to 320-fps.
- Dash-prod / AR design for realism
- Magazine and hopper-fed loading action
- Flip-up sights included
- Suits 0.68-caliber paintballs
- Internal gas lines with a high-impact chassis design
- In-line bolt design for high-power shooting up to 325-fps
- Adjustable power dial
- Front hand grip included with Picatinny rails on top and bottom
- Compatible with CO2 and compressed air
- The magazine could use more capacity
Tippmann TMC Magfed
Mag-fed paintball guns are the hottest innovation in paintball. We like the mil-spec look it gives the marker, providing a realistic feel to the weapon.This Tippmann model is our choice for the best premium model in this review.
You get a realistic AR-type design, including a modular design that’s easy to field strip. The barrel features a guard with Picatinny rails on the top, bottom, and sides, and you get flip-up sights included. This model’s mag-fed design includes large-capacity 20-round mags, with the option of switching to hopper-fed.
- THE ORANGE BUTTON ON THE BARREL IS FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY – NOT INCLUDED
- Tippmann's latest MagFed Extremely Authentic Milsim Styled Tactical Paintball Marker
- Dual feed option: Go MagFed or Traditional Loader and Get the Best of Both Worlds in One Awesome Package!
- Semi-Automatic - Adjustable from 250-325 FPS - Includes (2) 20 Round Spring Driven Magazines
- Tippmann's TMC MAGFED Paintball Marker comes with a 1-Year Manufacturer's , not to mention, Tippmann's DEDICATED Cerfified Technical Support Department Available as a Resource For You and Your Marker All Year Long!
You get adjustable semi-automatic power control, ranging from 250 to 320-fps. However, we think asking for more than 300-fps on this model is pushing it to the limit. You get an adjustable stock for a custom fit, and an ergonomic grip with safety assembly included.
The Tippmann Mag-fed rifle is an excellent choice for the paintball field, and it’s also an effective home-defense weapon. The high-powered action of this marker does not require a license for less-lethal use. It’s our top choice for defending your home against intruders.
- Realistic AR design for Mil-sim style tactical appearance
- Magazine and hopper-fed action
- Large capacity magazine fits 20-rounds
- Semi-automatic shooting with flip-up sights for accuracy
- Picatinny rails on top, bottom, and sides
- Comfortable grip for easy shooting
- Compatible with CO2 and compressed air
- Not compatible with First-Strike paintballs
Tippmann Cronus
If you’re looking for the best budget buy in this review, we recommend the Tippmann Cronos. This model features a mil-spec design, but it doesn’t offer mag-fed operations like the other two models in this review.
However, the Cronos marker is a top choice, especially for beginners. The barrel features a suppressor-like design, with sights on the end of the muzzle. You get Picatinny rails on the top, bottom, and sides of the upper, with a front handle for improved control and accuracy with the marker.
- THE ORANGE BUTTON ON THE BARREL IS FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY – NOT INCLUDED
- High-impact composite body
- Vertical Grip
- Tippmann Cronus combines high performance with incredible durability
- .68 Caliber Milsim Styled Scenario Paintball Marker
The hopper-fed action of this model offers high-speed loading, and you get an ergonomic grip with a wide trigger frame. The adjustable stock allows you to customize the fit of the marker with a high-impact composite body for extra durability on the range.
- An affordable option with Tippmann quality
- High-impact chassis for durability
- Front barrel looks like a suppressor
- Compatible with 0.68-caliber ammunition
- Vertical front grip with bolt-action design
- Hopper-fed design for high-capacity shooting
- No optics or flip-up sights
Azodin Blitz 3
The third iteration of the Azodin Blitz is a top choice and a significant improvement on its predecessors. The new model features a sleek, lightweight design with an excellent balance in your hands during gameplay.
With this model, you get an upgraded regulator and a screw-lock feed-neck meshing with the aggressive milling work on this marker. The streamlined design of the gun ensures you don’t have any hoses or fittings in the way of your sight.
- 12'' Multiphase Honed Barrel
- Adjustable Feather Regulator
- Slim Nylon Double Trigger Frame
- Compatible with CO2 and HPA
- Screw-Lock Feedneck
You get durable glass-nylon frame construction with a lightweight feel in the hands to reduce operator fatigue during long sessions. The new feather regulator on the Blitz 3 offers a surprisingly fast Scythe trigger with a light feel and fantastic reset.
The Zen board, mass-flow valve, and low-profile feed-neck are all standout design additions to the new Blitz 3. Weighing just over 2-lbs with barrel and battery, this electro model is a top choice for a hard-working paintball marker.
