Military-style paintball guns are used by law enforcement and various military branches to encourage realism with safety. However, many paintball enthusiasts use T4E (Training for Engagement) and other military-style paintball guns for simulations, target practice, and more.
The best military paintball gun is the Maddog Tippmann Stormer Paintball Gun. This .68 caliber market is perfect for military simulations because it includes a realistic rifle design, a high-performance barrel, and high-quality iron sights. It also has a scope mount to customize the sights.
| Image | Title | Prime | Amazon link |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Maddog Tippmann Stormer Elite Dual Fed Bronze Paintball Gun Marker Starter Package - Black | PrimeEligible | Check on Amazon |
Top | Maddog Tippmann Cronus Tactical Bronze CO2 Paintball Gun Marker Starter Package - Black/Olive | PrimeEligible | Check on Amazon |
Top | Maddog Tippmann TMC MAGFED Titanium HPA Paintball Gun Marker Starter Kit - Tan | PrimeEligible | Check on Amazon |
Top | T4E Walther PPQ .43 Caliber Training Pistol Paintball Gun Marker, Flat Dark Earth | PrimeEligible | Check on Amazon |
Top | Umarex T4E Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 .43 Caliber Training Pistol Paintball Gun Marker, Black | PrimeEligible | Check on Amazon |
Top | Umarex T4E TM-4 Carbine .43 Caliber Training Rifle Paintball Gun Marker | Prime | Check on Amazon |
I have done extensive research, spent hours browsing the forums, and even own some of the guns on this list.
Throughout this post, I’ll show you the best military paintball guns on the market. I’ll also explain what you should look for when buying one of these high-end paintball rifles and pistols.
Best Overall: Maddog Tippmann Stormer Paintball Gun
Best Paintball Gun Overall
Maddog Tippmann Stormer Paintball Gun
Tippmann is one of the oldest and most well-known brands in the paintball industry, which is why they’re trusted as military-style paintball markers. The Maddogg Tippann Stormer Paintball Gun is a military take on a classic gun. It comes with two 20-round mags aided by a 200-round gravity-fed hopper for those who need more ammo on the go.
Another reason I truly believe this is the best military paintball gun is that it includes everything you need. It includes a mask, a hopper, and a 20-ounce (591.47 ml) CO2 tank for long-term paintball games or target practice. It even comes with a barrel cleaner to prevent paint from sticking inside the barrel or slowing your shots.
This semi-auto .68 caliber paintball gun has an adjustable stock, Picatinny rails to modify with your favorite sights, and adjustable FPS that ranges between 250 to 325. Its composite body is designed to look and feel like the real thing. Choose how you want to feed the paintball into the gun and have a blast wherever you compete.
Bottom Line: The Maddog Tippmann Stormer Paintball Gun is at the top of the list because it’s the most versatile and well-rounded military paintball gun you’ll come across. Not only does it mimic real carbines, but it comes with multiple customizations that you can enjoy to take your mil-sim to the next level.
Pros
Warranty
Option between magazines or hoppers
Customizations
Great for beginners and intermediate players
Cons
Only stock iron sights is included
Some don’t like the design
| Caliber | .68 caliber |
| FPS | 250 to 325 FPS |
| Weight | 9 pounds (4.11 kg) |
| Ammo Feed | Magazine or hopper |
| Power Supply | CO2 |
Pros
- This paintball gun comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
- It uses magazines for realism or hoppers for speed.
- You can attach any sight you want with a Picatinny rail system.
- You can take advantage of the bottom mount for additional accessories.
- This package has everything you need to get started.
Cons
- You won’t receive any sights (other than the stock iron sights).
- The wide barrel might not be aesthetically pleasing for some paintball enthusiasts.
Best for Beginners: Maddog Tippmann Cronus Paintball Gun
Best for Beginners
Maddog Tippmann Cronus Paintball Gun
The biggest difference between the Maddog Tippmann Cronus and the previous paintball gun is that the Cronus is a bit lighter and only uses a hopper. The Cronus is the way to go if you don’t want magazines that get in the way. It also has an angled sight that doubles as a handle and mimics the sight that’s stock on most M-16s.
If you choose the Maddog Tippmann Cronus, you’ll also receive a starter kit that includes a hopper, a mask, and a 20-ounce (591.47 ml) CO2 tank. It comes in olive and tan to match your kit, both of which have a 200-round hopper to keep you from reloading too often. Beginners will love the added hopper without the magazine because it creates a sleeker, lighter paintball gun.
