While there are plenty of different types of paintball guns on the market, many players don’t realize they can use a paintball pistol as a backup weapon. With so many products on the market, it can be confusing and stressful to find the perfect one worth spending your money on. After looking at every corner of the internet, we’ve come up with the five best paintball pistols that money can buy!
Table of Contents
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks…
1. Tippmann TiPX Mag Fed Paintball Pistol
- The T4E Training for Engagement paintball pistols allow you to train for less than 9 cents a round; Highly realistic size, weight, and controls provides highly realistic, cost-effective training
- Powered by economical CO2 (CO2 NOT included. To ensure a proper seal and for best performance, Umarex-brand CO2 is recommended.); 8-round drop free magazine with realistic mag release
- Metal barrel and metal slide with a slide catch that holds back upon emptying; Picatinny accessory rail for easy mounting of lights, lasers, and other accessories
- Adjustable rear sight and fixed front sight with easily visible yellow dots; Fits duty holsters
- Shoots .43 caliber paintballs, powder balls, or rubber balls at up to 355 FPS; Compatible with spare magazine part numbers: 2292103 and 2292106
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tippmann is known for making incredible paintball equipment. The TiPX Mag paintball pistol is another amazing product from the company. It’s incredibly compact and lightweight, weighing in at just over three pounds. If you’re wanting a paintball pistol that doesn’t require much upkeep, the maintenance on this one is very tolerable. If you ever need to work on this pistol, a maintenance kit is already included.
This Tippmann paintball pistol is durable and dependable, due to its high-quality build. It uses a Tru-Feed Magazine that combines a straight feed along with a low tension spring system. This allows users to play paintball no matter how humid it is. You’ll also have a bigger selection of paint to choose from. It has a seven ball magazine, 6 ¼ inch barrel, and can shoot over 150 feet.
Many users enjoy how comfortable the Tippmann TiPX is to hold for long periods of time. You can get around 25 shots for every 12 grams of CO2. This is easily one of the best paintball pistols on the market right now. It doesn’t hurt that it comes with several accessories such as a carrying case, barrel stopper, Allen keys, and more.
What we like:
- It’s easy to learn how to use
- Ergonomic grip
- Long shooting range
- Comes with a lot of accessories
- Weighs around three pounds
What we don’t like:
- It doesn’t come with a leg holster
- Safety is a bit stiff
- Clips empty quickly
2. Elite Force T4E Umarex .43cal Walther PPQ Paintball Pistol
- The T4E Training for Engagement paintball pistols allow you to train for less than 9 cents a round; Highly realistic size, weight, and controls provides highly realistic, cost-effective training
- Powered by economical CO2 (CO2 NOT included. To ensure a proper seal and for best performance, Umarex-brand CO2 is recommended.); 8-round drop free magazine with realistic mag release
- Metal barrel and metal slide with a slide catch that holds back upon emptying; Picatinny accessory rail for easy mounting of lights, lasers, and other accessories
- Adjustable rear sight and fixed front sight with easily visible yellow dots; Fits duty holsters
- Shoots .43 caliber paintballs, powder balls, or rubber balls at up to 355 FPS; Compatible with spare magazine part numbers: 2292103 and 2292106
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Next is the Elite Force T4E Umarex paintball pistol. If you’re looking for one of the best paintball pistols with a large-caliber, this is out. Reloading the magazine on this pistol is incredibly easy and doesn’t take up too much time. There are eight rounds per magazine for this Elite Force model. It is semi-automatic which may be a big plus for some consumers.
This is another lightweight paintball pistol, weighing in at less than three pounds. The handle is comfortable and you won’t experience fatigue after extended use. The black exterior gives this paintball pistol a very realistic look to it. This is an affordable option for someone who is just getting into paintball.
Another great thing about the T4E Umarex is how fast the rubber balls come out. This can be a big plus if you’re playing in a competition. The blowback is incredibly realistic and you may even experience a bit of a kick. It comes with a padded and compact carrying case as well.
What we like:
- It’s semi-automatic
- Shoots paintballs at top speeds
- Features a large caliber
- Looks very realistic
- Feels like a real handgun
What we don’t like:
- Doesn’t come with any CO2
- Powder balls can occasionally jam
3. T4E Walther PPQ M2 .43 Caliber Paintball Pistol
- The T4E Training for Engagement paintball pistols allow you to train for less than 9 cents a round; Highly realistic size, weight, and controls provides highly realistic, cost-effective training
- Powered by economical CO2 (CO2 NOT included. To ensure a proper seal and for best performance, Umarex-brand CO2 is recommended.); 8-round drop free magazine with realistic mag release
- Metal barrel and metal slide with a slide catch that holds back upon emptying; Picatinny accessory rail for easy mounting of lights, lasers, and other accessories
- Adjustable rear sight and fixed front sight with easily visible yellow dots; Fits duty holsters
- Shoots .43 caliber paintballs, powder balls, or rubber balls at up to 355 FPS; Compatible with spare magazine part numbers: 2292103 and 2292106
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The first T4E Walther paintball pistol we’ll be talking about is the first generation. This paintball pistol is tan and black. It has an ergonomic handle that won’t cause any fatigue on your hand, wrist, or arm. It has a velocity of 290 feet per second with a nine-shot drop magazine feed. This paintball pistol can you shoot .43 caliber rubber balls and paintballs.
