Posted by: Beserker on February 10, 2003 at 23:02:13

I will give you a little more explanation than most people. A paintball is pretty unstable (aerodynamically) by itself. Historically, a musket ball is not accurate beyond 50 yards. A rifled barrel is much more accurate, but requires a projectile that is more stable, and preferably a better seal than a ball. For a historical example, compare a "minnie ball" from the American Civil War with a musket ball. A rifled barrel does two things. First it grooves the projectile (in this case a lead or copper projectile). The rifling and grooves also impart a spin on the projectile to stabilize it in flight. This is called "spin stabilization" (as opposed to 'fin stabilization' of missiles). This is how the rifling in a lead/copper projectile makes the projectile more accurate. Paintballs don't take grooves too well. They are also a poor shape for sealing the barrel, getting the most from the rifling, or keeping a spin. Also given the range games are played at, 50-75 yards is considered sufficient accuracy. I hope this helped explain why.

Follow Ups: Post a Followup Show your name as: DefaultRealnameBothNickname E-Mail address (eg: joeschmoe@aol.com): Show your e-mail address? DefaultYesNo Your Password: Don't have a password? CLICK HERE - Forgot your password? CLICK HERE Subject: Subject:Message: : I will give you a little more explanation than most people. A paintball is pretty unstable (aerodynamically) by itself. Historically, a musket ball is not accurate beyond 50 yards. A rifled barrel is much more accurate, but requires a projectile that is more stable, and preferably a better seal than a ball. For a historical example, compare a "minnie ball" from the American Civil War with a musket ball. : A rifled barrel does two things. First it grooves the projectile (in this case a lead or copper projectile). The rifling and grooves also impart a spin on the projectile to stabilize it in flight. This is called "spin stabilization" (as opposed to 'fin stabilization' of missiles). This is how the rifling in a lead/copper projectile makes the projectile more accurate. : Paintballs don't take grooves too well. They are also a poor shape for sealing the barrel, getting the most from the rifling, or keeping a spin. Also given the range games are played at, 50-75 yards is considered sufficient accuracy. I hope this helped explain why. [ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ WARPIG Tech Talk - Miscellaneous ]