ASTM F2272-03

Standard Specification for Paintball Markers (Limited Modes)

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers paintball markers, which propel a paintball by means of energy released by compressed air, compressed gas or a combination thereof.
1.2 LimitationsThis specification does not cover non-recreational paintball markers, for example, those used by law enforcement, scientific, military or theatrical entities.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard; the inch-pound units in parentheses are provided for information only.
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 8, of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Jun-2003
• ICS: 97.220.40 - Outdoor and water sports equipment
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.24 - Paintball and Equipment

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM F2272-08 - Standard Specification for Paintball Markers
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2008
• Referred By: ASTM F1776-22 - Standard Specification for Eye Protective Devices for Paintball Sports
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F2773-13(2021) - Standard Practice for Transfilling Compressed Air or Nitrogen and Safe Handling of Small Paintball Cylinders
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F2271-11(2023) - Standard Specification for Paintball Marker Barrel Blocking Devices
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F2278-19(2023) - Standard Test Method for Evaluating Paintball Barrier Netting
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F1750-16(2020) - Standard Specification for Paintball Marker Threaded-Propellant Source Interface
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F2654-23 - Standard Specification for Airsoft Gun Warnings
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F1777-19(2023) - Standard Practice for Paintball Game Site Operation
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F2184-10(2022) - Standard Guide for Installation of Paintball Barrier Netting
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F2801-19(2023) - Standard Practice for Paintball Player Safety Briefing
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F2748-19 - Standard Specification for Airsoft Guns
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F3100-15(2023) - Standard Practice for Low Impact Paintball Field Operation
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F1979-17(2021) - Standard Specification for Projectiles Used in the Sport of Paintball
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
An American National Standard
Designation: F 2272 – 03
Standard Specification for
Paintball Markers (Limited Modes)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 2272; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.1 auto-trigger—a trigger which, when held in the dis-
charge position, will automatically cause the paintball marker
1.1 This specification covers paintball markers, which pro-
to discharge when the pump or bolt action is manipulated.
pel a paintball by means of energy released by compressed air,
3.1.2 backstop—an object intended to stop a paintball.
compressed gas or a combination thereof.
3.1.3 barrel—that portion of a paintball marker through
1.2 Limitations—This specification does not cover non-
which the paintball is discharged.
recreational paintball markers, for example, those used by law
3.1.4 barrel blocking device—a muzzle blocking safety
enforcement, scientific, military or theatrical entities.
device which, when properly installed, reduces the likelihood
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
of an intact paintball discharging from the marker or leaving
standard; the inch-pound units in parentheses are provided for
the confines of the barrel blocking device. The device is often
information only.
referred to as a barrel plug.
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
3.1.5 burst mode marker—a burst mode marker may dis-
test method portion, Section 8, of this specification. This
charge two or more times per trigger cycle or may discharge
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
two or more times with the pull and release of the trigger.
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
3.1.6 cautionary statement—the warning outlined in Sec-
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health
tion8ofthisstandardandnotedinSpecificationF 2041,which
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory require-
is to be placed on paintball markers, packaging and literature.
ments prior to use.
3.1.7 disabling device—a device which, when activated,
2. Referenced Documents
disables a part of the paintball marker, usually the trigger, to
prevent unintentional discharges and must be released to allow
2.1 ASTM Standards:
the marker to be discharged by the movement of the trigger.
F 1750 Specification for Paintball Gun Threaded Propellant
The device is sometimes referred to as the “safety,” “safety
Source Interface
button,” or “safety lever.” An electronic on/off switch is
F 1776 Specification for Eye Protective Devices for Paint-
considered a disabling device when placing it in the “off”
ball Sports
position renders the marker inoperable.
F 1777 Specification for Paintball Field Operations
3.1.8 discharge mode—a mode that controls the number of
F 1979 Specification for Paintballs Used in the Sport of
paintballs discharged per trigger cycle.
Paintball
3.1.9 enhanced trigger mode marker—a paintball marker
F 2041 Specification for Paintball Marker Warnings
that at some point discharges more than one paintball per
2.2 ANSI Standard:
trigger cycle. This includes markers that “store” the number of
Z535.1 Safety Color Code
trigger pulls and discharge more than one paintball at some
3. Terminology
point.
3.1.10 feed mechanism—a mechanism that stores, trans-
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
portsandfacilitatestheloadingofpaintballs.Itmaybegravity,
mechanically or air assisted or automatic in its actions.
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F08 on Sports
3.1.11 fully-automatic mode marker—a marker that dis-
Equipment and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F08.24 on
charges when the triggering device is actuated and continues to
Paintball and Equipment.
Current edition approved June 10, 2003. Published July 2003. discharge until the trigger returns to its reset or recycle
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
position.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3.1.12 hopper—a device used with a paintball marker to
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
store paintballs.
the ASTM website.
