The A-5 or X-7 or a different one

[sleeves411]

I was wondering what would be an accurate gun would be once I got upgrades.

I have only played once and used a Triton, and it was not accurate. What different things should I get, and are there any packages on ebay that would satisfy them.

The main thing is I want to be around 100ft away and be able to get close to a target and not hit 15 different spots every shot.

I apologize if I sound too mean or anything like that.

Thank you for all of your help and time.

[banderson]

Welcome to PBR!
Basically just about anything will shoot better than a Triton. I would steer you away from the X-7 for now since it is more of a scenario marker than anything. Overall Tippmann makes great markers though. The A-5 is a good choice if that is what you are looking for. I would also suggest some of the Kingman markers, they too are good. I really just depends on your price range, what look you are going for, what type of play you are thinking about, ETC. If you are going to go with a Tippmann, Kingmann, or another decent maker then it is just up to you what marker you get. Read some reviews, look around, see what you can afford and go from there.
The best thing you can do to increase the accuracy of any marker is going to be get a new barrel, and make sure that your paint fits the barrel you are using. Most barrels that come stock with markers suck though, so a barrel is not a bad investment. Again read some reviews and look around. My personal favorites for a budget player would be the J&J Performance Ceramic 1 Piece and the Custom Products 2 Piece. Ya can't go wrong with either of them and you should be able to get them for fairly cheap, like $30.

Hope this helps. If ya need more help I usually don't come to Tippmann feel free to PM if need be.

[Corrupted355]

The Tippmann X-7 is nothing more than an A-5 in a tux. If your choice is between these two, get the A-5.

Like Banderson said, have a look around before you purchase anything. Go to your local field and rent a gun. Then see if you can get anyone you're playing with to let you take a couple shots with their markers. Around here, the regulars are always happy to help out anyone with a rental.

I may have to do some penance for saying this, but right now the best value on an entry marker is probably the Smart Parts Vibe. I'm really not fond of the Smart Parts corporation, but that little Vibe is one of the best deals in paintball today. In pure bang-for-the-buck, that thing is at the very top of the list.

With that being said, there are plenty of markers out there that are way, way better. It's all a question of how dedicated you want to be to the sport and how much spare cash you have lying around. If your funds are vast, get a Bob Long Vice and never look back. If you're pressed for cash, things like that Vibe or any number of lower end markers may be more your speed.

And one more thing to keep in mind: whatever marker you decide that you want, someone somewhere is selling that exact one used, for less cash than it will be if you buy it new.

[sleeves411]

So I should get an _____ gun with a new barrel?

I just would like something that is accurate, that would do good in most places.

Can you recommend a gun from Kingman that is pretty good or what?

Thank you again.

[Orpackrat]

You could do well with just a Tippmann 98 Custom (used) with a Palmers Brass Barrel or a barrel kit. A simple agitated hopper, and a little Co2 Tank. A good Thermal mask (duel pane).

[Corrupted355]

Can you recommend a gun from Kingman that is pretty good or what?
From Kingman? I'm afraid not. I never liked the feel of a Spyder, so I never versed myself in Kingman's arsenal. Plenty of people like them; I don't.

Packrat probably has the best option laid out. I had been thinking that a WGP Trilogy (the basic, beginner Autococker) would be a nice place to start, but you wouldn't be able to upgrade that particular marker as much as you would with a 98. A Tippmann 98C is probably the gun you're looking for. In it's factory form, it's very basic. However, the aftermarket support and modification list for the 98 line is staggerinly massive. What this means is that when you improve your game, you can improve the 98C to match your skills. Basically, you can make the gun grow with you. I did something similar with my A-5.

But to make an accurate recommendation, we really need to know how much money you're willing to spend to but gear. Because in addition to purchasing the marker itself, we'll also need to factor in your air supply, loading system, personal apparel (ie: mask, gloves, pants, etc.), and maybe even ball-hauling equipment. Most of this stuff isn't too expensive, but when you but it all at once, it adds up pretty quick. And on top of that, you're inevitably gonna want some type of modification on any combination of the aforementioned gear. I'm afraid this isn't exactly what you'd call a cheap sport. Back in my early days, I ran up a mighty impressive set of numbers on my credit cards.

