Shooting Straight: Dry Firing

The best part of Paintball as a sport (besides shooting your friends of course) is that winning requires skill, strategy, and accuracy. Having the right technique can make all the difference when it comes to winning or losing a match. If you’re a paintball enthusiast, you may have heard the term “dry firing” thrown around before. But what exactly does it mean? And more importantly, why should you care? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of dry firing and explore its benefits and drawbacks, as well as provide some tips for how to do it correctly.

Let’s get to it.

What is Dry Firing?

Simply put, dry firing is the act of shooting a paintball gun without any paintballs loaded in it. It’s often used as a practice technique, allowing players to get a feel for their gun’s trigger pull and accuracy without the expense of using actual paintballs. It’s also a great way to test and adjust your gun’s settings, as well as to troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing.

Dry firing is like practicing free throws without a basketball. Just like you can practice your free throw technique without actually throwing a ball, dry firing lets paintball players practice their trigger control and accuracy without actually firing any paintballs.

Before we start

First off, a very important disclaimer: It’s important to note that dry firing can cause damage to a marker and is not usually recommended by manufacturers. Most paintball markers are designed to be fired only with paintballs in the chamber, and firing the marker without a paintball can cause stress on the internal components, leading to wear and tear over time. For one, it can be hard on your gun’s internals, particularly the o-rings and other moving parts. That’s why it’s important to use a lubricant designed for dry firing, as well as to only dry fire your gun for short periods of time.

That being said, by practicing without ammunition, you can get a better understanding of how to position yourself on the field and when to shoot. You can also practice taking aim at different angles and speeds, which will help you understand how to take advantage of your opponents’ weaknesses.

So how should you do it?

How to dry fire

1. Start by standing in a comfortable position and focus on your target. Make sure the gun is pointed at the target before squeezing the trigger.
2. When squeezing the trigger, do it slowly and evenly to prevent jerking motions that could throw off your aim.
3. Always be aware of your body movements and adjust as needed to maintain a steady aim.
4. Practice regularly to see results. Set aside some time each session to focus on your shooting technique, and try to make small changes or adjustments as needed.
5. Pay attention to successful players who use dry firing as part of their training routine and make a mental note of what works.
6. Finally, make sure to adjust your paintball gun as needed to ensure an accurate shot every time.

Why bother with Dry firing?

One of the biggest benefits of dry firing is that it allows you to practice your shooting technique without worrying about the cost of paintballs. As any paintball enthusiast knows, those little balls of paint can add up quickly, especially if you’re practicing regularly. By dry firing, you can work on your aim, accuracy, and trigger control without breaking the bank.

Another benefit of dry firing is that it can help you to troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing with your gun. If you’re having problems with misfires, jams, or other malfunctions, dry firing can help you to identify and fix the issue without wasting any paintballs.

What to watch out for

Common mistakes to avoid when doing dry firing include tensing up, jerking the trigger, pointing the gun too low, and not paying attention to your body movements. By taking the time to practice regularly and focus on the fundamentals of paintball, you can use dry firing to refine your shooting technique and gain an advantage over your opponents.

As mentioned earlier, it’s also VERY important to use a lubricant designed for dry firing, since you don’t want to damage your marker (likewise, limit your dry firing sessions to smaller intervals.)

Wrapping up

In my personal experience, dry firing has been a game-changer. I used to struggle with accuracy and trigger control, but by incorporating regular dry firing practice into my routine, I’ve been able to improve my technique and see a real difference on the field. Plus, it’s a great way to pass the time during the off-season or on rainy days when you can’t make it to the field.

Dry firing is an essential practice for any paintball player who wants to improve their shooting accuracy, refine their shooting strategy, and gain an edge over their opponents. With the right tips and techniques, you can become a better shooter through this useful practice.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your paintball skills and save some money on paintballs. Follow these guidelines, give dry firing a try, and you will take your game to the next level.

Good luck, and happy shooting!