- The best traditional paintball design
- Lightweight and easy to operate
- Hopper-fed design
- Ergonomic handle design with 1911-style grip
- Composite trigger frame with reinforced glass and nylon fiber
- Scythe trigger with mass-flow valve lock feed-neck
- Feather regulator for full-auto operation
- Front handle for better control over the marker
- Auto-cocker threaded barrel
- No external sights
Tippmann A-5
This Tippmann model will make you the big boss on the paintball field. Featuring the revolutionary “Cyclone Feed System,” you get firing rates of up to 15-balls per second. It’s easy to field strip this electro model, and you get a robust and simple frame design that’s impact resistant.
- Cyclone Feed System can Fire 15 balls per second without batteries
- Can be field stripped in less than 60 seconds without tools
- Enhanced ergonomics with a longer front grip, lighter weight body and easier to Remove push pins
You get a selector switch to choose your firing mode, and a larger front grip for total control over the marker and better accuracy during gameplay. The low-profile electro hopper allows for improved sighting, and the stone-honed 8.5-inch barrel provides astounding accuracy.
- Cyclone auto-feed system shoots up to 15-balls per second
- Easy field stripping for on-site maintenance
- Front grip for better control and aiming
- Flip-up sights included
- Ergonomic grip with safety switch
- Ported barrel and lightweight design
- Hopper included
- Impact-resistant frame with a durable design
- Premium Price
Valken Blackhawk
This marker is a top choice, with a corrosion-resistant polymer frame and aluminum barrel. The powder-coated receiver provides a sleek finish to the marker, with Picatinny rails on the top and bottom, and flip-up sights.
- Corrosion-Resistant Aluminum and polymer Construction, Durable powder-coated receiver
- Stainless steel bottomline hose, Removable ported barrel, Replaceable barrel thread adapter
- MIL-STD-1913 Accessory Rail, Removable feedneck adapter,
- High-Flow aluminum Air source adapter, Modular design for easy customizing and upgrading
- Designed for use with CO2 or High Pressure Air, Meets or exceeds all applicable ASTM standards
You get a front handgrip included with the package and an ergonomic handgrip with a wide trigger frame. This model features rugged internals designed for use with CO2 or HPA propellant. The high-flow air-source adaptor provides powerful and consistent operation, with excellent shot accuracy.
- Full-body design with front handle for better control
- Picatinny rails on top and bottom with flip-up sights
- Hopper-fed action
- Corrosion-Resistant aluminum chassis with polymer construction
- Ported barrel for better accuracy
- Suitable for use with CO2 or compressed air
- Modular design for easy upgrades and customizing
- Ergonomic handle design with removable feed-neck adapter
- The short trigger could be uncomfortable with gloves
Dye M3+
The Dye M3+ is an expensive marker, but it’s worth every penny. This model includes a New Fuse Legacy – 21 Bolt. The bolt delivers breech pressure insensitivity and independence for unmatched consistency, reliability, and performance.
- FL-21 Bolt - The FL-21 Bolt System with an all-new 2-Stage Flex Face Bolt Tip sets a new standard for dependability and performance. Designed to operate across the widest range of extreme conditions, the FL-21 bolt provides unmatched performance without sacrificing reliability.
- Flex Face Bolt Tip - The all-new 2-Stage Flex Face Bolt Tip within the FL-21 Bolt System maintains ideal bolt speed throughout the bolt cycle. A slow, soft first stage for optimal paint handling and a second stage with a speed boost to maximize valve lift operation.
- Quick Release Bolt - The proven Quick Release Bolt Assembly is a robust steel gate system that securely hold the bolt in place. A simple push button system allows the user to remove and re-install the bolt kit in seconds. Standard maintenance has never been easier or more accessible.
- SLAP ASA Slide Lock AirPort - DYE’s Slide Lock AirPort (SLAP) ASA is all-new for the M3+. The new enclosed SLAP design provides longterm dependability in a rugged and easy-to-operate package. The shielded design has no button to operate, no knob to turn and no lever to get snagged. All critical operations are protected by the Slide Lock Cover. Simply press and slide the lock cover back to engage the air supply with ease.
- 4th Gen Eye Pipe – Breech System - DYE’s patented Eye Pipe System moves into its 4th generation of refinement with updated breech geometry and independent detents designed to accommodate a wide range of paint sizes including extremely small paint.
The electro MOSAir Operating System allows you to customize the paintball experience, with five player profiles, seven play-screen options, three training modes, and three custom boot screens. The optimized MOS programming logic gives you a lightning-fast trigger response time and extended battery life.
The vented, two-piece barrel gives you an accurate shot every time.
