pb pistols

Pistols for backup are dumb. They really don't help, and only add bulk to you setup. Just carry pods and watch your tank.

Now, pistols for main play is a blast. I fancy myself a pistoleer. For my semi, I use a MilTec G1. So far, it's a great gun, but after some work. Stock, it leaves a little to be desired, but that's easily fixed. I use a PGP and a Redux for pump pistol play. As for the USP, I haven't used one, but I hear they are good markers. Cheap and reliable, ans since they are Piranha based, they have plenty of spare parts.

I have two pistols, one of which is a USP, and I really like it.  Easy to work on, lightweight and efficient enough that I can usually count on 20 good shots out of it.  As a bonus, you can occasionally pick them up fairly cheap.
 
DeTrevni said pistols as backup are dumb.  However, I think the word "dumb" is a little harsh; what they actually are is generally unnecessary.  That said, I usually carry one most of the time when I play now. 

Do I need it? 

Not really.

Has it ever come in handy?

Only once when I was the last survivor of my team and being hunted by most of the other team.  (I'd gone to ground in some thick cover and ended up engaging with my pistol.  The small size/short barrel got me several eliminations on people who couldn't bring their markers to bear because of the foliage before I was finally eliminated.  If I remember right, I dumped my 98 and pods under a bush on the theory that if the two mags I had for the Tib-8 weren't enough for the situation then I was hosed anyway.)

With all that said though the main reason I carry it is because sometimes it's just fun to whip out the pistol on the field and blast away at someone.  And since, for me, paintball is about having fun and I enjoy playing that way; then it isn't dumb.

The USP, in my opinion is the perfect backup given its weight and cost. 

If you get one, I recommend two things:

• Invest in some extra seals for where the 12 grams hit the puncture pin as they tend to wear out.
• Be really careful if you decide to take off the grips as their is a minuscule bearing for the safety that is spring-loaded and easy to lose.
  

Edited by Mack - 11 February 2009 at 4:52pm

and my grip gets blown off when i fire to fast

Yeah, "dumb" may have been a bit on the harsher side. Sorry about that.

Of course, there's the opposite side of Mack's anecdote. For almost every unconventional and goofy idea that people normally scoff at, there will be that one time where that crazy idea actually works.

Do pistols as a backup really work? Not really, but there may be that one time. You just have to ask yourself, is it worth the $90someodd dollars to get something you may only use once? Or never? Or all the time? If it is, then by all means, have at it. As Mack said, paintball is fun, and is about having fun. That's why I run a pistol as a main. If having one as a sidearm seems fun to you, I encourage it. It's just not for me.

 I have an usp and I love it, its reliable and cheap. And at every big scenario game I bring it with me, and I have found it to be helpfull numerous times.  If you feel that you can you use it go for it its not like your dumping a bunch of cash for something you may or may not use.

 like isaid befor i have a habbit of for geting to reload my main marker and my handlegets blown off

exactly, I have had to use my pistol AS a backup a number of times too. I would never carry it onto an airball field, but it comes in handy on a rec field.

Also in big games, when getting back to the DMZ for air and paint isn't always an option. When you run out of paint/air, a pistol charge is always great.

You should have gotten a Palmer's Pursuit Shop Squall. :D

after i go out to my money tree

When it comes to PPS, you tend to get what you pay for. I want one so bad, but probably won't get a chance to have one. They're soon to be gone for good. :'(

Edited by DeTrevni - 16 February 2009 at 1:42pm