• How to Choose Paintball Marker for a Sniper

    When it comes to paintball, your marker choice is important. You want to choose one that compliments you as a player. With this in mind, you should take your skills and position in mind when choosing the best marker for you. This way you can maximize your ability to play well during your AC Paintball game near Atlantic City, New Jersey. Here are some aspects to pay attention to. 

    Distance and Accuracy 

    One of the first aspects you will want to pay attention to when choosing a sniper gun is distance. The point of a sniper is to stay hidden and eliminate opponents from far away. Therefore, you will want a marker that can shoot far distances accurately. To accomplish this, look for a paintball gun with a long barrel. This will help ensure that the paintball flies where you want it to after leaving the barrel. 

    Speed and Feeding System

    Another feature you will want to pay attention to is the feeding system and how fast the paintball gun can shoot. If your target is running, it is more difficult to aim and determine when to pull the trigger. However, if your gun fires as quickly as you pull the trigger, this can make the process easier. It is also worth noting that AC Paintball in southern New Jersey has regulations about shooting speed to help ensure safety for our players. If you bring your own marker, it should not fire faster than 280 fps and it can also not be fully automatic. 

    Aesthetic 

    A sniper is supposed to be stealthy and stay hidden for most of the AC Paintball game. With this in mind, you do not want a brightly colored gun that will stand out like a sore thumb. Instead, opt for a dark color like black or look for a camouflaged paintball marker. 

    Size and Weight

    Size and weight are not as important for snipers as they are for players that do a lot of running. If you are playing sniper, you can opt for a slightly heavier or larger gun if it will increase your accuracy. However, you still don’t want it to weigh you down too much in case you do need to move. Find a happy medium that works for you. 

    Durability 

    Paintball is an intense sport. Therefore, having a durable gun is important to every AC Paintball player. You want to be sure that it won’t experience issues in the middle of your game. Being stuck without a marker can be an aggravating experience. You will also want to make sure you can protect it from various weather and elements. Southern New Jersey weather changes quickly and can be unpredictable. With this in mind, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for anything. 

    Comfort and Ease of Use

    AC Paintball sessions last 3-4 hours. If your gun isn’t comfortable to hold and use, the pain and soreness can start to significantly affect your overall game. Therefore, you want to ensure your paintball marker is comfortable and easy to use. Make sure you know how to reload it and can do so quickly. You also want to ensure that you know how to care for and maintain it. By ensuring that your marker is comfortable and easy to use, you can focus on other matters like hitting your target and formulating the best strategy. 

    Adaptability

    Yet another aspect you may want to consider is how often you play the position of the sniper. If you almost always play sniper, it is a good idea to get a paintball marker that fits the sniper role. However, if you change positions, you may want to consider a paintball gun that can adapt to different situations instead. 

    Reputation and Price

    If you narrow down your options and can’t decide between a few options, look at the reputation and price. Try to find reviews for the markers you like or ask an experienced player for their opinion. You can also talk to a member of AC Paintball’s staff if you would like. You also don’t want to break the bank just to get a paintball gun. If one option is significantly cheaper, you may want to go with that option. Then you have extra money to spend on trips to AC Paintball in southern New Jersey. 

    AC Paintball Rentals

    Finally, if you don’t want to buy your own gun, you can always rent a gun from AC Paintball. We offer two options: the Tippmann Custom 98 Marker and the Valken V-Tac SW-1 Marker. Both guns are fairly closely matched, however, the Tippmann Custom 98 is slightly longer and slightly more steady which may help your accuracy when playing sniper. 

    If you have any questions, you can call AC Paintball at 609-561-3883. If you would like to schedule an AC Paintball game to practice your sniper skills, you can do so here: https://acpaintball.com/schedule-paintball-game/. We hope to see you soon!

    November 10, 2019

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  • Paintball Markers for Beginners

    Beginning anything new is exciting, however, it can also be overwhelming. You have a lot of knowledge to gain, skills to master, and muscles to train. This is especially true for paintball. When starting to play paintball at AC Paintball, one of the first decisions you have to make is which marker you want to use.

    AC Paintball Options

    With dozens to hundreds of options, this task can seem difficult. Luckily, AC Paintball in southern New Jersey has made it easy for you by only offering two options. This includes the Tippmann Custom 98 and the Valken V-Tac SW-1. Both of these paintball guns are great options for beginners. They are reliable and can do what you need them to do without being too complex.

