I've been playing paintball since 1982 and have operated a store/field since 1989.  In that time I have used many markers, brands of paint and played in all types of conditions.  We primarily sell barrels on eBay and I am bombarded by the same questions from players.  "Will this barrel make my gun more accurate?" and "Will this barrel shoot further because it's longer?".  First, let's remember this is paintball, the idea is fun, so don't get to hung up on performance or you'll ruin it for yourself.  Perfection in accuracy cannot be achieved because paintballs are liquid filled, (Versus the solid bullet). Also, regardless of the claims of the paintball manufacturers, the specifications of paintballs vary dramatically, even from the same case.  But, if you still want some basic science on your side, read on.

Firstly, we look at range.  Now think hard about this as you read it, because it dispels a lot of marketing hype.  Paintball A is fired from an 8 inch barrel and leaves the barrel at 280 feet per second.  Paintball B is identical in size, shape and weight, and fired in identical weather conditions, but it is fired from a 16 inch barrel and leaves the barrel at the same speed, 280 feet per second.  Will paintball B fly further because it was fired from a longer barrel ? No, both paintballs are traveling at the same velocity when they "leave" the barrel so unless you change gravity, (tough to do...), or make the ball more resistant to gravity, (backspin, etc.) they will fly the same distance.

So how do you get more range from an everyday paintball gun ? The best way is to be firing at a faster speed than the other guy.  If paintball A is flying 295 feet per second, and paintball B is flying 270 feet per second, paintball A will travel quite a bit further.  Set up your gun to fire as fast as possible, staying within the parameters of the field you play at. Check your velocity several times a day when playing to make sure your gun is staying consistent.

Secondly we look at accuracy.  The problem with attempting to improve accuracy is that there are many more factors in the equation than just the barrel.  Most stock factory barrels on the everyday guns are mass produced.  What this means is that your factory barrel did not have nearly the attention paid to its creation as an aftermarket barrel.  The tolerances can be way off, the bore may have bulges, pockets or finish imperfections.  So will a nice aftermarket barrel improve accuracy ? Yes, but that is only the beginning.  You can spend hundreds, yes even thousands on the best gear available and still not hit your target.  The biggest reason, paintball quality.  If you put bad gas in a Porsche, it won't perform.  Many players try to "buy" into performance by having the best of everything, but then buy cheapest paintballs they can find.  There are other factors involved, like bore size, velocity, weather, wind, humidity, temperature, etc. However that takes us back to what I said above... It's paintball, remember... fun. 

So how do you get that gun of yours to shoot straighter ?  The best two things you can do are spend some money on an aftermarket barrel, preferably with some type of porting, (spiral holes, muzzle brake, etc.), not to long, (21 inches....gimme a break.).  Buy a squeegee you can carry on the field and keep the bore clean !!  Then spend your money on better paintballs, not lunch and a game t-shirt.  If it's a field paint only situation, tell them you want to spend a little extra for a good ball.  If your not in a field paint situation, try different brands and prices until you find what works best, then stay with it.

Paintball has changed dramatically since I began playing.  But my advice has never changed, and never will.  Play paintball to have fun with family and friends.  If you get to hung up on gun performance and always winning, you will most likely go home frustrated, and eventually drop out all together.  Play hard, but play fair.  You will build a much tougher reputation if you out-smart and out-wit the other guy, not cheat to beat him. 

If you have the time, check out our guide to co2 and high pressure, and as always......Stay low and shoot quick !  Ron Williams