Paintball gun stocks are exact replicas of those used on real weapons; They are made of plastic, wood or metal. They are available for most brand name paintball guns, but mainly tactical paintball markers. Few stocks are compatible with competition guns, but they are fun for players who like to play both speedball and woodsball.

Tactical stocks are made for Spyder, Angel, Bob Long and various other brands of competition markers. These are great for the player who primarily plays speedball but enjoys the occasional stage game. Adding a tactical stock to your proficiency marker will instantly transform it into a realistic military assault rifle!

The main function of a stock is to help stabilize your weapon against your shoulder for a more steady aim. A more stable weapon will quickly translate to much higher accuracy, making the stock an essential accessory. There are many different types of stocks to choose from, each with unique features that will help define your gun and its performance.

The carbine stock is probably one of the most popular and is seen on many different military and police rifles, for example the M4 carbine rifle. Most have a telescoping effect, allowing them to be easily shortened or lengthened to perfectly fit their user. The stock of the carbine will also be customized to suit your shooting style and range.

When shooting longer ranges, users often extend the rifle’s stock to its maximum position, customized to fit the individual’s arm length. This is best for the most stability during the longest aiming times. Shorten the carbine stock to its smallest position for waist level shooting and closer battles.

Skeleton stocks also give a fierce look to the paintball tactical marker. These stocks look like the frame of a stock, rather than one solid piece and are usually made of lightweight metal. The best skeleton stocks feature a textured rubber strip on the back to help better grip the shoulder for aiming. This type of material has more of an aesthetic advantage than a functional one.

Solid stocks are also available for paintball markers in various shapes. These are similar to the types used in hunting rifles, and are often made of hard plastic or wood. The SAW stock is perhaps the most unconventional in shape, but it gives your weapon a sleek, spec-ops look. While they provide great stability for aiming and shooting, solid stocks will also add a bit more weight to your marker.

If you want your paintball gun to look like a submachine gun, consider a retractable or folding stock. They are typically made of lightweight metal or hard plastic and are great for a quick change on the go. Like the carbine stock, folding stocks are fantastic for both shoulder aiming and shooting when extended and in short-range bursts, shooting at waist level when retracted.

Perhaps the most realistic stock configuration seen in paintball today is the “air in the stock”. Rap4 and MilSig are two companies that produce some of the most realistic military replica paintball guns on the market. They have developed stocks for paintball guns in which the air tank fits completely inside; eliminating the weight imbalance and bulky aspect of the CO2/Hpa tank.

Air-in-the-stock style stocks are now available for most brand name tactical paintball markers; Tippmann, 98, A5, X7, Spyder and BT. To use this product, the pistol’s air system must be redirected through the stock; however, this is a simple procedure and how-to instructions are included with the stock you purchase for your particular marker.

The stock you choose for your paintball gun is an essential part of your stage equipment; It will stabilize your arm, improve your shot, and give your marker a realistic, tactical look. A cheap and readily available new stock can breathe new life into an old paintball marker and make your game a lot more fun.