The Evolution

The first guns that were created were "stock class." After each shot, the marker had to be rotated barrel up, and a plunger or cocking arm had to be cocked to load the next ball and compress the springs that would power what is known as the hammer. The hammer, once it is released by the trigger, hits a valve and allows a measured amount of air down the barrel, propelling the ball.

In my experience, each marker could shoot at most 1.5 balls a second.

The first evolution was the creation of the "hopper." The hopper is, more or less, a tub that sits on top of the marker and holds paintballs. Before this, most markers held only 10-15 balls. With the invention of the hopper they could hold at least 45.

The second evolution was the invention of "constant air." Instead of using disposable 12 gram CO2 cartridges that could only hold, 12 grams, constant air could hold up to 20 ounces of CO2, and could be refilled.

In order to advance, true semi-auto markers had to be invented. The fathers of modern paintball took three different approaches.