Standard semi-automatic paintball allows you to shoot several rounds a second down range.
On the other hand, the pump-action style of shooting is slow and methodical.
Playing semi-auto and typical forms of paintball means firing lots of shots.
In fact, you may fire several shots hoping one hits the target.
When shooting a paintball pump gun, you have to put thought and effort into hitting the target.
You can’t fire as fast, so each shot must count.
With the reduced rate of fire comes a focus more on the skills of shooting instead of the strategy of the game.
That takes a change of strategy in mind.
So manufacturers are improving the design of their pump-action style paintball markers.
Players want them to shoot easier and more exciting.
It’s a tough decision when looking for a good pump paintball gun.
You want to focus your attention on the construction of the marker.
Also, pay attention to how smoothly the pump-action works.
The last things you want are misfeeds or chopped paint because of a marker malfunction.
Best Pump Paintball Guns in 2023
People get into pump-action paintball for many reasons.
Some are beginners and others are looking to increase their paintball skills.
In either case, you need to find the marker that is perfect for you.
We’ve taken the liberty of putting together a list with a few of the best pump paintball guns on the market.
Azodin KP3 Kaos Pump
- Weight: 2.5 lbs.
- Length: 21 in.
- Skill level: Beginner
The KP3 pump paintball gun allows for easy use while remaining accurate.
Its construction consists entirely of high-grade aluminum.
Straight out of the box you’ll be able to enjoy this marker.
There is a mix of simple, pump-action, shooting with modern technology and you’ll be the envy of the field.
The KP3 features a single trigger.
This trigger is a contrast versus the double-finger trigger standard on most markers today.
The single-finger trigger allows for a most consistent trigger pull.
It also ensures you pull the trigger back completely.
In a pump paintball marker, a few problems can arise.
For example, the shooter may not pull the trigger completely.
Then the weapon’s will need maintenance because the firing sequence is off.
The reason why most people have shied away from pump paintball markers is due to the ability to “over-tinker” them.
What we mean is if you mess with the settings too much, the gun would malfunction and need repair.
To counter this, the KP3 pump action paintball gun offers few adjustments to the shooter.
This feature ensures the marker’s delicate system will stay in sync.
More importantly, the shooter has years of enjoyment.
The pump handle on the KP3 is sturdy and feels solid in your hand.
It is also lightweight, putting less strain on your wrist and arm muscles when pumping.
Also, the KP3 has a clamping feed neck, which allows you to control how tight your hopper is on the marker.
This feature also allows you to use different styles, and sizes, of hoppers with no issues.
While paintball pump guns shoot at low velocities by design, the KP3 is still accurate.
We will admit that this style of paintball gun is not for long-range shots.
So, you can expect to get excellent accuracy at 50 feet with the KP3.
Also, because of the low velocity, the KP3 uses hardly any HPA when shooting.
Empire Paintball Pump Sniper
- Weight: 3.5 lbs.
- Length: 19 in.
- Skill level: Intermediate-Advanced
Empire built the Sniper pump paintball gun to be a tournament level paintball pump marker.
It has an excellent choice for anybody wanting to take their pump-action game to the next level.
The aluminum body and two-piece barrel make the Empire Sniper durable.
Even with its durability, the design allows it to be still lightweight and easy to carry.
The Sniper’s 14 inch, two-piece barrel allows this pump marker to keep its accuracy.
At the same time, it has a velocity of around 250 feet per second.
Also, this marker comes with 3 barrel inserts of varying bore sizes, including .675, .680, and .685.
So, in essence, it’s like having three different barrels for the gun.
These various bore sizes allow you choices.
You can choose the size, and quality, of paintball that you want to shoot.
You can do this without having to have a different barrel.
Perhaps the best feature that made us want the Sniper pump action paintball gun on our list is the auto-trigger function.
One of the downsides of shooting a pump marker is the fact that you have to pump it with each shot.
This action lowers the rate of fire quite a bit.
With the auto-trigger function, you can cut down the time it takes to shoot again.
You do this by removing the need to pull the trigger.
What you do is hold the trigger down after shooting.
After that, you just to pump the gun and another paintball comes out.
So, your marker becomes semi-auto, of sorts.
Instead of pulling the trigger for each shot, you pump the handle.
This marker has become the favorite of many tournament-level shooters.
It works great for any style of play.
Whether you’re into woodsball or speedball, this is a great choice.
This is one of the best paintball pump guns to help you increase your skills and become an excellent paintballer.
Azodin KP3.5 Kaos Pump
- Weight: 2.5 lbs.
- Length: 21 in.
- Skill level: Beginner
Similar to the KP3, the KP3.5 pump paintball gun has the same incredible build and accuracy.
There are a couple of the main features that distinguishes this from its sibling.
Instead of accepting only the 0.680 size of rounds, the KP3.5 includes two barrel backs.
These choices allow the shooter to choose what size and quality of paint they wish to use.
The higher quality paint tends to be slightly bigger around than the lower quality paint.
Therefore it takes an increased bore size to shoot it.
With the KP3.5, these extra barrel backs allow for that.
They come in the bore sizes of 0.681 and 0.685.
This extra size means all the difference in why this gun is on our list.
On top of the two barrel backs, the features remain the same between the two markers.
The 3.5 has the Delrin pump handle and bolt.
Delrin is a material that is self-lubricating and almost guaranteed not to break.
Also, this marker operates at a lower pressure than most others.
The result causes this gun to be quiet while remaining precise.
This lower pressure system uses a ZeRO internal assembly and acoustic bolt.
When testing in the field, this marker was quiet.
Even so, it still was effective in hitting the enemy from upwards of 50 feet.
Perhaps what makes the KP3.5 pump action paintball gun one of the best pump paintball guns on the list is that it is perfect for any level of player.
Even the youngest of players can know what it feels like to shoot a paintball gun the way it was originally.
They also can gain the skills that make them a better paintballer.
Conclusion
Pump paintball markers are fun and easy to shoot.
But it’s hard to do so effectively.
It takes more skill than firing several rounds and praying that you hit someone.
That’s why paintballers that are excellent with the pump paintball markers are some of the best in the game.
They hone their skills of aiming and moving with stealth through the field to get closer to the enemy.
All in all, anybody can shoot a pump marker.
With today’s guns, it doesn’t take a ton of force to pump the weapon as it did in the olden days.
Also, pump markers tend to be a couple of inches shorter than regular markers.
This difference makes them more comfortable for little players to shoot.
Take the time to research and find the best pump marker to fit your needs and skill level.
Don’t get a gun that requires a bunch of fine tuning when you are not getting involved in this style of play.
Remember that pump-style of the game tends to be close-quarter combat.
So make sure the gun will last through severe abuse.
