How to Fix a Paintball Gun That Won’t Shoot

Introduction

Has your paintball gun stopped working out of nowhere? Or has it gradually lost the ability to shoot? Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there’s often a simple fix! Paintball guns may refuse to shoot for various reasons, from minor adjustments to more complex fixes. Here’s a guide that covers the most common issues and how you can troubleshoot each one.

How to Fix a Paintball Gun That Won’t Shoot

1. Check the Battery

One of the most common reasons a paintball gun won’t shoot is a weak or dead battery. Sometimes, the battery may have been faulty from the start, especially if purchased from an unreliable source. If you suspect the battery is the issue, try replacing it with a new one and ensure it’s fully charged.

2. Inspect the Cup Seal

Air leakage is a frequent issue that prevents paintball guns from firing. A quick fix is to apply lubricating oil to the air source adapter and reattach the air tank to reduce leakage. However, for a long-term solution, you may need to replace the cup seal if it’s defective.

3. Examine the O-Ring

A worn-out or broken O-Ring can also cause air leaks. If you notice air escaping from below the barrel, the O-Ring might need replacement. To fix this:

• Remove the volumizer.
• Lubricate the new O-Ring before installing it for longevity. Replacing the O-Ring often restores the gun’s firing capability.

4. Adjust the Trigger

Check the trigger setting to ensure it’s properly aligned. Press the trigger and observe if the microswitch opens and closes completely. If it doesn’t, adjust the trigger until it operates smoothly, allowing your paintball gun to fire again.

5. Refill or Replace the Air Tank

An empty air tank is a common cause of firing issues. If your tank is empty, simply replace it with a full one. Keeping a spare tank on hand can prevent mid-game interruptions.

6. Clear Broken Paintballs

After each game, inspect the chamber for any broken paintballs. A broken paintball can clog the chamber and prevent the gun from firing. If you find paintball residue, use a squeegee to clean the chamber and remove any remaining paint debris.

7. Increase Hammer Pressure

If your paintball gun still won’t shoot, check the hammer’s pressure. Insufficient pressure prevents the gun from firing with enough force. To fix this, increase the hammer’s tension, which will improve pressure and firing performance.

8. Verify Paint Levels

It may seem obvious, but sometimes the simplest solutions are overlooked. Check if there’s paint in the gun! Ensure that the breach setting is activated and that there’s enough paint in the chamber for shooting.

9. Check Paintball and Barrel Sizes

For optimal firing, your paintballs should fit snugly in the barrel. If the barrel is too large or the paintballs are too small, the gun won’t shoot effectively. Before buying, check the diameter of both to ensure compatibility.

10. Inspect the Trigger for Permanent Depression

If none of the above fixes work, your gun’s trigger might be permanently depressed. Adjust the trigger setting to release it, or disable any detection settings that might be preventing the gun from firing.

Conclusion

If you’ve tried all these fixes and your gun still won’t shoot, it might be time for professional help. A damaged internal part could require replacement, and consulting an expert or the manufacturer will help you identify and address the issue. With these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to get your paintball gun up and running for your next game!

This guide should help you troubleshoot common issues with your paintball gun, ensuring you’re ready for action on the field! 

Additional Reading

Consider checking out our blog and/or listing to our podcast named Mastering The Game.