Pros and Cons of Playing Pump Paintball

pump paintball gun What is pump paintball and how do you play? If you’ve ever asked around about how to save money when playing paintball, pump was probably a big recommendation. Or, maybe you’ve heard the term on the field and are just wondering what is is. Let the following satisfy your curiosity of all things pump paintball:

Pump Paintball Basics

To “play pump” means to play paintball with a gun that includes a pump. This type of gun is much more simply designed than other mainstream markers used today. To use it, you must pull a handle back to load the paint into the firing chamber and cock the gun before every fire.

The humble beginnings of the sport can be traced back to pump paintball guns. Pump was the original and first marker design and the only option back when paintball first started. Today, pump paintball has gained somewhat of a cult following. Though it is not played widespread, there are those that do enjoy the unique benefits and challenges it presents.

You can use a pump paintball gun on most fields whenever you would like. You won’t need to get special permission from the referee or other players. You may be the only person playing pump and you can choose to do so based on some pros and cons.

Pros and Cons of Playing Pump Paintball

The simple design of a pump makes it a reliable, lightweight, and fairly accurate option that can achieve a reasonable distance. However, they were not intended for a fast-paced sport and offer a slow rate of fire and smaller tank.

A little history: These guns were first made to mark trees and cattle, so there was no need for rapid fire. As a result, the guns offer a slow firing rate and must be pumped before shooting. This is the main drawback of the gun, but it can also be a positive aspect depending on your goals.

For example, if you are trying to save on paint, a slow rate of fire would certainly help. It would also motivate you to improve your personal skills such as accurate shooting, because you will have less chances to make your mark.

Reasons to Play Pump:

Save on paint and money on equipment
Would like low maintenance and simple equipment
Prefer a lightweight marker and tank for woodsball
Don’t need to shoot rapid fire
Possess good accuracy or would like to improve your accuracy
Would like to focus on skills with gun
Can be careful, cautious, and patient on the field
Play as a hobby and for quality experience
Play above a beginner level and already have solid communication and strategy

Pump paintball is not recommended for speedball or those that need to shoot quickly. Anyone that is particularly competitive or wants the best in marker technology will also not benefit from playing pump. If you often shoot a bunch of paint in a general direction without paying much attention to aim, it’s definitely not a good idea.

Should I Play Pump?

Think about your goals on the field when choosing to play pump. This basic and inexpensive gun comes with challenges that are enjoyed by some and loathed by others.

Are you just learning the ropes? You’ll want to focus on other aspects of the game before bringing a pump gun into the mix.

Do you play to win rather than for the experience, and prefer paintball technology over a chance to improve your skills? There’s nothing wrong with this, but competitive players probably won’t find any benefits in pump.

Are you an intermediate player with solid communication and strategy that is looking to focus on your skills and have a quality experience while saving money? If this sounds like you, definitely give pump a shot.