The paintball pistols are known as “sidekicks” in a paintball war. Best Paintball Pistols are also a type of paintball marker players like carrying around in emergencies as a backup plan.
Many players out on the paintball field prefer paintball with paintball pistols instead of paintball guns; this solely depends on what you like the most: pistols or paintball guns.
Before we get on with the list, we would like to explain a few things about pistols that would significantly help beginners make their final decision. If you know this basic stuff about pistols, you can skip straight to the list.
These things seem confusing and complicated, but trust us, everything will appear as glass once you go through this article. Let’s begin.
What are Paintball Pistols?
Paintball Pistols or paintball handguns are one of the paintball markers used in the paintball match; these bear a resemblance to a real-life pistol firearm. These are primarily used as a last resort solution in any paintball match.
Some paintball players want to use pistols straight out in the battle. In comparison, other players prefer to carry pistols as the second option in emergencies. Like running out of paintball marker gas and avoiding being bombarded by opponents’ paintball shots.
Paintball pistols come in handy in situations like this. I belong to this category where I use pistols as a backup plan; this is also considered a refined strategic approach in paintball matches and is recommended by many paintball pros.
What are the Basic Types of Paintball Pistols?
Although many styles and types of paintball pistols are roaming around in the market, there are only two primary pistols: pump paintball pistols and semi-automatic paintball pistols.
All types of pistols fall under either of these two categories. We have summarised them into categories for your better understanding.
Type | Mechanism | Design | Popular Choice | Ease of Operation | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pump-Action Pistols | Manual Pump | Simple, Sleek | Training Plan | Requires practice | Skill Enhancement |
Semi-Automatic Pistols | Trigger Pull | Easy | Popular Choice | Beginner-friendly | Versatility |
Three-Shot Burst | Burst Fire | Advanced | Pro/Intermediate | Experience needed | Tactical Gameplay |
Ramping | Circuit Board | Fast Firing | Pro/Intermediate | Requires control | Speedball/Practice |
Fully-Automatic Pistols | Adjustable Rate | Fast Firing | Pro/Intermediate | Requires control | Speedball/Practice |
The information presented is a general overview and may vary depending on specific models and brands within each category.
Pump-Action Pistols
These paintball handguns or pistols got their name from the pump mechanism installed. Through backward and then forward pulling mechanisms, these pistols are ready for the next shot of the paintball.
These are the most basic and oldest engagement paintball pistols many players love because of their simple, sleek design, sturdy build, and reliability.
This type of paintball pistol is ideal for a training plan to enhance your paintball field skills and accuracy. However, since it is powered up manually, beginners will find it difficult to operate at the start, but it will surely polish your skills in paintball shots once you get the hang of it.
Semi-Automatic Pistols
It would be best if you pulled the trigger of a semi-automatic paintball pistol to make the paintball shot.
These are easy to function and have a simple, uncomplicated design; that is why they are the most popular option among players, and you will come across these many times in the best paintball gun pistols list. These semi-automatic pistols are further sub-categorized into:
- Manual
- Electro-Pneumatic
This type of pistol is recommended most to beginners because of its more straightforward functionality. However, we also recommend this to beginners because these are budget-friendly, low-cost paintball pistols and easy to maintain.
Three-Shot Burst
As the name suggests, this pistol shoots up to three paintballs per trigger and is more advanced than pump-action and semi-automatic pistols. As a result, these pistols are more popular among pro and intermediate players with before-hand pistol experience since they offer two firing methods.
These pistols are not an excellent choice for first-level players because of the constant changing of firing methods according to the nature of the situation.
Ramping
Ramping paintball pistols are the fastest-firing paintball pistols as compared to others. Most paintball pistols can shoot up to 20 rounds per second.
Players only need to hold the trigger, and the pistol will gradually gain speed due to its circuit board and increase the number of shots with each passing moment. Due to their fast-rate shots, these pistols can cause severe injuries to your opponent, which is why this type is mainly banned in tournaments and matches.
Fully-Automatic Pistols
These pistols are said to be twins of ramping pistols. Like ramping pistols, these also have a fast firing rate; the only difference is that you can set the firing rate in full-automatic pistols.
