You crouch covertly behind a boulder, sitting patiently and waiting for a chance to attack. Your opportunity comes but you don’t want your paintball shotgun or rifle to get in the way. It will slow you down with its bulk. Which gun do you turn to in your arsenal? You need the best paintball pistol.
Of course!
A paintball pistol is indispensable to a paintball aficionado’s arsenal. It is small, compact, and easy to hold, ideal not just for seasoned paintballers but for beginners who might not like the weight of a rifle.
There are a lot of good options out there and we are here to veer you in the right direction, so you can find the one that will become your ally in beating your opponents. By the end of this article, you should be able to confidently buy a pistol that is easy to use and has reliable features.
Best Paintball Pistols Reviewed (2023)
After thorough research in the market, here are the paintball pistols we know will serve you well:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Umarex T4E Walther PPQ .43 Caliber Training pistol Paintball Gun Marker | 
Editor's Choice
|
Looks & Feels Real
|
Check Price |
| 2. JT Splatmaster z100 Paintball Pistol .50 Cal | 
Best Budget Buy
|
Realistic Slide Action
|
Check Price |
1. Tippmann TiPX Mag Fed Paintball Pistol
Right off the bat, the TiPX pistol will catch your attention. It’s one of the most realistic pistols out there. It’s so realistic, a lot of people use it for self-defense at home. It has a nice matte black finish with a lot of realistic gun detailing.
It is a high-end pistol that will be appreciated by expert paintballers. It doesn’t come cheap so if you have some more money to spare, this can be a good buy. However, people on a budget might balk at the price tag.
The price is completely justified though considering the many features integrated into it. First, it has been equipped with an external velocity adjuster.
You can adjust how much power it will have. This is why many people like it for self-defense. They can adjust it to the highest setting.
This 0.68 caliber pistol also comes with a tru-feed straight stack magazine. Two of them are included in your purchase, giving you more value for your money. With an 8 bps feed rate, it is bound to be one of the most powerful pistols you can find out there.
It has a good weight as well. With only 1 pound and 11 ounces of weight, it feels right on the hands. The weight distribution is also good even when you have a full cartridge and you have a laser pointer added.
The C02 cartridge has excellent air efficiency. It doesn’t have a strong kick or recoil. One of the things that set it apart from all the other guns and pistols out in the market is that the cartridge can be stored for a long time. The gun only punctures the cartridge when the trigger is pulled for the first time. This is unlike other cartridges that when you pierce it, it leaks or bleeds. You can load it and set it aside. It doesn’t charge until you pull the trigger for the first time.
It is quite a beginner-friendly pistol as well although the price range is more high-end. The cartridge is easy and simple to load. You can adjust the power to suit your needs.
It does have a stiff safe, which takes a bit of time adjusting to, especially if you are changing your settings to fire. However, that makes it for its efficient and quiet functions. The accuracy is commendable as well.
Aside from that, it is easy to use. The trigger is flexible and can be pulled without using too much force.
If you like to use it for self-defense, that is doable as well. You can load it with pepper balls. It has a better range compared to pepper sprays.
Pros:
- Great accuracy
- Capable of shooting pepper balls for self-defense
- Power is adjustable
- Quiet functionality
- Has a good feel and weight distribution
Cons:
- The safe is stiff
- More expensive than others
All in all, the TiPX is a good pistol to get. It is highly reliable and quite easy to use. It has a low learning curve so even if you are a beginner, you can use it comfortably. It might be more expensive but if you want to use something durable and reliable, it is worth saving up for. See our full review of the TiPX pistol here.
2. JT ER2 Pump Paintball Pistol Kit
If you are a beginner, you are most likely looking for a paintball pistol that is easy to use, this JT ER2 Pump Paintball Pistol Kit would be the perfect option. This is a .68 caliber pistol that boasts of a clear composite shell. Because of its composite construction, it is very lightweight, making this easy to carry around. Even kids will have fun playing with it.