- Sleek design with an accurate, extended ported barrel
- Long trigger with wide trigger frame for easy access with gloves
- Fast trigger reset for combat situations
- MOSAir operating system for easy customization
- 5-player profiles with seven play-screen options
- .688 and .684 ultra-lite backs included
- Rechargeable battery featuring micro-USB charging
- No flip-up sights included
Other Best Selling Options
- Made In China
- Product Type :Sporting Goods
- Package Dimension :19.05 Cm X 27.94 Cm X 39.37 Cm
- Package Weight :2.994 Kg
- .68 caliber paintball pistol
- 5 12gram CO2 Cartridges
- 50 Paintballs
- Barrel Plug
- Smooth firing pump handle
- [MARKER] HK Army SABR Paintball Marker
- [TANK] 20oz Refillable CO2 Paintball Tank (comes empty)
- [LOADER] GFX Gravity-Fed 200-ball capacity loader
Paintball Guns Buyer’s Guide
After reviewing all the models, you might find yourself feeling more confused about making your purchase decision. That’s okay; we’re here to help you iron out the details and select the best paintball gun to suit your gameplay needs.
In this section, we’ll look at all the features and components of top paintball markers. By the time you finish reading this guide, you’ll be an expert on the topic.
Types of Paintball Guns
When choosing your marker, you have the option of three different types of models. The action of the paintball gun is a critical aspect and something that requires consideration.
Pump-Action
When paintball burst onto the scene in the 80s, it was a niche sport. It took a while for paintball guns to reach the level of sophistication available in todays markers. The first markers available in the 80s and 90s featured a “stock class pump” design, requiring manual priming of the gun before firing.
These markers were similar in operation to a bolt-action rifle. You need to pump the stock after each shot to recharge and prime the bolt—the need to pump the gun after each shot slows your rate of fire. Todays modern pump-action markers feature an “open class” categorization.
Pump-action models are a favorite for advanced players looking to change things up and challenge their gameplay.
Mechanical Action
These markers are a popular choice for woodsball tournaments where players need reliable and durable markers. There is no electronic component to this marker, making it easy to maintain while offering fewer problems during gameplay. The rate of fire is better than a pump-action but is still way below what you get with an electric model.
Electric
Most modern markers feature electric operation. Instead of a mechanical hammer opening the release valve to prime the bolt, they use a solenoid to open it electronically. These markers feature operation with a rechargeable battery pack or a 9-volt battery.
Modern electric markers provide high fire rates, offering discharge rates of up to 30-balls per second. It’s best to pair it with an electric hopper to get the best operation out of an electro marker.
Other Important Features of Your Paintball Marker
The barrel of the gun makes a significant difference in the accuracy and consistency of your shot. Look for barrels that offer rifling to help spin the ball before it leaves the barrel. When choosing your paintballs, you must select the right size ball to fit the barrel.
Inaccuracy with the marker is often a result of not having the right size paintball fitting the barrel. As a result, the balls tend to fall out of the front of the barrel when you point the marker downwards.
We recommend opting for the modular barrel design, such as the Freak Barrel. However, most markers in this review come with excellent barrels right out of the box.
Considerations for a Paintball Marker
When choosing your marker, you need to consider how often you intend to play paintball. If you only get to the range a few times a year, you might not need top-quality equipment to enjoy a day of fun with your friends.
However, if you’re looking to start competitive play and plan on being at the range often, it’s a good idea to invest in high-end equipment. An electric model with a speed loader is a good choice to get the most out of your time on the range.
- Warranty – If you’re dropping hundreds of dollars on a marker, it better come with a manufacturer’s warranty against defects.
- Weight – Choose a marker with a lightweight design. We like models that weight less than 4 to 5-lbs max. The additional weight makes a difference in your gameplay, slowing your draw after a few hours on the range.
- Styling and Comfort – We like markers with a mil-spec design for additional realism. Ensure that the handle of the marker provides an ergonomic fit in your hand.
What are the Different Types of Paintball Propellant?
Paintball markers offer two types of propellants for operation on the range.
CO2
In the nineties and the 2000s, most paintball guns relied on CO2 gas for propulsion. However, this gas offers unpredictable performance. The gas provides high-power shots in warm weather, but the gun might fail to fire in cold conditions.
This lack of consistency frustrated paintballers and many of today’s top paintball markers no longer accommodate the use of CO2 as a propellant. On top of the performance issues, CO2 also fast-tracks the wear and tear of the seals and O-rings in your marker.
However, most handheld markers, such as the Tippmann Tippex or Tiberius First strike pistol, require the use of 12-gram CO2 cartridges. In most cases, a 12-gram cartridge will supply around 15 to 20-shots, depending on weather conditions.
HPA
High-Pressure Air is the new gold-standard of paintball marker propellant. With compressed air, you get a consistent shot that doesn’t change much in terms of accuracy and velocity. The temperature does not affect performance consistency.
HPA is the most common type of propellant used on paintball ranges, and most fields have a compressor on site to let you refill your tank between games.
HPA marker tanks come in 3,000-psi and 4,500-psi versions. When purchasing a tank, manufacturers categorize them by internal volume, for example.
