Update on the use and ownership of Paintball markers.

Since our statement on 19th January 2024 and subsequent update on 24th January 2024, we have had a lot of UKPSF members bring up certain aspects of the law. As we are not experts in firearms legislation and do not claim to be, we decided to get further advice from a firearms barrister to seek further clarification on the questions raised. We had tried to keep the advice/guidance simple, which may have left some room for interpretation. So, we are updating our advice as follows:

Our core statement is still correct but for clarity will now be a little longer. The following is based on Home Office guidance and advice. 

‘Paintball Markers of any size can only be purchased by those over 18 for use in permitted activities such as skirmishing and re-enactment at a venue where suitable third-party liability insurance is in place. Paintball markers should be fired at no greater than 300 feet per second only with frangible Paintballs and the person in possession of the Paintball marker must have an up-to-date UKPSF membership with said membership remaining in place while the Paintball marker is in your possession.’ 

Paintball markers cease to be a Paintball marker if anything other than a frangible Paintball is fired from it. This is based on Home Office guidance, which, whilst not law, suggests that they should not be considered as ‘weapons’ as they are not designed to cause any injury. If you fire anything other than a frangible paintball through a paintball marker it may become an item which can be classified as a firearm and in some cases could be considered a prohibited weapon. This particularly applies to any paintball marker which has an overall length of under 60cm, or a barrel of less than 30cm. If found in possession of such an item you could face prosecution and a lengthy prison sentence if convicted and the UKPSF would not be able to help defend you. 

While Paintball markers are not considered to be firearms, it is very important that they are not carried openly or are able to be seen in public in circumstances where people might think it is a firearm. We recommend that paintball markers be kept out of sight in a sealed sport-type bag with zip (etc) closures while being transported from home to the Paintball venue. Paintball markers are considered in law to be ‘imitation firearms’ and therefore you must be careful because you will be committing a criminal offence if you have them in public without good reason. 

Paintball markers are never to be sold for, advertised as, or used for ‘home defence’. 

The classification of Paintball markers, and firearms is complex and can only be decided on a case-by-case basis. However, Paintball markers must always comply with the internationally recognised 300 FPS (feet per second) rule, regardless of calibre. Paintball masks are certified to ASTM Standard F1776, which states 300 FPS as an upper limit, regardless of caliber.

In conclusion, Paintball is somewhat under the stoplight as the NCA (National Crime Agency) is looking into ‘novel systems’ and has confiscated several paintball markers following numerous incidents. The Home Office guidance gives paintball its defence if anything were to happen as long as we follow the straightforward rules listed above. It is all of our responsibility to keep the sport we love safe and within the law. 

The good news for pistol owners is that this information has confirmed that the length of your paintball marker is irrelevant as long as it is under 300 feet per second and ONLY shooting frangible Paintballs. 

‘IF IT IS NOT SHOOTING A FRANGIBLE PAINTBALL, IT IS NOT A PAINTBALL MARKER!’