Are you looking for your next perfect paintball gun without breaking your wallet? Well, you’ve come to the right place as we’ll cover this topic in detail to help you choose the best paintball gun under 500.
Paintball is an addictive game, and players tend to invest a lot in the gear that is needed to play it. Since the market has exploded with countless options recently, choosing a durable, affordable, and accurate market can be tricky for newbies.
Taking into account important features like accuracy, safety, durability, etc., we’ve prepared a list of 7 perfect paintball guns in the $500 range.
Next-Level Performance: Unlocking the Potential of Budget-Friendly Paintball Guns in 2024
Check out our reviews for seven of the top paintball guns you can buy under $500.
Valken M17 Magfed – Best For ultimate marker
When the M17 was released in 2014, it took the market by storm. Within a very short time, its popularity reached the extent that it became synonymous with MagFed.
This Valken M17 isn’t just any regular paintball gun, it is one of the top choices of pro-paintball players. With an extremely realistic look of a military-grade assault rifle, the M17 provides you with both automatic and semi-automatic functionality.
Despite being constructed from polymer composite material along with steel elements, this marker is surprisingly lightweight. It is, therefore, very easy to carry across all types of courses. M17 will offer you incredibly stable velocity and enhanced accuracy with increased ranges as well.
This reliable paintball gun has a mag-fed loading mechanism which adds realism to your combat. It is also very easy to disassemble if you need to make some quick alterations to the gun during the game. Besides, the interchangeable AR-15 grip makes the gun appealing if you want further customization.
Capable of delivering performance unmatched by any other marker, the Valken M17 can shoot both round .68 caliber paintballs and First Strike rounds. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about hurting yourself or others with its safety lock mechanism.
The M17 utilizes an internally regulated mechanical blow forward system. If you love intense action and fast-paced gameplay, nothing else will satisfy you.
This makes it more reliable than its competitors in the market. The system is very easy to care for and maintain as well, making it a much more user-friendly choice.
This paintball marker is a choice worth considering to avail reliable performance and hassle-free maintenance.
Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 – Best Bang for your buck
If you’re looking for the best entry-level marker, then the EMEK 100 is a good starting point. This paintball gun is pretty popular among beginner as well as intermediate players mainly due to its affordability.
Planet Eclipse is better known for its Gamma Core technology, and the EMEK 100 marker also uses this. It makes the marker much more efficient than its competitors. Besides this, the EMEK 100 also features some great features for its price: hose-free air, crisp and smooth trigger, Autococker barrel threads, etc.
The gun was constructed with a strong-glass reinforced nylon outer shell with an aluminum bottom line. These materials make it easy to carry the gun due to its lightweight. Besides, they also provide a sturdy construction to it.
Besides, the design is also neat making it suitable for combat in tight environments requiring high mobility. Thanks to its Gamma Core technology, you can hold and pull its trigger with a soft and gentle press.
Its soft rubber grips will also provide you with enough comfort. These rubber grips will remain clutched to your hands even while you run or crawl.
Handling the gun is pretty simple, even for beginners. For example, instead of dozens of buttons, it only has a lever that you push to operate the device.
Overall, the Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 is one practical and impressive paintball marker for beginners and pro players alike. Its lightweight and accuracy make it a great option for players looking for a taste of the mechanical paintball experience.
Empire Mini GS (17392) – With w/ 2 Piece Barrel
For a lightweight and comfortable paintball marker suitable for young and beginner paintballers, the Empire Mini GS is one of the best options there is. It is a reliable paintball gun loaded with practical features and a compact design suited for smaller hands.
Empire Mini GS paintball gun is an absolute beast and has caused quite a buzz in the paintball world. If you want to leap from your starter pack, this can be the most cost-effective marker for you.
You don’t need much preparation to get this Mini GS firing. Right out of the package, it will provide you with pretty significant firepower. It will fire around 275 FPS which can be pushed a little higher with practice.
This stealthy and versatile paintball gun was designed with all types of users in mind. Its ambidextrous approach works equally well for both right and left-handed users.
Mini GS gun is also comfortable to use. Its rubber grip ensures comfort in your hands and allows you to have firm control of the gun. The inventive micro switch trigger also produces distinctive click and consists of tournament regulation setups.
Furthermore, this Empire Mini GS doesn’t lack durability at all. Its aluminum frame makes it both lightweight and tough at the same time. Besides, it is also one of the quietest markers on the marker. You’ll barely hear any sound even an inch away.
However, its maintenance is a bit hectic and requires you to remove multiple tiny bolts and pieces. So, it is better to learn about it before trying to maintain it yourself.
Tippmann Cronus Tactical Marker – Best For shoots straight and far
For a great-designed paintball gun that is also able to withstand long-term usage, very few markers can challenge the Tippmann Cronus Tactical Marker. Engineered to last for a long time, it is an ideal paintball gun for intermediate players.