You’ll also enjoy the four-mount system that lets you put all sorts of accessories around the gun. There’s a rail on the top, the bottom, and both sides. It also has rubberized grips that prevent you from dropping the paintball gun when you’re turning corners or moving quickly. The vertical grip on the bottom makes it very easy to handle, too.
Bottom Line: While it might not have a realistic magazine, this paintball gun looks and feels perfect for military scenarios. Whether you’re practicing for a real gun or you want to enjoy military simulations, the Cronus is more than worth it. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for beginners and experts alike.
Pros
Great bundle that gives you everything that you need to start
Customizations
Vertical grip
Two color options
Cons
No magazine, only hopper.
| Caliber | .68 caliber |
| FPS | 250 to 325 FPS |
| Weight | 7.89 pounds (3.58 kg) |
| Ammo Feed | Hopper |
| Power Supply | CO2 |
Pros
- This starter kit has everything a beginner needs to have fun in military simulations.
- The four-rail system lets you customize it as much as possible.
- It comes with a built-in vertical grip for easier handling and control.
- It includes a one-year limited warranty.
- You can choose between two stylish colors (olive and tan).
Cons
- It doesn’t have a magazine, which may or may not matter to you.
- The vertical grip isn’t the same durable composite material.
Best for Experienced Players: Maddog Tippmann TMC Paintball Gun
Best for Experienced Players
Maddog Tippmann TMC Paintball Gun
If you want to step up your game, try the Maddog Tippmann TMC Paintball Gun. Everything from the adjustable stock to the adjustable iron sights is made to put the customizations in your hands. Much like the two previous Maddog Tippmann paintball guns, it includes multiple Picatinny rails and an ergonomic grip.
Perhaps one of the biggest features that stands out on this paintball gun is the 12-inch (30.48 cm) barrel. It drastically improves your accuracy and distance without adding too much weight. This gun also includes multiple magazines and a paintball ammo belt, which even has multiple paintball pods for ammo on the go.
If you’re looking for speed without refilling too often, you can opt for the provided 200-round hopper. This kit also includes an HPA (compressed air) tank for maximum power. However, you can choose the CO2 model if you prefer classic paintball fuel. There’s also an extra magazine in case you lose one or want to reload without stopping the action.
Bottom Line: The Maddogg Tippman TMC Paintball Gun brings military realism to an incredibly fun sport. Whether you roll with the 200-round hopper or the 20-round magazine, you’re bound to have a good time. Furthermore, it uses an adjustable FPS lever to let you choose how fast you want to shoot.
Pros
Multiple options to feed paintballs
Comes in a bundle
HPA or CO2 options
Realistic and stylish design
Easy to attach accessories
Cons
Price
| Caliber | .68 caliber |
| FPS | 250 to 325 FPS |
| Weight | 12.7 pounds (5.76 kg) |
| Ammo Feed | Magazine or hopper |
| Power Supply | HPA |
Pros
- You can choose between multiple paintball feeding options.
- It includes a mask, an ammo belt, a spare magazine, pods, and more.
- You can pick between HPA or CO2 to fit your playstyle.
- The black and tan design is realistic and stylish for urban military scenarios.
- Feel free to attach accessories to the top, bottom, or sides.
Cons
- This military paintball gun is quite pricey compared to the other ones.
Best for the Money: Umarex T4E Walther Pistol
Best Value for the Money
Umarex T4E Walther Pistol
If you’re searching for a military paintball gun without breaking your budget, look no further. The Umarex T4E Walther Pistol is specifically designed to look and feel like a real pistol. It’s a common choice for training law enforcement officers, but it’s also popular in the military. It currently comes in black, flat dark earth, and blue.
Regardless of which color you choose, you’ll receive a paintball pistol with an ergonomic grip for comfortable handling. It uses paintballs, but it can also be used with powder balls and other forms of mock ammunition. Adjust the front and rear sights to your liking, then enjoy the fast-paced 355 FPS firepower.
There’s even a small Picatinny rail on the side of the paintball pistol for lasers, and flashlights, among others. The metal slide kicks back when you’re out of ammo, much like real pistols. Combined with the lifelike weight, this is one of the best military paintball guns for any budget, especially if you need a sidearm for your simulations.
Bottom Line: The Umarex T4E Walther Pistol is a true military paintball gun for any enthusiast or trainee. It fits most firearm holsters and lets you practice holding a paintball gun for simulations. Every aspect and detail of these paintball pistols look as real as it gets, making them a go-to for many paintballers.
Pros
Durable
Realistic
Ergonomic grip
Adjustable sights
Cons
It is a pistol, so eight rounds only
| Caliber | .43 caliber |
| FPS | 355 FPS |
| Weight | 2 pounds (0.91 kg) |
| Ammo Feed | Magazine |
| Power Supply | CO2 |
Pros
- This paintball pistol is made of metal, making it incredibly durable.
