Paintball

[Walking_Target]

one thing that has worked well thus far for me is learning to shoot a 3-round burst (when using a semi)

for games where i want really high accuracy, my Autococker is the marker i use.

NOT because of the 'closed bolt is more accurate' myth. i use it because it is a more stable platform with less recoil. (that's what i have found at least)

if you really want to improve your accuracy, do everything the same, all the time. any sharpshooter will tell you that the key to putting ammo on target is to repeat every motion exactly the same every time you take a shot.

the other thing that you may wish to consider is investing in an open red dot sight (daisy air rifle red dot will do) that will help alot with the 'sight picture' you want to have. I would reccomend this when you have hit a 'plateau' in you skill, where you feel that you just are not getting better.

i used to be on the shooting team in cadets... i could give you a lecture on breathing, but it's not a huge deal in paintball.

[Wycke]

As for differences in barrels, I've found that it's mostly materials and manufacturing quality. The most accurate and consistent barrels I've used are the stock barrel on my Phantom, the PPS barrels on my Blazer and 'Cocker (or Sniper) and any barrel from Lapco.

My suggestion for an open bolt gun would be a Lapco Microshot (for tiny paint), an AutoSpirit (for small-medium size paint), or a BigShot (for medium-large paint). If you'll be using the same paint most of the time, just get the one that fits that paint best. If you use different paints at different fields/events throughout the year, having another on hand is a good idea. To be uber-prepared, get all three. Any way you cut it, you can easily find them for around $50 a piece.

[Al Ray]

there is no such thing as accuracy in the worl of paintball in the ture sense of the word. There is however consistancy. Springwork, vlave porting, regualtors, ect. just depends on the marker

[thepenguinc]

outside of buying a barrel kit... j&j barrels are really nice and, in my experience, is one of the best at shooting through a chop. although i am a fan of all american's. smart parts isn't top as far as ethics goes but they do make good barrels.

[Brewtt]

The only barrels I use anymore are Lapco's and Palmers brass.

[usagi_tetsu]

Go watch all the videos over at Web Dog Radio and soak in all the knowledge-y goodness.

[amargio1]

well a spool valve marker gives little or no kick and that plus a good barrel and decent paint with hpa and good reg (sidewinder..mac dev) or equal will be all you need.


http://www.myspace.com/sdfeature

[SLACKJAW]

OK. So how does barrel length factor in?
I'm looking and those 16" and 18" barrels look like they might be cumbersome when trying to pop and shoot from a tight bunker.

[russc]

14" is my favorite length. Extra length helps with noise dissipation and makes a nice sighting picture, but accuracy gains are minimal.

[sdawg]

Let's think of everything that is said to affect paintball accuracy:

- paintball quality: consistency of fill and shell roundness
- barrel length: longer is easier to aim
- barrel honing/polish/cleanliness: a smoother barrel reduces friction that can cause inconsistent shots or spin; the effect of porting, muzzle break, rifling is debatable.
- paint to barrel match: helps the paintball exit the barrel in a straight trajectory
- consistent pressure from the power source: if the CO2/air pressure is the same each time, the paintballs will have a more consistent trajectory
- marker "kick": has more of an impact on multiple shots

What am I forgetting?

I have a theory that the prescence of a o-ring that seals the paintball in (or just in front of) the barrel improves accuracy. Just something I've noticed in my markers.