5 Best Paintball Pistol Picks of 2024: Ranked and Reviewed
Looking for the best paintball pistols on the market?
We’ve got the list you need!
Our comprehensive guide covers all of the top features, pros, and cons for each of our reviewed models.
With detailed descriptions and helpful reviews from experienced players, you’ll be able to quickly discover the right paintball gun for your style of play or use.
Get ready to take your game to the next level with a reliable paintball pistol that won’t let you down.
With our comprehensive comparison you can make an informed decision about which model meets your needs – giving you greater accuracy, improved mobility, and consistent delivery when it matters most.
Check out our listicle now and find out what we think are truly “the Best Paintball Pistols” available today!
What is the Best Paintball Pistol?
The best paintball pistols offer a reliable and accurate shooting experience designed to help you dominate on the battlefield.
These semi-automatic paintball pistols are typically lightweight and easy to maneuver, with ergonomic grips for increased comfort and accuracy.
Without further delay, let’s get into the reviews:
Affiliate Disclaimer: The following section features several different affiliate links, meaning we’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links from Amazon.com or other compainies that sell these products.
1. Tippmann TiPX Pistol – Best Overall
Best overall
Overview
The TiPX Pistol is a great solo paintball marker or tactical backup paintball gun that holds 7 rounds, adding a new dimension to your game.
The TiPX also features an under-barrel Picatinny rail, external velocity adjuster, clear ammo windows so you can see if it’s loaded, removable barrel with A5 threads, and the ability to add a remote gas line if you want to ditch the CO2 cartridges.
Top Features
- Player Designed For: Any
- Recommended Play Style: Any
- Trigger Mechanism: Mechanical
- Barrel Length: 6.5 Inches
- Weight: 1.8 Pounds
- Firing Modes: Semi-automatic
- Body Construction: Composite
- Rate of Fire: 6 rounds per second
- Propellant Type: 12g CO2 (cartridges), external CO2 tank w/remote, external HPA tank w/remote
- Caliber: .68
- Bonus Features: The under barrel 12 gram CO2 air system is easy to load, includes two 7-ball ammo capacity True-Feed magazines, efficient spool valve system to maximize air efficiency and minimize kick
Pricing
The Tippmann TiPx paintball gun sidearm is priced at $300 MSRP.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
The Tippmann TiPX paintball pistol is one of the best paintball pistols due to its durability and easy servicing.
It holds 7 rounds and is a great backup in case your main paintball gun jams or fails. It also has a railing for adding accessories as needed.
2. Umarex T4E Smith & Wesson M&P9 – Best for Home Defense
Best for Home defense
Overview
The Umarex T4E M&P9 is an excellent solution when you need a backup in a pinch.
This .43 caliber paintball pistol holds 8 rounds and uses common 12 gram CO2 cartridges, and can also shoot chalk, dust, or powder balls, or re-usable rubber ball projectiles for applications outside of regular paintball games.
Top Features
- Player Designed For: Any
- Recommended Play Style: Any
- Trigger Mechanism: Mechanical
- Barrel Length: 6.5 Inches
- Weight: 1.7 Pounds
- Firing Modes: Semi-automatic
- Body Construction: Aluminum and polymer composite
- Rate of Fire: 6 rounds per second
- Propellant Type: CO2 (cartridges)
- Caliber: .43
- Bonus Features: Realistic look and feel with blowback action
Pricing
The Umarex T4E Smith & Wesson paintball gun sidearm is priced at $229.99 MSRP.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
The T4E paintball pistol is as real as they get.
Designed as a trainer for law enforcement and military types, it also functions as a great sidearm that holds 8 rounds for paintballers looking for a backup to their primary paintball marker.
Don’t forget: these mechanical markers shoot .43 caliber paintballs, not the standard .68 caliber paintballs for other markers in this post.
3. First Strike FSC – Most Compact
Most compact
Overview
The FSC is designed with a compact grip frame and shorter length, making it ideal for use as a sidearm or for those looking for a lightweight and aggressive CQC primary.
The FSC has multiple power options including 8 gram or 12 gram Co2 cartridges (when used with T8.1/T9.1 Magazine) and HPA.
It is compatible with 8.1/9.1 barrels, which makes it highly customizable compared to other paintball pistols available on the market.
Top Features
- Ambidextrous safety for shooting with either hand
- Under mount rail for addition of flashlights, lasers, or other accessories
- Military specification textured grip
- Includes two 6-round magazines
Pricing
MSRP: $349.99
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
The First Strike FSC is the smallest paintball pistol on our list, and a great choice for those looking for a reliable and accurate compact paintball gun at an affordable price.
The interchangeable power sources provide added versatility, making it perfect for use as either a primary or secondary weapon.
With its compact design and ergonomic feel in your hand, the FSC is sure to help you dominate on the battlefield.
4. Umarex Glock G17 Gen 5 – Most Realistic
most realistic
Overview
The T4E GLOCK 17 paintball gun is well-suited for ambitious competitors, whether as a backup marker or in pistol-only mode during MagFed paintball.
