For tournament play you will find some of the most expensive paintball guns on the market costing well over $2000. For Woodsball, the most expensive markers by far are the charger powered ones. The high price is for the different internal parts of these weapons, but mainly for the external details. For some players, the fun is in the details of using only the most realistic paintball guns and equipment possible. These players are typically ex-military, police officers, and arena enthusiasts who love to lose themselves in the game and fully immerse themselves in their mission. Magazine fed paintball rifles and guns have real use other than recreational play. Conflict simulations are important for military and police training to prepare these peacekeepers for real life situations. These exercises should use the most realistic equipment possible to mimic actual potential events and these realistic markers definitely fit the bill. However, for recreational gamers, the added realism comes at a cost that extends beyond the expensive initial investment. Using a magazine fed paintball gun demands a change in the way you play and also requires other accessories for additional costs.

While they may look much cooler and more realistic, magazine fed paintball guns are lucky to hold one tenth of what standard markers carry. While most standard markers use hoppers that hold up to 200 rounds, typical magazines typically hold around 20. This is a significant reduction in ammo capacity that leaves the mag-fed player at a distinct disadvantage. This means that players powered by mag magazines need to have good shot accuracy for every shot to count. Beginners who are eager to fire their weapons often use up all their ammo in the first few minutes of action and end up hiding behind cover until the game is over. Magazine fed paintball guns are best for experienced players who are better at shooting and have more patience to last an entire game. The reduced ammo capacity may also have to be taken into account for the role you play on the field. If your job is to provide a lot of covering fire so forward players can maneuver, this type of marker might not be the best tool.

Since the magazines only carry up to 20 rounds, this also means that players will have to carry numerous full mags during a game. These accessories are bulky and need to be carried so that they are easily accessible for quick recharging when empty. The best way to carry these rounds of ammo is with a custom paintball tactical vest with as many magazine pouches as possible. This is an additional expense but a must if you choose this type of realistic marker. Specialized leg harnesses are also available to carry mags, however they only hold 2-4, but offer another option to pack as much ammo to extend play. Standard hopper-fed paintball guns are easily reloaded by dropping a pod of BBs for a quick reload; this can usually be done in the middle of a game without issue. Magazine-fed pistols are just as easily reloaded by simply placing another loaded magazine, however they must be loaded one BB at a time and must be done before the game begins.

Another expense to consider before purchasing a magazine fed paintball rifle is the type of ammunition it requires. These weapons are particularly hard on paintballs and must use a certain grade. Paintball ammo comes in different grades separated/classified by the hardness of their shell. The premium grade is used for tournaments and has very brittle covers, so they break more easily on impact. This grade of paintball tends to break inside the magazines causing a mess in your marker which leads to more maintenance procedures. Recreational grade paintballs are the lowest class of paint and have the firmest shells. This is the best grade for use with magazine fed pistols; however, some brands work better than others. Valken’s Graffiti and Redemption brands work well; Rap4 also makes a specific paintball for this type of weapon that is also very consistent. While most commercial courses sell recreational-grade balls, it’s smart to call ahead to first find out if they allow mag guns on your course, and second, to find out if they have the right type of ammunition for your marker.

You can also expect a bit more maintenance with magazine paintball guns. While each type of marker that shoots paint will require a certain amount of cleaning and maintenance, these guns have a few extra parts that need attention. Not only are the internals a bit different, but the chargers themselves sometimes require cleaning or parts need to be replaced. Fortunately, fed magazine paintball markers have been around for over ten years and prototypes have come and gone. When they were first introduced, most models were plagued with problems and it seemed like the movement would never get off the ground. There are only a few federal magazine brands now, but they all have highly finished, reliable products that shoot accurately and are fun to use. Despite this, it’s smart to read product reviews, check the company’s track record, and study their warranties/return policies before purchasing any new paintball gun.