Paintball guns, also known as markers, use compressed air or CO2 to shoot paint-filled pellets. The recommended ammunition size is .68 caliber to match the standard paintball diameter. It is strongly discouraged to shoot marbles with paintball guns, as they can damage the gun’s internals and, more importantly, seriously injure people. Marbles do not break on impact like paintballs, concentrating the damage on a small point. Using designated paintball or water ball ammunition is highly recommended for safety.
Pepper Balls and Recreational Use
Pepper balls contain an irritating powder and burst on impact, which is different from paintballs that mark opponents. Pepper balls can be used legally for self-defense or recreation, but they should not be used to threaten or harm others. It’s important to follow safety guidelines with both pepper balls and paintballs.
Paintball is a recreational activity with alternatives like rubber, water, and pepper balls also available. However, pepper balls have a different purpose, as they are intended for self-defense, while paintballs are for marking opponents in games.
Cost Comparison and Performance
Pepper balls are more expensive than paintballs, costing around $2 to $5 per round, compared to paintballs, which cost $0.20 to $0.50 per round. The ongoing expenses should be considered when comparing the overall cost of using pepper balls or paintballs.
The PepperBall VKS magfed paintball gun can shoot up to 350 fps, allowing for accurate shooting from up to 150 feet away, which is farther than other paintball guns. Features of specific guns help defend against intruders.
Pepper ball guns are non-lethal personal protection devices that shoot irritant chemical projectiles. They provide a wider range than traditional pepper sprays and are proven effective at distances up to 150 feet, allowing safe engagement without a clear line of sight.
Some pepper ball guns can shoot both pepper balls and paintballs. When choosing a gun, consider ammo capacity, firing modes, and compatibility with paintballs. High caliber, magfed woodsball markers over 250 fps can shoot pepper balls if they are sized correctly.
Overall, pepper ball guns offer a means to repel attackers at a distance and may be suited for those unable to own firearms. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and prepare both mentally and physically when choosing the right self-defense tool.