| ball is a great sport that is still growing in popularity | | | | I remember the second time I went out. We were a |
| among all demographics across the world. It is a good | | | | team of pump-armed teenagers and the other team |
| way to keep in shape, and if we are being honest | | | | had a guy with a semi-automatic. We were mowed |
| most people will say that there is nothing quite like | | | | down time and time again, because of high firing |
| being able to go out and play war without the risk of | | | | speed and the lack of confusion on the part of the |
| serious injury. Most of us are also pretty intense | | | | other gunner. If you are planning on becoming |
| when it comes to paintball competitions, so if you are | | | | involved in high-intensity games, then a semi might be |
| one of the people who is thinking about taking up | | | | the best model for you. Just remember that as semi |
| paintball full time you will want to choose your first | | | | automatics are becoming more prevalent, many field |
| gun carefully. | | | | operators are aware of the damage to business; if |
| Many people get into paintball by accident, going out | | | | paintball becomes a sport of professionals only, then |
| to a field with a group for a bachelor party, a staff | | | | the market for beginners will dry up. Many paintball |
| outing, or just at the invitation of a friend. Everyone | | | | fields cater to amateurs and thus will only allow |
| quickly realizes how addicting the sport can be, and | | | | pumps on their ranges unless they are hosting a |
| most will be chomping at the bit to get back out | | | | special tournament. Pump guns are still a great way |
| there. These first outings can be a great way to get | | | | to demonstrate mastery in the game as they require |
| an idea of the type of gun that you want to | | | | real skill to manage. |
| purchase. Most outfitters will rent out standard, | | | | Your first gun will also be determined by whether or |
| cheap-yet-durable pump model guns. These guns are | | | | not you plan to join a paintball team. Often, team |
| designed with a pump action which is pulled | | | | hobbyists will have several roles for individuals to |
| backwards to drop a ball in front of the bolt and then | | | | play, and the type of gun will depend on the role that |
| pushed forward to place the paintball in front of the | | | | you are playing. Full automatics are good for holding |
| bolt in firing position. Right off, you will realize that in | | | | positions and laying down covering fire, pumps are |
| the excitement of paintball war, pump model guns | | | | used by snipers and the real skilled players on the |
| get jammed up as you forget if you have put a ball | | | | team, and ramping modes shoot huge bursts per |
| in the chamber or not. Players are especially prone to | | | | second and are a good counter to automatics. |
| this in high-intensity situations where they are firing | | | | The decision about what type of gun you use will be |
| for their life (and they usually end up getting shot out | | | | based on a lot of factors. Many enthusiasts will use |
| sometime during the frenzy). | | | | several types of gun depending on what type of |
| Pump guns can be great for beginners, but it is likely | | | | event they are participating. Your first gun is special, |
| that on your first few outings you will be impressed | | | | though, as it will determine the direction you will take |
| by the types of guns other players bring to the field. | | | | with your new hobby. Choose wisely, and have fun! |