Paintball guns aren’t just toys but serious weapons. They shoot small, round projectiles at high speeds to hit opponents with a splash of paint. However, some paintball guns shoot the projectile faster than others. 

So, how fast is a paintball gun? Well, it depends on the gun. Most guns can shoot at 300 feet per second. 

However, you might be wondering if it’s possible to shoot a paintball gun faster than that. Let’s find out. 

What is FPS Paintball?

FPS stands for “feet per second” and measures how quickly paintballs are fired from the marker. Generally, 250-300 fps is considered the threshold for recreational play, and anything above 300 fps should be used with extreme caution. 

How is Paintball Speed Measured?

The chronograph measures paintball speed. A chronograph is a device that measures the speed of paintball pellets fired from a paintball marker or rifle. The speed measurement system isn’t as complicated as it sounds.

To measure the speed of your paintball, bring your paintball marker and put it over the chronograph. The chronograph display will update when you release the marker’s trigger to reflect the paintball’s velocity.

Marker adjustments may be necessary if the fire rate is too high or low. The next step is to conduct another trial run to evaluate whether the modifications you made were sufficient to cross the threshold.

Note: This Youtube clip shows how to measure paintball speed by chronograph – 

How Many Balls Per Second Can a Paintball Gun Shoot?

Paintball guns come with different rates of fire, which are specified as rounds per second (RPS). This means the number of balls the gun fires within one second. The average RPS for a standard paintball gun is about 6-9 rounds per second. 

However, the firing rate can differ depending on factors such as the gun type and the feed. Electric guns can produce up to 15-20 rounds per second. 

Gravity feeds, a feed tube cast into the bottom and has a big container help paintball guns fire at 10 balls per second. Force-feeds use an impeller to shoot paintballs at high velocity, up to 50-55 balls per second. 

What Fps is Low-Impact Paintball?

The low-impact paintball makes the paintball game less dangerous. What separates low-impact paintball from standard paintball is, at its core, a matter of gear. 

As opposed to standard paintballs, which are .68 calibres, low-impact paintballs are .50 calibres, making them far less powerful. 

Additionally, its impact energy is just approximately a third of that of a regular paintball.

The low-impact paintball is modified from a standard paintball in size and composition. The size and weight have been reduced by .18 inches and 60%, respectively. They travel at a speed of 150 fps, more or less. 

How to Adjust FPS On Paintball Gun

Most paintball guns have adjustment screws to adjust the fps of the paintball. Turning the adjustment screw clockwise reduces the gas entering the marker and slows its FPS. 

When the FPS of your paintballs is increased by increasing the gas flow, which you do by turning the adjustment screw counter-clockwise, you can see the FPS rise.

However, some paintball markers feature adjustable bolts. This setting allows you to adjust the gas flow, which helps you to adjust the FPS. 

How to Shoot Paintball Gun Faster

Plenty of paintball guns on the market all look the same. It doesn’t matter which one you buy if you know how to use it and how to shoot paintballs. 

Here are some tips on how to shoot a paintball gun faster: 

  • Positioning

How you stand can distinguish between a quick paintball gunshot and a slow one. Keep you your legs and shoulder wide, and stand up straight. Ensure you’re’ not bending too much, as this can reduce your aim.

  • Use Both Hands

To shoot a paintball gun faster, use both hands to aim and shoot the paintball gun. This should be easier because you’ll have a stronger grip on your marker. Also, use two fingers instead of one to press the trigger.

  • Relax your Shoulders and Arms

If you’re tense, it’ll be difficult to shoot a paintball gun quickly. Make sure that your shoulders are relaxed and your arms are loose. Your arms should move with your marker as you shoot to achieve a perfect aim.

  • Take a Deep Breath Before Shooting.

As you exhale, squeeze the trigger in one quick movement. This will prevent the jerking of the marker when you shoot.

FAQs

How long does it take to shoot 500 paintballs?

It depends on the player and their experience. However, for an average player, it would take about 2.5 to 4 hours to shoot 500 paintballs.

How can I make my paintball gun more accurate?

There are a couple of ways to increase accuracy with your paintball marker. But most importantly, upgrading to a longer barrel makes a huge difference. Your marker will shoot far more accurately than before and maintain accuracy even after firing multiple times.

Final Word

Every game is different, and so is every paintball gun. Many factors influence the speed of the paintball gun, and some of those factors are determined by the player. 

A professional paintball gun can shoot rounds up to 280 fps to 300 fps, while a new player paintball gun can shoot up to 150 fps. The higher the speed, the better it is for a paintball gun and the player. 

Understanding how fast is a paintball gun will help you choose a type of gun and a speed that will work best for you. The player must know how to properly use the weapon before getting it out on the field.