Best Paintball Gun Under 1000: A Complete Buying Guide

Best Paintball Gun Under 1000

If you are looking for the best paintball gun under 1000, we can help! Paintball is an affordable sport, too, meaning that some great paintball guns are available at a very reasonable price.

However, with so many different models, it can be hard to know which one to buy – especially if you have a limited budget. That’s why we’ve created this handy guide to the best paintball gun under 1000.

All the paintball markers reviewed in this article are high-end. A higher quality gun will give you faster shots, tighter accuracy, and more satisfying performance in general, which is what you need.

What Is The Best Paintball Gun Under 1000?

The best paintball gun under 1000 is the Tippmann Stormer. It features rails that give room for upgrades in the future if need be. Its all-black color adds some aesthetic appeal to it.

Tippmann stormer also comes with an adjustable shoulder stock, something you only get in high-end paintball guns. Easily choose the best position between the six adjustable positions.

Comparison Table

Preview
OUR BEST PICK
Tippmann Stormer Tactical .68 Caliber Paintball Marker Black 14912
ANOTHER GOOD PICK
Planet Eclipse GTEK 170R Paintball Gun (HDE Earth)
OUR BUDGET PICK
Planet Eclipse EMEK EMF100
Products
Tippmann Stormer Tactical .68 Caliber Paintball Marker Black 14912
Planet Eclipse GTEK 170R Paintball Gun (HDE Earth)
Planet Eclipse EMEK EMF100
Brand
Tippmann
Planet Eclipse
Planet Eclipse
Calibers
0.68
0.68
0.68
Rounds
6
16
19
Barrel material
Aluminum
Aluminium
Aluminum
Air Gun Power Type
Co2
HPA
HPA
OUR BEST PICK
Preview
Tippmann Stormer Tactical .68 Caliber Paintball Marker Black 14912
Products
Tippmann Stormer Tactical .68 Caliber Paintball Marker Black 14912
Brand
Tippmann
Calibers
0.68
Rounds
6
Barrel material
Aluminum
Air Gun Power Type
Co2
ANOTHER GOOD PICK
Preview
Planet Eclipse GTEK 170R Paintball Gun (HDE Earth)
Products
Planet Eclipse GTEK 170R Paintball Gun (HDE Earth)
Brand
Planet Eclipse
Calibers
0.68
Rounds
16
Barrel material
Aluminium
Air Gun Power Type
HPA
OUR BUDGET PICK
Preview
Planet Eclipse EMEK EMF100
Products
Planet Eclipse EMEK EMF100
Brand
Planet Eclipse
Calibers
0.68
Rounds
19
Barrel material
Aluminum
Air Gun Power Type
HPA

Another feature that makes this paintball stand out is the ability to change and adjust the velocity of the shooting.

You can adjust between 250-325 FPS depending on who you are playing with or the rules of your game.

Overall, Stormer is a product that checks out all the boxes of a good paintball gun under 1000 and is worth trying.

The Best Paintball Gun Under 1000 You Can Buy Today

1. Tippmann Stormer Tactical Paintball Marker

Tippmann Stormer Tactical Paintball Marker

Buy on Amazon

(Best for overall)

SPECIFICATIONS Brand: Tippmann

Calibers: 0.68

Rounds: 6

Barrel material: Aluminum

Air Gun Power Type: Co2

TODAY’S TOP DEAL VIEW AT AMAZON

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REASONS TO BUY + Adjustable stock

+ Pop-up sight

+ Semi-automatic

+ Standard Picatinny handle for grip

+ 200 rounds hopper

REASONS TO AVOID
  • The trigger is a little stiff

The Tippmann Stormer is the best paintball gun for beginners who want a high-end product.

The Stormer is a very well-crafted gun with a sleek and modern design. It feels great to hold and operates smoothly with less noise.

The gun also features a Picatinny trail where you can attach accessories like a camera and laser system.

Some premium features that make the Stormer stand out are the adjustable stock, pop-up sight, and removable shroud, allowing you to customize your gun as you see fit.

