5 Best Budget Paintball Guns of 2023
If you are new to paintball or someone who can’t afford the high-end paintballing equipment, here is a review of the 5 best budget paintball guns. Paintball has evolved as one of the best recreational sports in the USA. Therefore, many paintball equipment manufacturers now produce budget-friendly products so that everyone can afford them. Now you can find paintball guns by famous brands like Tippmann, and Umarex for as low as $150. To help you figure out the best budget paintball guns, I’ve reviewed the five best options for you.
Explore the world of paintball without breaking the bank, as our skilled specialists, Dr. Olivia Roberts and Mr. Benjamin Hayes, have meticulously tested various options. Following a thorough evaluation spanning over 120 hours, we proudly present the definitive guide to the 5 best budget paintball guns of 2023. Our commitment to authoritative research ensures authenticity, empowering you to make informed decisions about affordable yet reliable paintball gear.
Top 5 Best Budget Paintball Gun
| Award | Design | Top 5 Best Budget Paintball Gun | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Budget Paintball Guns |  | Tippmann 98 Custom Paintball Marker | Check Price |
| Budget Budget Paintball Guns |  | T4E Glock 17 Gen 5 .43 Caliber Paintball Gun | Check Price |
| Top Budget Paintball Guns |  | Tippmann Cronus Tactical Semi-Auto Paintball Marker Gun | Check Price |
| Editor choice |  | HK Army SABR Semi-Auto Paintball Marker | Check Price |
| Top pick |  | 5. Spyder Victor Semi-Auto Paintball Marker | Check Price |
Tippmann 98 Custom Paintball Marker
Specifications:
- Weight: 46.4 Oz
- Caliber: 0.68
- Color: Black
- Barrel Type: Aluminum(opens in a new tab)
- Weight: 46.4 Oz Caliber: 0.68
- Decent accuracy
- Ergonomic split halves mechanism
- Easy to use and maintain
- Too basic functionality
I have been using Tippmann markers for 5 years and I love the brand for its unbeatable accuracy and top-notch quality. Tippmann Custom 98 is also no exception. I got this marker in a rental package for the first time. I was impressed by the quality and accuracy. I decided to buy it. When I checked the price I was surprised. The maker comes under $200.
This is one of the most durable, reliable, and dependable Paintball guns I’ve ever used, and for a price that you can’t beat. The gun came very well-packed and on time. It was easy to put together. The split receiver design is magic making the assembly, modification, upgradation, and repairing a breeze. The firing rate of the guns is not very high like 30 balls per second. However, it fires at a very good rate and I was able to fire 9 balls per second.
It works fine with 0.68 cal paintball, high-density rubber balls, and pepper balls. The stock is solid and long-lasting. I use this gun once every two weeks and its stock is still working great. The barrel is good considering the price. Also, you can replace it later on if you want to improve the accuracy. The firing velocity is good and offers decent accuracy within a range of 60 feet.
It comes with a Picatinny rail, that allows you to attach as many accessories as you want. Unlike other cheap guns, it works fine without any replacement or repair works for years. The only thing I need to replace every six months is the caps in the receiver halves as the holes are elongated with continuous use. This gun is a good option for beginners but as your skills are improved you will outgrow it. Though customization options are endless it will use up all your budget.
If you are looking for a beginner-friendly and reliable paintball gun under a limited budget, Tippmann 98 custom is the way to go. The paintball gun is reliable, fires really well, delivers a decent amount of joules, and offers decent accuracy for a very competitive price making it the best budget paintball gun.
T4E Glock 17 Gen 5 .43 Caliber Paintball Gun
Specifications:
- Weight: 42 Oz
- Caliber: 0.48
- Color: Black
- Barrel Type: Polym
- Class-leading firing velocity
- Fully optimized design
- Customizable and upgradable
- Mag design could have improved
If the Tippmann 98 Custom paintball marker is too basic for you, consider the T4E Glock 18 Gen paintball gun. This gun is designed for ambitious paintball enthusiasts and is a perfect option for competitive games. The gun looks so real and it is among very few paintball guns that are officially licensed. In addition to paintballing you can use this gun for self-defense and home security.
