| Marker Safety and Maintenance |
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Ensure safety when cleaning and traveling with your marker.
A paintball player is only as good as the marker that he carries. And, while an expensive marker is not necessary, the proper care of it is critical to the success of the game. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Care  - Always keep your marker well oiled. Firing a dried out marker may cause permanent damage. However, when lubricating the marker, do not overdo it. Using too much oil may cause damage. Companies such as Slip2000 suggest using three to four drops per lubrication point and lubricating every two weeks.
- Before disassembly, make sure you are familiar with it so you can put it back together.
- When disassembling for cleaning, put each part on a cloth or a towel to avoid parts falling on the floor and getting dirt in them.
- Use cotton swabs or a squeegee to get into those hard-to-reach places because dirt and dried paint does get into those nooks and crannies.
- When cleaning, take your time and be careful. A clean marker is a happy marker and will improve your speed and accuracy.
Travel
When traveling to events, pack your marker in a case that is specifically designed to hold paintball gear. Although the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to pack your marker in a regular bag, using a specially-designed bag will help because it has all the necessary cushions and dividers to keep your marker safe while in flight.
The Paintball Sports Trade Association (PSTA) suggests that, because a lot of markers look like real guns, when traveling, to remove your barrel, hopper and tank from your marker so security personnel can clearly identify it as a paintball marker.
Barrel Sleeves, Condoms and Plugs
A great way to enhance the safety of any marker is to secure a barrel sleeve or condom, to the end of the barrel. A barrel sleeve fits loosely around the barrel of the marker and prevents your gun from misfiring when you are not playing. Barrel sleeves come in many different colors and designs; they cost between $5.00 and $8.00.
Another way to prevent misfired shots from exiting your marker is to use a barrel plug. Instead of fitting around the barrel of the gun, like a sleeve or a condom, a plug fits inside the barrel. The downside to a barrel plug is that if your marker misfires more than three times, the plug will fall out.
Ensure Safe Travel
Don’t forget! When traveling with your paintball equipment, always make sure that your tank is empty, just in case the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wants to inspect it.
- Remove all the air from the tank and;
- Remove the regulator. Some regulators may be difficult to remove, so before you travel, it might be beneficial to visit a local technician for assistance.
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