There is a powerful CO2 blowback action. Speaking of, the tool that you will need to change out CO2 tanks is built in. It does come with a hard plastic clamshell case. There is soft foam inside that keeps the paintball pistol safe and secure. This paintball pistol is so reliable that some people have used it for self-defense. It is designed with high-quality materials and is incredibly sturdy.
The slide fits on the receiver securely and you won’t have to worry about it coming loose or rattling. Though it is small and compact, this pistol packs quite a punch when it comes to power. If you’re wanting to improve your accuracy with a heavy-duty paintball pistol, this is a great option.
What we like:
- It’s lightweight, weighing in at less than three pounds
- It’s small, yet mighty
- Can be used with different types of ammo
- Provides an accurate shot
What we don’t like:
- You may require a second magazine
- The trigger could release quicker
4. T4E NEW Walther PPQ M2 (GEN2)
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A more realistic and upgraded version of the T4E Walther PPQ M2 is the second generation model. it is a .43 caliber pistol that can shoot paintballs and rubber balls. This is a semi-automatic paintball gun and is a great option for beginners. The magazine can hold up to eight shots at once and the CO2 has a hard kick low back. With this purchase, you’ll receive a hard case, a gun, and a single magazine.
The hard case is cushioned with high-quality foam to keep the weapon in place. This is one of the lightest paintball pistols on the market. It weighs just over one pound and is quite compact. Whether you’re looking for a paintball gun for gameplay or for self-defense, This is a powerful marker. It has a nice weight and it is distributed evenly while holding the gun.
Something that sets this paintball pistol apart from others on the market is that it has a low rate of breaking paintballs. This can save you quite a bit of money. Many professionals in the military and law-enforcement use this specific paintball pistol for training. Consumers enjoy that each cylinder can be loaded up to three times. Each cylinder is able to hold 24 shots at a time. It looks and feels like a real Walther, what’s not to like?
What we like:
- It’s trusted by law enforcement
- It’s incredibly lightweight
- Doesn’t prematurely break paintballs
- It can hold a lot of shots at once
What we don’t like:
- The magazine is poorly supported
- Some users dislike how realistic it looks
5. JT ER2 Pump Paintball Pistol Kit
- .68 caliber paintball pistol
- 5 12gram CO2 Cartridges
- 50 Paintballs
- Barrel Plug
- Smooth firing pump handle
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Lastly, the JT ER2 pump paintball pistol kit makes the cut. This kit not only comes with the paintball gun, but you will receive five CO2 tanks and 50 paintballs. Unlike many other paintball guns, this pump pistol is ready to go as soon as you open the box. It has a .68 caliber with a barrel plug. It is incredibly efficient and you won’t struggle with accuracy while using this paintball pistol.
It’s also incredibly easy to use, which is a big plus for people just learning how to operate a paintball gun. Due to how it’s designed, it’s also quite easy to clean. The design also helps it stand out from real guns that you may also own. The exterior is an opaque black that allows you to see the spring as well as other components in the gun. Weighing in at less than 3 pounds, this is a lightweight and compact paintball pistol.
The pump handle fires smoothly with little kickback. You’ll find plenty of safety features along with a ball stop system and anti-double pump action. Many people purchased this paintball gun for their teenage child or someone who needs a paintball gun for target practice. It’s user-friendly and easy to set up, which is a big plus as well.
What we like:
- It comes with everything you need
- The firing pump system is seamless
- The accuracy is impressive
- It’s easy to maintain
- Perfect for beginners or younger players
What we don’t like:
- CO2 cartridges don’t last long
- Not the best for self-defense
- Slow to reload
Buying Guide
Use the features and factors below to help you compare paintball pistols. This will help you find the best product that meets your needs.
Type of Pistol
Pump Paintball Pistol
A pump paintball pistol is the most basic type of paintball pistol on the market. Named after the pump-action required to reload, these pistols are easy to use and don’t have a complicated design. These guns are durable and many experienced players still use them as a go-to option.