Although it might look like a child’s toy, it actually boasts of a lot of cool features that can be seen in more expensive products such as an anti-double pump action and a ball stop system. These features create a gun that can be used seamlessly in action.
It is beginner-friendly because you don’t have to do a lot of tinkering with it. It is ready to be used right out of its box.
Since it is a kit, you get everything you need to start playing the game. It comes with cartridges and paintballs already.
This pistol makes use of 12-gram CO2 cartridges. There are 5 of these cartridges included in the kit. The manufacturer also included a pump marker and 10 tubes containing 50 paintballs. It’s a good starter kit to get if you are a beginner.
Despite being an entry-level, beginner-friendly pistol, it offers a seamless pump action. There are no worries that the paintball will jam up. It works smoothly.
This pistol also has a good feel to it. It’s not clunky and heavy. But even with its portable size, it still packs a big punch. It also offers a good velocity, especially in the first few shots. But like all other CO2 cartridges, it does tend to dwindle in power by the end.
Because it is more of an entry-level pistol, don’t expect it to be as rigidly constructed as the more expensive pistols. However, it still holds up well against a certain level of damage. It can be a good choice as a training pistol and occasional pistol for tournaments or official games. It’s more ideal for hobbyists though.
It’s also a single shooting style of pistol. You need to pump it every time you use it. That’s something that you should consider.
Pros:
- Excellent accuracy
- Great even for beginners, even kids can use it
- No jamming
- Easy to learn
- Decent weight and ergonomics
Cons:
- The C02 cartridges included are not that long-lasting.
- Excellent velocity on your first shots but might dwindle as you use it
If you are a beginner who doesn’t know what kind of gun you need in your arsenal, this can be a good starting point. It is not very expensive and is easy to learn, perfect for novices.
3. Umarex T4E Walther PPQ .43 Caliber Training pistol Paintball Gun Marker
The main selling point of the Umarex T4E pistol paintball gun is its realistic appearance. It looks like a real gun, from its design to its color and weight. It’s not surprising to find that many people buy this because they can use it for self-defense.
But aside from aesthetics, there are a lot of things that make this gun a cut above the rest. It is perfect for training because of how affordable each round is.
The controls are realistic but easy to learn as well. If you are a beginner or a trainer looking for a good pistol to get you started in paintball guns, this would be a perfect choice.
It doesn’t include a CO2 cartridge but getting one shouldn’t be difficult. Besides, it is also economical. It comes with a magazine though that has a mag release for optimum realism. You can mount your preferred accessories through its accessory rail. Laser, lights, or whatever other accessories you might need, this should work for you.
It’s convenient to use as well because it allows for customization. For instance, the rear sight can be adjusted to suit your needs. The front sight can’t be adjusted but the rear sight makes up for it.
Its realistic feel doesn’t end with its appearance. It also shoots powerfully like a real gun. It packs a lot of punch and has excellent speed. It fires those rubber balls fast. The recoil or kick also feels like you are holding a real gun. It is on the loud side though but since we are talking about how realistic it is, its loudness seems to be apt.
You will like the fact that this gun is ready to use right out of the box. There is no need to do a lot of tinkering.
There have been some customers who have had issues with this pistol but still gave it a good rating because of the excellent customer service that they got. If you ever have a problem with it, just let the manufacturer know and they will try to solve the problem for you.
Pros:
- Looks and feels realistic
- Has a nice kick when you fire it
- Great speed, fires rubber balls fast
- Easy to use
- Ready to use right out of the box
Cons:
- A little loud
- A little more expensive
Get an authentic feel when playing paintball with this pistol gun. It is handy, has a good weight, and has excellent speed and accuracy. You won’t be disappointed with its design and construction.
4. JT Splatmaster z100 Paintball Pistol .50 Cal
Being on a strict budget doesn’t mean you have to content yourself with less than stellar pistol guns. You can have the JT Splatmaster z100, instead. It is inexpensive but it does have a lot of decent features that make it a great choice for anyone who needs an entry-level paintball pistol.
