Paintball guns come with rifled and unrifled barrels. There is controversy over how much improvement rifled barrels lend to a paint marker. In the case of firearms, the incredible pressures, shape of the bullet and length of the barrel all work with the rifling to provide the most predictable trajectory possible for the bullet. In the case of a paintball marker, the pressures aren’t nearly as high, the ammunition is soft, not hard and the emphasis is oftentimes on shorter range shots and being able to get them off fast.

Paintball guns can be outfitted with various types of sights. Laser and red dot sights are two compelling options and they can improve accuracy, particularly in reflex shooting situations. These sights aren’t going to magically transform your paintball marker into a device that can take out an opposing team member at 300 yards, but you’ll love them if you’re up close and personal and you have to hit center mass without being able to line up the shot across iron sights or with the barrel. Because many paint markers have a short design, these fast sights are very good additions for them.

If you’re interested in paintball guns that can make those long shots, you’ll want a longer barrel and very good pressure regulation. If you’re using a CO2 system, rapid fire will diminish the pressure behind your shots and, therefore, your accuracy.

Paintball guns are not firearms; they’re their own thing. You’ll have to learn to use yours, to disassemble and clean it almost by reflex and to know its characteristics intimately. Because a lot of paintball matches mirror military engagements, it’s relevant that, in situations where you’re up against someone of equal skill, knowing your weapon better than the other player will improve your chances of winning more than just having a better weapon will.