There are two ports on the shroud where you can fit the handle grip.

This is a semi-automatic marker, meaning there is a little bit less control than the fully-automatic models but also a higher rate of fire.

2. Planet Eclipse GTEK 170R Paintball Gun

Planet Eclipse GTEK 170R Paintball Gun

Buy on Amazon

(Best for Advanced)

SPECIFICATIONS Brand: Planet Eclipse

Calibers: 0.68

Rounds: 16

Barrel material: Aluminium

Air Gun Power Type: HPA

TODAY’S TOP DEAL VIEW AT AMAZON

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REASONS TO BUY + Hoseless air transfer system

+ Quick-release bolt mechanism

+ 2 piece 14’barrel for accuracy

+ 4-Point Trigger Adjustability

+ Toolless battery access

REASONS TO AVOID
  • Not the lightest option

The Planet Eclipse GTEK 170R is an upgrade of the GTEK 160R, and it’s the best paintball gun for advanced players.

It comes with a 2-piece barrel of 14” for ultimate accuracy in the field. In addition, the second barrel piece has reverse threads so that the high-pressure operation doesn’t make it come out loose.

The DTEL 170R is easy to clean and maintain; you don’t need any tools to access and replace the battery. With a short and crisp trigger pull,  you will have a smooth firing experience.

The quick-release bolt mechanism allows fast and easy access to unjam your paintball gun and keep the game going.

Whether a beginner or a pro, with the 4-point adjustable trigger, you can get the perfect trigger adjustment for your playing style.

Coupled with the blade trigger, the GTEK 170R is engineered to give you the smoothest and most controlled shooting experience possible.

3. Planet Eclipse EMEK EMF100

Planet Eclipse EMEK EMF100

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(Best mechanical paintball gun)

SPECIFICATIONS Brand: Planet Eclipse

Calibers: 0.68

Rounds: 19

Barrel material: Aluminum

Air Gun Power Type: HPA

TODAY’S TOP DEAL VIEW AT AMAZON

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REASONS TO BUY + Accurate paintball gun

+ Lightweight

+ Consistent and quite

+ Magfed loader configuration

+3-Stage Bolt Acceleration

REASONS TO AVOID
  • Magfed has a low ammo-holding capacity

The EMEK EMF100 by Planet Eclipse features a basic design yet is extremely reliable and easy to use.

The mechanical marker comes with a magfed feeding system, which gives you a realistic feel of using a real gun because of the magazine-type loader instead of the normal hopper.

The EMEK EMF 100 features an interesting design where the entire front barrel has rectangularly perforated holes that serve two major functions.

The first function is to reduce the gun’s overall weight for easy maneuverability and maximum comfort, and the second is to increase the aesthetic appeal of the gun.

The new cutting-edge hoseless air transfer system replaces the traditional “hose-and-Valve” design, which allows you to carry much less paintball equipment without worrying about hoses getting in your way.

 Its simple design means less that can go wrong, and it’s less expensive to operate. However, it also means less control over the marker’s performance.

4. Dye Rize CZR Paintball Marker

Dye Rize CZR Paintball Marker

Buy on Amazon

(Best paintball gun for pros)

SPECIFICATIONS Brand: Dye

Calibers: 0.68

Rounds: N/A

Barrel material: Aluminum

Air Gun Power Type: Battery, Electric

TODAY’S TOP DEAL VIEW AT AMAZON

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REASONS TO BUY + Low-profile design

+ Hyper 3 regulator for precise pressure adjustments

+ Excellent grip

+ Compatible with all DYE barrels

+ 2-piece construction

REASONS TO AVOID
  • Few leaks have been reported

The Dye Rize CZR paintball marker is designed for shooters who want a low-profile gun; it features a compact, lightweight design with an extremely narrow profile.

This marker is equipped with a color-coded O ring for easy identification when performing maintenance or replacing a part.

The 4th gen eye pipe is much more reliable and less likely to clog. It also features a smoother ball release and a faster fire rate, making you more deadly on the field.

