Editing Stock-class paintball (section)

=== Development as a separate format ===

By the late 1980s, some paintball fields had begun distinguishing between games using original-style equipment and those allowing more modern markers.

According to an account published by Stock-Class Headquarters, [[Jim Iulo]], operator of Strategy Plus Paintball in Connecticut, organised games using traditional equipment under the name ''stock games'', while permitting more advanced equipment in separate ''competition games''.[2]

The precise origin of the term ''stock-class'' has not been conclusively established.

In 1992, Dr Martin "Marty" Nation established the '''Stock Gun Players Association''' (SGPA), an organisation promoting traditional stock-gun competition.

An interview with Nation published in ''The Paintball Trader'' in June 1992 documented the association's activities and efforts to establish tournaments specifically for stock-class players.[3]

The association developed equipment restrictions intended to maintain competitive balance between players using different manufacturers' markers.