Fully-Automatic Paintball Gun
Fully-automatic paintball guns are a popular choice for many users. They are known for how fast they fire without needing to continuously pull the trigger. The firing will stop as soon as the trigger is released. It’s important to note that fully-automatic paintball guns don’t shoot off the same amount of shots every second.
The firing rates are up in the air, which can turn some consumers off. These paintball guns are also banned from professional tournaments and competitions unless they are privately run. This type of paintball gun isn’t suggested for beginners, as it is a bit harder to handle, making it more dangerous than other paintball guns listed here.
Three Shot Burst Paintball Gun
The three-shot burst paintball gun is mostly used by those who have a lot of experience in the sport. Each time you pull the trigger, the gun will fire three times. You can get other similar pistols that allow you to use multi-firing modes as well.
Three shot burst paintball guns are usually used by professionals, as they have the skill to easily switch between a burst mode and a semi-automatic mode.
Ramping Paintball Gun
Ramping paintball guns are some of the most common and highest quality guns out there. They are best known for the firing of rounds with incredible speed by continuously pressing the trigger.
The name comes from the ability to pull the trigger a certain amount of times and the gun will fire that exact amount of times. On the higher end, people can shoot out 18 to 20 rounds every second. Many experienced players consider ramping paintball guns as the best type of paintball gun.
Machine Gun Paintball Pistol
If your goal is to have a paintball gun that can shoot incredibly quick shots, a machine paintball gun might be up your alley. It’s important to note that similarly to fully-automatic guns, machine gun paintball pistols are not allowed in most tournaments due to safety concerns. These can make great weapons to use if you’re looking for speed, but other than that, they don’t offer anything special.
Semi-Automatic Paintball Pistol
A semi-automatic paintball pistol is another simple model, similar to the pump pistol. As you can guess by the name, a semi-automatic will require you to pull the trigger for every shot. These are easy to learn how to use and are continuously being upgraded with new technology. Semi-automatic paintball pistols are best used by beginner players.
Marker Type
The best paintball pistols come in two different types: mechanical and electronic. Mechanic markers don’t require any electricity and they are best known for how reliable they are. However, mechanical markers are often noisy and slow to fire. When it comes to electronic options, you can choose between electro-pneumatic and electro-mechanical.
Electro-mechanical is a marker that falls between the two categories. They often have burst or automatic modes as well. Electro-pneumatic can fire much faster and are often silent in comparison to mechanical markers. It may be important to note that electro-pneumatic guns tend to cost more initially and to maintain.
Type of Game You Play
Paintball pistols are best used for speedball. They shoot quickly and are compact. Many of them are comfortable to hold and can be stored on your hip in a holster. If you tend to play more woodsball, you may want to consider a paintball sniper rifle.
They offer better accuracy and are much better for that specific type of gameplay. If you’re someone who plays both, opt for a small paintball pistol that has a stock. This is a weapon that will work well in woodsball and speedball.
Range
Whenever you first get into paintball, you need to choose a lower-end or medium-range gun. Many factors go into both of these ranges, including price and features. There are plenty of low-end range paintball guns are reliable and perform well. Lower-end paintball guns usually use CO2 as a firing fuel.
Medium-range paintball pistols are more expensive because they are designed to last a lifetime. You could play paintball for 12 hours straight and it won’t affect a medium-range paintball gun. They are often made of higher quality material and tend to have more features.
Extras
Something else that you should keep in mind when shopping for one of the best paintball pistols is what accessories you’ll need. This will also help you budget and pick a gun that you can afford. You will need things such as a compressed air tank, paintballs, a helmet, a padded jacket or best, and a holster. You can get plenty of other extras as well! If you’re just starting out, get the basics and add what you like as you learn your shooting preferences.
Position
Many people join paintball teams after they learn the basics. This is a great way to make friends and have a great time. If you don’t have too much experience with paintball, you may not know that there are several different positions on each team, like most other sports.
Front Players
Front players are positioned At the front most bunker. Most frontmen don’t shoot off the break. Being quick and stealthy are perfect traits for a frontman. Each team has one to two front players. They tend to get the most hits while using the least amount of paintballs.
Mid Players
Though you can’t tell by the name, mid players are incredibly skilled and it’s not an easy position to play. Mid players need to be skilled in all areas of paintball. This includes accuracy, stealth, and making lanes. There are usually two mid players per paintball team.
Floaters
Floaters are players that roam around and act as back up for the team. When someone gets hit a floater will take their place. Because of this, being a floater is another position that requires a lot of knowledge of paintball.
Inserts
Beginners will most likely start as insert players. These are players who fill whatever role is needed and are often fast runners.
Backs
Lastly, back players start out in the row of bunkers closest to the starting point. Back players often shoot the most paintballs out of anyone else on the team. Like other positions, most teams have one or two back players.