    What to Consider When Buying Your Own Gun

    If you prefer to buy your own paintball gun to play at AC Paintball near Atlantic City, New Jersey here are some important aspects to think about.

    How Often You Will Play

    Even if you are new to paintball, you probably have some idea about how often you intend on playing. If your friend who plays often asked you to join their team, you will likely play often. In this case, you will likely want to invest in a higher-end paintball marker. This way you can keep up with other experienced players that you may be facing.

    On the other hand, if you only plan on playing a couple times, you may want to settle for a marker that is just good enough for you to keep up with everyone else. A fairly simple marker can also allow you to focus primarily on your AC Paintball game rather than worrying about how to use your gun.

    Your Budget

    When making any sort of purchase, it is always a good idea to set a budget. Doing so can help you stay focused on your goal. It can be fairly easy to get caught up in fancy paintball guns and end up spending more than you wanted. If you have a budget in mind, you can narrow your options and make the paintball gun buying process simpler.

    Types

    There are three different types of paintball guns. These include pump, mechanically operated, and electro-pneumatic. Pumps require manual operation and have a slower firing rate.  Mechanically operated guns are the most common as they are simple to use and fairly effective. Electro-pneumatic markers are the most effective but are more tricky to operate. For the most part, you will likely want to use the same type that your teammates and opponents are using to keep your AC Paintball game fair and even.

    Your Paintball Interests

    As a beginner, you will likely want to try out different roles and games to figure out what you like. However, you may also already have an idea what role you want to play and what games you prefer. If this is your case, you should get a gun that can help you excel at what you need to do. For example, if you want to be a sniper, you should get a marker that can shoot far accurately. If you like playing in the woods, consider a camouflaged gun. By choosing a marker that complements your role, you can be more successful during your AC Paintball game.

    AC Paintball Regulations

    If you are going to buy your own paintball marker, you want to ensure that you are going to be able to use it during your AC Paintball game. At AC Paintball our marker limit is 280fps. The maker also cannot be fully automatic.

    Reputation

    Finally, you will want to consider the marker’s reputation. Do some research and find out what markers experienced paintball player recommend. If many players like a certain gun, there is a good chance that you would like it a lot too.

    Safety Tips

    One of the most important aspects to know when playing paintball is how to play safely. It is important to follow the rules to ensure that no one gets hurt. Here are some brief tips.

    • Never point your marker at someone’s face who doesn’t have a mask on.
    • Never point your gun at anyone that is not part of the game.
    • If it is raining, keep your gun dry.
    • Test your maker before your AC Paintball game to make sure it is working.
    • If you have your own gun, make sure it is clean and properly maintained.
    • If you have any questions or concerns about your marker, ask them before the game.

    Before your AC Paintball game, you will watch a safety video with more information. Be sure to follow the rule and have a fun time.

    Tips for Playing

    Finally, once you have chosen your marker and learned how to use it safely, it is time to use it effectively. Here are some tips on how to do so.

    • Test your marker before your game. Learn how it shoots so you can adjust your aim during your game.
    • Take your time to aim. While it can be fun to fire rapidly at random, taking an extra second or two to aim more accurately will be more effective.
    • Work on building up your arm muscles so your arms don’t get tired and affect your game.
    • Keep your gun as dry as possible when it’s raining to keep a good grip.
    • Make sure you have enough paintballs before the game begins.
    • Continue to learn and adapt to your marker.

    Being a beginner can be intimidating, but once you learn the basics you are sure to have a great time playing at AC Paintball in southern New Jersey.

    January 7, 2019

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  • Renting vs. Buying Your Paintball Equipment

    The equipment you choose in paintball can make a big difference in how well you play the game. Different equipment models work better for different games and for different players. There are many choices out there when it comes to equipment, but one of the first decisions you need to make is how you are going to get your equipment. Do you want to rent your equipment or buy your own equipment?

    AC Paintball’s Equipment

    AC Paintball in southern New Jersey offers all of the paintball equipment you need for rent. We offer two different markers. This includes the Tippman Custom 98 Marker and the Valken V-Tac SW-1 Marker. You can rent either of these guns for $10. We also offer goggles, tanks, and pod belts. You can view them here: https://acpaintball.com/paintball-rental-equipment/.