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F2272–03
3.1.13 impact tester—device used to test for accidental 3.1.21 standard ambient temperature and pressure
discharges of paintball marker. See Fig. 1. (SATP)—used to describe a substance at the pressure of 1 bar
3.1.14 paintball—a spherical ball, commonly with a diam- (1.01325 atmospheres, 750 mm Hg, 14.5 psi, 100 kPa) and a
eter of 17.3 mm (0.68 in.), comprised of a shell and a fill, temperature of 25°C (77°F).
designed to be expelled from a paintball marker, as defined in 3.1.22 target—the object at which the paintball is dis-
Specification F 1979. charged.
3.1.15 paintball marker—a device specifically designed to 3.1.23 trigger—a device operated by the user to discharge a
discharge paintballs. The device is sometimes referred to as a marker.
paintball gun. 3.1.24 trigger, adjustable—a trigger mechanism in which
3.1.16 pump mode marker—a marker that requires the the trigger pull is adjustable.
operator to manually cock or engage the sear of the marker 3.1.25 trigger cycle—the movement of the trigger through
before each shot by a means of a pump, bolt, lever, cocking discharge and returning to a reset or recycle position.
handle or similar device. 3.1.26 trigger, double-action—a trigger mechanism in
3.1.17 range—the maximum distance to which an object which a single continuous action of the trigger moves the
may be propelled, whether limited by energy or an obstacle. hammer to the discharging position and then releases it to
3.1.18 sear—the catch that holds the mechanism in the discharge the paintball.
ready-to-discharge position until released by the user, usually 3.1.27 trigger guard—a rigid, firmly attached component. It
through trigger movement. must totally enclose the trigger area and be wider than the
3.1.19 selector switch—aswitch(eitherinternalorexternal) trigger. There can be no more than 38 mm (1.5 in.) of space
regardless of method of activation that is designed to allow the from any point on the face of the trigger to the trigger guard,
consumer to change the marker’s discharge mode. and no more than 13 mm (0.5 in.) from the lowest point of the
3.1.20 semi-automatic mode marker—a semi-automatic trigger to the trigger guard. All measurements under this rule
marker discharges one time with each trigger cycle. Markers are to be taken after excluding any removable attachments to
that “store” the number of trigger pulls and discharge more the trigger.
than one paintball at some point do not meet this definition. 3.1.28 trigger pull—the force required to move the trigger
Markers that operate in any other discharge mode(s) do not from its start or recycle/reset position to a position that
meet this definition. discharges the marker.
A. Yoke
B. Pivot Bolt
C. Swivel
D. 91.29 cm (36 in.) Strap or Rope
E. 60.86 cm (24 in.) aluminum bar with 1.27 cm (0.5 in.) diameter or 1.9 cm (0.75 in.) copper tube
F. Hook and loop strap able to suspend marker parallel to and 15.21 cm (6 in.) below E
FIG. 1
F2272–03
3.1.29 velocity adjuster—a device designed to establish the use of “auto-triggers.” Markers shall be a pump and/or a
velocity at which a paintball is discharged. semi-automatic as defined in this standard.
7.2 Disabling Device—Disabling devices shall be provided
4. Significance and Use
on all paintball markers and all such devices can be ended
4.1 This specification establishes performance requirements
whether or not the marker is cocked.All such devices shall be
and test methods for paintball markers.
clearly marked to indicate the “safe” and “fire” or “on” and
4.2 This specification identifies the minimum warnings and
“off” positions in accordance with 8.6.4.All such devices shall
instructions that are to be provided in literature, on labels, on
be capable of preventing the markers from being discharged
packaging and on the marker itself.
when a weight of 13.6 kg (30 lb) is applied to the trigger. Tests
shall be conducted in accordance with 8.3.
5. Conformance
7.3 Accidental Discharge—Markers should not accidentally
5.1 Paintball markers shall not, either by label or other
discharge when exposed to a moderate jolt in accordance with
means, indicate conformance with this specification unless, at
8.3.
the time of manufacture, they conform with all applicable
requirements contained herein.
8. Test Methods
8.1 No precision statement on any of the following test
6. General Requirements
methods is available at this time.
6.1 Literature—Literature shall be provided with each
8.2 Disabling Device Test:
paintball marker and shall include, as applicable, the instruc-
8.2.1 Significance—This method determines if the disabling
tions, cautionary statements and safety tips specified in Section
device will withstand a 13.6 kg (30 lb) applied weight without
8.
failure, causing the marker to discharge.