The magazine has a capacity of 8 rounds with a caliber of .43. Additionally, it is designed to hold a 12-gram CO2 cartridge, which can be easily replaced in a matter of seconds while on the field without requiring any special tools.
The GLOCK 17 Gen5 T4E marker has accurate measurements and a design that resembles the actual firearm.
This makes it compatible with various accessories and attachments available in the market for the GLOCK firearm.
Top Features
- Ambidextrous slide stop lever with a reversible magazine release button
- Automatic trigger safety
- Compatible with GLOCK sights, holsters, and many other aftermarket parts
- Get up to 90 shots from one CO2 cartridge
Pricing
MSRP: $349.99
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
The Umarex Glock G17 Gen5 T4E paintball gun is a great addition to your paintball gear for those looking for an authentic replica of the real thing compared to other paintball guns.
It offers realistic features, including an ambidextrous slide stop lever and magazine release button, as well as compatibility with various accessories and attachments available in the market.
The Gen5 T4E also offers an impressive 90 shots from a single CO2 cartridge, making it a great choice for those who want to save money on C02.
5. Tippmann Brigade Menace – Best Entry Level
best entry level
Overview
The Tippmann Brigade Menace Pistol is a great addition to any scenario game due to its compact size and air efficiency.
It is also lightweight, affordable, and well balanced, making it an excellent back-up option for players.
Top Features
- Uses low impact .50 caliber paintballs; 12 gram CO2 cartridge compatible
- 7 round magazine and includes barrel cover
- Lightweight
- Durable construction
Pricing
MSRP: $114.99
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
The Tippmann Brigade Menace Pistol is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, lightweight and reliable first paintball pistol – especially players just learning the game of paintball.
It is also compatible with 12 gram CO2 cartridges, giving you plenty of shots for your money.
However, if you’re looking for something that shoots a bit faster, then this may not be the best choice.
Overall, the Menace Pistol is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable sidearm that won’t break the bank.
What are Paintball Pistols?
Paintball pistols are small-sized markers designed for close range battles or as a backup to your main marker.
They’re a great choice for players who want something portable and easy to carry, but still offers accuracy and power.
Paintball pistols are usually powered by CO2 or air, which makes them lightweight and efficient in terms of air usage.
These weapons come in different sizes and shapes, making it easier for you to find one that fits your playstyle.
Most close engagement paintball pistols have removable magazines and can shoot several types of ammunition.
It all depends on what type of paintball game you prefer playing – whether it’s speedball or woods ball, there’s sure to be a pistol that suits your needs.
Wrap-Up
The best paintball pistol for you depends on your preferences and playstyle.
Whether you’re looking for a realistic replica of a firearm, an affordable sidearm to go with your primary weapon for the paintball field that won’t break the bank, or something with target practice shooting capabilities, there’s sure to be a marker out there that fits your needs.
Although choosing the right paintball pistol might seem like a daunting task at first, with enough research and dedication, you can easily find one that’s perfect for you.
From realistic replicas of firearms to lightweight sidearms that won’t fatigue you during play, the options available for paintball pistols are extensive and varied.
With the right paintball knowledge and information, you can find the perfect weapon for your next game of paintball!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most powerful paintball pistol?
The First Strike FSC is the most powerful paintball pistol available anywhere.
It uses .683 caliber rounds, and shoots at velocities up to 330 feet per second.
It can hit targets with nearly 30 foot-pounds of force!
What paintball gun do most pros use?
It goes without saying – the best paintball players want to use the best paintball guns in the world.
Unlike some other professional sports, professional paintball leagues play rain or shine, hot or cold, ice or snow, muddy or dry, grass or turf, early or late.
Professional paintball players also demand the best paintball marker that can perform at the highest levels, shoot straight, and work well no matter the conditions or the challenge.
Some examples of paintball guns the pros use for tournament play are:
- Planet Eclipse CS2 Pro
- Planet Eclipse LV1.6
- Dye M3+
- Field One Force
- DLX Luxe X (listed in this post)
What is the best 43 caliber paintball pistol?
The Umarex Glock G17 Gen 5 is the ideal paintball pistol in the .43 caliber range.
This semi-automatic pistol is a 1:1 replica of the real Glock G17 Gen 5, and can shoot at velocities up to 350 feet per second.
It features a durable polymer construction and has authentic markings for an even more realistic experience.
It also comes with eight-round magazines, so you won’t need to worry about running out of ammo mid-game.
For players looking for the best .43 caliber paintball pistol, this is definitely the one to get.
Which paintball gun is best for self defense?
The Umarex T4E Smith & Wesson M&P9 is the perfect paintball pistol for self defense.
This realistic semi-automatic paintball pistol is a replica of the real Smith & Wesson M&P9, and can shoot paintballs, chalk, dust, pepper balls, powder balls, or rubber balls at velocities up to 355 feet per second.
It features an aluminum construction and comes with two magazines, giving you plenty of ammo for your self-defense scenarios.
It’s also lightweight and easy to handle, making it great for quick response scenarios.
The T4E Smith & Wesson M&P9 is the perfect choice for players looking for a reliable paintball gun that packs a punch!