The paintball gun is the key component to the sport of paintball. The gun-like device, often referred to as a marker, because it is used to mark one’s opponent with a targeted ball of paint. It is vital to familiarize oneself with how to use a paintball gun in order to be a successful player. Most paintball guns use air pressure to propel a ball of paint through a barrel to mark an opposing payer. The gun is composed of four distinct parts: the body, the barrel, the hopper and the air tank.

The Body

This is the part of the marker to which the other parts attach. The body houses the firing mechanism and the trigger as well as attachments for the hopper, barrel and air tank. Most commonly made from aluminum to increase sturdiness and decrease weight, they come in a variety of styles and colors.

The Barrel

A barrel usually comes packaged with the body. It attaches to the front of the body. Barrels come in a variety of sizes made to match the different sizes of paintballs available separately from the body. When purchasing a barrel separately from the body it is important to note the threading which the body uses as the it must match that of the barrel. Barrel plugs are often inserted in the tip of the barrel during a game to signify the player is out as well as a secondary safety.

The Hopper

The paintball hopper or loader is the container from which the gun draws paintballs to fire. The most common variety of hopper is the gravity feed and is the most inexpensive type available. Usually attaching to the top of the marker, the gravity feed allows the balls to slide down into the body. Other hopper types are designed to prevent jamming, which may sometimes be a problem with the gravity feed style of hopper.

The Air Tank

Most paintball markers require some type of gas pressure to propel the paintball from the marker and through the barrel. The gas is contained within a tank or canister and attaches to the back or bottom of the gun, depending on the style of the body. While the type of gas may vary, they all operate on the simple principle of a controlled release of a small amount of high pressure gas, be it carbon dioxide or nitrogen. The method of controlling the release of the propellant is contained within the body of the paintball gun. Other methods of propellant methods exist, but are far less common and generally more expensive.