    Knowing What You Want

    To help you decide if you want to rent or buy, you should first figure out what you want. If you don’t know what you want, you can narrow down your choices by simply renting one of AC Paintball’s rentals. This will allow you to get a feel for a marker and determine what you do want in a gun. If you like AC Paintball’s rental guns and eventually want to get one for yourself, you can get the same or a similar model.

    If you do know exactly what you want and are looking for specific features, you can make your decision based on if AC Paintball’s guns offer what you are looking for. If they do have features you are looking for, it may be easier to rent your marker. If it does not, you can look into buying the marker that is right for you.  You can learn more about AC Paintball’s marker models here: https://acpaintball.com/2016/04/28/tippmann-custom-marker-vs-valken-marker/.

    How Often You Play

    Another aspect that can help you determine whether you rather buy a marker or rent from AC Paintball is how often you plan on playing. If you only play at AC Paintball a few times per year, it is more cost effective to rent your equipment. However, if you play often, buying your own gun may provide more benefits. If you want to make the most cost-effective choice, research the equipment you want and compare the price to how often you play at AC Paintball.

    If you do play at AC Paintball often and are looking for even more savings, consider joining our AC Paintball Club. Members enjoy discounts on paintball cases as well as 10% off of field admissions (not applicable with qualified group discounts).

    Moving and Storing Your Equipment

    You will also need to consider what it will take to move the equipment around and store it. If you have a lot of your own equipment, it can take up a lot of space. Do you have room at home where you can keep your paintball organized or will you have to rent a storage unit and pick it up before your AC Paintball trips? If you choose to buy your own equipment, this is something you will want to plan for.

    Meanwhile, if you rent from AC Paintball, the equipment is already there and ready for you. You just have to focus on wearing the right clothing and maybe bringing some snacks, a towel, and sunscreen.

    Making a Decision

    If you have considered all of the topics above and still can’t make a decision, AC Paintball is here to help. Overall, if you are new to the game and don’t know how often you will play or what kind of gun you want, you are best off renting for now. Once you figure out what your needs are, it will be easier to make a decision.

    On the other hand, if you do decide to buy your own marker, make sure you can use it at the facility where you plan on playing. If you plan on playing at AC Paintball the limit is 280fps and the marker cannot be fully automatic. If you have any questions, please search AC Paintball’s website or ask a member of our staff.

    February 12, 2018

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  • How to Improve Your Paintball Aim and Accuracy

    target-practice-65647_960_720There is nothing like the feeling of hitting your target in one shot. It makes you feel powerful and skilled. The more accurate your aim is the more paintballs you can save and the more helpful you can be to your team. When your aim is good, you can conserve your paintballs. With the money you save on ammo, you can soon afford an extra session at AC Paintball in Williamstown, New Jersey.

    Accuracy is one of the most important skills a paintball player needs. If you can’t hit your target, you will have difficulty eliminating your opponents. Check out AC Paintball’s aiming tips so you can contribute more to your team’s victory.

    Practice

    The best way to improve any skill is to practice. Go to a shooting range or find another safe place to practice. You can also practice by playing more games at AC Paintball. Start with a stationary target and an average distance. Once you get good with that, you can try shooting at different angles and distances. After a while, you can try moving targets.

    You may not notice increased ability right away, but it you keep practicing you will get better. Your teammates likely will too.

    Choose the Right Marker

    On the day of your AC Paintball game, the first thing you need to do is choose the right marker. Different guns shoot differently. Some are more accurate, shoot more rapidly, or shoot further. You will want to choose the marker that will compliment your skills. This will help you succeed in your position.

    Typically longer and slimmer barrels are more accurate. You will also want to make sure the paintballs fit well in the barrel. Keep in mind that guns with attachments, may make heavier. This can hinder your ability to run and hold up the gun for a long time.  More weight can also make it difficult to distribute weight. This can affect your accuracy.

    If you are renting a gun from AC Paintball, you have two choices. These are the Tippmann Custom 98 Marker, and the Valken V-Tac SW-1 Marker. Both are fairly matched in accuracy, but the Tippman has more of a recoil. This can affect your accuracy when firing multiple shots in a row.

    Test Your Marker Before the Game

    tippmann paintball markerBefore you start your AC Paintball game, you will want to test your marker. Make sure that it is clean. Dirt in the barrel can change the direction and speed of the paintball.

