• 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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  • Biggest Day in Paintball: Paintball World Cup

    Photo Courtesy PSP

    Photo Courtesy PSP

    AC Paintball is closed Saturday for the holiday, but don’t worry because there will still be plenty of action in the world of paintball this weekend. The 2014 PSP World Cup will take place October 9-12 in Chicago, Illinois. 380 paintball teams from all over the world will compete in what is said to be paintball’s biggest day of the year.

    Professional and amateur paintball players will compete on ten identical fields and in four Divisions. Amateur teams will play with five shooters in seven matches. Professional teams will play with seven shooters until one team hits seven points.

    The World Cup is the biggest and the last competition of the year for the PSP league. Small competitions have taken place all year in California, Maryland, Chicago, and Dallas.

    All teams will play capture the flag style. In case you are unfamiliar with the rules, teams will enter the field from opposite sides and try to shoot the opposing players while avoiding getting hit themselves. The ultimate goal is to obtain the flag located in the center of the field and return it to their starting position.

    You can check out the field layout and bunkers in the picture of above. Looks like the fields have a good amount of snake bunkers (small and low to the ground) and Doritos (tall and triangular), which should make for fast and intense games.

    You can get in on the action by watching the live webcast this weekend provided by PBA. You can access the stream at paintballaccesslive.com for $19.95.

    The webcast will also offer a live episode of The Breakdown, a paintball news series with hosts Matty Marshall and Todd Martinez created by PBA.

    The episode will feature interviews with selected players who will discuss their paintball season, thoughts on the field layout, and tactics for the big game. The hosts and players will also talk about Fantasy Paintball picks and drills to try on the field.

    In an informal poll on PBNation, fans made their picks for teams most likely to win the World Cup. Top choices were Edmonton Impact from Canada, Moscow Art Chaos from Russia and LA Ironmen. Other fan favorites were Tampa Bay Damage, Houston Heat, and San Antonio Xfactor. Trailing behind was Baltimore Revo, Omaha Vicious, and Upton 187 Crew.
    The next few days will be big in the world of paintball. What teams do you think will beat the competition? What are you thoughts on the field design? Let us know in the comments!

    October 15, 2014

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  • New Paintball App Could Provide Radar, Communications, and More

    In a world where there are apps being developed for all kinds of purposes, paintball is no exception. The Overwatch app is currently being developed for use on the paintball field with some pretty cool features, including the ability to track players and live chat with teammates. The app’s website suggests mounting your smartphone on your marker or attaching to your wrist with a wristband to use the app during gameplay.

    Photo Courtesy Overwatchapp.com

    Photo Courtesy Overwatchapp.com

    Here’s a full list of features from the app’s website:

    • Radar: Track you enemies’ and teammates’ every move in real-time with GPS integration
    • Chat: Stay in constant contact with your team on the battlefield with live voice chat
    • Perks: Dish out in-game perks to give your team the ultimate edge
    • Command Center: Control your team (and the chaos on the field) from any remote location

    Could this app become mainstream on the paintball field? It seems like it could come in handy during big scenario games or for fast-paced team maneuvers. Of course, full team integration of the app would be needed to make it worthwhile.

    You wouldn’t need to waste time figuring out if it’s an enemy or teammate approaching, because the app would tell you right away. You could also more easily communicate with teammates to plan ambushes and attacks.

    However, does this take the excitement out of the game? This app may make paintball too similar to a video game. Isn’t half the fun exploring the field and finding opponents on your own, instead of through a phone screen?

    The app was, in fact, inspired by video games. It seems the developers are trying to combine video games with real-life play.

    According to the website, “Inspired by classic first-person shooter video games, Overwatch is the next generation of interactive gaming. Using Overwatch, all the technology you’ve come to love from combat and first-person shooter video games is available in real life – right on your smartphone. Overwatch isn’t just another smartphone game; it’s a tactical utility to enhance airsoft, paintball and first-person shooter gameplay. It’s not just game time. It’s game time. For real.”

    Another thing to consider is the risk of your smartphone being hit and potentially damaged. You would need to invest in a high quality protective phone case to keep it safe.

    Do you think this app could take off in the paintball world? Will paintball still be fun if you already know where your opponents are at all times? Let us know in the comments.

    October 6, 2014

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  • Should Paintball Guns Be Used to Scare Off Deer?

    An Ohio councilman has proposed an alternative use for paintball guns–to control stray deer that wander onto private property, according to ABC News Cleveland.  Avon Lake councilman David Kos is hoping to pass a proposal allowing residents to shoot deer with paintball guns as a creative solution to keep an overpopulation of deer out of places they are not wanted.

    “It can safely remove a deer without approaching it, from a distance, and strike that deer with a force, not to kill it, but to get it off your property,” Kos said.

    deer

    Residents report sighting eight to ten and sometimes even twenty deer on their property each night that are not deterred by deer repellent or other methods. The overpopulation of deer are problematic mainly because they consume plants and shrubs from personal gardens.

    Kos believes paintballs will not significantly injure the deer or damage any personal property caught in the crossfire. His proposal requires residents to apply for a paintball gun permit to shoot the deer.

    “This will give the vast majority of the population of Avon Lake that does not have access to hire a bow hunter or use archery equipment the ability to safely remove that deer from their property,” Kos said.

    Is this an innovative solution or is it a mistake to use paintball guns off the field? It may be safer for the animals because they are less likely to be injured or killed by a paintball than by archery equipment.

    But will it really work? The town may just end up with and overpopulation of multi-colored deer.  Another concern is that this solution may cause a desensitization to paintball guns and a relaxed attitude when using them. Not to mention, the risk of children or other people who could be accidentally caught in the crossfire.

    Paintball guns are extremely safe when used with common sense and protective gear. Without masks and proper equipment, the risk of injury from paintball guns is much higher.

    What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

    September 5, 2014

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  • Paintball Helps Keep Spirits High In Baghdad

    paintball birthday

    As a war wages on the streets of Baghdad, Iraq, its residents search for ways to keep morale up. For one group of friends, it’s paintball that helps them gain a sense of normalcy and keep their spirits high. This group of men, who met in college, gather every so often and participate in a game of paintball to let off some steam.

    Hannah Allam writes for the McClatchy DC News:

    A sniper crouched next to a pile of sandbags, taking aim at anything that moved. Return fire came in bursts, from behind a palm tree.

    “Go! Go! Go!” one fighter yelled.

    “I’m hit!” shouted another.

    Then, abruptly, the combat ended. The fighters yanked off their protective masks and let out exhilarated laughter.

    This scene took place at Baghdad’s paintball field, despite the all-too-real war taking place outside. As the battle continues between Iraq and Islamic extremists, this group of friends is happy to have found a hobby to lighten their moods and help them laugh.

    “The most important thing is that, here, there’s no blood,” Ahmed Raad told the McClatchy DC News.

    Life carries on as Baghdad residents learn to live with the violence that has become normal in their town.  Paintball has helped them have some lighthearted fun in a serious time.

    “We must live our lives. We’ve learned how to keep going under difficult circumstances.” Abdullah al Rawi told the McClatchy DC News.

    We are happy paintball can offer this group a way to unwind and carry on with their lives in a very stressful time.

    Paintball has the power to transport people to an exciting and laughter-filled world if only for a few hours. It can bring friends together in an adventurous and carefree environment. We are proud to be players and fans of this fantastic game.

    July 23, 2014

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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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