When Were Paintball Guns Invented A History

Introducing the Invention of Paintball Guns

Welcome to the evolution story of the paintball gun! Even as early as the 1950s, entrepreneurs enjoyed recreational activities that simulated combat scenarios. The roots of paintball technology were, however, planted in the 1880s when a man named Nelson Paint created a game called The National Survival Game. But the invention of paintball guns, as we know them today, came decades later. Since then, paintball guns have seen several upgrades, provide endless thrills to millions of players around the world. Let's explore how far the tech has come since its invention in 1981.

When Were Paintball Guns Invented

The original, non-compressed air paintball marker, the Nel Splatmaster, was invented in 1981 by James Hale at Nelson Paint and Ball Corporation. He combined the elements of child's blowgun with a Childs' Air-rifle to create a paint-filled projectile which could be fired from a gun. Over the next decade, innovations focused on developing a compressed air system that could replace the two compressed air cartridges commonly used in early paintball guns. Compressed air allowed for consistent accuracy, higher firing velocity, and sustainable reuse.

How Paintball Guns Have Evolved

Before 1970, paintball guns were powered by 12 Gram CO2 cartridges which were ultimately replaced by high-pressure tanks holding compressed CO2 and propellant gases. Manufacturers would continue to innovate, with paintball guns being made from aluminum and steel instead of plastic. While this reduced the cost of manufacturing, the process also opened a new slew of features like quick-release mechanisms, adjustable hoppers, and lightweight body designs.

Paintball Technology Upgrades

By 2000, various electronic upgrades for better control and efficiency were integrated into entry-level paintball guns. Features like built-in color screens, adjustable velocity nozzles, and motion detectors became commonplace. Mechanized hoppers were introduced to reduce the need for humongous containers; the new systems entailed a round-hopper, with the ball directly Wedging into the breach. In the modern age of paintball, users have access to sophisticated guns boasting GPS technology, camera-fitted goggles, and refined interiors.

In Summary

The invention of paintball guns has come a long way since its conception in 1981. The roots trace back to the 19th-century and, with continuing innovations, the paintball gun has seen various upgrades, featuring compressed air systems, and aluminum and steel bodies, among others. Over the last two decades, various electronic upgrades for better control and efficiency were implemented, and GPS-controlled smart guns are available in the modern era.

References

McNamara, Jack. History of Paintball Guns: How Paintball Guns Have Evolved Over Time. Sports Gallery, 22 Nov. 2019, www.sportsgallery.online/index.php/history-of-paintball-guns-how-paintball-guns-has-evolved-over-time/.

Farthing, Steffen. The Invention of Paintball. First Strike Paintball, 18 June 2020, firststrikepb.com/the-invention-of-paintball/.