| Want to avoid the mistakes your predecessors have | | | | and buy a gun. Do you want an unused gun lying |
| made in buying their first (or even second) paintball | | | | around? Of course you will love the sport, but what if |
| gun? Many players have made hasty decisions when | | | | you don't? Play a few times and ask your fellow |
| buying their gun and have ended up with some real | | | | players how they like their own guns. When you rent a |
| buyer's remorse. Well, below are some tips that will | | | | paintball gun or a friend lends you one, write down the |
| help you in choosing the gun that is right for you. | | | | type of paintball gun you are playing with. If you like it |
| First, you must do your homework. Regardless of your | | | | and are comfortable with it, you may want to |
| price range you will be able to find several models to | | | | purchase a similar model. |
| choose from. Study the paintball guns features so you | | | | Fifth, be selective and smart when purchasing an |
| can weigh their strengths and weaknesses. Plenty of | | | | aftermarket barrel. You may think from your limited |
| websites exist with in-depth reviews of the different | | | | knowledge and experience that a very long barrel is |
| models-all from actual paintball players who have | | | | key for you to shoot straight. This is completely false. |
| tested or bought the model. If more than one review is | | | | This is not necessarilly the truth. Research has shown |
| down on a certain model, be cautious and ask the | | | | that a barrel that is 6 to 8 inches long is all that is |
| sales person lots of questions. | | | | required to stabilize your paintball. Pro players, |
| Second, don't buy a gun just because it looks cool. | | | | however, usually stick with a paintball gun barrel that is |
| Looks are the first thing that may attract your | | | | 12 inches or 14 inches for staighter shooting. Keep in |
| attention, but don't be fooled by a great looking | | | | mind that a longer barrel will mean a heavier gun and |
| exterior. Hold the gun. Make sure it is comfortable and | | | | more surface area to be hit by your opponent. |
| not to heavy for you to handle. Also, look at gun. What | | | | Sixth, if you are somewhat new to shooting a gun, |
| is it made of? Metal? Plastic? It is obviously your | | | | stay away from a fully automatic and maybe even a |
| preference; just make sure you know what you are | | | | semi-automatic weapon. You'll end up waisting |
| getting. | | | | paintballs. But worse, you may find that you have less |
| Third, remember that you will need to maintain and | | | | control of your paintball gun, which includes poor aim |
| clean this gun a lot. Instruction manuals for most | | | | and shooting technique. Keep your experience level in |
| products are available on the internet. If you are really | | | | mind when you are shopping. You can always |
| interested in a certain model, locate its instruction | | | | upgrade your gun if you feel you are good enough to |
| manual. Try to discern from the manual how difficult it | | | | make the jump. |
| will be to disassemble and reassemble. Keep in mind | | | | Again, most importantly really do your homework, |
| that after every use you will need to disassemble, | | | | whether it is on the net or with your buddies. Know the |
| clean and reassemble. Also keep your own skill level in | | | | market and don't be fooled by a salesperson with little |
| this department in mind. | | | | knowledge. Now, have some confidence and go buy |
| Fourth, play the game a few times before you run out | | | | that gun. |