paintball guns are purchased with the intent to have fun and develop skills. No one plans to have minor or serious injuries when out on a paintball field with friends casually playing or competing as a team. The best way to avoid any kind of injury is proper handling of a paintball gun. Proper handling also insures accurate shooting skills.

A gun is a gun, even if the words "paintball marker" is put in front of the word "gun". Keeping that in mind, it makes it easier to follow safe paintball gun handling.

Some basic tips for safety:

• Treat every gun like a loaded gun-never point it and anything or anyone that you wouldn't want shot
• Use the safety-it is there for a reason; it will reduce the risk of an accidental shot
• Remove gas assembly when not shooting
• Store paintball guns unloaded and locked up
• Read the safety instructions that come with the gun and follow them
• Monitor marker velocity and adjust it as needed

Not all of gun handling tips are about safety. Paintball gun handling on the field is an important skill. knowing how to hold a gun in a stationary position or while moving quickly is what will make a more a day on the field more fun and in competition a more successful paintball team member.

Guns have different weights and some people due better with a lighter gun to reduce the muscle strain holding the gun in awkward but efficient positions. Paintball gun handling is easier with a gun that matches the strength of the shooter. Exercises can help increase strength. Gun slings help carry a paintball gun on the field and can reduce strain from gun handling.

Lots of practice will help a shooter to be comfortable handling the paintball gun. Practice will also help develop the stances and gun positions that are most effective in accurate shooting. When aiming the gun, take a moment to identify the direction the big toe on the leading leg/foot is pointing. If it is not at the target, reposition. At first, it may slow down the shooter and feel awkward, but eventually it will become second nature along with improved accuracy shooting. Hold the gun in a fairly comfortable and stable position, and then shoot.

Taking the time for to handle a paintball gun safety and skillfully will only increase the enjoyment of your indoor and outdoor paintball field play.