The marker is affordable, reliable, durable and at the same time quite accurate. Although a bit heavier than its contemporaries, its durability will make you love Cronus for sure.
It is a semi-automatic paintball gun, which means the paintball becomes ready for you to shoot without needing to load it manually. This semi-automatic mode allows you to fire eight balls per second. You just need to pull the trigger to fire those paintballs, that’s it.
Tippmann Cronus also comes with comfortable molded rubber grips, making it easier to carry even in wet conditions. Its internal gas line and in-line bolt system have the bolt and the rear bolt in the same line.
By moving the line inside the gun, it allows the marker to be more compact, resulting in better grip and ease of use. You’ll be able to last longer in the field with this gun without sacrificing the shot quality.
This semi-automatic marker can use both CO2 and HPA, which gives you more flexibility to choose the one that suits you more with current weather conditions.
The professional-looking design of Cronus makes it much more attractive, along with the specifications. It features quieter shots due to the ported barrel, and its mechanical trigger allows for more rapid firing rates. There is also a reduced chance of jams with the wider diameter of the 9-inch stock barrel.
Dangerous Power G5 – Best For Power shoots
Comparatively new to the paintball industry, Dangerous Power already has an extensive product line with some really good markers. You can compare it with big names such as Tippman and Planet Eclipse.
One of their unique characteristics is they pay great attention to details. Each of their markers is better than the previous one, and looking at G5, we can tell they’ve invested some serious money manufacturing it.
Its subsonic bolt in the G5 is simple and perfect as well as easy to maintain. Its simplicity attracts beginners the most. The mirrorless hose design allows gas from the HPA tank to go through a hose in the grip. This streamlines the designs and prevents the hose from getting in the way in the middle of the game.
The G5 is also pretty light due to it being milled from high-grade aluminum. It feels pretty sturdy though and has enough room to add some new accessories. Besides, you have plenty of room to maneuver your hands without being confined to the trigger frame.
Dangerous Power G5 has an operating pressure of 200 psi that ensures a velocity of around 280 FPS. You can shoot 20 paintballs per second which is something to get crazy about.
Furthermore, the gun also comes with a 13″ barrel that is categorized as beginner-friendly. This long barrel will help improve your shot and help guide your aim.
As for the maintenance, it has a simple bolt assembly which makes it easy to disassemble and maintain. Even a beginner can properly perform its maintenance with relative ease.
Empire Axe 2.0 Paintball Marker – Quite Expensive
This paintball gun can deliver superb performance with a slim design. Its streamlined frame design stands out compared with others of the same category. When you have an Empire Axe 2.0 in your hand, there is more room for integrated features or additional adjustments.
The visually impressive model of Axe 2.0 comes with many different choices when it comes to the color pattern as well. However, if you just leave the aesthetics aside, the design is practical as well.
Empire Axe 2.0 is loaded with many different features, including a hoseless body. As such, there is no worrying about hose leakages. Besides, its responsive trigger improves your performance manyfold. You can adjust the trigger depending on your needs as well.
In addition, the strength of this marker is superior firing power with great accuracy. Being one of the quickest paintball guns, the Axe 2.0 not only fires rapidly but also can unleash a barrage of paintball pellets to defeat your opponent.
This huge number of shots comes due to the HPA tank. Besides, you don’t have to worry about chopped balls or clogs either.
Furthermore, the gun is also completely noise-free. It works great for a stealth approach. Maintenance of the gun is also child’s play. You can expect to get a full maintenance kit along with the marker as well.
Dye Rize CZR Paintball Marker – Best With Aluminum Material
You might think of the Dye Rize CZR as just any other simple paintball marker. However, it is much more than just another colorful paintball gun. It has some impeccable features that give it a great leading edge in the game.
You’ll find many features in this marker that you’d only expect from high-end markers. It is accurate and comfortable at the same time. Its patented Fusion Bolt gives a consistent, smooth push to all of your shots. Hence, there will be less probability of missing shots with this marker.
This marker also features a 14-inch dual-barrel that ensures precision during shots. Dual barrel, or in other words, “two-piece” alignment, is important for barrel accuracy. The adjustable trigger is also another important inclusion as it helps you make super easy paintball shots.
Moreover, this paintball gun also comes with multiple tournament-firing modes through which you can choose your ideal strategy. Its anti-chop break-beam also reduces the number of chopped paintballs.
Rize CZR also provides your hands enough comfort in the grips. Its well-designed construction is an ideal pick for beginners and intermediate players.
Dye Rize CZR features an overall compact design with vibrant color options. Its composite frame is made of durable nylon/fiberglass that gives it unparalleled toughness.
Paintball Gun Buying Guide For 2024
If you’re a beginner paintball player, you’ll probably be overwhelmed looking to buy the best paintball gun for under 500 dollars. There are so many manufacturers and styles of paintball guns out there that you’ll have a hard time choosing one that will suit you most.
In this section, we’ll discuss some important considerations you need to make before buying a paintball gun. Let’s dive into it.
