A high-quality paintball marker is the key to a safe, exciting battle on an impromptu battlefield. The characteristics of weapons largely determine the outcome of the competition. Let's figure out how to choose a marker for paintball.
Operating principle
Today on the market there is a paintball gun with a closed and open bolt. We will deal with each option in order.
A paintball marker with a closed bolt is always ready to fire. The dye ball in such models was initially bolted. Activation of the trigger causes the striker to hit the valve, which leads to the expulsion of the "cartridge" from the barrel bore under the influence of compressed gas pressure.
Marker for paintball with a closed bolt cocked independently. After the shot, the bolt automatically moves away to a distance that is enough for the next ball to penetrate into a special chamber. Thus, the weapon is again brought into a “combat” state.
What is the principle of an open bolt paintball marker? Such a weapon becomes ready to fire only after moving the bolt to a position behind the ball, which is placed in the receiving chamber. Pressing the trigger leads to pressure on the ball, which is in the barrel. After the shot, the bolt moves to its original position under the influence of a spring.
A type
Currently, mechanical and electronic paintball markers are distinguished. Systems of the first type are deprived of the opportunity for rapid destruction of targets. The accuracy parameter is also somewhat affected here. However, with regard to reliability, equal mechanical markers do not exist today.
The electronic marker for paintball is capable of producing from 8 shots per second. Weapons of this category make it possible to fire in several separate modes.
Among electronic models, sports markers are in the highest demand. In addition to the highest rate of fire (about 20 rounds per second), such systems have an extremely stylish design, a wide range of settings. Due to its high cost, sports markers are used primarily by professional players.
DIY paintball marker
If the thickness of the wallet does not allow you to purchase a ready-made factory-assembled marker, you can try to make practical paintball weapons yourself. This will require the following tools and materials:
- plywood sheet;
- universal glue;
- clamps;
- file and sandpaper;
- jigsaw;
- drill;
- brush and varnish.
First, the design of the future weapon is developed, after which the layout is printed on paper. Next, several pieces of plywood are cut according to the shape of the butt, smeared with glue and clamped in clamps. Using a jigsaw, the remaining parts are sawn out. All elements of plywood are alternately glued and left alone for about a day.
Any irregularities are removed with a file and emery paper , sharp edges are rounded, the weapon is brought into a “salable” condition. The finished form is treated with stain and varnished. A tube is attached to a home-made weapon, which will play the role of a barrel and has a diameter corresponding to the size of the pigment balls.
To implement the functional part, you should turn to the principle of action of a factory marker. Here you will need a feeder for sending balls and a compact gas cylinder. The first is screwed to the top of the homemade marker, the second is fixed at the bottom of the wooden blank. In conclusion, the cylinder is connected to the outlet fitting, which is brought to the barrel of the weapon.
For a shot from such a marker, it is enough to organize the sending of balls into the barrel and timely open the valve of the cylinder with compressed gas.
Finally
Before proceeding with the purchase of a marker, it is worth testing the maximum possible number of models of a particular type and design. To do this, just visit several sports clubs or borrow weapons from acquaintances to shoot at static targets. It will be useful to talk with experienced players, consult with sellers. This is the only way to create a more or less clear idea of the advantages and disadvantages of markers of various models.