Editing Paintball safety (section)

== Barrel-blocking devices ==

Barrel-blocking devices are used to prevent paintballs from leaving a marker barrel unintentionally when the marker is not being used for play.

Common devices include:

* '''Barrel covers:''' Fabric or reinforced sleeves secured over the end of a marker barrel.
* '''Barrel plugs:''' Devices inserted into the muzzle, historically used on many recreational markers.

Barrel covers have become the predominant form of barrel-blocking device in modern tournament paintball.

Their purpose is distinct from the marker's mechanical or electronic safety system.

Tournament and commercial field procedures generally require markers to have barrel-blocking devices fitted outside designated playing or testing areas.

ASTM F2272 establishes safety and performance requirements for recreational paintball markers, including provisions concerning accidental discharge and marker disabling devices.[3]