    You can also test how your marker fires. Find a safe place to fire with no people around. Then pick a target and fire at it. Watch where it goes. If it doesn’t fly completely straight, adjust your aim and try again. Keep testing until you figure out how to adjust your aim so that each shot is more accurate.

    Align Your Marker with Your View

    Another helpful technique for aiming is to line up your marker with your eyes. When you don’t center the gun with your body, it is more difficult to judge angles. By centering it, you can help ensure the paintball flies where you want it to go. Be careful, though, if your marker recoils a lot it may fly back toward your face. Although you are wearing a mask, you still don’t want to hit yourself in the face.

    If parts of your marker block your view, tilt it slightly to the side so you can see. Try to keep it as centered as possible.

    Have Patience and Relax

    Some AC Paintball players get so excited that they forget to take the time to aim. If an opponent jumps out, your first instinct is to start shooting in their general direction. Whether they see you right away or not, the sound of your shooting will alert them of your position. Then they will start firing back at you. If they are an accurate shooter, you will be out of the game.

    It only takes a few extra seconds to aim. You just need to have patience and keep your focus. If you have dozens of thoughts cluttering your mind, it will be difficult to hit your target. You might be surprised just how much a little extra attention can improve your accuracy.

    paintball-1477263_960_720Check Your Posture

    In any sport, coaches teach players the proper positions and movements to shoot accurately. In a paintball game, posture will affect your aim. If you are in an awkward position, it can be difficult to angle your gun and fire straight. The best posture is with your chest and toes pointed toward your target. Center your gun with your body.

    Moving Targets

    During an AC Paintball game, players are always on the move. Your target won’t always be standing still. A common technique for moving targets it to lead them. Judge your target’s speed and keep your gun pointed ahead of them. Predict where your opponent will be when you pull the trigger. Then figure out how long it will take the paintball to reach your target. Combine your calculations and fire at just the right moment.

    Hitting a moving target will take plenty of practice. However, if you master this skill, you will become a valuable player.

    December 12, 2016

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  • Pros and Cons of Playing Pump Paintball

    pump paintball gunWhat 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.

    March 30, 2016

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  • After the Game: How to Care for Paintball Equipment

    paintballchecklistYou’ve just finished a long and exciting day of paintball and it’s time to pack your gear up and head home. Never forget to take care of your equipment the proper way. A paintball marker and gear is a big investment, so it’s worth the extra time to clean and store it the right way to avoid future damage. Nothing is more disappointing than getting hyped for your next big day of paintball, only to arrive at the field and realize your gun isn’t in working order because you packed it up too hastily last time!

    The good news is, it won’t take too much effort to keep your marker and gear in good condition. Some simple maintenance is all it takes to keep your stuff functioning properly. Check out instructions for equipment care and storage tips after the paintball game below:

    After Game Care Instructions for Paintball Marker

    At the field:

    De-gas your marker in the target range. Turn the tank off and fire to ensure that all the air has been let out. Unscrew the tank and apply the thread saver to the bottle. Swipe the squeegee quickly across the barrel and the outside of the marker. Make sure all screws are still secure. If you want to pack up and head home now, this is all you need to finish at the field. The other steps can wait until you get home.

    At home:

    Take out the batteries from the marker and hopper and keep them in a safe place. Place electrical tape over the 9 volt terminals to prevent sparks.

    Every now and then it’s a good idea to do a more thorough cleaning at home to prevent any paint, oil, and dirt buildup. On this occasion, remove the tank and the barrel and squeegee the inside of the barrel thoroughly. Use only water; No soap, chemical cleansers, or abrasive wash cloths. Wipe the inside again with a dry towel and allow it to completely dry before reassembling. This should only be needed every few months or so, depending on how often you play. Remember not to take the marker apart more often than necessary, as it can be easy to lose a bolt or reassemble it incorrectly.

    Oiling, however, is something you want to do after every day of paintball. When everything is completely dried, oil the bolt and o-rings to prevent rust. Only use oil specifically designed for paintball guns because other types can cause damage.

    Use oil sparingly, but always use it. It is required for proper operation and can help extend the life of your marker. However, too much oil can gather over time and cause problems. The perfect amount is just a very light coat.

    Check out the owner’s manual for your marker to find any specific cleaning or storage instructions. There may also be a certain type of oil that should be used for optimal operation.

