How To Store and Maintain a Paintball Marker
Your paintball marker is one of the most important pieces of equipment you own. Not only do you need to take care of it so it performs well, but you also need to store and maintain it properly to ensure its longevity. Today we’re going to show you how to do both!
Importance of proper storage and maintenance
Paintball marker maintenance and storage are essential if one wishes to get the best performance out of their marker. Dirt, dust, and other particles all build up in the nooks and crannies of a paintball marker over time, leading to misfires or clogged air hoses.
The proper storage location of the paintball marker
When it comes to storing your paintball markers, you need to find a location that is both temperature-controlled and away from direct sunlight. Ideally, this should be in an area that is cool and dry such as a closet or garage. Also, make sure the place where you store your marker is clean, free of moisture, and away from any flammable materials.
Although you can’t see it, water is all around us in the form of airborne moisture vapor (humidity). When choosing a location to store your paintball marker, make sure the environment isn’t too humid. Environments of 60% relative humidity or higher may promote the formation of rust and corrosion on your marker, which can lead to firing problems later down the road. If the humidity is higher than this amount, try installing a dehumidifier nearby to eliminate the excess moisture vapor.
While paintball markers aren’t technically classified as a firearm, they can still cause injury nonetheless. This is why it’s a good idea to keep your paintball marker secure and out of the reach of children. You can use a special paintball marker storage safe, or you can place it a locked cabinet. The bottom line is that it needs to be safely tucked away in an area where children can not reach.
Cleaning and drying the paintball marker before storing
Taking the time to properly clean and dry your paintball marker before storing it is important to ensure maximum performance and a longer life of the equipment. By taking the time to clean the gun, you can prevent dirt and paint buildup that can lead to decreased accuracy and reliability.
If your paint gets on your marker (which it probably will), try to get into the habit of cleaning it off at the end of the game. A damp washcloth should make easy work of any splattered paint. Leaving paint on your marker may restrict the speed at which paintballs shoot, and it could further damage your marker by causing rust to settle. You can prevent this from occurring, however, by giving your gun a quick wipe down.
Properly disassembling and reassembling the paintball marker before storing
Taking proper care of your paintball marker is important for having a successful play session. To ensure it is kept in good condition between uses, disassembly and reassembly should be done properly. Taking the step to understand how to properly take the marker apart and press fit each part back together can help keep paintballs accurately shooting straight and reduce wear and tear. Even if you’re not as experienced, finding advice or instructions online from sources you can trust will make all the difference in getting your marker ready for storing or subsequent use.
Maintenance Tips for a Paintball Marker
Regular maintenance of your paintball marker will ensure maximum performance and reliability when out on the field. This can include basic tasks such as keeping the paintball tank filled, checking for blockages in the barrel, greasing O-rings, changing out broken components, replacing malfunctioning electronics and more.
When needed, do not hesitate to seek help from technical professionals if you have questions or issues that need resolving.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of the paintball marker
Taking apart the marker, making sure all internals are clean and lightly lubricated with gun oil or silicone, as well as frequently inspecting seals for cracks and gas tightness are just some of the tasks needed for routine maintenance.
Just like firearms need an occasional oiling from time to time, so do paintball markers. With that said, you should only use oils and lubricants that are made specifically for paintball markers. If you are unsure whether or not a product is suitable for use on your marker, read the owner’s manual. This should contain information on how to clean and oil it, including which products are suitable to use and which ones should be avoided. In the event you are unable to find the owner’s manual, contact the manufacturer and ask them. Most reputable companies will gladly offer advice on which oils to use.
Using the right type of paintballs for your marker
Using the correct type of paintballs for your marker is of the utmost importance for a safe and enjoyable game. Different markers require different paintballs to ensure not only accuracy but safety as well. Generally it is best to use premium-grade paintballs that offer an even and consistent performance every time they are fired. Additionally, using lighter weight balls can also help to boost accuracy while avoiding any potential damage they may cause to the environment or other player’s protective gear. By selecting the right type of paintballs for your marker, you can guarantee that you and everyone else on the field will have a safe and exciting game!
Common Problems and Solutions of paintball markers
Paintball markers can have a variety of common problems. One of the most common issues is air leaks, which are caused by worn o-rings or valve seals. In addition, paintballs will bounce off of the marker if there isn’t enough gas pressure in the hopper, frequently resulting in improper loading or breaking inside of the marker. Additionally, dirt and debris can cause jams due to stuck paintballs, as well as frequent firing failures that increase aftermarket parts wear-and-tear. Fortunately, all of these problems are preventable and easy to fix with basic maintenance and replacement parts. Cleaning the internals, checking o-rings for wear-and-tear, and replacing parts as necessary can keep your paintball marker performing optimally for years to come!
Leaking or broken O-rings on the paintball marker
One of the most common issues is a leaking or broken O-ring, which impacts the pressure levels in the marker. If a draw is felt when releasing air, it is a telltale sign of this issue. If left untreated, it can drastically reduce accuracy and performance on the field. Replacing O-rings regularly should be part of a meticulous maintenance routine to ensure that your paintball marker lasts you for years to come.
Jammed or broken paintballs in the paintball marker
Malfunctions like jammed or broken paintballs in a paintball marker can be an unfortunate downer for any adrenaline filled game of paintball. If your marker starts acting up, the key is to stay calm while troubleshooting the problem. Regardless of which brand of marker you use, when balls get lodged inside the chamber, it’s essential that you remove all remaining balls to stop them from jamming again and causing further damage. A few common tools like adjustable screwdrivers, Allen wrenches and a quick cleaning gun oil can help solve this problem with ease. If you’re unable to fix it on your own, contacting the store where you purchased your marker is always an option; they have quality technicians who have years of experience with these types of repairs.
Air leaks in the paintball marker
If the air seal is not maintained, then it can significantly decrease the amount of pressure within the gun, leading to a drop in accuracy and velocity. If left unchecked, further damage can occur due to parts wearing out prematurely or their malfunctioning, potentially resulting in irreversible damage to your marker. Consequently, it is recommended that you check all o-ring seals as well as other components on your paintball marker regularly for any signs of wear and tear or poor performance so you can get the most out of your gear.
Conclusion
After taking into consideration all of the elements that go into maintaining and cleaning a paintball marker, it is clear that having one requires careful attention and a willingness to keep up with regular maintenance. While this responsibility may seem daunting at first, understanding the basics of what needs to be done can help make maintaining your paintball marker effortless and easy. By familiarizing yourself with manufacturer instructions, investing in the proper supplies, storing and handling correctly, being vigilant about cleaning out broken paintballs and debris after every game, giving everything a good deep clean once or twice per season, and putting safety first at all times you can ensure an enjoyable experience playing paintball!
Storing and properly maintaining paintball markers are essential components of a successful and enjoyable game. This is because having a well-performing, reliable marker can be the difference between winning a close match or being left in the dust. Properly storing one’s paintball gun ensures that it remains clean and in good working order. In addition, proper maintenance should be done on a regular basis, as this keeps all of the parts functioning correctly and prevents wear and tear from impacting play. Maintenance also means ensuring that all safety equipment such as masks and hoppers are properly kept up with, thus protecting against potential injuries that could occur from ill-maintained accessories. Ultimately, proper storage and maintenance of one’s gun can make sure their game is always at its best – providing hours of fun for players, with the added bonus of ensuring everyone’s safety!