Paintball guns are popular for sport, training, and even less-lethal defense. But some curious users ask:
Can paintball guns shoot rubber bullets?
The short answer is no, and you shouldn’t try it.
While it may seem possible, using rubber bullets in a paintball marker is highly dangerous, often illegal, and not what the equipment is designed for.
Let’s break down why this idea is unsafe and what alternatives exist.
How are paintball guns designed?
Paintball markers (or guns) are engineered to fire soft gelatin capsules filled with paint, designed to break upon impact. These capsules are:
- .68 caliber (17.3 mm) in diameter
- Lightweight (~3 grams)
- Fired using compressed gas (usually air or CO₂)
Paintball markers use:
- A regulated firing system to limit the speed to ~280 fps
- Barrels built for lightweight, soft, round projectiles
- Safety mechanisms designed around paintball physics
They are not rated for hard or dense projectiles.
What are rubber bullets?
Rubber bullets, also known as kinetic impact projectiles, are:
- Made from hard rubber or rubber-coated metal
- Designed for riot control or law enforcement
- They are much heavier and more rigid than paintballs
- Usually fired from specialized launchers, not hobby-grade markers
Rubber bullets are designed to incapacitate with blunt force trauma, not just mark targets like a paintball.
Can you physically load rubber bullets into a paintball gun?
Some small rubber projectiles might fit inside a paintball marker barrel. However:
- Size mismatch can cause jamming or misfiring
- Weight differences create stress on the bolt, valve, and barrel
- Solid construction of rubber bullets increases kinetic energy, leading to mechanical damage
Result: The paintball gun could be damaged or even rupture under pressure.
Dangers of shooting rubber bullets from a paintball gun
Using rubber bullets in a paintball gun converts a fun item into a potentially deadly weapon. Here’s why:
1. Risk of Severe Injury
Rubber bullets can:
- Break bones
- Cause serious internal injuries
- Lead to blindness or death if shot in the head or chest
Paintball guns are not equipped with recoil systems, reinforced barrels, or safety systems to handle such force.
2. Risk of Gun Failure
Markers may experience:
- Cracked barrels
- Valve malfunctions
- Air leaks or explosions
Even if the rubber bullet fires, you could be left with a broken marker—or a serious injury.
Is It Legal to Shoot Rubber Bullets from a Paintball Gun?
In most countries and states, this would be a violation of weapons laws. Possible legal risks include:
- Reclassification of your marker as a firearm
- Assault or weapons charges if used on another person
- Violation of sport and insurance regulations
Many paintball fields, stores, and manufacturers ban or void warranties if non-approved ammunition is used.
Safe alternatives to rubber bullets
If you want a reusable, durable round for training or practice, consider these safe and approved options:
1. Reballs
- Rubber .68 caliber balls
- Designed for indoor training and practice
- Safe to use in standard paintball markers
- They don’t break but are still soft and low-impact
2. Riot balls (Specialized Use)
- Designed for professional, less-lethal launchers, not typical paintball games
- It can only be used under strict legal and safety regulations
3. Soft rubber or foam practice rounds
- Suitable for marker simulation
- Used in military and police training
- Not designed to injure or break objects
Conclusion: Can paintball guns shoot rubber bullets?
Technically possible? Maybe.
Safe or legal? Absolutely not.
- Paintball markers are not weapons, and modifying them can cause injury, legal trouble, and equipment damage.
- Rubber bullets are not designed for use in paintball markers and should never be used in casual or sports environments.
Stick to approved paintball ammunition to ensure safety, legality, and fun.