- It combines lifelike weight with a realistic appearance for the ultimate military paintball pistol.
- It uses an ergonomic grip design to prevent it from slipping out of your hands.
- Each Walther paintball pistol comes with adjustable front sights and rear sights.
Cons
- These paintball guns only hold eight rounds, so they wouldn’t be ideal as a primary paintball gun.
Best Military Paintball Handgun: Smith & Wesson T4E .43 Pistol
Best Military Paintball Handgun
Smith & Wesson T4E .43 Pistol
Smith & Wesson is one of the most trusted brands in the firearm industry, so it’s no surprise that its T4E .43 Pistol is a top contender. This military-style paintball pistol uses a Smith & Wesson realistic pistol design, weight, and mounting system to provide the best experience possible. You can attach almost any sight, light, or laser to this paintball gun.
Furthermore, it comes in LE blue and blue. Both colors offer CO2-powered paintballs with an eight-round magazine. Much like the previous paintball pistol, these markers can go up to 355 FPS. It also includes a hard case for long-term storage without scraping your investment. Speaking of maintenance, it comes with a full cleaning kit.
This semi-auto military paintball handgun fits in most sidearm holsters, making it ideal for carrying while keeping both of your hands free. It has a locking trigger as a safety feature, preventing it from firing unintentionally. However, it can fire a paintball without the magazine if one is loaded in the barrel assembly.
Bottom Line: Smith & Wesson makes all kinds of high-quality firearms, including this military paintball gun. It’s a Training for an Engagement paintball gun, which is perfect for a wide range of enthusiasts and trainees. It’s also comfortable to hold, but it has the weight of a real firearm to simulate realistic situations.
Pros
Trusted brand
Realistic look and feel
Lightweight
Easy to handle
T4E
Cons
Costs more than similar models
| Caliber | .43 caliber |
| FPS | 355 FPS |
| Weight | 1.7 pounds (0.77 kg) |
| Ammo Feed | Magazine |
| Power Supply | CO2 |
Pros
- It’s made by a well-known, trusted brand in the industry.
- It looks and feels like a real pistol, making it great for military simulations.
- It’s very lightweight compared to most military paintball guns.
- A mixture of metal and plastic makes it easy to handle without taking away from realism.
- This paintball gun is designed as a T4E setup.
Cons
- It’s a bit more expensive than the previously mentioned paintball handgun on the list.
Best for Target Practice: Umarex T4E TM-4 Carbine
Best for Target Practice
Umarex T4E TM-4 Carbine
The Umarex T4E TM-4 Carbine is one of the most popular go-to paintball guns for military and law enforcement training. If you have a military paintball marker in your head, this is likely the one you’re thinking of. It has a metal body with a plastic barrel and a magazine. The rubberized grip is easy to handle, while the adjustable stock is perfect for a custom fit.
It has a realistic magazine release lever that drops the eight-round magazine, making it easy to swap ammo when necessary. While the 315 FPS isn’t as much as some of the other paintball markers mentioned above, it’s still quite impressive. You’ll also enjoy the multiple sling mount locations to help you carry it with you however you please.
The removable stock handle sight gives way to a Picatinny rail mount. You can attach whichever sights and other attachments you want. This paintball gun also works with powder balls and rubber balls. The safety lever slides up and down with your thumb, letting you change it without taking your finger off the trigger.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking to improve your paintball accuracy or see how well you can aim with a firearm, the Umarex T4E TM-4 Carbine should be your first choice. It has room for eight paintballs, which lets you swap them whenever you need. While there’s no hopper, you won’t need one if you’re only using it for practice.
Pros
Realistic
Multiple sling mount locations
Trusted by professional law enforcement and military
Adjustable and removable sight
Cons
Expensive
8 rounds magazine
| Caliber | .43 caliber |
| FPS | 315 FPS |
| Weight | 6 pounds (2.72 kg) |
| Ammo Feed | Magazine |
| Power Supply | CO2 |
Pros
- It has all of the features of a real carbine without the ammo.
- You can choose from multiple sling mount locations for optimal comfort.
- You can remove or use the provided handle sight on top of the paintball marker.
- It’s used and trusted by countless military and law enforcement members.
- The front sight can be adjusted or removed as needed.
Cons
- It’s one of the most expensive paintball markers on the list.
- The eight-round magazine can be quite limiting if you’re using it during a paintball match instead of target practice.