Since it has similar features to ramping paintball pistols, it does the same damage, which is why these are also banned from tournaments and matches. Now, without any further, here are the cheap paintball pistols in our opinion:
Top 10 Best Paintball Pistols Reviews in 2023
1. T4E Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 .43 Caliber – Best Paintball Pistol For Self Defense
Umarex T4E is a .43 calibre training paintball pistol powered up with 12 grams of CO2 gas. Its looks and design are simple and life-like weapons with actual weight and feel. These can easily be used in self-defence training and enhance the accuracy of your shots.
This pistol has a magazine capacity of 8 shots. Its whole frame is made from polymer, and its insides are made of aluminium for outstanding durability and sturdiness.
You can store this pistol in any standard-size holster, so you don’t have to buy a new one.
In addition, it can shoot rubber balls, pepper balls, paintballs, and dust balls, which means that even police trainees or other self-defence trainees can also use it in practice rounds.
It has a Picatinny accessory rail which lets you customize it according to your preferences.
These are available in two striking colours, black and LE Blue. The package includes one magazine, a hard case, and a cleaning squeegee; CO2 gas is not included.
We loved the overall look and feel of the pistol, and it’s light-weighted, making it so easy to use and handle.
- It has a muscular build and good quality.
- You can customize the railing with your favourite LED lights or other accessories.
- It gives off a very realistic look and feels.
- It is a low-cost paintball pistol.
- T4E is a semi-automatic pistol marker.
- It has a trigger safety mechanism.
- It is easy to use and handle because of is lightweight.
- Spare parts of this pistol are not available in the market.
- It is a bit complicated to take the parts apart.
2. Umarex T4E TR50 Revolver – Training Pistol Paintball Gun Marker, Black
TR50 Paintball Revolver is another excellent addition from Umarex. It is a .50 caliber pistol that needs 12g of CO2 for powering up. You can store the gas in its grip.
This reliable paintball pistol even has an indicator to show whether the gas is pierced or not. It is one of the best paintball revolvers that you must try.
You can add a flashlight or a red dot sight to the Picatinny rail installed in it. It has a magazine capacity of up to 6 shots.
In addition, you will get extra five rotary paintball magazines, four come in a box, and one is installed in the pistol. Rubber balls, paintballs, and powder balls can be used as ammo in this pistol, giving you a wide range of games.
- It is light in weight.
- This pistol gives off an excellent real-like weapon feel.
- It’s an easily operated & powerful paintball pistol.
- It has trigger blade safety in case you accidentally drop the gun.
- The structure has a muscular build because of metal and polymer.
- You get to have some customization room.
- Five extra magazines are included in the package.
- It only has a very close range.
- It will take some time and practice to get used to it.
- You have to refill CO2 again and again.
3. T4E TPM1 .43 Caliber Training Pistol Paintball Gun Marker
T4E TPM1 training pistol is a non-lethal self-defence .43 caliber pistol that can shoot paintballs and rubber balls.
You need 12g of a CO2 cylinder to power it up for action in the magazine area.
It has a realistic look and feels to it. Glock 17 holsters are ideal for giving you a wide range of options.
Picatinny rail players can customize it with LED lights and flashlights. It can fit into holsters from Safariland, Blackhawk Serpa Level 2, and Level 3. This pistol offers an eight-shot magazine capacity and shoots at 340 FPS for thrilling paintball matches.
- It has a realistic firearm look.
- The pistol has a solid build frame & it’s a powerful paintball pistol.
- It is a customizable pistol.
- It also has a robust and firm grip.
- The magazine is fragile, so you must be careful while reloading it.
- Magazines are also expensive in comparison to other paintball pistols.
4. Umarex T4E Walther PPQ Training Pistol – Good Paintball Pistol
These paintball pistols can fire ammo of .43 caliber, such as rubber, dust, and paintballs. You can use the same magazine for all the mentioned ammo.
It can shoot up to 8 rounds. 12g of CO2 is required to power it up. Umarex always did a fantastic job in replicating a real-life firearm with ease.
The design, look, feel, and weight astonishingly mimics a real weapon.
It requires less maintenance as compared to others. To raise its level of accuracy, you can also make rear-end adjustments. Three exciting colours are available in this piece: flat dark earth, black, and blue.