- 3,000-psi + 45 cubic-inch = 30/45
- 4,500-psi + 90 cubic-inch = 45/90
45 cubic inch, 50 ci, 68ci, 77ci, and 90ci are available, and for most paintballers, a 45/45 or 45/50 is the preferred volume.
Paintball Mods and Upgrades
Part of the fun of buying a marker is upgrading it. After purchasing your gun, give it a few sessions on the field before you decide to upgrade. However, many people find themselves upgrading their marker with the latest mods right out of the box.
It’s easy for you to get carried away with upgrades, and before you know it, you’ll end up spending more on the mods than you did on the marker. Some of the common upgrades for markers include the following.
- Barrel and muzzle
- Optics and scopes
- Slings
- Front handle grips
- Full-auto trigger configurations
- Trigger upgrades
- Expansion chambers
- Agitating or electro hoppers
When purchasing your marker, plan on a budget, and stick to it. As we mentioned earlier, spend a few weeks with your standard marker before you take the time to upgrade. The chances are that if you take this strategy, you’ll barely notice any difference when upgrading your gear. We think that most mods don’t offer a huge difference in performance.
However, the electro speed loader is the one upgrade we would choose if we could only have one. This upgrade makes a significant boost in the performance of the gun, and it’s well worth considering it for your first mod.
Basic Strategy for Your First Paintball Session
You can have the latest and greatest marker with all the upgrades, but if you don’t understand the strategy, you’re going to find paintball frustrating. Paintball is about blending mental and physical skills while dealing with decision-making under pressure.
During a game, you must have excellent situational awareness, while loading, aiming, and firing the marker – often while moving. In paintball games, the best basic strategy you can use id called “running the wire.” The “wire” refers to the perimeter of the course.
Through “anchoring, gaining, and controlling” the perimeter or wire, you gain a strategic advantage offering defensive positioning. This strategy helps you avoid players from taking you out from your blind spot. Find other players who have a solid understanding of the use of paintball strategy and brainstorm with them about the best tactics to use during play.
Paintball Guns FAQs
Does it hurt getting shot by a paintball gun?
It depends. Most paintball ranges will only let you tune your gun to a maximum pressure of 125 to 175-fps. This velocity hurts a bit on impact, but it won’t cause severe damage. Make sure you wear a face mask and plenty of tactical padding.
Can I use a paintball gun for self-defense?
Yes, paintball markers make effective “less-lethal” guns, and you don’t need any background check to buy a marker online. We prefer using mag-fed options for home defense, using semi-automatic operation. With home defense applications, you’ll need to use pepper balls, nylon balls, or glass breaker balls.
Breaker balls weigh around 6-grams each, offering the best penetration and devastating results. It’s vital to understand the power of the weapon. Shooting your friend with a high-power marker at over 300-fps, with breaker balls, can cause severe injury or death.
How long is the service life of a paintball gun?
Paintball markers don’t last forever. Eventually, you’ll need to service your gun to keep it in working order. The most common failures on paintball markers involve the O-rings and seals. Look for a maintenance kit that includes spares.
When maintaining your gun, it’s vital that your grease all the O-rings and seals with silicone grease to prevent them from snapping. Depending on how often you use the marker, you could get anywhere from 6-months to 3-years before you need to change O-rings. Running the marker at high pressures wears out the seals and rings faster.
Where’s the best place to buy a paintball gun?
We recommend purchasing your marker from Amazon. Amazon has the best range and great prices. When you check out with your marker, you get buyer protection cover, and you don’t have to worry about people scamming you. Amazon offers fast shipping and delivery, which means you’ll be playing your first game by the weekend!
Paintball Guns – The Verdict
By now, you should have a good idea of the best paintball guns available.
If you’re having trouble choosing the right marker for your gameplay, why not go with one of our top choices? Our top three models are excellent choices, and there’s a marker available to suit your needs and your budget.
- The Best Overall Paintball Gun – Tippmann Stormer Elite
This model features operation with CO2 or compressed air, with a genuine AR resemblance. You get a stippled handgrip with pop-up sights, Picatinny rails, and front handrest. The Stormer Elite model features dual-feed design, allowing you to use magazines or a hopper for the gun. - The Best Premium Paintball Gun – Tippmann TMC Magfed
If you’re looking for the most lifelike AR experience in a paintball gun, the Tippmann TMC Magfed rifle is your top choice. This premium model features adjustable FPS for paintball and home defense applications. This weapon’s design is suitable for use with CO2 or compressed air, and you get an extended 20-round magazine. - The Best Budget Paintball Gun – Tippmann Cronus
The Tippmann Cronus is a solid choice for your paintball marker. This model features an AR-type design, with a barrel that takes the shape of a silencer. The comfortable handgrip and front rifle grip give you total control over this paintball gun in CQC situations, with hopper-fed operation allowing maximum firing rates.