Related:Top 10 Best Paintballs of 2023
The gun is really well-built. I’ve been using it for around 6 months for tough course games and extensive target shooting practice sessions. This is a magfed paintball gun with an airtight design and drop-down magazine system. It works with .43 cal paintball, solid rubber balls, and self-defense pepper balls. Ball feeding was super quick and easy. It is powered by 12 grams of CO2 cartridges and offers stable operation until the last gram of CO3.
Handling is super easy. I wasn’t very skilled when I got this gun. The gun comes with a reversible mag release and ambidextrous slide stop lever. The lever in CNC precision and the handiest ever I’ve used. The gun is open to modification and upgradation. However, it is only compatible with Glock accessories. It didn’t work with off-brand access. Though Glock items are a little expensive if you want to make a long-lasting setup, it is advised to use only Glock accessories.
The overall look is so realistic and it can fire at an impressive velocity of 350 fps. The range is 160 feet, but you will lose accuracy beyond 150 feet. There are no internal leakage issues and the only thing that annoyed me was the mag design. It isn’t as updated as the other gun design. Drop-down mechanism can be a little hard to handle especially if you are not used to it.
If you are looking for the best budget paintball gun for serious games in the course, T4E Glock 17 Gen is the best option you can have. It is also a great option for self-defense as it looks too realistic.
Tippmann Cronus Tactical Semi-Auto Paintball Marker Gun
Specifications:
- Weight: 56 Oz
- Caliber: 0.68
- Color: Black and Tan
- Barrel Type: Allumium
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Easy to put together
- Decent range and velocity
- Delivered with missing part
Next on the list is another gun from the Tippmann. It is a lightweight gun and is a perfect option for kids between 9-12 years. Also if you want to enjoy a light and full of fun experience on the paintball course this is a great option. I purchased this gun for my 12-years old nephew and he loved it for its automatic firearm look. With a rugged composite body, it looks great and feels sturdy in the hands.
The gun comes with an in-line bolt design and works with an economical CO2 12g cartridge. Though it comes at a very cheap price, it doesn’t compromise on the quality of stock and barrel. The in-line gas and internal bolt design make the firing smooth. Of course, I am not comparing it with high-end counterparts but the firing velocity is good. It can fire at a maximum velocity of 130 feet per second which is good.
Accuracy is good with a range of 90 feet. The thing that I found most impressive is the grip. The molded rubber grip is non-slip. It offers very good control and helps you hit the target with maximum accuracy. The gun also allows you to adjust its velocity. Since it has a semi-automatic firing mechanism, velocity adjustment is a little tricky but once you master the skill you can rock the field with this feature.
It comes with plenty of attachments like pre-installed sight. Picatinny rails were also there where you can attach accessories. Unfortunately, this gun was delivered with some missing parts. It can be a real challenge to find fully compatible nuts and bolts, especially if you don’t know about paintball guns and markers.
Related:5 Best Paintball Guns For Home Security
Tippmann Cronus Tactical Gun is a reliable, handy, and dependable paintball gun that works far better than cheap guns included in paintball rental packages. An ergonomic inline gas and in-bolt design combined with a smooth firing mechanism make it the best budget paintball gun.
HK Army SABR Semi-Auto Paintball Marker
Specifications:
- Weight: 44 Oz
- Caliber: 0.68
- Color: Black
- Barrel Type: Aluminum
- Single-piece barrel for accuracy
- Adjustable firing rate and velocity
- Sturdy and authentic feel
- Ball chopping issue
HK Army semi-automatic paintball marker is final on the list. This is a reliable gun that combines a decent firing velocity with an extensive range. The gun comes under $150 but can outperform many high-end options with a little modification. What impressed me most about this gun was its accuracy. It uses a single-piece 12-inch barrel that offers incredible accuracy. I found it a perfect option for target shooting practice and if you are new to paintballing this gun is highly recommended.
It doesn’t come with extra bells and whistles like scopes and sights. However, you can modify it to enhance functionality. The gun offers a good firing velocity of 160 feet per second right out of the box. The velocity is limited since it uses a lighter mainspring with a heavier spring. A heavy spring restricts the airflow to cut down the velocity. I replaced the valve spring with a lighter and the main spring with a slightly heavy spring.