6.2 Packaging:
8.2.2 Apparatus—Atrigger weight system having a 13.6 6
6.2.1 Packaging shall be labeled in a prominent and con-
0.02 kg (30 6 0.05 lb) weight. Arrange the weight system so
spicuous manner in accordance with the provisions of 8.5.
that the weights can be picked up by the trigger of the marker
6.2.2 All paintball markers that include a barrel must be
with the marker in a vertical position, muzzle up. (A spring
packaged with a barrel blocking device.
gage, capable of measuring the trigger force, can be used
6.3 Finish—The exposed edges of all paintball markers
instead of weight system.)
shallbesmoothandfreeofsharpedgesandburrs.Theexposed
surface of all wood parts shall be smooth and free of splinters. 8.2.3 Test Specimen—The test specimen shall consist of a
new paintball marker, selected in accordance with the manu-
6.4 Shipping:
6.4.1 Each paintball marker shall be shipped in an unloaded facturer’s usual quality assurance practices.
and degassed condition. 8.2.4 Procedure:
6.4.2 All paintball markers must shoot at a velocity under
8.2.4.1 Conduct the test at SATP.
91.44 m/s (300 ft/s) at the time of shipment at SATP.
8.2.4.2 Conduct all tests without paintballs in the marker.
6.5 Design:
8.2.4.3 Place disabling device in “safe” position or the
6.5.1 All paintball markers with an exposed trigger shall
electronic switch in the “off” position.
have a trigger guard.
8.2.4.4 Applya13.6kg(30lb)loadatthecenterpointofthe
6.5.2 All paintball markers intended to be used with refill-
trigger for 30 s with the load applied to the center of the face
able cylinders shall be able to withstand input pressure of three
of the trigger and remove the load.
thousand pounds per square inch 207 bar (3000 psi) without
8.2.4.5 Put disabling device in the “fire” position or the
catastrophic failure. Leaking in a manner which would not
electronic switch in the “on” position. The marker must not
cause injury to the operator shall not constitute failure.
discharge as the safety is disengaged.
6.5.3 Amarker’s performance may not be enhanced, includ-
8.2.4.6 Test the marker for proper trigger and disabling
ing but not limited to increasing the markers’ velocity, without
device action.
the use of tools or the need for disassembly. In the event that
8.2.4.7 The marker passes the test if it withstands the load
a marker requires an internal switch, jumper or other device to
applied without causing the marker to discharge during the
be set prior to using outside adjustments, it will be considered
application of the load and does not discharge upon the
to meet this requirement provided that tools or disassembly are
disengagement of the disabling device, and the disabling
required to access the switch, jumper or similar device.
device and trigger function properly after testing.
6.5.4 All paintball markers shall only operate in semi-
8.3 Accidental Discharge Test:
automatic or pump mode and may not operate in other
8.3.1 Significance—Paintball markers should not discharge
discharge modes such as burst, enhanced trigger or fully-
when jarred or jolted in a moderate manner while their
automatic discharge mode.
disabling device is disengaged.
7. Performance Requirements
8.3.2 Test Specimen—The test specimen shall consist of a
new paintball marker, selected in accordance with the manu-
7.1 Marker Function—The cocking or pumping mechanism
facturer’s usual quality assurance practices.
of a paintball marker shall not cause a marker to discharge
8.3.3 Procedure:
unintentionally while a marker is being cocked in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions. This does not limit the 8.3.3.1 Conduct the test at SATP.
F2272–03
8.3.3.2 Attach a properly charged propellant source in 8.3.3.6 Release the impact tester and observe if the marker
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Test dis- discharges.
charge the marker. 8.3.3.7 Repeat by impacting the marker on the following
8.3.3.3 Leave the marker in the ready to discharge condi- axis:
tion. (1) 180 degrees to the first impact.
8.3.3.4 Suspend marker using a sling (see Fig. 1). (2) The front of the barrel aligned with the barrel’s axis.
8.3.3.5 Place the cocked impact tester (see Fig. 2) against (3) The rearmost point of the marker aligned with the
the side of the marker centered on the grip frame directly barrel’s axis.
behind the center point of the trigger with the impact tester 8.3.3.8 The marker fails if it discharges on any impact.
firmly affixed to an immobile surface. 8.4 Barrel Blocking Device Requirement:
A. Release Latch
B. Compression Spring (spring rate 1.145 kg/cm or 16.28 lb/in.)
C. Impact Ball (new pressurized tennis ball with regular felt, total mass of moving parts is 1.13 kg or 2 ⁄2 lb)
D. Plastic tube with 7.62 cm (3 in.) internal diameter
E. Face placed against marker
F. Cocking arm
G. Stroke of 15.21 cm (6 in.)
H. Secured support base
FIG. 2
F2272–03
8.4.1 Significance—All paintball markers which include a Recommend 18 years or older to purchase. Persons under 18
barrel must be packaged with a barrel blocking device. must have adult supervision. READ OWNER’S MANU
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