A paintball marker (official name), also known as a paintball gun, is the central piece of equipment in the sport of paintball. Markers make use of an expanding gas (carbon dioxide or compressed air) to propel paintballs through the barrel. The paintball community generally prefers to use the term "marker" rather than "gun" in order to mitigate the public perception that paintball markers are weapons, and that paintball is a dangerous sport. The term derives from its original use as a means for forestry personnel and ranchers to mark trees and wandering cattle.
Paintball Marker Diagram
The muzzle velocity of paintball markers can approach 300 feet per second (91 meters per second, or about 205 mph). Muzzle velocity above 300 feet per second is ruled unsafe in most commercial paintball fields. Below 300 fps, most paintballs will break upon impact without leaving significant damage beyond a small bruising. Due to the speed of flying paintballs, players must wear masks to protect the eyes, mouth, and ears when barrel blocking devices are not in place.
The majority of paintball markers have four main components: body, a hopper, a gas system (air tank), and a barrel. There is, however, a strong following of stock-class players who use markers with a purposely low rate of fire and capacity. Stock-class markers are usually pump-action and powered by 12-gram CO2 powerlets.
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