It's the same with your paintball equipment. If it isn't taken care of, you could be looking at spending more time fixing and less time playing.
There are basic maintenance tips you should follow in order to make sure you keep marker malfunctions to a minimum.
One of the most often overlooked pieces of advice is to read the owner's manual. The manufacturer spends hours field testing and rating each weapons and they come up with common problems that occur with each marker. If you are having a problem with your marker, chances are they will cover the solution in the manual. You should be able to identify certain parts and how they function in your weapon.
For most paintball markers, oil is essential. Again consult your owner's manual to find out if you need oil (some markers don't) and what kind to use.
Here's a simple oiling guideline:
Make sure the barrel is removed and paintballs are removed from the chamber. Remove the hopper and the elbow. You don't want oil in any of these parts, especially the barrel. Even a little bit of built up on a pellet as it travels through the barrel will put a wicked curve on it.
Place one or two drops of recommended oil onto the ASA adapter (this is where the CO2 and air are attached). Spread the oil around the entire part, covering it completely with oil.
Reattach the tank and assemble the weapon. Without any paint in the chamber, fire several shots of propellant through the chamber and barrel to make sure the oil is reaching all of the integral parts.
Some players prefer not to do the service themselves, so the maintenance can be performed at your local paintball dealer.
Careful storage of your marker is also important. A gun case might be a good way to spend money because dropping or squishing the marker or hopper can be a frustrating event. Your barrel can also be damaged causing firing problems including inaccurate shots and bursting pellets. You are looking at replacement of essential pieces of the unit or replacement of the entire gun itself. You can find adequate gun cases at any local paintball retailer.
Exposure to extreme heat or cold can also affect the parts of your marker. It is best to store it in a reasonable temperature to avoid damage to o-rings.
If you have the space in your case, disassemble the parts and pack the in an organized manner. This will also eliminate the potential for parts being damaged.
After every match, it is a good idea to wipe your goggle system down. There is nothing worse than having to replace your lenses or the goggles because of a build-up of paint film on the outside of the lens. Make sure you are careful not to scratch the lens. Damage to the lens can affect the integrity of the overall goggle system. With a scratch, the lens may become weak and turn into a crack. If you do get a crack in the lens, make sure it gets replace or purchase a new set of goggles.
Broken paintballs are a natural phenomenon in paintball play. It is important to squeegee any excess buildup from the marker. Clean out all the paint from the part of the marker after you have stripped it down. This process should be done after every match.
Once you remove the paint, it is wise to lightly oil down the internal parts of your marker.
There are many moving pieces in your marker. Some pieces experience heavy wear and friction in the operation of the gun. Lubrication is by far the top suggested way to continue to safe and effective operation of your marker.
Overall, maintenance of all your paintball equipment is crucial to the enjoyment of paintball. No one wants to strip their marker down on the field while everyone else in enjoying a great game. Take the time to know you weapon, read the owner's manual and take the proper steps to make sure your marker and the rest of your equipment will last you well into the future.
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