Paintball Scopes: Are They Really Useful?

We get this question a lot and it's probably because they are mixed opinions regarding the usefulness of a scope or sight during paintball play. We are strong proponents of using a scope on a paintball marker. We're not talking about any paintball scope or any situation either, but the majority of woodsball play can benefit greatly from the right optics.

First off some definitions - a scope is a general term used to describe a sighting device. But in the optics world a scope is typically any 'magnified' viewing device mounted to a gun. A sight, which can be a non-magnified red dot or a fixed mechanical iron sight, typically refers to an optic that has a 1x power used for nothing more than centering your focus on a target. People have their opinions on what is best, but most points of view are reinforced by the environment in which the scope/sight is being used.

The best all-around optic for woodsball is either a red dot scope or iron sight. How does a non-magnified aid the eye in firing? Well, it helps to center your focal point to a target quickly which is also referred to as 'fast target acquisition'. If you're familiar with either device, you already know that they are benificial in paintball for a few reasons. First, there is no required 'eye-relief' or distance that the sight must be from the eye to see the complete field of vision through the sight. This is crucial in paintball due to the required goggle and lens systems. Most fields are relatively short distances and do not require a magnified optic. Also, red dots allow you to keep the object in front of you in clear eye focus. When using a paintball red dot, you actually focus on the object rather than the scope. Your eye will pick up the reticle or red dot, providing a clear indicator for your shot should you pull the trigger.


Magnified scopes definitely have their place as well. Many players who consider themselves 'snipers or cover players' use magnified scopes for a few reasons. Obviously it gives them a clearer shot for targets beyond what the unaided eye would clearly see. A typical scope also offers natural shading for viewing your surroundings during times when intense sunlight is present. Also, you'll find a scope useful for surveillance similar to binoculars. A good 3x power scope can give you the edge in terms of where your opposition is hiding or the obstacles that lay ahead.

ROCKSTAR Tactical carries a vast amount of paintball scopes. Make the right selection by figuring out the type of rail or mounting platform on your marker (most are 7/8 picatinny 'slotted' or 3/8" dovetail 'non-slotted lip') and measure the amount of available top rail space. For marker owners with top hoppers or loaders, consider one of the many 'paintball offset rail' options we have available. If you have any questions regarding the right scope for you, just shoot us an email or call and we'll offer rock-solid advice.

Essential Field Tools: Paintball Radarchron

Having the right tools makes all the difference when setting up your equipment. Correct velocity is a major factor in this formula when it comes to paintball markers. Paintball guns will vary in accuracy and distance depending on the velocity they are set at. Most fields have a chronograph station. Fields will force you to comply with the correct maximum velocity setting before you enter the field with your marker.


Handheld paintball chronographs offer you the ability to set-up your marker at the correct velocity before you get to the field. Establishing your velocity will allow you to focus your tweeking efforts on other areas of your marker to gain the best performance and consistency. Setting up your gun without setting the correct velocity will have you starting from ground zero upon walking away from field's chrono area just before your game.

Most personal paintball chronographs fit in the palm of the hand. Held under the barrel, they will detect the velocity and provide other vital statistics such as average velocity and even rate of fire for strings of shots. The Sports Sensor RadarChron is one of the most popular paintball chrongraphs available. You will see them not only in the hands of individual players but in field refs as well. The Sports Sensor ROF (rate of fire) RadarChron model provides detailed firing rates to detect how many feet per second the marker is achieving.

Trinity Armageddon and Maxis Barrel Kits

Trinity Paintball has been offering scenario upgrades for woodsballers for years. Their barrel kits are a perfect blend of style and function offered in combinations to suit just about any paintball gun. Adding a Trinity Barrel kit will instantly give your marker a tactical look.

Trinity (Bad Habitz) is always releasing new shrouds, handguards and barrel kits. Most of their offerings consist of their most popular and latest components. The Trinity Armageddon Barrel Kit was designed for the Tippmann X7 and X7 Phenom in mind. It features a bored-out front suppressor and a unique aim point. It all wraps around a 9" barrel positioned in just the right place for installing on the X7. With the A5 thread, it's also compatible with all A5 markers and other paintball guns utilizing the A5 barrel thread.


Another addition to the Trinity lineup includes the Maxis A5/X7 Barrel Kit. Like the Armageddon, the Trinity Maxis barrel measures just 9" in length. It features both a bored suppressor along with a 3.5" quad rail system made from durable, milled aluminum. The rails are standard military 7/8" picatinny style rails perfect for adding a front iron sight, flashlights and lasers. The Maxis is also compatible with any paintball gun that accepts the A5 thread. All other non-A5 threaded gun owners can still get the look of both the Maxis and Armageddon barrel kits. The components on both kits can be removed and added to the barrel of your choice.

