Keep it clean!

Probably the most basic, but it has to be talked about. Keep your paintball gear clean!  I don’t know how many markers that I have had to tech with paint caked boards and bolts pinched on paint.  This is not rocket science, trust me if it was I would be building rockets. 

First step is to maintain your marker. Make sure all o-rings are in good condition. The worst thing you can do is go to a field with a horrible leak that no one has the o-ring to fix it. Your marker comes with at least one of ever o-ring, Keep them with you. Also, add the proper lubrication to your marker.  Most all low end Spyder/Tippmann type markers will use oil (note this does not mean engine oil! Go to your local store and buy a bottle for $4.99). For your high end markers (Shockers, Matrixes, Timmies, ect.) you will want to use the proper grease.  Hopefully you high end owners will have the common sense not to use bearing grease, (Yes, I have seen that been done.) and use the proper grease. The lubrication will keep your marker running smooth and keep your o-rings from tearing.

Second, Threads are important. There are lots of them and some will destroy your marker if you destroy them.  Note: if it doesn’t fit, don’t force it! Use lubrication on your threads, it will make it easier.

Some tank threads need special care. The Dye tanks are known for having the threads stripped off.  To fix this, get an on/off bottom line or something. Next attach your air system. Finally NEVER take your tank off. Mine has never come off and guess what, my threads are still there. J  (Note, I also add lube to these threads)

Your co2 tanks are not as important.

Clean the broken paint off every time you play. At the end of the day completely strip your marker and clean everything.  Worse than paint is water from playing woodsball. Rusty markers do not work. No matter how much lube your have. Dry your marker before it goes back in the bag. That goes for mud and stuff too, because guess what… mud has water in itJ.

So now your gun is relatively ok…

After your long day of playing and having fun go home and relax. But only after you take a shower because you stink. And put your cloths in the wash. Might also be a good time to clean up your shoes that you played in. 

Remember, this is to help you.  So do it.

Preached by: Colin Moats