The slide action feels realistic. It also has a true and accurate aim. You won’t have problems using it for real games or as a gun for backyard target practices. Its accuracy can even give more expensive pistols a run for their money. Even at 50 feet distance, it is still quite accurate. You can shoot even at a distance of 100 feet.
It comes with a magazine that has 7 rounds of ammunition. The quick-release function allows you to remove the magazine and insert a backup one. Cocking leverage is good with this pistol because of the Cocking Assist Handle feature.
This isn’t a CO2 paintball pistol, so if you are looking for an alternative to CO2 types of guns, this should be a good choice.
It’s a paintball gun that is perfect even for kids to use since it is easy to learn and has beginner-friendly features. It’s still a versatile pistol though since you can upgrade it to suit your style and needs. It is completely modifiable.
One thing you should know about this though is that it’s not as small as the others. It is longer than what you might be used to. However, the weight and ergonomics of the gun are still good. It’s not hard to hold and doesn’t cause hand fatigue.
It comes with a target and some paintballs. However, you might want to get a better paintball. The one included tends to jam up.
Pros:
- Affordable and simple
- Great for backyard target practices
- Precise gun
- Can be modified
Cons:
- A bit longer for a pistol
For its price, this pistol can give more expensive brands out there a run for their money. It doesn’t feel cheap and it brings a lot of good features to the table.
5. Umarex T4E TR50 Revolver .50 Caliber Training Pistol
A good mid-range pistol that is not too expensive but still packs a lot of good features is the TR50. It’s a .50cal pistol that brings a quick piercing system to the table. With this system, you should be able to quickly load CO2 cartridges and deliver air by just pressing a button.
This pistol also includes 5 magazines but you will have to get the 12g CO2 cartridges separately.
This gun has a realistic look and feel to it. It doesn’t feel clunky and can be transported and stored with ease. In fact, its grip is smaller by 20% compared to other pistols. The ambidextrous design also makes this easy to use no matter what your dominant hand is.
We like the overall feel of this gun. It’s not clunky and handles easily. We like that its length is shorter. This can be an excellent choice for a sidearm.
It’s also completely customizable. You can add the accessories that you want. Set it up to your preferred settings. Although it is a bit more expensive, this customizable feature will ensure that this pistol will accommodate your changing needs.
It also has a realistic sound quality and has a nice recoil that will make you feel like you are using a real gun. Like the others in this list, this pistol will also make a convincing self-defense gun.
There are just a few caveats with the construction. It loads easily but the CO2 has a very tight fit. It is hard to take it off. You will need a pair of pliers to remove it when needed such as when doing maintenance.
It also occasionally jams up although we found that the problem with this jamming up is mostly because users simultaneously pull the trigger. You need to let the trigger reposition first before firing to prevent jamming up.
Having a squeegee with you will also come in handy every now and then because this gun has a tendency to break balls. One in 12 balls will break. Other than these issues, it’s a good pistol to have.
Pros:
- Great handling
- Attractive and realistic design
- Lightweight
- Has a realistic sound
- Loads easily
Cons:
- CO2 cartridge has a tight fit.
- It has a tendency to jam
If you are looking for a mid-range pistol that you can use even as your skills improve and you go to the expert level, this would be an ideal match for you. It is reliable and well-made. Its design also makes it easier to use.
Which Is The Best Paintball Pistol For You?
If You Want the Best Features: Tippmann TiPX Mag Fed Paintball Pistol. Get this if budget is not an issue and you want the best features in a pistol. It has a good range, feels, and looks real, accurate, and reliable. It’s not just good as a paintball pistol as well. It can even double as a safety gun. It’s a great buy for professionals and beginners alike.
If You Want Something Simple: JT ER2 Pump Paintball Pistol Kit. This no-fuss, no-muss kit comes with everything you need in a paintball pistol. It is devoid of the bells and whistles you can find in more expensive brands but for an entry-level kit, it’s reliable and worth the money. This should be an ideal option for people who want something that is easier to figure out as well.
