The equipment
 
Paintguns, also called "markers," come in a variety of shapes and styles. They may be powered by carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2) or compressed air. Most have power systems that use large refillable cylinders called "tanks" or "bottles" that give hundreds of shots before needing to be refilled. Some use small 12 gram CO2 powerlets as their power source, each powerlet being good for 15 to 30 shots.

With pump-action paintguns (pumpguns), each time you want to shoot a paintball you first cock the paintgun by using a pump, then you squeeze the trigger to shoot the paintball; you must recock the paintgun before you can shoot again. Stockguns, using 12-grams, have the most basic pumpgun configuration (though they are becoming ever-more high-tech within the constraints of the configuration) and stock gun play is in a class of its own.

With semi-automatic paintguns, the first time you want to shoot you must cock the paintgun (usually by pulling back a cocking knob or handle), but after you shoot the first paintball the paintgun's action will recock the paintgun for you; you simply squeeze the trigger each time you want to shoot a paintball.

With a full-auto paintgun, when you squeeze the trigger for the first time, the gun will begin to shoot paintballs and will keep on shooting paintballs as long as you keep squeezing the trigger; when you release the trigger, the gun will stop shooting.

Paintguns range from simple to sophisticated, but what they all share in common is a limitation on their power and range. The international safety limit on the speed (measured in feet per second, "FPS") at which a paintgun shoots a paintball is 300 fps. A chronograph is used to test for speed limits, and all paintguns can be adjusted to shoot under the speed limit. A paintgun's range is limited, too; even shooting 300 fps, at maximum elevation with barrel pointed up into the air, a paintgun can lob a paintball only about 50 yards. 


 
Here are some examples of frequently used markers
 
 
 This gun for example is a commonly used semi-automatic gun : the Kingman Spyder
This is one famous pump-gun, with excellent accuracy and reliability : the PMI Trracer
This is a gun that looks fantastic, and it is one of the best semi-auto guns on the market : the Sheridan VM-68
 
With your gun you need at least a loader (where you carry your paintballs in) and a gas bottle.
There exist many other accessories to guns like laser aiming devices, special gun holders, expansion chambers, and so on. I cannot describe all of them, as that would lead too far. 
Want more info about guns and accessories : check my Links Page
The ammo -Paintballs
They are not filled with paint as the name might suggest

A paintball is a round, thin-skinned plastic capsule with colored gelatine or wax inside it. Paintballs are similar to large round vitamin capsules or bath oil beads. The fill inside paintballs is non-toxic, non-caustic, water-soluable and biodegradable. It rinses out of clothing and off skin with mild soap and water.

Paintballs come in a rainbow of bright colors: blue, pink, white, orange, yellow and more. When a paintball tags a player, the thin plastic skin splits open, and the gelatine or wax inside leaves a bright "paint" mark. A player who is marked is eliminated from the game.

 
 
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