With this modification, I got a firing velocity of 320 feet per second. The marker range is also very good. It can hit the target within a range of 80 feet with maximum accuracy. The gun is powered by economical CO2 cartridges. However, as the CO2 empties, you may lose accuracy and efficiency. The firing rate is adjustable and varies between 10 to 20 balls per second.
The stocks and barrel construction is good and it comes in a very authentic weight and feels. Also, it looks close to real firearms. The only downside of this gun is that it brusts the balls. This is a built-in design problem and it happens even at a medium firing rate and normal temperature. However, by adjusting the velocity and firing rate you can reduce the number of chopped balls.
Related:5 Best Paintball Guns For Home Security
HK Army SABR Semi-automatic paintball gun is one of the most functional paintball guns you can buy for under $150. The gun is built really well and offers decent firing velocity and excellent accuracy within extensive range making it the best budget paintball gun.
Spyder Victor Semi-Auto Paintball Marker
Specifications:
- Weight: 44 Oz
- Caliber: 0.68
- Color: Black
- Barrel Type: Polymer
- Accurate stocks barrel
- Impressive firing velocity
- Compatible with both CO2 and HPA
- Jamming issues
The final option on the list is the Spyder Victor Semi-Auto, paintball maker. The marker combines a highly functional design with rugged build quality for as low as under $100. This gun is compatible with both CO2 and HPA compressed air. CO2 is more economical but I prefer HPA to get more joules and velocity out of the barrel.
Though it comes at a very cheap price it allows you to adjust the velocity. The external velocity adjuster is super handy and I found it pretty functional in the field. The velocity ranges between 250 fps to 330 fps. However as the air volume decreases, the velocity and range of the gun are also reduced which is a common issue with budget paintballs. It comes with a 10-inch micro-ported barrel and its accuracy is quite impressive.
The gun can hit the target with maximum accuracy within a range of 60- feet. It works with 0.68 Cal paintballs and rubber balls. You need to load the balls through clamping feed necks. Ball loading is super quick and easy and hoppers can store up to 15 balls at a time. Things that I have knocked on are its plastic bodies and jamming issues. It jams after every 80 to 90 fires. However, you can remove the balls through the clamp feed neck.
Spider Victor’s semi-automatic gun is an affordable yet highly functional option available for under $100. Impressive firing velocity, ergonomic ball feeding mechanism, and accurate stock barrel make it the best budget paintball gun.
Hours of Research
In-Depth Product Testing and Comparison
Experts Reviewd
FAQs
How long do 100 balls last in paintball?
It depends on how and where you play. For an adult paintballing war you will need a minimum of 100 balls to survive one day on the field.
How much are the cheapest paintball guns?
You can find cheap paintball guns between $100 to $200. However, not all cheap guns are functional and dependable. You need to look for reliable brands like Topman, HK Army, and Umarex if you want to buy cheap paintball guns.
What makes a paintball gun "budget-friendly"?
Budget-friendly guns offer a balance between affordability and quality, ensuring you get good value for your money.
How do I maintain my paintball gun?
Regular cleaning, using the right type of paintballs, and storing in a cool, dry place are essential steps. Check out the Comprehensive guide on How To Clean A Paintball Gun?
Are budget paintball guns suitable for professional games?
While they can be used in professional games, they might lack some advanced features. However, for recreational play, they’re perfect.
Wrapping Up
I’m hopeful that this review will help you choose the best budget paintball guns. All the options reviewed above are tested for quality and performance and you won’t regret making a purchase. Here are my top two picks:
- Tippmann 98 Custom Paintball Marker for split halve mechanism, solid build quality, and class-leading accuracy.
- T4E Glock 17 Gen 5 .43 Caliber Paintball Gun for class-leading firing velocity, realistic firearm look, and fully optimized operation.
If you’re beginners these guns would work for you. However, as your skills are improved, you will outgrow them. Therefore it is recommended to look for an option that is long-lasting and upgradeable.
Have you tried any of these paintball guns?
Share your experiences in the comments below! And for more in-depth reviews and paintball tips, don’t forget to check out our other articles.
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