    Paintball Marker Storage Instructions

    Check to make sure the trigger is in safety mode and the barrel plug is in place before you unload and remove the air supply. Keep it in a safe, dry place, out of direct sunlight. The tank is especially prone to heat and sun damage because Co2 expands in high temperatures.

    After Care Instructions for Soft Paintball Gear

    Use a trash bag to keep your dirty gear and clothing in during the drive home. Dump them into the washer when you get home. Pack your elbow pads, knee pads, and other gear in a mesh bag if you have one because this will allow the items to dry completely. If you don’t, make sure to hang them up to dry as soon as you get home to prevent odor or stains.

    September 20, 2015

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  • What Affects the Accuracy of a Marker?

    texture1Accuracy, distance, firing rate, and efficiency are all important in paintball. However, these can not be definitively ranked. Every player is different and values some of these qualities over others. If you’re just starting out, you’ll develop your own preferences as you gain more time on the field. Intermediate or seasoned players will likely have figured out which marker strengths they prefer.

    This blog post will focus on accuracy. What aspects of a marker and equipment affect shooting accuracy and how can a player achieve an improvement in this area? Training and practice can only take someone so far. A player can have near perfect aim nine times out of ten, but still end up a missing the target. Why? Poor quality barrels or paintballs are probably to blame. Check out how these could be holding you back:

    Barrel Length

    The length of the barrel is at the top of the list when a marker’s accuracy is determined. Stock markers tend to come with a barrel length of 8.5 inches. Upgrading to a longer barrel will bring increased accuracy simply because it will be easier to aim.

    However, barrels that are too long will bring some drawbacks as well. A barrel length between 12 and 16 inches is ideal for improved accuracy and minimum negative effects. Anything above 16 inches will of course have fantastic accuracy, but a lot of potential drawbacks as well. It’s up to the player to decide if these are worth it.

    Potential drawbacks of using a barrel above 16 inches:

    • Decreased distance
    • Increased processing time
    • Increased contact between paintball and barrel
    • Higher potential for frozen or shattered paintballs in cold temperatures
    • Increased mass of marker, adding weight or making it more difficult to hide

    Barrel Bore Size

    The bore size of a barrel is another factor that affects accuracy. A stock barrel usually has a bore size of .690 and decreasing the size will result in better accuracy.  It is recommended to start by modifying to a .688 bore size and gradually decrease from there, depending on preference.

    The easiest way to do this is to purchase a barrel kit that offers modifications of many different bore sizes, ranging from .675 to .691. Note that paintball size used with the modified barrel may need to be adjusted along with bore size for maximum accuracy.

    Barrel Cleanliness

    How well the inside of the barrel is maintained could have an effect on accuracy as well. Over time, paint, mud, dirt and oil can accumulate inside the barrel and slow down the operation, resulting in decreased accuracy.

    Make sure to remove the barrel and clean it occasionally in order to prevent this. Use a squeegee and some water, then wipe it with a dry towel. Polish with a very light coat of oil and allow it to completely dry before reassembling. Do not use soap, chemical cleansers or abrasive wash cloths.

    paintball_packPaintball Quality

    In addition to the quality and modifications of the barrel, the chosen paintballs have a big impact on the accuracy of the marker. The use of high quality paintballs results in a much higher accuracy. It may cost a bit more to purchase a higher quality brand, but it will be worth the investment if accuracy is your goal.

    The reason this works is because better quality paintballs contain a much more dense material that fills the entire space inside the shell. Cheaper paintballs are often only filled partially or filled with a material that leaves room for air bubbles. This then can cause the filler to settle to one side and the ball to curve in that direction from the weight.

    Paintball Size

    Lastly, if ultimate accuracy is the goal, it is very important that the paintball size is chosen to match the bore size perfectly. If the paintballs are too small, they will move around freely inside the barrel and potentially shoot off in all different directions. If the paintballs are too big, they could get stuck in the barrel and slow down operation or eventually shatter.

    To find out if the paintballs match the bore size, try dropping one vertically down the barrel. It should stop up inside, but become easily dislodged with a light blow of air.

    Think about all of these factors when shooting for a higher accuracy with your marker. Make sure to find the perfect barrel length for your playing style and keep the inside clean and polished. Choose a high quality paint that fits the bore size properly. All of this combined with some practice and skill, and your marker is sure to be extremely accurate.

    Play note – sometime facilities require a certain kind of paintball, our “house paint”. They might also check yoru marker for certain industry standards , such as fire rate and power. investigate your play field to determine if your marker is appropriate.