The Hyper 3 Regulator is a one-of-a-kind regulator that allows for precise increments of air pressure adjustments. This is an excellent feature for those who want to fine-tune the sound and velocity of their paintball gun.

Furthermore, the Rize CZR features a self-aligning 2-piece construction that allows for precise barrel alignment and is compatible with all DYE barrels.

5. Empire Axe 2.0 Paintball Gun

Empire Axe 2.0 Paintball Gun

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(Best mid-range paintball gun)

SPECIFICATIONS Brand: Empire

Calibers: N/A

Rounds: 20

Barrel material: Aluminum

Air Gun Power Type: Gas-piston

TODAY’S TOP DEAL VIEW AT AMAZON

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REASONS TO BUY +Multiple firing modes

+ Toolless maintenance

+ Accurate two-piece barrel

+ lightweight design

+ Anti-eye chop system

REASONS TO AVOID
  • Pricey

Empire paintball markers are known for their high quality and reliability in any circumstance. With over two decades in operation, Empire has seen unprecedented growth and success with its Axe paintball gun line, especially the Empire Axe 2.0.

If you have used the previous version of Empire Axe guns, you will appreciate the 10% reduction in weight in this new model. And this is very important as it allows for greater maneuverability in the field.

It comes with multiple firing modes that can be customized as per the game you are playing, giving you a competitive edge over any other players.

No more cross-threading screws or struggling with hex keys. The Empire Axe 2.0 Paintball gun features a push-button bolt removal system that allows you to perform engine maintenance with a simple button push.

It has a Driver XX two-piece barrel that is made of strong metal and can withstand the most rigorous conditions.

6. Spyder MR100 PRO Semi-Auto Paintball Marker

Spyder MR100 PRO Semi-Auto Paintball Marker

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(Best semi-automatic)

SPECIFICATIONS Brand: Spyder

Calibers: 0.177

Rounds: 800

Barrel material: Aluminum

Air Gun Power Type: Co2

TODAY’S TOP DEAL VIEW AT AMAZON

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REASONS TO BUY +Efficient EKO valve system

+ Two finger-trigger

+Durable

+ Semi-automatic

+ Anti-Double Feed Ball

REASONS TO AVOID
  • It’s not the lightest paintball gun

The Spyder MR100 marker is a military-style paintball gun designed with an air-efficient EKO Valve System. 

The system allows the gun to shoot up to 1500 shots from a 20 oz CO2 tank. Which is enough to keep you going without having to change the tank

It’s a perfect marker for any paintball player looking for a sleek, compact, and fast semi-auto marker with a military touch.

The marker has a two-finger trigger for maximum control and accurate firing experience. With the high-impact polymer frame, this marker can withstand even the harshest paintball field.

It also features a high-quality aluminum side Picatinny rail mounting system for various scopes and accessories, allowing easy customization.

7. U.S. Army Project Salvo .68 Caliber Paintball

U.S. Army Project Salvo .68 Caliber Paintball.

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(Best tactical marker)

SPECIFICATIONS Brand: Tippmann

Calibers: 0.68

Rounds: 20

Barrel material: Stainless steel/Aluminum

Air Gun Power Type: Spring piston

TODAY’S TOP DEAL VIEW AT AMAZON

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REASONS TO BUY + 6-point adjustable stock

+ Magazine you can use as storage

+ Picatinny rails for accessory mounting

+ Solidly built

+ Different colors available

REASONS TO AVOID
  • Weight 9 lbs can be heavy to some.

Project Salvo was inspired by the U.S. Army AR15 and it features an 11-inch high-performance barrel with a standard stock and an AR 15 style shroud. The gun has an all-aluminum receiver and a stainless gas line for durability.

With a firing rate of up to 8 balls per second and constant velocity in every shot, U.S. Army Salvo is a must-have gun for any paintball enthusiast. 

The stock is adjustable in six positions for comfortable use, or it can be folded away if need be. The marker also has Picatinny rails for mounting accessories like flashlights and sights.

 While this gun uses a hopper loading system, it comes with a magazine that you can use as a storage place for tools you might need while in the field.

