For those of you who don't know what "stock" is, I found this article which sums it up pretty good...

Doug Haynam <muffhaynam@earthlink.net> wrote in article

34E0D5EA.ACE@earthlink.net
        I am rather new to the sport and I have been reading alot about "stock" guns and "stock" players.  I assume that it has something to do with pump 'guns and people that play with them, but what does it mean exactly?

 Thanks!

        "Stock" means playing with pump-action paintguns powered by 12-gram disposable CO2 cartridges and using a horizontal tube feed on the paintgun that holds from 10 to 20 paintballs, in other words using the kind of paintguns that were available when the game was created.  Today there are some very high-quality Stock Class paintguns that adhere to the basic stock format but are made to very high standards, eg. the Phantom Stock and Super Stock and the legendary stock paintguns of Earon Carter.  Or you can still buy the classic Sheridan PGP for about $100; sadly, the original Nel-Spot 007, the paintgun that started it all, is no longer made.  Stock is lots of fun, it's economical, it is a great way to learn to play (you learn to actually aim) and tends to attract a more sportsmanlike breed of player.  But today the majority of new players just want to be paint-spraying machine-gunners with "Losing Sucks" tattooed on their foreheads.  If you can
find a stock game in your area, give it a try, it's worth it!

1. I guess the most important thing, is that you want to go with a couple of your good buddies.  Going by yourself might not be too memorable because lets face it, its your first or second time, you probably don't know anybody, and ya might get shot up real good if you are not hanging around people you know from your team.

2. Renting Guns: It would probably be best if you could rent or borrow a gun from somebody you know so that you know what you are getting, and can possibly even practice shoot it before you goto the field.  I'm not, by any means knocking guns that you get at the field.  I'm just possibly suggesting a method which could possibly be a little cheaper and more convenient.  If do however, rent a gun at the field, ask the person whom your are renting it from, how it works, how to clean it should a paintball break, and what to do should a situation arise (i.e. the C02 bottle starts leaking).  Rental guns in most cases operate just fine, just as long as they have a clean barrel, ample C02 supply (not running out).  I
f the gun isn't working right (or doesn't sound right), let them know, after all, you are paying for a working gun, not a broken one.

3. 3-2-1 Game On!  As soon as the game starts, you and your buddies should remain together.  I don't mean that you need to hold hands, or be laying all on top of each other behind a bunker.  Try to stay about 10-15 feet apart.  Further is okay, just try to maintain (at minimum) visible contact.  If you get too far away and run into an ambush, you will get lit up!  Stay to where you guys/gals can help each other out.  Work together as a group!  If somebody starts getting shot at, help him out, remember you guys are keeping each other alive.

4. Take lots of Carbos.  Depending on where you are at (temperature) you usually want to have lots of water and energy food like Bananas, power bars, etc.  The water of course keeps you hydrated, and the Potassium from the Bananas gives you energy for the day.  Just make sure you eat something so you don't pass out.  I don't recommend last night left over Pizza or KFC, it doesn't sit to well when you are on the field.

5. Building up your gear.  If you are planning on being the "weekend warrior", in other words, going out to the field every once in a while and renting equipment, but plan on buying your own equipment, I would suggest buying your items in this order.

- nice comfortable mask (JT, Scott, Leader, ETC.)  This way, you can have nice clean lenses that don't fog up (if you get antifog lenses) and/or are all scratched up.
- ammo pods or belt.  Ya need to have paintballs!
- Camo.  Pants, Shirt, Gloves, etc.
- Gun

This order is also lighter on the wallet so that if you decide that you don't want to play anymore after you have played a few times, you haven't really spent a lot of money, being that the gun in most cases is the most expensive part.

Well, that's about it for this issue.  If you have any specific questions, please send them to me. 

Bruce <bew3296@intrepid.net> wrote :

Bruce (B): Ok i would like to see:
1. a review on Brass Eagle's new "RainMaker".

Sean (S): The new Rainmaker is, in my opinion, a crossing of AutoCocker and a Sovereign...See new products above, found an article about it.

B: 2. a part in your newsletter devoted towards rookies.

S: Done.  Check the  "~ Tricks and Tips / Learn About" section.  I will start a "Newbie" section in the March Issue per your request.

B: 3. a review on the "Angel".

S: Review on the December Issue.

thanx for your time,
tyler