How Fast Does Paintball Gun Shoot? An In-Depth Look

Paintball guns are increasingly popular for recreational sports enthusiasts. With proper safety precautions and adequate eye protection, shooting paintballs can be a lot of fun. But people often wonder, exactly how fast does a paintball gun shoot? Read on to find out!

What Is a Paintball Gun?

A paintball gun, also known as a paintball marker, is a device designed for shooting paintballs either in recreational sports or military simulations. Paintball guns are powered by compressed gases, most commonly either carbon dioxide (CO2) or High Pressure Air (HPA). The paintballs are fired from 12 to 20-gram gelatin shells that contain food dye.

How Fast Does a Paintball Gun Shoot?

The speed of a paintball gun projectile is measured in either feet per second (FPS) or meters per second (MPS). The speed of a paintball gun is mainly determined by the power source, such as the amount of compressed gas used. On average, a paintball gun shoots between 280 and 300 feet per second (FPS) or 91 to 97 meters per second (MPS).

Factors That Affect Paintball Gun Velocity

A number of factors can affect the velocity of a paintball gun. The main factor is the amount of compressed gas used. Increasing the amount of gas used will increase the velocity of the paintball, as well as the effective range of the gun. Other factors such as size of paintball, paintball barrel length and paintball gun type can also affect the gun's velocity.

Safety Considerations to Keep in Mind

When shooting with a paintball gun, it is important to consider the safety of both yourself and those around you. All players should wear certified eye protection and barrel covers, and it is important to never point your paintball gun at anyone, even if the gun is not loaded. It is also important to never shoot your paintball gun at someone who is not wearing certified eye protection.

Types of Paintball Guns

There are several different types of paintball guns available. The most common types of paintball guns are pump paintball guns, semi-automatic paintball guns, and fully automatic paintball guns.

Pump Paintball Gun

Pump paintball guns are the simplest and slowest type of paintball gun. These guns typically fire about 5-8 times per second at a speed of 250-300 feet per second. These guns are popular for recreational use due to their low power and therefore, low cost.

Semi-Automatic Paintball Gun

Semi-automatic paintball guns are the most common type of paintball gun. They fire at a rate of 15-25 times per second and can reach velocities of up to 300 feet per second. These guns are popular for recreational and tournament play.

Fully Automatic Paintball Gun

Fully automatic paintball guns are the most powerful type of paintball gun. These guns fire at a rate of 30-50 times per second and can reach velocities of up to 500 feet per second. They are typically only used in professional tournament play.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a paintball gun typically shoots between 280 and 300 feet per second (FPS) or 91 to 97 meters per second (MPS). The speed of the paintball gun is mainly determined by the power source, such as the amount of compressed gas used. There are several different types of paintball guns available, ranging from pump guns to fully automatic guns. No matter what type of paintball gun you are using, it is important to always follow the safety precautions outlined to ensure a safe and enjoyable shooting experience.

References

1. "Types of Paintball Guns - Everything You Need To Know By Paintballerbrothers". Paintball Brothers. https://paintballerbrothers.com/types-of-paintball-guns/

2. Coe, Larry. "The Speed Of Paintball Guns". Thoughtco.com. November 15, 2020. https://www.thoughtco.com/speed-of-paintball-guns-2003744.

3. "Everything You Need to Know About Paintball Guns - Buyers Guide 2021". Paintball Buyers Guide. January 17, 2021. https://paintballbuyersguide.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-paintball-guns/.