Back up guns

By Andrew C. Syren

So many times have I heard the term “back-up” gun when playing ball with those owning high-end markers. Although most of those using the term had more money than brains and should have never gotten into the sport, I too have found myself guilty of using the term.

Pictured above: My Dark Impulse that has been nothing shy of fully faithful to me when mowing down those pesky muppets on the field

What is a back-up gun anyway? After buying and selling nearly 25 personal markers of my own over the past two years I decided to ask myself that question. My answer was simply this; a back-up marker is a good excuse to waste money on another marker that will inevitably become another project. In short, it’s a waste of money. Why not find another way to spend your hard earned money and quite possibly save some for use on field gear or paint.

After owning some of the more sophisticated markers ranging from the Angels to the Timmies to the Dye line of paint slingers I turned to my instinct and went into research mode. After considerable research I found that I could buy a mid level gun like the Impulse or the Cocker and purchase along with it the parts needed for maintaining the gun at a fairly reasonable price without breaking the bank. Buying some of the newer higher priced guns not only broke the bank when being purchased solo but also was found to have pricey parts that might later need to be replaced.

So the story began. Around the end of 2004 I purchased the Warped Sportz Dark Impulse. Not only was it fairly priced through my connections but also it was an Imp. As any paintball player knows, the Imp is the “cocker” of the electro markers being as it can be outfitted with a huge array of upgrades that can seem endless.

Utilizing what I had learned from the research I had done and the data I collected I had constructed a list of possible faults found in the Impulse. With the data in hand I hit up the Internet and found the tools, spare parts and most important, the correct lubricants to maintain the gun. Now, after having done this I found that the cost of these spare parts along with the other goodies purchased was considerably less than buying another gun for back up. Perhaps by now you can see where I am going with all this. Why buy another gun when you can master the one you have?

Jack-of-all-trades, master of none. This can be said about so many players out there but honestly, who wants to know so little about so many markers? It’s been my observation that those who chose to take this rout know just enough to be dangerous and have found themselves trying to sell the marker they just screwed up on eBay to a poor 14-year-old sucker. Understanding your primary marker is the best way to save not only your money but also your reputation on and off the field. Understanding your gun to it’s fullest can enable you to know when to bunker and when to lane. It can also help you aid other players in maintaining their guns of that particular make and model.

In the end folks, understanding your gun and being prepared for any problem that might arise is cheaper and smarter than running out and dropping your money down for another paint throwing headache. Play smarter, not harder and you will be one of the few left after the game with fast food money.