Spyder .50 cal Stormer Paintball Gun

50 caliber is starting to gain a foot-hold in paintball and Spyder is making some serious contributions. The new Spyder Stormer paintball gun resembles the MR series line with one difference - it's chambered for the newer .50 cal paintballs.


Like all Spyder's models, the Stormer is packed with features. Tons of R&D has produced a serious competitor. Spyder is banking on its new 50 caliber paintball line to lead the way down this new road. At $125.00, the Spyder Stormer is not only affordable but packed with innovative features:

- EKO Valve System (Patent Pending)- Assault Style Adjustable Shoulder Stock- 13.5" Micro Ported Barrel w/ Muzzle Break- Barrel Shroud w/ Ring Sight- Raised Sight Rail- Multiple Picatinny Rail Mounting System- Magazine Style Foregrip- High Impact Polymer Off-Set Clamping Feed Neck- Side Cocking Aluminum Bolt- Quick Release Striker Plug Pull Pin- Short Pull Single Trigger- High Impact Polymer Trigger Frame- Textured Grip Panels- Steel Braided Hose- External Velocity Adjuster- Operates on CO2 or Compressed Air

Checkout the Spyder Stormer along with the Opus and Advancer Spyder .50 cal Paintball Guns at ROCKSTAR Tactical - one of Kingman's premier, authorized Spyder dealers.

Hammerhead Scenario Mofo Paintball Barrel

If you've never heard of Hammerhead, then you've been missing out on some serious performance gains. Hammerhead paintball is taking their rifling technology and incorporating it into even more paintball barrel models including the Hammerhead Scenario Mofo, Dominator and 8" Widowmaker.

The 14" Scenario Mofo is Hammerheads ultra-lightweight carbon fiber barrel. Unlike other carbon fiber barrels, Hammerhead threaded the tip allowing you to screw on the muzzle/suppressor of your choice. Because of the move towards using a similar front thread, the Scenario Mofo can accept a ton of different front tips and adapters (including Lapco and Custom Products muzzles). Other features include:

Weight: 2.3 oz
Patented Rifling
Aircraft Aluminum Core
Threaded Muzzle Included
Hammerhead .688 Fin Included


The Scenario Mofo is offered in Black (Camo on the way) for both the A5 (X7) and 98 (Alpha Black) marker threads. Try a Hammerhead Paintball Barrel today and join the thousands that depend on this unique internal rifling to achieve accuracy and performance that's a step above the competition.

BT Delta Upgrade Kits

BT has released two new upgrade kits sure to please BT-4 paintball gun owners. The popularity of the BT Delta and Delta Elite have grown substantially over recent years. They decided to release two Delta style upgrade kits that allow any BT-4 version marker to be converted to a BT Delta or Delta Elite paintball gun.

The BT Delta Upgrade Kit retails for $89.95. Included in the kit is a 9" barrel kit and shroud, collapsible stock, picatinny mounted magazine and a top picatinny mount with clamp elbow. The BT Delta Elite Upgrade Kit takes it one step further and adds an MP5 SD style shroud with Apex tip. It retails for $99.95 and you can easily add a BT Egrip and Cyclone feed to complete the BT Delta Elite package (these two items are not included).


The new Delta upgrade kits from BT offer BT-4 owners a new look and feel for their paintball guns for half the cost of a brand new marker. The MP5 style marker is perfect for close quarter battles. Adding the apex allows you to achieve further shots with the ability to curve around bunkers, trees and hiding obstacles. Tight and solid - the BT Delta is a super, submachine style paintball gun. Checkout all the latest products from BT Paintball at ROCKSTAR Tactical.

New Pricing: Tippmann X7 Paintball Guns

We have new, lower pricing on Tippmann X7 Paintball Guns. How low you ask, try $50! That's right... new pricing on select Tippmann X7 models is here to stay. There's never been a better time to purchase one of the hottest woodsball markers on the field today. The new pricing is as follows:

Tippmann X7 Semi-Auto: $249.00
Tippmann X7 w/ Response Trigger: $299.00
Tippmann X7 w/Egrip: $349.00

The Tippmann X7 boasts more looks than any other paintball gun on the marker today. With the a magnesium receiver, enhanced cyclone feed system and plenty of rail space, the Tippmann X7 will serve you well in every aspect of your game.


Don't forget to checkout all our Tippmann X7 parts and accessories. ROCKSTAR Tactical offers one of the largest selection of upgrades for the Tippmann X7 as well as, tons of universal tactical accessories.