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It seems that something akin to a paintball gun could have found a niche in trench warfare. Modern recreational paintball guns are capable of firing 3 gram projectiles to speeds of 120 meters per second or higher (capped to 90 meters per second for field play), giving them a kinetic energy equivalent to .22 CB rounds. They can also achieve rates of fire ranging from 8 rounds per second with gravity feed mechanisms to 20 with motorized feed systems (up to 30 with electronic feed mechanisms) and carry hundreds of shots. The systems are low pressure relative to a firearm and can use plastic and other components not possible for use with a firearm, although the tanks must use compressed carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or propane propellant.

Although nothing similar to a modern recreational paintball gun existed around the time of World War I, there were historical compressed air weapons such as the Girandoni air rifle. Compressed air guns would also have the advantage of being able to use ball shot (otherwise of limited use for the war effort) and no powder, and they could use materials unsuitable for building high pressure weapons (apart from the propellant canisters).

Could compressed air guns have been of use in World War I, or would it be better to produce more conventional weapons?
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