With so many styles of paintball guns on the market, finding the best paintball pistol to fit your needs is not an easy task. Whether you are a novice or a pro, there is the perfect model for you somewhere out there, and we’re here to help you find it. We’ve compiled this easy-to-use buyer’s guide to save you time. Use it to help you find the perfect pistol for your preferred playing style.
Top 10 Paintball Pistols Table
| Picture | Name | Firing System | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. TIPPMANN Cronus Paintball Marker Gun | Mechanical | $ | 4.6 |
 | 2. Planet Eclipse ETEK5 Paintball Marker / Gun - ETEK 5 | Electronic | $$$ | 4.6 |
 | 3. Empire Paintball Axe Marker | Electronic | $$ | 4.5 |
 | 4. Tippmann Gryphon Paintball Marker Gun | Mechanical | $ | 4.5 |
 | 5. Dye Proto Rize MaXXed Paintball Marker | Electronic | $$ | 4.5 |
 | 6. DYE M2 Paintball Marker | Electronic | $$$$ | 4.4 |
 | 7. Tippmann A-5 .68 Caliber Paintball Marker with E-Grip | Electronic | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 8. D3FY Sports D3S Paintball Gun | Electronic | $$ | 4.2 |
 | 9. Kingman Training Eraser 11mm Marker | Mechanical | $ | 4.1 |
 | 10. Azodin Kaos Semi-Auto Paintball Marker Gun | Mechanical | $ | 4.0 |
Choosing the Right Paintball Pistol for Your Play Style
The type of paintball game you play can greatly impact the type of paintball pistol you need. If you are a casual paintballer, you’ll probably be engaging in whatever game mode is offered at your local paintball field. However, if you are hoping to break into the pro scene, you probably want to focus on one specific play style.
- Woodsball. Also referred to as field combat, woodsball involves moving around outdoors while firing between trees and other natural objects. For this type of game mode, a paintball pistol that offers accurate shooting for long-range engagement is preferable.
- Speedball. With a faster pace and smaller playing field, speedball is all about hurling paint downfield as quickly as possible. In this mode of play, accuracy is less important than quantity. A paintball pistol that allows you to fire more shots per tank fill is desirable for speedball game play since you will be potentially shooting off hundreds of rounds during each round of play.
- RecBall. Played indoors with various structural bunkers and obstacles, RecBall requires a compact paintball pistol. RecBall combines elements of all other types of gameplay and is often a favorite of beginner level paintballers.
- Mil-Sim. Getting its name from an abbreviation for “military simulation,” Mil-Sim paintballers prefer realistic tactical-style paintball gear.
Mechanical vs. Electronic Paintball Pistols
Paintball pistols use either a mechanical firing system or an electro pneumatic firing system. Electronic systems offer fully automatic firing, allowing burst firing as well as increasing single-shot speed. With fewer moving parts, there is a reduced risk of mechanical malfunction. These guns are highly accurate and have low recoil when firing. Pistols with this type of firing mechanism also use less propellant, instead relying on a 9-volt battery to drive ball propulsion.
Mechanical paintball pistols are generally more affordable and easier to maintain. They are easy to disassemble for maintenance and cleaning. There are no electronics to worry about or batteries to change. These simple paintball pistols are a great choice for beginners or the enthusiast who likes to keep their gear simple.
Top 3 Best Paintball Pistol Reviews
1. TIPPMANN Cronus Paintball Marker Gun
High performance and high-impact durability packaged in a sleek mil-sim body, the Tippmann Cronus is both reliable, sturdy, and accurate. With four Picatinny rails, this paintball pistol is easy to customize with an assortment of added accessories.
Featuring a reliable in-line bolt system and a strong composite body with soft over-molded grips for comfort, the Cronus is durable enough for even the roughest paintball game play. Built to last, this paintball marker is affordable, looks cool, and is ideal for beginners. It is difficult to break this work horse even when if you try.
This paintball pistol is easy to handle and easy to maintain. It feels good in the hand, is easy to control, and is simple to disassemble and maintain. The Tippmann Cronus Paintball Marker is an excellent value for the price tag and hands down the best paintball pistol on the market today.
2. Planet Eclipse ETEK5 Paintball Marker / Gun
Planet Eclipse is proud of its ETEK line for its reliability and durability, and the 5th generation ETEK 5 is no exception. With a natural feel, this paintball marker offers incredible accuracy whether your game requires snap shooting or volleying balls at the opposition as you run and gun. This paintball marker offers a super-fast firing rate with a reduced recoil, and it is quiet and gentle on paint whether in the breach or the barrel.
With one of the most stable and comfortable shooting platforms on the paintball scene, the Planet Eclipse ETEK 5 features dual wrap-around grips that not only look cool but also offer a higher level of weapon control for even the roughest and toughest playing conditions. The outstanding performance, comfortable ergonomics, and array of advanced features make this a favorite marker for intermediate and serious paintballers alike.
3. Empire Paintball Axe Marker
With several different firing styles, the Empire Axe is just plain fun to shoot. It can fire off shots at rapid rates of speed without any pauses or mechanical malfunctions. It is also easy to hold, lightweight, and has a spacious frame to accommodate practically any size hand.
The Empire Axe has a sleek quality design and feel that lets you know you’ve gotten your money’s worth. With a design that allows for easy maintenance, you’ll be able to disassemble and reassemble this paintball pistol with ease and confidence. It has a hoseless paintball pistol, so there are never any worries about broken, leaky, or malfunctioning hoses while on the paintball course.
A favorite model of pro players on the PSP tour, the Empire Axe Paintball Pistol is a solid gun for players of all types and skill levels. Whether you plan to use it on the tournament field or out in the woods, this quality paintball marker is made to cut down the competition.