Know About the Types
Paintball guns or markers can be divided into three major types and each has its pros and cons. You need to decide on which type to pick before buying. The three paintball gun types are:
- Pump
These are the oldest types of paintball guns and require manual operation for you to fire. These guns are reliable and help you focus on your skill and accuracy. However, if you’re new to this game, using this gun could be tough.
- Mechanical
The most common paintball gun types are the mechanical ones. They are semi-automatic and fire one shot per trigger. You can easily maintain them and they are also very affordable. If you’re a newbie, this is the type you should pick.
- Electronic
It is a bit of an expensive type; electronic paintball guns use an electronic solenoid to fire. They run with the help of a battery. These guns also feature laser beams and can send off rapid and high rates of firing.
Features to Consider Before Buying
Knowing the most important features of a paintball gun will help you pick the right one from a variety of options. Depending on your playing level, age, style, etc. these features will vary.
Caliber
It is the approximate diameter inside the gun barrel. Usually expressed in hundredths of an inch, the most popular size proffered by players is the 0.68 caliber one. This size is the most versatile and offers great velocity and splat.
Hopper
It is basically the container that houses all the paintballs. Finding the best paintball hopper is the key to your successful game. Look for high-quality material, quick refills, and faster feeding features in the hopper. A high-capacity hopper also helps you be more efficient in the game.
Barrel
The most important thing for the paintball gun when it comes to accuracy and precision is the barrel. It helps aim the gun and directs the expanding gas. The longer the barrel is, the more accurate your shots are.
Firing Chamber
Before the barrel, it is where the ball is prepared to be fired. Inferior paintball rounds can sometimes clog the firing chamber. This will prevent you from firing.
Accuracy
There’s no point in having a gun if it isn’t accurate while shooting. Check the accuracy of its shot while buying. Buying a customizable marker will help you make it more accurate down the line.
Propellant
You can pick either CO2 or HPA as a propeller. In that case, the marker needs to be compatible with that as well. CO2 is cheaper and more compatible if you’re a beginner.
As for HPA or Nitrogen, it is for more advanced players for more stabilized pressure. These are on the more expensive side.
Material
The material is also important since it impacts the weight of the gun and its shot accuracy. Different materials offer varying benefits. Plastic-made ones are usually budget-friendly and work for beginners. Aluminum guns are lightweight and affordable as well.
Easy to Use
You want to pick a gun that is made with an ergonomic design and is easy to use, even for a beginner. A comfortable grip is also important while shooting. It will help you handle the gun well. So, look for a comfy handle while buying. Also, keep an eye out for a lightweight design for maneuvering it easily.
Barrel Length
Simply put, longer barrels are better because the accuracy is high. Of course, you can replace the barrel, but it is good to go with a long one for higher accuracy when you’re buying a new gun.
FAQs On The Best Paintball Gun Under 500
What’s the most accurate paintball gun?
Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 Mechanical Paintball Marker can be considered the most realistic and accurate paintball gun out there. It is made of a glass-reinforced nylon outer shell and high-grade aluminum. Anyone can mistake it for a real gun with its black color and lifelike design.
Can a paintball gun stop an intruder?
A paintball can sting, and they’re not fun to get hit from a close range. However, it cannot protect you from an intruder or hurt someone badly.
Are paintball guns legal?
Paintball guns are labeled as ‘air weapons’. As such, you don’t need a license to carry it. In other words, it is completely legal.
What guns do pro paintball players use?
Pro players tend to use electric and customizable paintball guns. The models mostly used by them include Eclipse LV1, Dye M3, Luxe X, Field One Force, Eclipse CS2 Pro, etc.
Can paintball guns be used as another home defense use?
When examined by ATF, paintball guns weren’t labeled as firearms. However, you can use them for less than lethal rounds to deter threats quickly by shooting rubber rounds or pepper balls.
Does the Empire Mini GS (17392) gun come with a case?
No
Conclusion
This brings us to the end of our Best Paintball gun under 500 review article. All of the items we’ve reviewed are the most reliable and accurate paintball guns in the market now. After researching their design, shooting quality, and overall user experience, each of them was selected.
Since there are so many types of paintball guns available on the market, you might get confused even with our seven top options. We’ve, therefore, included a thorough buyer’s guide as well. You can’t go wrong if you follow those guidelines.
You May Also Like To Read:
- Best Paintball Guns In 2024
- Best Paintball Guns Under $200
- 13 Amazing Health Benefits of Paintball Game
Meet Leo Roman, a dedicated paintball enthusiast hailing from the United States. He started as a casual player but quickly became a fierce competitor known for his strategic prowess and precision shooting. Beyond the thrill of the game, Leo values the camaraderie and sense of community in paintball.
He’s a respected figure who not only excels on the field but also volunteers to introduce newcomers to the sport. Follow Leo on our paintball blog for insights and stories from the world of this high-adrenaline adventure. Learn more