Proper Paintball Gun Safety
Most people understand that guns and rifles are dangerous items, paintball guns are no different. Even though paintball markers fire paint pellets instead of "real" bullets, handled incorrectly they can maim you for life. Anytime you are handling a marker, keep gun safety at the forefront of your thoughts and you will be able to continue enjoying paintball for years to come.
Layne regularly writes for ProlificPaintball.com, they carry such paintball equipment as the EOS paintball gun and the Pinokio Hopper, as well as many other items from a variety of manufacturers.
When handling a paintball gun, always treat it as if it is loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed down towards the ground. The worst possible accident that you can have happen is to think that a gun is not loaded and accidentally fire it off at close range. The 300 fps that your gun is chrono'd to equates to over 200 miles per hour - at that velocity and close range you will hurt someone if you hit them. Not to mention that the speed is enough to destroy any unprotected eyeball that a paint pellet may come in contact with.
When not on the playing field, always cap your paint gun. The barrel plug is not a decoration, its a safety device that will only work if you remember to use it each and every time.
When you are not on the playing field, always make sure that your gun's safety is on. Again, like your barrel plug, the safety is there for protection and to stop any accidental firing of your weapon.
When preparing to clean your paintball gun, always treat it as though it is loaded. Wear eye protection, clear and verify that the chamber is clear. Release any air that may still be in your gun. After all of that, begin cleaning your weapon.
Keep your finger away from the trigger except when you are preparing to take a shot. If you aren't on the paintball field with protective eye gear in place, your finger has no business being any where near the trigger mechanism. When running across the field, its a good idea to still keep your finger off the trigger. That way if you do trip, your finger isn't caught up where it can easily be broken.
Only point your paintball gun at targets you mean to shoot. Horseplay and guns do not mix well. The story always ends badly for the person at the other end of the gun. Just because the gun is "only" your marker doesn't mean that it won't seriously injure your friend when they encounter a round at close range.
If you don't know how to maintain your paintball gun, take it to a professional. There are parts inside of every single gun ever manufactured that need to be removed a certain way to avoid injury. Consider taking a class in gun maintenance from your local field or paintball organization.
While paintball games tend to have less injuries than many other competitive contact sports, most accidents occur because players do not follow basic gun safety tips. Common sense and avoiding horseplay are the best tools you have available to avoid seriously injuring yourself and others. Following basic gun safety tips will ensure years of enjoyable, safe paintball play.
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