And you can customize it on its Picatinny rail to prepare for any paintball match. The package includes a magazine, a paintball spring, a cleaner, a rubber ball spring, and a hard case.
This set of pistols worked accurately for use on the paintball field. We like practising with it to enhance our shot accuracy and recommend it to beginners.
- The frame build is very well made and is lightweight.
- You can shoot a variety of ammo of .43 calibre.
- It can be customized with a flashlight and yellow dot.
- It has a natural look and feels to it.
- A great practising buddy.
- Replacing the CO2 cylinder is a bit tricky.
- Adjustable parts get stuck sometimes.
5. JT Splatmaster z100 Paintball Pistol Blue
JT Splatmaster z100 Paintball Pistol is a .50 caliber with a good shooting range. Unfortunately, the overall look of this paintball handgun is more of a kids’ toy than a realistic look.
You can shoot any .50 caliber ammo with this one, be it paintball, powder balls, or rubber balls, as long as they are of .50 caliber.
It holds up to 7 rounds of shots. So you can make easy shots up to 50′ and even up to 100′.
The whole pistol base materials are plastic & metal, which make it durable and light in weight. It uses a spring-loaded mechanism to operate. The package includes a barrel plus, a user manual, reusable targets, and in-depth game instructions.
Although it can shoot any. 50, we like to use the splat master brand paintballs. Those have been more competitive than others.
We usually use it to practice and enhance our shooting skills, but we don’t risk taking it to big games.
- These are easy to handle, load & maintain.
- It delivers good-quality shots and range.
- It is also light in weight and is also durable.
- A budget-friendly and dependable backup firearm in paintball matches.
- You don’t need batteries or CO2 cartridges.
- It has more of a toyish look to it.
- It gets stuck sometimes.
- It can’t withstand rough situations.
6. HSA PACKAGE T4E Semi-Auto Blowback Paintball Pistol W/Free 50ct T4E Rubber Balls
Another good piece for self-defence training and practice training rounds is a .43 caliber semi-automatic paintball pistol that can shoot paintballs, rubber, and powder balls.
It has a magazine capacity of 8 rounds. So 12g of CO2 is needed to light it up.
It works on a pneumatic blowback system to shoot paintball rounds. So you can make obvious, accurate shots even 50 feet away.
You will get a gun, one magazine, one complex case, three interchangeable grip sizes (small, medium, and large), rubber ball springs, an instructional menu, and a cleaning tool in the whole package.
We like this semi-automatic pistol marker’s efficiency and the whole package that comes with it. This pistol-like other has metal-based internal parts and a polymer-based whole body.
- It is easy to use.
- This pistol has a good firing range.
- The look and feel are nice and durable.
- The package includes handy tools along with the pistol.
- The meg release part is a bit sensitive.
- It isn’t straightforward to take apart.
7. Tippmann TiPX Mag Fed – Best .68 Caliber Paintball Pistol
Tippmann TiPX Mag Fed pistol is easy to carry, load, and use. It is a .68 caliber firearm that fires up with CO2—a fine piece of a pistol from a reputable paintball industry.
It has a self-defence lock as well to avoid any unforeseen accidents. You can easily make continuous rapid shots with a quick-release magazine feed system.
You can make up to 8 round shots with it and control the speed of shots through an external velocity adjuster. You will also get a whole maintenance kit with a hard case to store the pistol in.
The design is durable, lightweight, and a great backup weapon.
We liked that Tippmann offered a two-year warranty on the purchase against any defect or mechanical error. We were even able to make an accurate shot at 150 feet.
It works great with pepper spray balls, rubber balls, and paintballs. You can make many upgrades like slim lines. Or you can also convert it into a first strike.
Also, read about mag-fed paintball guns for more fun facts about mag-fed features.
- It serves excellent security purposes.
- You can use a wide range of ammo with it.
- It is not only durable but lightweight as well.
- It comes with a velocity adjuster.
- It is easy to use and customizable.
- It comes with a two-year warranty.
- You can’t preserve CO2 once it’s pierced and has to replace again.
- It is complex to take apart, making maintenance a bit complicated.
