Starting a Collection Collecting old paintball markers and gear has become increasingly popular in recent time. I've been asked many questions such as "Where should I start collecting", and "What should I collect?", so I decided to write down how I go about adding markers to my collection to help you get on the right track with your collection. Where to start? My first advice would be to learn the history of paintball and the different types of paintball guns that were available. There are many great sites out on the web that offer information on these guns, when they were made, and by whom. What should I Collect? This is an easy one. First ask the question, "What interests me?" Do you want to collect a particular type of gun? Possibly the old PMI pumps? There were different variations such as the PMI-I, PMI-II, PMI Piranha (Yes, there was a pump version). Maybe you're interested in the early semi auto guns? The Tippmann SMG-60 is heralded as the first semi/full auto gun on the market. You might even be interested in paintball guns over a certain timeframe, say 5 - 10 years after paintball's invention. This would cover many guns such as the Nel-Spot, PMI-I, Bushmaster Pumps, Razorbacks, Brass Eagle Nightmares, TASO guns, and even old PGPs! But I want to start Now! Ok, so you just want to start with one or two pieces and see where that takes you. My two picks for the budding collector is the NSG Splatmaster, and the Nel-Spot. First because for the most part, then can be purchased in-expensively, around twenty-dollars. The Splatmasters are made out of Molded Plastic, are fairly indescrutable, one of the first markers produced solely for the sport of painball, and there was a lot of them made. This not only makes for a great collectable, but also usable even today as a great backup paintball gun. The Nel-Spot, made by the Nelson Paint Company many years ago, is also seen as a great collectable. This is a metal gun so real good condition ones are a little harder to find and is more expensive then the Splatmaster, but generally still less then $100.00 Where should I Buy? There are many places to search to find pieces for your collection. The first one everyone thinks of is Ebay. Ebay is a very good place to find items that you just can't go get at your local paintball store. Ebay also makes it easy with their search capabilities, and will even deliver your specified search right into your e-mail box in the morning. The buy/sell sections of paintball forums are also a good place to look. If you don't see what you're looking for, don't be afraid to speak up and say what you're looking for. Chances are, there's one collecting dust right now in a closet. Also, don't forget to check your local store once in a while. Most stores do have a selection of used guns, and with a captive audience less then that on the web, you may just get a better price on it too. How much to pay? .