What To Look For When Buying a Military Paintball Gun
Military paintball guns have a lot of differences and similarities compared to traditional paintball guns. Knowing what to look for is important since each feature impacts every part of how you practice and play paintball. Not only should you consider the military-esque appearance but also the way you intend to use the paintball gun.
Here’s a breakdown of the five factors to consider when buying a military paintball gun:
- Realism is incredibly important if you’re training as a law enforcement officer, military member, or someone trying to protect their home. This factor includes the weight, ergonomics, reload method, and so on.
- Accuracy is crucial because you need to know where your paintball hits to improve your skills. All of the paintball markers on this list are designed for speed and accuracy, which is why they can each get over 300 FPS.
- Similarity between your paintball gun and any real gun you intend to emulate plays a big role in the decision-making process. Do your best to find one that’s the paintball version of your desired gun’s make and model (if you’re using it for training purposes).
- Functionality is essential because it lets you know how well you perform with rifles and handguns. How many rounds can it hold? Are you looking for a sidearm or a primary paintball marker? These questions will help you know which one is right for you.
- Compatibility will show you which scopes, handrail mounts, laser sights, and other accessories you can use. Check if your paintball gun has Picatinny rail systems to let you attach all sorts of modifications.
These issues make a big difference when it comes to your paintball gun. If you’re in the market for a military paintball marker, I recommend Umarex, Tippmann, or a real firearm manufacturer.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the details below.
Realism
Realism is irreplaceable for those who want to use military paintball guns for training purposes or military simulations. According to T4E Guns, you should check if your paintball gun is marked with a Training for Engagement logo, which will let you know if your paintball gun emulates realism and can improve your results.
Another element of realism is the paintball gun’s appearance. Most paintball guns intentionally don’t look real. They have long barrels with hoppers on top or bottom, depending on the style you choose. If you want a military-style paintball gun, it should look as real as possible, but always abide by local laws since some require orange tips and other mods.
Accuracy
Bedlam Paintball explains that optimal accuracy is perhaps the most important aspect of them all. Accuracy is crucial if you’re looking to mimic a military-style combat scenario. Check your paintball gun’s distance, then compare it to its accuracy. Keep in mind that maximum distance isn’t the same as accuracy, but they should both be marked.
A paintball gun’s accuracy is capped by the player’s skill. You can have the most accurate paintball gun, but your modifications and methods are equally important. For example, a long barrel increases accuracy, while a short barrel is better for lightweight paintball guns. Additionally, higher speed often improves accuracy because it reduces wind effects.
Similarity
How similar is your paintball gun to the gun you intend to use? If you’re using military paintball guns to practice for real-life situations, it’s imperative that your paintball gun looks and feels the same as the one you want to go with. It isn’t much of an issue if you’re only using military-style paintball guns for simulations, but it’s still exciting to mimic reality.
A military paintball gun should have a comfortable grip, removable sights (or a bar to mount them), and other features that copy the real version of the gun. While they’re only there for aesthetics, you could also get a paintball gun with dust guards, logos, and porous barrels to look like an M-16, AR-15, or whichever gun you want it to look like.
Functionality
Are you using your paintball gun for close-range, long-range, or mid-range? Most military paintball guns are mid-range carbines, while a handful of them are close-range pistols. You can use both to hone your skills in each category, but I recommend focusing on one before moving to the next. Consider whether you want to use slings, holsters, and other carrying methods.
Another thing to keep in mind is that many military paintball guns don’t have a lot of ammo because they mimic real-life guns with 12 rounds, 16 rounds, and so on. While some of them have hopper attachments to greatly increase the ammo capacity, you’ll strip some of the realism from the paintball gun. For instance, the T4E TM-4 Carbine has an eight-round magazine.
Compatibility
Check the potential military paintball gun before buying it if you want to use certain attachments. The last thing you need is to get a paintball gun that doesn’t let you train with the sights, grips, and other modifications you purchased. Also, consider whether or not you can attach flashlights, lasers, and many other attachments that you might want to use down the road.
You should also consider if the paintball gun is allowed at the course or area you’re using it. Some paintball guns and airsoft guns are illegal if they look too real, which could result in hefty fines and unsafe situations. Always check the facility’s rules and regulations beforehand, as some of them ban realistic military paintball guns because they can confuse or scare other people.
Key Takeaways
Many paintball enthusiasts and those who work in law enforcement and military branches, including trainees, use military-style paintball guns for simulation and target practice.
Realism is one of the five essential factors to consider when buying a military paintball gun. So, if you want to play or practice with a paintball gun that looks as real as possible and has everything you need, look no further than the Maddog Tippmann Stormer Paintball Gun.