8. T4E New Walther PPQ M2 (GEN2) The Most Realistic – Semi-Auto Blowback Paintball Pistol
It is pretty similar to Umarex T4E Walther PPQ in design and functionality. It is also a .43 caliber semi-automatic paintball pistol.
It has a total of 8 rounds of shots. You can make up to 24 shots with each CO2 cylinder in the magazine.
It can shoot any ammo that is .43 caliber, be it paintballs, rubber balls, powder balls, or pepper spray balls. In addition, upon your order, you will receive a pistol, one magazine, and a hard case.
Although many buyers complained about not receiving rubber balls along with the package, you can customize the pistol according to your liking to be prepared for any paintball match.
- The look and feel are like a real firearm.
- It is lightweight and easy to handle.
- It has a good shooting range and accuracy.
- It would be best to be careful while installing a new CO2 cylinder.
9. First Strike Compact Pistol(FSC) – Small Paintball Pistol
The first strike compact paintball pistol is a CO2 air-powered gun type. Its length and size are smaller compared to other pistols on the market. The first strike was designed to be easy to use and carry around sidearm weapons.
This pistol is a .68 caliber. You will get two six rounds of magazines and the pistol, compatible with the standard 8.1/9.1 magazine.
This strike compact paintball pistol can be powered up with either 8g or 12 g of CO2 cartridges. You can customize this pistol as much as you like, from magazine to barrel.
You can create a whole new weapon to secure your paintball win. Although smaller than the standard pistols, it has good accuracy and shooting range.
But we only recommend using first-strike paintballs because we encountered issues using other company ammo.
This pistol’s design and build are similar to the version of the Tiberius Model. However, it is mentioned that either 8g or 12g of CO2 can be used, but upon testing, we found that, at first, only 8g of CO2 cylinder fit in the magazine.
Therefore, if you plan to use the standard size of 12g of CO2, upgrade the magazine to be compatible with this pistol.
- It is smaller in size, lightweight, and much easier to use.
- It has a good range of customization rooms.
- You can also upgrade the magazine and barrel of this pistol.
- It can be powered up with both 8g and 12g of CO2
- It does not have an ergonomic grip.
- You will lose some CO2 upon releasing the magazine.
10. GI Sportz Menace .50 Cal Paintball Pistol
GI Sportz Menace is a .50 caliber paintball pistol with seven shots. 12g of CO2 is required to power up this bad boy. It can shoot any ammo of .50 caliber, like pepper balls, paintballs, rubber balls, etc.
It has a realistic firearm design and is light in weight. In addition, it is designed to make both right-handers and left-handers easy to use.
Pros
- It has a realistic design.
- This pistol is also very efficient.
- Both the left and right-handers can use it with ease.
- It has less ammo capacity.
Buying Guide for Best Paintball Pistols in 2023
Things get more accessible and more manageable when you know where to look, what you want, and what could be the best possible options in the market.
We have told you the basic knowledge about excellent paintball pistols and which ones are the best in our opinion, now what is left is to tell you a few factors which will further narrow down your options to make a final decision.
Manual Pistols v/s Electronic Pistols.
Manual pistols use a spring mechanism or compressed air to power up. They are cheaper than electronic ones.
The consistency of speed and accuracy varies from pistol to pistol. These pistols are ideal for beginners and trainees and enhance your shooting skills.
Batteries or circuit boards power up electronic pistols. They are expensive but deliver the highest consistency of speed and accuracy.
Usually, pro or professional paintballers go for this pistol since they have to compete in big leagues with extraordinary prices. They need all the accuracy and speed of a paintball marker to win.
Easy to Use & Dissemble
Make sure whichever pistol you go for is comfortable in every manner. You can easily hold, carry, load, and use it.
Your overall performance will be affected if these factors are not up to your requirement. For example, any world-class marker or pistol could get jammed if a paintball is raptured inside for some reason.
Accidents like this could happen quickly since we are playing paintball, a physical sport, and some of us tend to use the gear roughly more than others.
It will be great if the pistol disassembly is pretty straightforward. Then, you will easily clean and maintain it for a long time.
Weight
It is another factor that could affect your performance. Since pistols are mainly used as sidearm weapons, you need them lightweight.
