How Fast Does Paintball Gun Shoot?

Paintball guns are incredibly popular in various different activities including paintball tournaments, backyard battles, or teaching shooting fundamentals to youths. As such, understanding the mechanics of a paintball gun and its speed can help you determine the ideal type of marker for you or your team. With this article, we will explore several key themes so that you can keep pace with the paintballing industry.

Types of Markers

The most common types of paintball markers are mechanical semi-automatic, electric electronically-triggered, and pump action. Mechanical semi-automatic markers are the most common and most reliable type of gun. These markers can fire at very controlled rates of fire and are powered by CO2 tanks. Electric electronically-triggered markers are powered by an inbuilt battery and a motor system which can fire at a faster rate than mechanical markers. Lastly, pump action markers are a bit slower as they require the user to manually load balls in the breech before firing.

Mechanical Semi-Automatic Paintball Gun

The most common type of paintball gun is the mechanical semi-automatic paintball gun. This kind of gun is powered by a CO2 tank and is the most reliable of the three types. This gun has a consistent rate of fire and can shoot at approximately 280 feet per second.

Electric Electronically-Triggered Paintball Gun

The electric electronically-triggered paintball gun has an inbuilt battery and a motor system that can fire at higher speeds than mechanical markers. These guns are typically the fastest and range from a low of 250-300 feet per second to a high of 400 feet per second or 450 feet per second on some higher-end models.

Pump Action Paintball Gun

The pump action paintball gun is the slowest of the three types but still holds its ground in the paintballing world. This gun requires the user to manually load balls in the breech before firing. It's a slower process than mechanical or electric marker and it can range from 200-260 feet per second.

Legislation & Regulations

Most paintball guns are considered to be firearms in some jurisdictions and are usually subject to strict laws and regulations. It is important to note that each country, state, or municipality may have different rules when it comes to paintball guns. In the United States, the sale and possession of paintball guns are regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

USA Legislation & Regulations

Within the USA, the ATF governs the participation, sale, and possession of paintball guns. All paintball guns must be ATF compliant, meaning they must discharge less than 12.5 joules of force. The standard firing rate of 280 feet per second also applies in the United States.

Canada Legislation & Regulations

In Canada, the sale and possession of paintball guns are regulated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). All paintball guns in Canada must be able to discharge less than 10 joules of force and must fire no more than 375 feet per second.

Maintenance & Storage

The maintenance and storage of paintball guns is important to ensure they perform well and last in the field. Regular maintenance on your marker will make it last longer and increase accuracy. Paintball guns should also always be stored unloaded in a secure case when not in use.

Regular Maintenance

In order to keep your paintball gun in the best condition, it is important to make sure that it is kept clean and lubricated. To clean your gun, use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to remove any debris on the inside and outside of the marker. It is also important to regularly lubricate the o-rings on your gun to keep it functioning properly.

Storage of Paintball Guns

Paintball guns should always be stored in a secured, dry, and cool area away from direct sunlight. It is important to always make sure your paintball gun is unloaded when you are storing it. It is also important to store the gun where it cannot be accessed by children or unauthorized individuals.

Insights

Understanding the different types of paintball guns, as well as their applicable legislation and regulations, is important to ensure they stay in optimal condition and are used safely. Knowing the maintenance and storage requirements of a paintball gun is also essential to make sure they remain efficient and their overall performance remains high. With all of this information taken into consideration, you can easily explore and enjoy the sport of paintballing and stay competitive in the field.

Closing Remarks

Paintball guns can provide a fun and exciting experience and can be used in a wide variety of different activities. To make sure your paintball gun is always performing its best, it is important to understand the different types of markers, the applicable regulations and maintenance procedures, and the best way to store them properly. By following the appropriate rules and regulations, as well as performing regular maintenance and storing your gun correctly, you can enjoy the sport of paintball to its fullest.