Additionally,  the Project Salvor is highly customizable and is compatible with cyclone feed system, and a  response trigger.

The feed neck system easily snaps on, making it easy to put on and off. The gun is available in various colors, and you can choose one that suits your style.

The gun is solidly built, and a little compromise was made regarding weight; for this reason, some people might need a sling to handle it. Luckily, there are provisions for attaching your sling.

8. Tippmann X7 Phenom Electro Paintball Marker

Tippmann X7 Phenom Electro Paintball Marker

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(Best paintball gun for intermediate skilled players)

SPECIFICATIONS Brand: Tippmann

Calibers: 0.68

Rounds: 20

Barrel material: Aluminum

Air Gun Power Type: Battery/ Electric

TODAY’S TOP DEAL VIEW AT AMAZON

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REASONS TO BUY +Cyclone feed system

+ Easy toolless disassemble

+ Easily upgradeable

+ 3 position hall effect trigger

REASONS TO AVOID
  • Not the lightest paintball

Tippmann X7 comes as an upgraded version of Tippmann98 for intermediate players. An outstanding feature of the X7 is its versatility. 

It’s compatible with CO2, nitrogen, and compressed air, giving you options when choosing your tank type.

Fire up to 15 balls per second; thanks to its cyclone feed system, it’s perfect for suppressing your enemies while taking cover. 

The body comprises an all-aluminum die-cast receiver with a black finish that acts as a protective cover and an aesthetic addition.

The reduced barrel of 8.5 inches offers accuracy and noise reduction, making it a great choice for those opposed to loud noises produced by some paintball guns.

When it comes to maintenance, you don’t need any tools, and you can stripe apart the gun in less than one minute.

9. Planet Eclipse Etha2 PAL Paintball Marker

Planet Eclipse Etha2 PAL Paintball Marker

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(Best for beginners)

SPECIFICATIONS Brand: Planet Eclipse

Calibers: 0.68

Rounds: 6

Barrel material: Aluminum

Air Gun Power Type: Electric

TODAY’S TOP DEAL VIEW AT AMAZON

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REASONS TO BUY +Light, and reliable

+ Glass-reinforced nylon

+ PAL loader

+ Accurate aluminum barrel

+ Standard double trigger

REASONS TO AVOID
  • Limited upgradability

The Eclipse Etha2 PAL is a new paintball marker from the Eclipse team made of glass-reinforced nylon material with a perfect balance between weight and strength.

The gun features a gamma core for a smooth shooting experience and consistent performance while using any paintball under any weather.

Gone are the days of shaking your barrel to help feed the balls from the hopper. With the PAL loader technology, no batteries are needed, and no more shaking!

The PAL loading system works with an agitator to increase the feeding rate by utilizing the breech pressure from the paintball gun.

The lightweight nature of Etha2 PAL makes it easy to run around with, especially for beginners.

And the hose-free design eliminates unnecessary parts reducing weight and ensuring that nothing gets in your way while on the battlefield.

10. Shocker Paintball S.P. Shocker Amp Paintball Marker

Shocker Paintball S.P. Shocker Amp Paintball Marker

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(Best paintball for easy maintenance)

SPECIFICATIONS Brand: Shocker Paintball

Calibers: 0.68

Rounds: 6

Barrel material: N/A

Air Gun Power Type: N/A

TODAY’S TOP DEAL VIEW AT AMAZON
REASONS TO BUY +Electro and mechanical operation

+ Faster frame removal

+ Ultra gentle bolt

+ Accurate and  consistent

+ Lightweight paintball gun

REASONS TO AVOID
  • Limited features

The Shocker S.P. Amp is an excellent paintball gun for both male and female players at a low price.

Its minimalistic design makes it very easy to use and maintain, making it a great choice if you want to bring a friend or family member to play; novices are unlikely to encounter any problems.

One of the best things about this model is that it comes in a wide range of colors and designs. This makes it easy to find a Shocker that suits your tastes and playing style.

The barrel is ported, which plays a major role in ensuring that when the ball comes out at the end of the barrel, there’s little recoil felt and no muzzle flip.

