Editing Magazine-fed paintball (section)

== History ==

=== Early magazine-fed markers ===

Magazine-fed paintball equipment predates the development of magfed as a distinct recreational format.

In 1987, [[Tippmann]] introduced the SMG-60, an early semiautomatic and fully automatic paintball marker.

The SMG-60 used .62-calibre paintballs supplied through a side-mounted magazine containing three five-round stripper clips.

The magazine held a total of 15 paintballs, which were advanced through the firing mechanism by a spring-loaded system.[2]

Tippmann subsequently introduced the SMG-68, a .68-calibre semiautomatic version.

The company later developed the 68 Special, which replaced the magazine system with a conventional hopper-fed arrangement.

Although these early markers used magazines or clips, the development of a dedicated magfed playing community occurred considerably later.[1][2]

=== Development during the 2000s ===

During the 2000s, manufacturers introduced new paintball markers incorporating detachable magazines and designs inspired by military equipment.

[[Tiberius Arms]] developed magazine-fed paintball pistols, including the T8 and T9.

The T8 incorporated a detachable magazine holding eight paintballs and a 12-gram CO2 cartridge.

The T9 expanded the platform into a larger pistol and carbine configuration.

Both models were documented in contemporary WARPIG reporting during the late 2000s.[3]

Other manufacturers developing magazine-fed equipment included RAP4 (Real Action Paintball), which introduced the T68 series, and later MILSIG.

These products contributed to the development of recreational paintball games in which magazine-fed equipment was used exclusively.[1]

=== First Strike projectiles ===

An important development occurred in 2009 with the introduction of [[First Strike Rounds]] by Tiberius Arms and Perfect Circle Paintballs.

Unlike conventional spherical paintballs, First Strike projectiles incorporate a rounded paint-filled front section and a cylindrical rear section with aerodynamic fins.

The projectile was derived from technology previously developed for less-lethal training and law-enforcement applications.

Its shape and feeding requirements made it particularly suitable for compatible magazine-fed markers.

Tiberius Arms presented the projectiles at the 2009 Paintball Extravaganza trade show in Atlanta, Georgia.[4]

First Strike ammunition subsequently became associated with magfed paintball, particularly where longer-range engagements were permitted.

However, magazine-fed markers do not necessarily use First Strike ammunition, and many are designed exclusively for conventional round paintballs.

=== Growth of dedicated magfed games ===

Dedicated magazine-fed recreational events became increasingly common during the early 2010s.

In 2013, RAP4 organised a magfed-only scenario game titled ''Siege of Bastogne'' during the Oklahoma D-Day event programme.

The game took place on 13 June and required players to use magazine-fed equipment.[5]

The same year, RAP4 and other organisers promoted Operation: End War, a series of dedicated magfed scenario events.

Operation: End War 4 took place near Copperopolis, California, on 19 October 2013.[6]

By 2015, specialist paintball publications were documenting the growth of magfed-only games at established American paintball venues, including [[SC Village]] and [[Hollywood Sports Park]].[1]

=== Expansion of equipment ===

During the 2010s, the range of available magazine-fed markers expanded considerably.

Manufacturers including [[Tippmann]], [[DYE Precision]], [[Planet Eclipse]] and MILSIG introduced equipment specifically designed for magfed play.

Some markers were manufactured exclusively for magazine feeding, while others could be converted between magazines and conventional hoppers.

In June 2020, Planet Eclipse announced the establishment of its Eclipse Mag Fed (EMF) product division.

The company also renamed its MG100 marker to the EMF100, reflecting its expanded range of magazine-fed equipment.[7]