If You Want Something That Looks and Feels Like a Real Gun: Umarex T4E Walther PPQ .43 Caliber Training pistol Paintball Gun Marker. This gun truly delivers when it comes to realism. Aside from its realistic appearance, it also offers realistic functionality and feels. As a self-defense tool, this should be a great buy. We also recommend this for people who need a paintball gun for training or just to learn how to use a gun. Since it has realistic functions, you will learn from this gun better.
If You Want a Budget-Friendly Alternative: JT Splatmaster z100 Paintball Pistol .50 Cal. This will not hurt your wallet. On the other hand, even if you are not in the market for a cheap paintball pistol, this can still be an excellent choice because it can be modified to suit your needs. Despite its low price tag, it holds up well against frequent usage and has an accuracy similar to that of expensive modes.
If You Want Something Mid-Range: Umarex T4E TR50 Revolver .50 Caliber Training Pistol. This gun has a good balance of features. It is not that expensive but it still delivers features that you would expect in a more expensive pistol. The customizable features of this gun make it an ideal choice no matter what your skill level is. This pistol can be an excellent addition to a beginner, intermedia, or an expert’s arsenal without breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways When Buying a Paintball Pistol
Personal Preferences
Take into consideration your own preferences in a paintball pistol. What do you need when it comes to power and accuracy? If you are a beginner, you might not need too many features. However, if you plan on building a reliable arsenal as you get more serious in this game, you need to make sure that you buy the best paintball gun that will deliver those needs.
The best thing to do is to try other guns first. You can borrow one from a friend and give it a try. This will help you learn more about your personal preferences and what you need to look for in a gun.
Speed and Accuracy
One important factor to consider when buying a paintball pistol is its speed. How fast can it shoot? If you are going to use it on real paintball combat rather than just training, one that shoots fast will keep you at par with your other teammates who might have heavier guns.
Make sure it is an accurate paintball handgun and has a good range. Find out what is its maximum range to give you an idea if it’s a paintball pistol that will serve you well.
Size And Weight
How does it feel when you hold it in your hands? Does it feel light? Does it have substantial weight? If it’s too light, it might feel like you are holding a toy. Many people prefer buying a paintball pistol that has a realistic look and feel to it.
Check what its material is so you know whether it will look realistic. You can try holding it as well, making sure that it has a good weight distribution, even if the magazine is loaded. Paintball pistols are generally more compact but you might find guns that are longer.
Choose one that fits your needs. If you like one that can be easily holstered or used as a sidearm, go for something smaller and more compact. If you prefer more length and heft to the gun, go for something bigger.
Design
Do you prefer something that looks like a toy or one that looks more realistic? A lot of people opt for the latter because it can also double as a self-defense gun. Look for something that looks like a real gun if you also plan on using it for self-defense.
Budget
Take your budget into consideration as well. How much can you afford? We suggest increasing your budget if you want your pistol to last for a long time. You get what you pay for. A cheaper pistol might not be as long-lasting as a more expensive one. Furthermore, it might not provide you with the features you are looking for. If you are looking for a pistol that can be customized to fit your needs, be willing to spend more money.
Loading Speed
How fast can it load paintballs? All the paintball guns out there differ when it comes to loading speed. One might load up faster than another. Just make sure you choose the one that has a good loading speed so that you can use it even for tournaments.
Also, make sure you can remove the cartridge or the magazine easily. If it is a CO2 cartridge, it should be able to push air up easily without a long waiting time.
Maintenance
Since a pistol is smaller, it is generally easier to use. If you don’t like to do difficult and rigorous maintenance because you are a beginner and you don’t know how to dismantle the pistol just yet, go for something that is user-friendly. Pick one that is easier to maintain as well. There are those that come with durable internal parts so they don’t require as much maintenance as other pistols.
Conclusion
These are some of the things that you need to take into consideration when buying the best paintball pistol. Ultimately, it boils down to your personal preferences. Take your needs into consideration, especially when it comes to budget, and try the products we suggested above.
Last Updated on October 28, 2022