| Paintball is a great sport that is still growing in popularity | | | | team of pump-armed teenagers and the other team |
| among all demographics across the world. It is a good | | | | had a guy with a semi-automatic. We were mowed |
| way to keep in shape, and if we are being honest | | | | down time and time again, because of high firing speed |
| most people will say that there is nothing quite like | | | | and the lack of confusion on the part of the other |
| being able to go out and play war without the risk of | | | | gunner. If you are planning on becoming involved in |
| serious injury. Most of us are also pretty intense when | | | | high-intensity games, then a semi might be the best |
| it comes to paintball competitions, so if you are one of | | | | model for you. Just remember that as semi automatics |
| the people who is thinking about taking up paintball full | | | | are becoming more prevalent, many field operators |
| time you will want to choose your first gun carefully. | | | | are aware of the damage to business; if paintball |
| Many people get into paintball by accident, going out to | | | | becomes a sport of professionals only, then the |
| a field with a group for a bachelor party, a staff outing, | | | | market for beginners will dry up. Many paintball fields |
| or just at the invitation of a friend. Everyone quickly | | | | cater to amateurs and thus will only allow pumps on |
| realizes how addicting the sport can be, and most will | | | | their ranges unless they are hosting a special |
| be chomping at the bit to get back out there. These | | | | tournament. Pump guns are still a great way to |
| first outings can be a great way to get an idea of the | | | | demonstrate mastery in the game as they require real |
| type of gun that you want to purchase. Most outfitters | | | | skill to manage. |
| will rent out standard, cheap-yet-durable pump model | | | | Your first gun will also be determined by whether or |
| guns. These guns are designed with a pump action | | | | not you plan to join a paintball team. Often, team |
| which is pulled backwards to drop a ball in front of the | | | | hobbyists will have several roles for individuals to play, |
| bolt and then pushed forward to place the paintball in | | | | and the type of gun will depend on the role that you |
| front of the bolt in firing position. Right off, you will | | | | are playing. Full automatics are good for holding |
| realize that in the excitement of paintball war, pump | | | | positions and laying down covering fire, pumps are |
| model guns get jammed up as you forget if you have | | | | used by snipers and the real skilled players on the |
| put a ball in the chamber or not. Players are especially | | | | team, and ramping modes shoot huge bursts per |
| prone to this in high-intensity situations where they are | | | | second and are a good counter to automatics. |
| firing for their life (and they usually end up getting shot | | | | The decision about what type of gun you use will be |
| out sometime during the frenzy). | | | | based on a lot of factors. Many enthusiasts will use |
| Pump guns can be great for beginners, but it is likely | | | | several types of gun depending on what type of |
| that on your first few outings you will be impressed by | | | | event they are participating. Your first gun is special, |
| the types of guns other players bring to the field. I | | | | though, as it will determine the direction you will take |
| remember the second time I went out. We were a | | | | with your new hobby. Choose wisely, and have fun! |