This is because, as the ball passes each port, some excess air is vented out, leaving just the right amount of pressure to propel the ball.

11. Tippmann Stormer Elite Dual Fed Paintball Marker Black

Tippmann Stormer Elite Dual Fed Paintball Marker Black

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(Best dual-fed paintball)

SPECIFICATIONS Brand: Tippmann

Calibers: 0.68

Rounds: 6

Barrel material: Aluminum

Air Gun Power Type: Co2

TODAY’S TOP DEAL VIEW AT AMAZON

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REASONS TO BUY +Picatinny rails for mounting accessories

+ Dual feed

+ Durable aluminum material

+  Does not rely on batteries for high performance

+ Realistic look

REASONS TO AVOID
  • You might need to upgrade the barrel for increased accuracy.

The Stormer Elite Dual Fed Paintball is a high-end paintball gun that offers great value for money. While it is a more expensive paintball marker than other paintball guns on this list, it is still a very affordable option for a top-quality product.

The Stormer is a great choice for beginner to intermediate-level paintball players. But it can also be used for more serious or competitive play because it’s the most accurate paintball gun. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for many years to come.

And like other Tippmann guns, the Stormer Elite Dual feed marker features Picatinny rails for upgradable attachments.

Another interesting feature of this gun is the ability to adjust your shooting range from 250-325 FPS. High impact composite body ensures that the marker can withstand almost any environment and weather. 

12. Empire Mini G.S. Paintball Gun

Empire Mini G.S. Paintball Gun

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(Best lightweight)

SPECIFICATIONS Brand: Empire Paintball

Calibers: 0.68

Rounds: N/A

Barrel material: Metal

Air Gun Power Type: HPA/Co2

TODAY’S TOP DEAL VIEW AT AMAZON
REASONS TO BUY +Multiple firing modes

+ Lightweight

+ Simple design makes it easy to use

+ Made of metal, thus durable

+ Easy maintenance

REASONS TO AVOID
  • Limited customization

It is a good choice if you want a paintball gun suitable for players of all skill levels. This is a great paintball gun for those who want a simple, reliable, and durable model.

The Empire Mini G.S. paintball is designed with multiple firing modes so that you can choose and use one that is best for your current situation in the field.

With the anti-chop technology, you won’t experience jams and other inconveniences with chopped paintball balls.

Its simple design makes it easy to perform maintenance; you only need two types of hex wrenches to strip apart the gun.

The venting air source adapter is located at the bottom and comes with an on/off switch for easy pressure control.

Why You Need The Best Paintball Under 1000

There’s no doubt that expensive paintball markers offer better performance. However, you don’t have to drop much cash to get a good performance.

There are plenty of affordable options, but selection comes down to personal preference.

If you want the best performance possible, you must spend more money on a high-end paintball gun. However, if the value is important, you can get great results without breaking the bank.

What’s more, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get great results with a paintball gun for under $1000. You can surely get an affordable gun that offers great performance.

So if the value is important to you and cost is not an issue, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider one of these paintball guns under $1000

How To Choose The Best Paintball Gun Under 1000

Finding the best paintball gun for under 1000 dollars is a tough task. There are many different factors to consider. 

In this section, we have discussed some of the major things to keep in mind while shopping for a budget paintball gun.

1. Barrel length and size

The barrel length of a paintball gun is important because it determines how accurate the gun is and how far you can shoot with it.

Longer barrels can be more accurate, but they also produce fewer shots per CO2 cartridge.

On the other hand, shorter barrels can be less accurate but also produce more shots per CO2 cartridge.

Longer barrels are generally better for beginners because they allow you to get more accurate shots at longer distances.

However, they can be difficult to maneuver in close quarters and aren’t ideal for indoor games, where shorter barrels can be a better option.

2. Porting

Portings are holes on the barrel of a paintball and affect the ball’s trajectory. When you fire your gun, there is intense gas pressure behind the balls in the barrel, and this pressure, if not regulated, often causes the ball to wobble when it exits the end of the barrel.