[sleeves411]

I have a mask, gloves, pants, extra pods/holder. I just need the gun, barrel, air tank(plan on using Co2), hopper.

Depends on what gun really, if a 98 as you guys have put it, $200-$400.

I just want to get what I need to be accurate.

Thanks for all of the help so far.

[Orpackrat]

I have a mask, gloves, pants, extra pods/holder. I just need the gun, barrel, air tank(plan on using Co2), hopper.

Depends on what gun really, if a 98 as you guys have put it, $200-$400.

I just want to get what I need to be accurate.

Thanks for all of the help so far.

Good used Tippmann 98C with some upgrades, about $70 shipped depending on how good your Ebay Powers are.

Good hopper, sound activated is a +, an Empire Reloader B. I've bought good used ones for $30 shipped but it could be around $50.

Good Barrel, if you want to keep everything as low cost as possible, a simple Pamers Brass Barrel with be a good choice. If you want something a little nicer and are willing to pay the extra bit, this will be a good option:

http://www.hotshotpaintball.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PLT-SCEPTER-7BORE

A good Co2 tank, a 20oz Co2 tank is typical for usually less than $30.

The about of shots per Co2 tank is roughly calculated as such:

50 shots per oz of Co2 on a 75* day.

Along with all of that, the other part of accuracy is good paintballs (not the cheap stuff but you also don't need top dollar, mid range will be fine).

To increase performance of the Co2, a little costly but not as bad as a good HPA tank, a Palmers Stabilizer for around $100, cheaper if you can find someone selling one used. I've only seen them used on MCB forums.

[Corrupted355]

I've only seen them used on MCB forums.
Every once in a while I'll run across one on the Custom Cockers forum, but they're usually beat up pretty bad.

There are plenty of alternatives to the Stabilizer too. As far as CO2 compatible regs go, the Stab is the top-of-the-line. If you don't feel you need the very best, and just having something that will do the job well is good enough, have a look at the Bob Long Torpedo or the WGP Ergo. I have experience with both these regs, and they're both perfectly adaquate for almost any use. The point is, there are always options.

[sleeves411]

So I should find a used 98 then buy a used hopper and a barrel that needs an adapter from what I have read.

Can you send me any specific links of good deals?

Sorry for any inconvenience.

[Orpackrat]

You typically don't need an adapter. Barrels are made to fit specific guns and a 98 Custom is typically one of the guns they fit.

This link to this barrel:

http://www.hotshotpaintball.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PLT-SCEPTER-7BORE

The barrel options allow you to choose for Tippmann 98, I would suggest a 12" barrel, and you can buy a cheap barrel bag elsewhere.

The barrel kit in the link listed is one of the nicer barrel systems and they will cost a bit.

Basically, when you buy a barrel, buy a barrel that has threads to match the gun you are using.

[Corrupted355]

Lately there have been a few threads relating to barrel thread adapters. These are for people that already have a barrel that they like with a certain thread pattern, and they want to use it on a gun that's got a different thread pattern. For example, if I remember correctly, one of the situations was where someone happened to own an Autococker threaded barrel that they liked, but they wanted to use it on their A-5. The A-5 doesn't have Autococker threads, so an adapter was needed.

Like Packrat said, when you're buying a new barrel, it's much cheaper and much more effective to simply order the barrel you want with the threads that your marker has.

[sleeves411]

Alright so a Tippmann 98 with a palmers brass barrel?

[beaver_fever]

Check on ebay. I got a used 98c with a response trigger, a decent motorized hopper, empire twister barrel(12 in), some pods, couple air tanks, and some other stuff for just over 200 with shipping.

[Orpackrat]

Alright so a Tippmann 98 with a palmers brass barrel?

What I would get:

http://www.palmer-pursuit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=34&products_id=291

.690 Bore

No Venting (Not Needed on a Tippmann)

12" (12"-16" is the max barrel length)

Black Matte Powder Coat.