4 Best Paintball Guns Under $300 in 2023

As an experienced paintball player with over 20 years of experience, I have had the opportunity to try out many different paintball guns. In my journey, I have found some gems that offer the perfect combination of affordability, performance, and versatility.

The best paintball gun under $300 is the Umarex T4E Walther PPQ .43 Caliber Pistol, thanks to its realistic size, weight, and controls that provide cost-effective training. Additionally, the marker has a metal barrel and slide, with a locking mechanism that retains the slide when empty.

However, there are certain circumstances in which I would not recommend the Umarex T4E: 

• If you are a beginner, go with the Tippmann Cronus Paintball Marker (available on Amazon). 
• If you are looking for a live training alternative, I suggest the T4E M&P M2.0 .43 (available on Amazon). 
• If you have a strict budget, the Spyder Victor Semi-Auto would be a more suitable option (available on Amazon).

In the rest of this article, I will delve into the details of each of these guns and explain why they are worth considering. I will also outline the advantages and disadvantages of each option, allowing you to make a well-informed choice when buying your next paintball marker.

Prepared to spend a little bit more? Check my reviews of the best paintball guns under $500 in 2023.

Best Overall: Umarex T4E Walther PPQ .43 Caliber Pistol

Pros

• Realistic training: Offers a cost-effective and highly realistic training solution for less than 9 cents per round. The marker’s size, weight, and controls offer an authentic training experience. 
• Practical design: The marker operates with economical CO2 and features an 8-round drop-free magazine with a realistic magazine release for easy reloading. Additionally, it features a Picatinny accessory rail that allows you to attach lights, lasers, and other additional components. 
• Sturdy build: The marker is designed with a robust metal barrel and slide and has a locking mechanism that engages when the magazine is empty. 
• Multi-purpose ammo: Fires .43 caliber paintballs, powder balls, or rubber balls at speeds of up to 355 FPS, offering versatility in training and play. 

Cons 

• Limited magazine: You may be disappointed that the product only comes with one magazine, as the number of mags is not clearly stated in the product description and may be expected to be higher based on information in the Q&A section.
• Inaccurate operation: The CO2 can be released upon pulling the trigger, even when there is no ammunition or the slide is locked back, leading to inaccurate operation. 
• Sharp edges: Backstrap removal can cause injury or tear for users with softer hands.     
• Loading issues with fast puncture mag: It doesn’t load smoothly, requires extra force to load, is easy to pinch oneself, and has a small surface to work with from the bottom without piercing the CO2 cartridge.

Product Specifications 

Specification	Description
Color	Flat dark earth
Suggested Users	Unisex-Adult
Size	One size
Item Dimensions	1 x 1 x 1 inch (2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm)
Item Weight	2 pounds (900 grams)
Package Dimensions	13.19 x 10.75 x 3.03 inches (33.5 x 27.31 x 7.7 cm)
Package Weight	1.27 kilograms (2.8 pounds)

If you’re a paintball enthusiast looking to get the most out of your equipment, I recommend reading this article that provides valuable insights and practical tips on caring for paintball equipment. It’s a comprehensive guide that can help you maintain your gear in top condition, ensuring its longevity and performance.

Best for Beginners: Tippmann Cronus Paintball Marker

Pros 

• Semi-auto firing mode: This marker provides consistent shooting and improved accuracy. Allows for rapid and controlled firing, making it easier to hit your targets.      
• High-impact durable composite body: The marker withstands the rigors of paintball gameplay. Ensures long-lasting and reliable performance. 
• Vertical grip for increased marker control: Offers a comfortable and secure grip for improved accuracy and maneuverability. This strong grip reduces hand fatigue during extended gameplay sessions.
• Easily modified: The marker comes with various Picatinny rails to install accessories such as sights, flashlights, and lasers. This allows players to customize their markers to fit their playing styles and preferences. 
• Off-set hopper feed port:  Enables players to take aim without obstruction from the hopper. Provides a clear line of sight for improved accuracy and control. 