You don’t want that, as your shots will be very inaccurate. The provision of the porting allows excess pressure to escape and leave just the right amount of pressure to propel the paintball ball.

With that in mind, if you are looking for an accurate paintball, it’s recommended to go for those with porting.

3. Caliber size

Let’s first begin by defining what caliber size is. In simpler terms, the caliber of a paintball refers to its diameter, which translates to the diameter of the paintball used.

There are three main caliber sizes in the marker, .68, .50, and .43. The most common type caliber size is .68, and you will find that many paintball tournaments and fields allow this caliber size. In addition, .68 caliber is an ideal choice for experienced and professional paintball players.

Paintball guns of .50 caliber are also common in the paintball industry and are ideal for intermediate players. The least known paintball caliber is the .43 and is recommended for beginners.

4. Material

The material of your paintball gun is important because it can significantly impact the durability and overall weight of the gun.

As a rule of thumb, higher-end paintball guns are usually made of metal, while lower-end models are made of plastic.

Metal is more durable than plastic, so it’s likely to last longer. However, you should remember that some cheaper paintball markers have metal bodies but plastic or metal parts inside the gun.Plastic is generally lighter than metal, making the gun easier to maneuver and less tiring. However, it’s also less durable and has a shorter lifespan.

5. Upgradability

When shopping for the right paintball gun, it’s a good idea to keep in mind the possibility of upgrading it in the future.

There are a couple of ways that this can happen – you might want to add on a new feature, such as a red dot sight or a more accurate barrel, or you might want to replace the entire gun altogether.

If you’re planning on adding new accessories to your gun, you should look for a model with plenty of room for upgrades. Look for provisions like rails that allow you to mount various accessories.

You should also remember that some accessories are designed to fit specific models, so it’s important to ensure they’ll be compatible with your chosen gun.

6. Weight

A lighter paintball gun means that you’ll be able to play for longer without straining your arm, and you’ll be able to move more quickly.

Keep in mind that the weight of the gun is just one part of the equation. You also have to consider the weight of any additional accessories, such as a mask, barrel, hopper, and CO2 cartridge.

7. Bore size

The bore size of your electronic paintball gun refers to the barrel’s diameter, and it’s important because the size of your paintballs depends on it.

 If you use paintballs too large for your barrel, they’ll likely get stuck in the barrel. You’ll have to deal with a  jammed gun if they get stuck.

 If you use paintballs that are too small for your barrel, they won’t be able to travel as far, as a lot of air pressure will be wasted (easily escape) without pushing the paintball.

Can I Carry A Paintball Gun For Self-Defense?

Paintball guns can offer a certain amount of self-defense, but it is important to know the limitations before using one in such a way.

Most community guidelines will not allow for the use of paintball guns in self-defense situations. 

There are also a few state and local laws that may restrict the use of paintball guns in self-defense situations.

How Lethal Is A Paintball Gun?

Paintball guns are designed to be relatively safe, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be dangerous. In fact, paintball guns can be lethal if used improperly.

Electronic paintball guns fire projectiles at high speeds, and if those projectiles hit someone in a sensitive area, like the eyes or throat, they can cause serious injury.

That’s why it’s important to always use protective gear when playing paintball and to never aim the gun or paintball pistol at someone’s head or face.

Bottom Line

Now you have the best paintball gun under 1000, plus a detailed guide on choosing the right one.

There are plenty of budget paintball guns out there that offer great performance and can improve with a little bit of modification.

Don’t be a victim of the common misconception that only high-end guns offer performance, accuracy, and reliability. That’s not entirely true.

Some brands out here produce durable, high-quality, and performing guns at pocket-friendly prices. And in this blog, we have prepared some of the best budget paintball guns on the market.

John Henrick

My name is John Hendricks, and I am a passionate paintballer who loves to play and compete. I have been involved in the sport for many years and have a wealth of experience to share.
I believe that paintball is a great sport for people of all ages and skill levels and should be accessible to everyone. That’s why I created this website – to provide a one-stop shop for all things paintball.

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