One question that many first time players are faced with is, What kinda of paintball marker should I buy?  Many players are concerned about spending too much, some are worried about maintenance costs.  To some players, money seems to be no object, especially when their parents are buying (not in all cases however).  Either way, there are a few guidelines which you should follow to ensure that whatever you decision may be, it will be one that you are completely satisfied with.

Looking at the store; reading the magazines

        When starting out on your quest for the right paintball marker, do your research.  There are quite a number of paintball markers on the paintball market today.  With different paintball manufacturers trying to target all players, there have been a substantial amount of lower priced guns, all the way up to the high end "electropnuematic" paintball markers.  Fortunately for you the enthusiastic paintball consumer, high competition is forcing prices down, making paintball markers more affordable.
        When visiting your favorite local paintball store, don't be afraid to ask questions.  Be sure to ask questions like, How much maintenance does this marker require? How difficult is it to maintain this marker on the field? How does this marker compare to others in it's class?  Most stores are more than glad to give you there honest opinions on the markers, especially when they know that you are interested in buying one.
        If you should happen to recieve a truly "biased" response such as "well that gun sucks", or "well I wouldn't buy that one because it's no good", be aware that these are strictly the opinions of the people who work at the stores and may not be true in many cases.  If you are still interested in a gun which has not been rated quite as high as others, see if you can rent one at your local fields next time, or perhaps ask a fellow paintball player if you can shoot theirs if they have one.  This will give you a true "hands on" experience with the marker so that you can test it for yourself..
        Another suggestion would be to write to gun techs, magazines, or even call the manufacturer of the marker.  In many cases, all of these sources of information are usually more than willing to send you material about their products.  All you have to do is ask.

Looking on the internet

        Thanks to modern technology, it is now possible to find and buy just about anything on the internet.  You have websites from manufacturers and players which are an excellent way to research a variety of markers and learn about them without actually having to goto the stores.  Another excellent resource are paintball newsgroups, which usually have an assortment of opinions, stories, etc. from players all over the world who have something to share.  Finally, you have email.  Almost all of the sites that I have visited have some sort of contact point when you have questions.  Feel free to use them, that's what they are there for.
        Many of the "online" paintball stores offer very reasonable prices.  Some of them even offer special packages when buying through the internet.  Be sure to pay close attention to these, they are usually a good buy becuase you can usually get everything you need to play for one low price.  Another excellent source to look for "used" equipment are online resources suchs as Warpig, Ebay, Newsgroups, and theMPN.  Most of these sites have classified section which you can buy and sell great bargins.
        When buying from sources such as Warpig, Ebay, etc., be careful that get to know the person whom you are interested buying from.  Ask around if you are not sure.  I'll be honest, I have heard some horror stories about people recieving bricks, rocks, old magazines, whatever holds weight instead of what the buyer was supposed to be getting.  On the other hand, I have personally found some awesome deals on guns, air systems, you name it, for excellent prices!  If you are still not sure about buying from a particular source, make a mutual agreement to send it to a store where the transaction can take place.  This way there can be some comfort and trust between both parties.
        On a final note, some legal information which I think many of you would find useful.  When shipping packages, most shipping companies (Fed-Ex, DHL, etc.) won't let you open the package until after you signed for it.  If you are going to use COD, be sure you trust the sending party.  Get information such as their phone number and physically speak to them if possible.  Even though it mught be a long distance phone call, it's better than getting ripped off $500 for a rock.
        Another safe bet is the US postal service.  The limit of a COD they will accept unfortunately is only $600, so if it is over, you might want to send the check to a mutual party, and have the sender send the gun to the same party, and do an exchange.  The benefit about sending through the US Postal service is that it is a Federal offense to rip someone off through the mail.  It is also Grand Theft if the package is worth more than $500, which means you goto jail if you get caught.

Buying the Marker

        Now we are off to the question of  Which is the right marker for me?  Here are a few important factors to keep in mind when looking:

- How much are you willing to spend?  Is it something that you an afford and won't have to sell because it's too expensive?
- How much maintenance is involved with that paricular marker?  Is it more that you want to deal with?
- How much will it cost should you want to upgrade the marker?  What's the total cost to completely trick it out?
- Are parts available should a problem arise?
- Is the gun popular enough to wear it won't be discontinued?
- Is it something which you will be happy with?

        Speaking from experience as a gun tech, I have seen and worked on a large variety of markers.  One of the most popular questions I have been asked is "Which gun is better?  The Autococker vs. the Automag"  (for example).  I usually have three questions which I will give these players right off the bat in response...Which one do you like?  Have you shot both guns?  and What do you know about these guns?  In this example, I have both the Autococker and the Automag, and like both of them very much.  There are certain reasons which I like/dislike one marker over the other, but it is all personal preferrences.  Just remember, this is the gun you are buying not me, or anyone else.
        Another very important question is How much are you willing to spend?  You don't have to spend hundreds or even thousands (in some cases) to get a decent shooting marker.  Yes, nicer markers usually come with higher price tags.  However, just like high end cars, the higher the price, the higher the maintenance cost when something goes wrong.  Let's take the WDP Angel for instance.  This gun averages around $1100 retail.  It is one of the best Electropnuematics on the market, however, has very expensive parts inside.  If something should go wrong which isn't covered under warranty, it might be a pricy repair.
        I usually recommend that people first shoot the markers that they are interested in purchasing.  From there, find out how much it will cost to do any upgrades you may be planning.  From there, choose what you like.  In most cases with guns such as the Autococker and the Automag, you can get a decent shooting gun right out of the box, without spending an arm and a leg.  You can always change parts out as you can afford it.  That's the way that I upgraded most of my guns, patience.

Bought the Marker, Now What?

        Congratulations.  Buying your first gun is a very exciting ordeal.  Pat yourself on the back an be happy with your purchase.  Just remember, you can always upgrade the gun to enhance the performance.  You can always sell it when you are ready to move on.  Another suggestion is try and find a owners group for the marker you purchased on the internet.  They are always a good source on giving you ideas on how to upgrade, maintain, and service your marker should something go wrong.

Sean Takeda
MPN Columnist