Cons 

• Inconsistent accuracy: The accuracy of the Tippmann Cronus Paintball Marker may not live up to its high rating, according to some users, although I had no issues with it. Multiple trigger pulls at the same spot may land up to a foot away from each other, impacting a player’s ability to hit their intended target. Tip: Check our article on the most accurate paintball markers.
• Difficulty switching safety: Some users may find it difficult to switch the safety back and forth on the marker. This issue may be due to the size of the O-ring, but this can be fixed by getting a smaller O-ring. Although not a significant problem, it may cause some inconvenience during gameplay, especially when quick adjustments are necessary.
• Poor shipping and packaging: According to some users, the shipping and packaging of the paintball gun may be poor. The product may arrive in a box that looks like it was hastily assembled or made with poor-quality materials. This can be a concern for some users who expect their product to arrive in good condition.
• Inadequate barrel length: Although the Tippmann paintball gun can shoot straight, according to some users, the barrel length may not be sufficient for optimal performance.  Some users suggest a better barrel length of at least 12 inches (30.48 cm) is required to improve the gun’s accuracy and overall performance. Check my article for more information on how the length of a barrel affects your paintball accuracy.

Product Specifications 

Specification	Description
Color	Tan and black
Material	Aluminum, plastic
Suggested Users	Unisex-Adult
Item Dimensions	13.5 x 11 x 3.2 inches (34.29 x 27.94 x 8.1 cm)
Item Weight	6 pounds (2.72 kg)
Package Weight	3.74 kilograms (8.25 pounds)
Warranty Description	6 months
Size	17 x 13.2 x 3.3″ (43.18 x 33.53 x 8.38 cm)

Best Live Training Alternative: T4E M&P M2.0 .43 Paintball Pistol

Pros 

• Cost-effective training: At less than 9 cents a round, these pistols are an affordable alternative to live-fire training. They replicate the size, weight, and controls of real firearms, making them ideal for force-on-force training. 
• Realistic design: This pistol is highly realistic in size, weight, and controls. It further mimics the handling and functionality of a real firearm, making it ideal for law enforcement or military personnel.
• Robust build: The marker features a metal barrel and slide for added durability, with a locking mechanism that holds back when empty. 
• Included accessories: The paintball pistol comes with an 8-round drop-free magazine with a realistic mag release. It also includes a cleaning squeegee and a hard case for protection during transport.

Cons 

• The potential of a malfunctioning clip: There have been reports of the clip not staying in place. Although customer service was quick to respond, and the pistol was repaired or replaced promptly, the malfunctioning clip could be a potential issue for users.
• Difficulty finding a compatible holster: Despite the quality construction of the pistol, one issue is finding a suitable holster. This could make it inconvenient to carry around and limits its ease of use.
• Malfunctioning after changing grips: If you plan on switching out the grips on this pistol, be aware that it may malfunction. You might experience rounds breaking in the barrel and the gun not firing properly unless manually pulled back.

Product Specifications 

Specification	Description
Paintball Gun Color	LE blue
Rounds	8
Caliber Size	0.43
Dimensions in LxWxH	1 x 1 x 1 inches (2.54 x 2.54 x 2.4 cm)
Item Weight	1.69 pounds (0.77 kg)

Best Cheap Paintball Gun: Spyder Victor Semi-Auto

Pros 

• Established brand reputation: This marker is a result of Spyder Paintball’s well-known legacy. With over three decades of experience, Spyder is a widely recognized name in the paintball industry, producing high-quality paintball guns at reasonable prices.
• Warranty coverage: The marker has an extended warranty, providing free coverage for 90 days to address any issues. This warranty demonstrates that Spyder stands behind its product and assures customers that they are protected in case of complications.      
• Customizable features: This fully adjustable paintball marker is designed to be field-ready. You can customize it to your liking, with the ability to adjust the marker’s velocity from 280 FPS to over 350 FPS. 
• Expedient shipping: Fast and free shipping is another advantage of purchasing the Spyder Victor Paintball Gun. This feature enables you to get on the field sooner and without additional costs.

Cons 

• Sharp aluminum body: While the marker is a great gun to get into the sport of paintball, the aluminum body is slightly sharp, which could lead to discomfort during extended gameplay. While it can be remedied with a little effort, such as sanding it down with 1000-grit sandpaper, it is still an inconvenience that should be considered.
• Malfunctioning guns: Another drawback of the Spyder Paintball Marker is that the guns may not function properly. Some users have reported issues with jamming, rendering the guns useless and leading to frustration and wasted time.

Product Specifications 

Specification	Description
Compatible with	CO2 or compressed air
Included	Marker, barrel sock blocking device, spare parts kit, service tools, and product manual
Warranty	1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Style	15156Y, 15157Y
Additional Information	DSG Pro Tips
Brand	Spyder Paintball

Key Takeaway 

If you’re looking for a high-quality paintball gun that won’t break the bank, plenty of great options are available.My best overall pick is the Umarex T4E Walther PPQ .43 Caliber Pistol. This paintball gun stands out due to its realistic look and feel, high accuracy, and impressive range.