There are a great many of us here in the Great White North that have yet to know many of the great paintball personalities found south of our borders. Allow me to introduce the likes of Mr.Eric Engler. Some of us may know him, having had the pleasure of rubbing elbows with him at games such as D-Day for example. Some may also be familiar with his company Engler Custom Paintball Guns those exacting/authentic replica markers that are a must have for those of us really into the Milsim aspect of paintball. So why dont we get to know Eric just a little bit better..
Eric how long have you been involved in paintball and what was your very 
first paintball experience?
1983 or 1984 I played a game with Nelson pistols and oil based paint at a game in Wisconsin.
Then took 15 years off to race hydroplanes.
Then in 2002 I got back into paintball with my stepson Colin and some co-workers.
When was Engler Custom Paintball Guns first established and why?
In 2003, I had to make a Thompson for myself for a game at West Point. Then I made an AK out of an A5 and the military saw them and ordered 150 for Ft. Bliss so I quit my IT job and started making paintball guns full time.
If someone were to buy an Engler Custom Paintball Gun, what assurances do you give as far as standing behind the products you create?
I give all of my custom guns a lifetime warranty. If the gun has an issue Ill fix it free of charge.
Out of all the different markers you have taken the time to carefully recreate which ones would be among your favorite of all time?
My all time favorite is my Thompson A-5 I use it at most games and it has never let me down and it is very comfortable to carry all day long and shoot a lot of paint.
Eric I know you have had opportunity to attend numerous paintball games in the capacity of General across the United States this year. With some amount of detail what would be the highlights of some of the games you have commanded to date?
Ohhhh wow, thats tough, each game has had its high points. I can tell you my favorite is Oklahoma D-Day. I have gone 6 times now and it gets better each time. I lead the 101st Airborne there with my Officer Corps that have played under my command for a long time now. We train all our troopers to play as one team all week long. It is a sight to see.
Second to that would be the 2 Viper games I have assumed the role of General at. The Viper format is great and everyone has a great time.
If you were to attend a paintball game and were able to hand pick just one player to watch your back.who would that be?
That’s easy Greg Hastings
If you were to lend some advice to the novice paintball player just starting out in paintball today, what would that be?
Get out and play as much as you can. Nothing makes up for play to hone your skills. Play honest and fair.
As something of an additional follow up to the question above…if you were to council that same novice player as to which would be a suitable first big scenario game to play…which one would you recommend?
I would recommend that they attend a Viper game or Oklahoma D-Day. Ask the promoter or field owner which team you should hook up with and play with them all day to learn how its done.
Thanks again,
Eric Engler
To learn more about Eric Engler and take advantage of ordering up some of his awesome creations be sure to visit http://englerpaintballguns.com/ and be sure to tell him that The Catshack sent you along.