Keeping Up with Maintenance
Just like a car or electronic that your purchase, paintball guns may require maintenance. Taking proper care of your equipment will extend its life and ensure that it stays reliable. Before you even spend a penny on a paintball gun, you should know what maintenance is required, how often, and how much you’ll need to budget.
This can easily help you choose between one product and another. You may be surprised to hear that some paintball guns can only be maintained by professionals who charge high rates. It may be in your best interest to find a gun that requires budget-friendly maintenance or one that is inexpensive enough that it won’t hurt to replace it every few years.
Best Paintball Pistol Brands
Umarex
Umarex makes a variety of different guns including paintball, airsoft, and pellet rifles. It was founded in 1972 and the headquarters are located in Germany.
Tippmann
Established in the mid-1980s, Tippmann is one of the most popular paintball equipment companies in the United States. Tippmann makes a variety of other products but is most well-known for the high-quality paintball guns and gear that they produce.
JT Toxins
JT Toxins is actually a company that is best known for their paintball CO2 tanks, safety gear, and gun packages. It is also known for the popular JT Splatmaster paintball gun!
Planet Eclipse
Planet Eclipse is a company that has been around for several decades. Many of the employees who work for Planet Eclipse participate in paintball competitions and tournaments. In addition to the products, Planet Eclipse also offers training and support for customers.
FAQ
Q: What is the best long-range paintball gun?
A: Many people enjoy the Tippmann A-5 Sniper. Not only does it have an amazing long-range, but it can also shoot up to 17 balls per second. Tippmann makes several of the most popular paintball pistols on the market.
Q: Can children play paintball?
A: Due to the safety hazards, paintball is best for people over the age of 14.
Q: Do you have to physically fit to play paintball?
A: Not necessarily. It’s important that you’re able to safely play without harming your body. Because there is often suspense and cardio involved in the sport, it may not be the best for someone with heart issues. By no means do you have to be a gym rat to play paintball!
Q: How long will 100 paintballs last me?
A: It depends on the type of paintball gun you’re using and how fast you shoot. The average time for 100 paintballs is about 300 rounds.
Q: Which is better paintball or airsoft?
A: It depends on what you’re trying to achieve. For those focusing on an accurate shot, an airsoft gun would be best. If you’re looking to get messy and have a good time, you may prefer a game of paintball. The two aren’t that comparable when it comes to gameplay, but the guns have many similarities. A lot of the companies that produce paintball gear also produce airsoft gear.
Q: What pressure do paintball guns run at?
A: Wikipedia has this to say about paintball guns and the appropriate pressure levels:
“High-pressure air, compressed air or nitrogen, is stored in the tank at very high pressure, typically 21,000–31,000 kPa (3,000–4,500 psi). The output is controlled with an attached regulator, regulating the pressure between 1,700 kPa (250 psi) and 5,900 kPa (860 psi), depending on the type of tank.”
Q: What is a first strike round in paintball?
A: A first strike round, also known as first strike paintballs, are a type of paintball that is made out of photodegradable polystyrene material. They are also a different shape than a standard paintball.
Q: How do paintball guns work?
A: Using compressed air or gas, a paintball gun shoots off a small rubber ball of paint out of the barrel. It works similarly to a real gun, but is used for paintball games or to ward off pesky critters.
Q: What is the most powerful paintball gun in the world?
A: Tippmann 98 is a paintball gun that is used all over the globe. It is not only the most powerful, but it is the most sold paintball gun of all time!
Q: Can paintball guns be used for self-defense?
A: Yes. If you’re being technical, it may depend on the exact model of the paintball gun. TiPX paintball guns are designed to double as self-defense weapons in times of need. If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation and the only thing you have near you is your paintball gun, it can be used to help you defend yourself.
Bottom Line
Paintball is a fun game that many people enjoy. Finding the right paintball gun for you is crucial to be the best player possible. Hopefully, with the five best paintball pistols reviewed above, you found a product that works for you. All of these paintball pistols are amazing for players of all skill levels. If you’re unsure of which one to choose, you can’t go wrong with the Tippmann TiPX model.
Not everyone is interested in the Tippmann TiPX paintball pistol. If that’s the case, the T4E Walther second generation is another solid choice. Remember that safety should be in the front of your mind whenever you use a paintball gun. Though these are usually used for play, they can also be used for self-defense. This shows how powerful these weapons are. To protect yourself during gameplay, be sure to wear protective gear such as a helmet, padded jacket, and eye protection.
Before you spend any of your hard-earned money, consider where you’re playing, how often, what marker type you need, and how much maintenance you have time for. Brands like Tippmann and JT Elite make plenty of incredible safety gear! Now that you’re practically an expert on paintball pistols, we hope that you found an amazing product and are ready to hit the field. Have fun and good luck!