    April 1, 2015

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  • 5 Ways to Keep Your Marker Working Like New

    texture1A paintball gun is a big investment, so you’ll want to keep it clean and in working order. Nothing is worse than getting hyped for a big day of woodsball, only to get on the field and find out your gun is leaking or won’t shoot!

    Your marker will require some easy maintenance to keep it functioning like new. Check out the following blog for storage and care tips, as well as solutions to the most common problems.

    1. Read the Owner’s Manual and Disassemble Only As Needed

    Make sure to read the owner’s manual for any maintenance and cleaning instructions specific to your marker. One very important detail to look for in the manual: the type of oil required.

    While it’s important to clean and repair as needed, don’t take the gun apart more often than necessary. It’s too easy to reassemble it incorrectly or lose a bolt while doing so.

    2. Oil Frequently But Not Excessively

    Before gameplay, make sure to oil the front and rear bolt O-ring. Use oil specifically made for paintball guns only, because other types can damage the O-rings. Remember that less is more when it comes to oil. Too much oil will gather over time and cause delays in the operation. The perfect amount of oil is just enough to coat the seals.

    Check your markers manual, because many will specify a certain oil or grease that should be used. The right kind of oil is usually inexpensive and has the most power to extend the life and quality of your gun.

    3. Clean After Every Use

    Clean the marker thoroughly after every use, but make sure to remove your Co2 or HPA tank first. Wipe down the outside of your gun after gameplay to remove all paint. Don’t use soap, chemical cleansers or wash cloths that are too abrasive.

    During gameplay, be careful when playing in wet or muddy conditions and try to prevent too much water or mud from making contact with your gun. If it does become exposed to a lot of dirt, mud, or water, take it apart to wipe out the inside. Make sure it is fully dry before reassembling.

    Occasionally you’ll also want to remove the barrel and clean the inside with a squeegee and some water. Too much paint buildup can pile up and cause problems. Wipe it down again with a dry towel and make sure it is completely dry before reassembling.

    4. Keep It In a Safe Place

    After cleaning, oil your marker to prevent rust. Make sure the trigger is in safety mode and the barrel plug is in place, then unload and remove the air supply.

    Keep it in a safe, dry place, out of direct sunlight. The tank is especially prone to heat and sun damage because Co2 expands in high temperatures.

    5. Most Common Problems Solved By Replacing These Parts

    If your gun is having operational issues, the first thing you should do is check on the Co2 bottle, batteries (if it uses them), and the O-rings. The most common problems can be fixed simply by replacing these parts.

    Make sure the Co2 bottle is not empty and check for valve problems, or test out the marker with another bottle. If the gun is leaking near the bottle, the Co2 bottle O-ring probably needs to be replaced. You should also routinely check the O-rings for any cuts, tears, or openings that air could get through just as a preventive measure.

    March 3, 2015

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  • Paintball Safety Notice: Avoid Taking Your Marker (Gun) On Any School Campus

    Its easy to be in a rush and forget about safety. When you stop and think about it, a paintball gun on a school campus should be a fairly obvious no-no. But then again, people who play paintball realize that a marker looks very dissimilar to an actual gun. That difference doesn’t matter to concerned onlookers though as they notice a trigger, barrel, and handle all resembling a firearm.

    valken paintball gun

    A recent Oakland incident highlights the level of reaction that can occur from a simple paintball gun in the wrong place at the wrong time:

    A report of what turned out to be a paintball gun on campus forced a lockdown at Claremont Middle School for nearly two hours on Tuesday morning.

    Just before 8:30 a.m., BART police received an anonymous tip from someone who noticed a group of three students walking toward the school as one of them placed what appeared to be an assault weapon into a green backpack, according to a letter to parents from Oakland Unified School District spokesman Troy Flint…

    Eventually the investigation led officers to an area near a portable where an unloaded paintball gun was buried. The imitation gun was a model used for paintball and it was empty, but it could have been mistaken for a real gun, Flint said. – San Jose Mercury News

    AC Paintball is home to a lot of student players as well as birthday/bachelor party-goers. We want to alert all of our valued community members to play it safe and avoid a situation like this. If you decide to purchase your own gear either leave it at home or come hang out with us. All areas in between should be considered non-paintball-gear zones.

    May 28, 2014

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