[Still Using Air]

  Hi, well, just to clarify some things... paintball markers shoot .68 caliber paint.
 The velocities used on the field are from 250 to 285fps, nowhere near a .45 pistol. They can, however be adjusted to shoot in the upper 350fps range.
 Having just returned from a 24hour paintball scenario meet in Phoenix, I am exhausted, and despit having been 'shot' approximately more times than my tired
brain can count, I am still very much alive and unharmed.
 I just wanted to get some facts straight. There seems to be some hysteria over the wicked paintball marker.
 I totally agree, anyone using a paintball marker outside the 'rules of paintball' needs their butt kicked. However, not shot in the head.
Using a marker for this stupid 'fun' is the same as using a pellet gun, bb gun, anything that can cause serious injury.
 The reason we wear masks is to protect our eyes and face. They don't usually do serious injury to the body, aside from some .68 welts
that disappear in a few days at the most.

[Ward Smythe]

I totally agree, anyone using a paintball marker outside the 'rules of paintball' needs their butt kicked. However, not shot in the head.

In once sense I agree. But it was dark, and we can assume he reacted quickly. These days how can you know?

I was out walking the baby yesterday afternoon when a mini-van (obviously mom's car) full of teenage boys drove through. I watched them stop and one of them threw a liquor bottle (I think it was actually a Bacardi's cooler from the broken glass I found) down in a drainage ditch. They were stupid enough to drive back through the neighborhood so I got the plate number and called the police. I had the baby with me, so I wouldn't engage them and I'm not sure I would've anyway.

But if I'd been armed, mom would at least have to be buying some new tires this morning.

[zandtar]

I totally agree, anyone using a paintball marker outside the 'rules of paintball' needs their butt kicked. However, not shot in the head.

As I said, hindsight is 20/20. Point one of those at someone in a non-daylight situation, and the person you're pointing it at is armed, be prepared to get blown away. As Forrest says, stupid is as stupid does.

[zandtar]

I am still very much alive and unharmed.

Your example is also a professional one, played by people willing to participate, and under control of those who know what they're doing. Don't assume that anyone who's going to drive around, shooting one of these at people for "fun" is going to follow the same rules.

This is your eye.... this is your eye vs paintball