A coiled metal device that is able to store mechanical energy. Springs are used in paintball guns to put tension on hammers so that when a paintball gun is fired the hammer will move forward and strike the valve. There are also valve springs which, after the hammer has displaced the valve stem will allow the valve to reseal and close the valve.

A tiny lever that holds a cocked paintball hammer back. It is "tripped" when the trigger is pulled allowing the hammer to move forward and the gun to fire.

Continuing to play after being hit. Players are often tempted to play on when they are hit while they are firing.

A usually complimentary slang term that refers to a paintball gun.

A rule in speedball where a player who is caught cheating is eliminated from the game along with three teammates. This is a very serious penalty and is usually reserved for severe infractions such as wiping or playing on and shooting another player.

A variation of the game of tag where players eliminate one another by marking each other with paint-filled gelatin balls fired from pneumatic guns.

A device that controls how much pressure comes out regardless of how much pressure goes in. A high pressure compressed air tank regulator, for example, will give a relatively constant pressure of 800 PSI whether the tank has 4500 PSI of pressure left in it or only 800 PSI.

A firing mode where a paintball gun will fire as long as you hold down the trigger. Many guns have a capped rate of fire with fully automatic shooting so you may actually be able to fire faster by repeatedly pulling the trigger.

A device that allows the air supply to a gun to be blocked without removing the tank. On/Offs can be twist valves, levers or push-pins.

A paintball gun that waits until the trigger is pulled before it loads the paintball into the chamber and seals it in with the bolt. Between firings its default setting is to have an open bolt.

A rule in speedball where a player who is caught cheating is eliminated from the game along with one teammate.

A paintball gun that closes the bolt while waiting for the trigger to be pulled. For a closed bolt paintball gun to fire, the paintball must already be loaded into the chamber with the bolt sealed behind it before the gun can be fired. Between firings its default setting is to have the bolt closed.

Whether you use compressed air or CO2, you will need to refill your tanks. Many stores will refill compressed air and CO2 tanks for around $3-$6 depending on the size of your tank. Alternatively, many people purchase their own scuba or large CO2 tanks and then refill their paintball tanks themselves. While the initial cost of a scuba tank or large CO2 tank is significant, you can recoup the money with regular use.

Electronic devices that do not allow a paintball gun to fire until a paintball is completely loaded into the firing chamber. Ensuring that all paintballs are completely loaded before firing limits the number of chopped paintballs.

A device that sits between the ASA and the valve of the paintball gun that is filled with multiple cavities or "stages" that air must pass through. By forcing the air to fill up the expansion chamber before reaching the valve, there is less of a chance that liquid CO2 will reach the internals of the paintball gun. Expansion chambers are not necessary for guns that use compressed air.

A semi-automatic paintball gun that recocks after each shot by blowing the hammer back behind the trigger. Basic paintball guns such as most Tippmanns and Spyders use this technology.

Looking outside is quick to remind us of the cold weather many of us enjoy around the end of December. While this inclement weather typically means that paintball guns are stored and air tanks are empty, it doesn't mean that a paintballer's heart isn't outside on the field. To help your paintballer pass the time to spring, here's About.com's Paintball Christmas Wish List.

A hose made of braided steel that transfers air from the ASA to the valve of a paintball gun.

The electronic portion of an electronic paintball gun that controls the firing of the gun. Circuit board might only control firing modes (semi-automatic, 3-round burst, etc.) as in an electromechanical paintball gun or they might control multiple aspects of the solenoid firing and recharge times in an electropneumatic paintball gun.

"Bring Your Own Paint"; an acronym meaning that a game will not have available paintballs for sale so you will have to bring what you plan to shoot.