The reason is simple: you already carry much weight by wearing safety gear, your primary marker, hopper, barrel, gas tank, and backpack with all other safety kits and essentials.
You don’t want an extra unnecessary load over this as well. That is why we recommend going as lightweight as possible.
Base Material & Quality
Different materials have different durability, weight, accuracy, and strength ranges.
You should be aware of the base materials of the pistol you are buying because this tells you the durability and weight of the pistol and whether it can withstand harsh situations or accidental drops.
Aluminum is the most common material used to make the pistol’s body since it is lightweight and budget-friendly.
But pistols from this need to be handled and stored with care since they can not withstand much of a blow.
Whereas other materials like stainless steel are much more robust in that perspective. Stainless steel pistols are much more robust and withstand short drops, but the main drawback is that this material is heavy compared to aluminium.
Polymer is another material used in the manufacturing of pistols that is not only durable but also lightweight.
Budget
It is the main factor with much more impact than others. You must have a budget set for pistols per your other expenses.
Because you are not just buying pistols, there are other things you also have to buy to complete the whole set, like ammo, CO2 cartridges, extra magazines, or any upgrades you want in your pistol.
Not to forget all the other paintball equipment and safety gear. No matter which limits of budget you set for your pistol, make sure to go through all the pros and cons, features, and the customers’ reviews at the end of the product to make a wiser choice.
The Right Caliber Size
It is essential because different calibre sizes are used for different purposes. The three standard caliber sizes are .68, .50, and .43 caliber.
Usually, .68 and .50 caliber is used, especially for paintball games and matches. Many paintball fields do not allow you to bring your paintballs.
So if you buy a pistol for paintball matches, look for a .68 caliber pistol. 50 caliber pistol if your kid or teen kid is playing paintball because they hurt less.
.43 caliber pistols are used for practice and self-defence. Many people buy this calibre to protect themselves from threats by using rubber or pepper balls or keeping pests away from their yards or garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a paintball pistol last?
This solely depends on the care and maintenance of the paintball pistol and the build quality of the pistol’s base material.
If it is maintained and cleaned correctly frequently and is made from highly durable quality materials, it could last up to 20 years.
Are paintball pistols any good?
Yes, many good paintball pistols are available in the market, which can be used as secondary and primary gear in any paintball match.
For more information, you can read the above article to clear any more queries.
How much does a paintball pistol cost?
The price of the paintball pistol varies from brand to brand, quality and features. Unfortunately, the lowest price for a paintball pistol is $50, which won’t have the best quality or dependable features.
The best kind of pistol with good quality and features could vary from hundreds to hundreds of dollars.
Do Paintball Pistols Have Recoil?
The answer is yes, and no; some pistols have Recoiled, and some don’t. In addition, the recoil kickback system has somewhat less pushing force.
What is the best Paintball Pistol to buy?
There are many outstanding paintball pistols in the market, but our recommendation for the best paintball pistol is the “T4E Smith & Wesson M & P M2.0 .43 Caliber Training Pistol.”
How does a paintball pistol work?
When you push the trigger of the pistol, a tiny bolt pushes the paintball into the barrel. The compressed gas is then released from the valve, pushing the paintball out of the barrel through the opening at quite some speed.
How do you clean paintball pistols?
First, you will need a cleaning kit with a squeegee, a fibre cloth, and gun oil. The next step is to disassemble the pistol and clean it with a clean fibre cloth and a squeegee. After you’re done, oil the whole pistol and make sure the oil is gun oil to keep the parts from rusting.
After each part is deeply cleaned, reassemble the pistol.
But make sure to disassemble the pistol only if you know how to put it back; otherwise, it is better to take it to a paintball shop or an expert for cleaning.
Conclusion
By now, you will quickly narrow down your choices of the best paintball pistols with all the given information.
No matter which one you choose, always wear safety gear and a mask before using these pistols for your safety.
We like the “T4E Smith & Wesson M & P M2.0 .43 Caliber Training Pistol Paintball Gun Marker” the most because of its features.
It is best for beginners and intermediate-level players because it is an affordable, reliable paintball pistol, durable, sturdy, and has a safety trigger.
