A blaster for shooting projectiles that includes a housing that defines a housing interior, and a variable velocity barrel assembly positioned in the housing interior. The variable velocity barrel assembly includes a barrel that defines a barrel axis and a barrel interior. The barrel includes an exit opening at a distal end thereof. At least a first opening communicates the barrel interior with an exterior of the barrel. The first opening is defined through a side wall of the barrel. A slider member that includes a cylindrical portion that surrounds the barrel is movable axially along the barrel between a maximum velocity position where the cylindrical portion covers the first opening and a minimum velocity position where the slider member does not cover the first opening.

A blaster for shooting projectiles that includes a housing that defines a housing interior, and a variable velocity barrel assembly positioned in the housing interior. The variable velocity barrel assembly includes a barrel that defines a barrel axis and a barrel interior. The barrel includes an exit opening at a distal end thereof. At least a first opening communicates the barrel interior with an exterior of the barrel. The first opening is defined through a side wall of the barrel. A slider member that includes a cylindrical portion that surrounds the barrel is movable axially along the barrel between a maximum velocity position where the cylindrical portion covers the first opening and a minimum velocity position where the slider member does not cover the first opening.

A valve system utilizes a main valve body with a restricted diameter conduit communicating between a propulsion chamber and rear cavity and a smaller venting valve mechanically actuated to open the rear cavity to atmosphere, thereby causing the main valve body to open to pass pressurized air in the propulsion chamber to an orifice to power a projectile. The orifice has a diameter at least as large as the dimeter of the projectile.

An air-soft gun includes a grip; a high-pressure air canister disposed in the grip; and a remaining compressed air release device including a channel member threadedly secured to an end of the air canister and including an axial channel and a sealing ring; a rotatable cap releasably secured to the channel member; a biasing member fastened between the cap and the channel member; a striker including a needle on a first end, an internal passageway, an inlet proximate the needle and communicating with the passageway, an outlet proximate a second end and communicating with the passageway, internal threads on the passageway proximate the second end, and a threaded fastener driven through the cap into the internal threads to secure the cap to the striker. The inlet is blocked by the sealing ring in an inoperative position.

An air-soft gun includes a grip; a high-pressure air canister disposed in the grip; and a remaining compressed air release device including a channel member threadedly secured to an end of the air canister and including an axial channel and a sealing ring; a rotatable cap releasably secured to the channel member; a biasing member fastened between the cap and the channel member; a striker including a needle on a first end, an internal passageway, an inlet proximate the needle and communicating with the passageway, an outlet proximate a second end and communicating with the passageway, internal threads on the passageway proximate the second end, and a threaded fastener driven through the cap into the internal threads to secure the cap to the striker. The inlet is blocked by the sealing ring in an inoperative position.

The present invention provides a gas regulator with a diaphragm-type seal for a paintball marker or other type of gas-operated device. All regulator components are housed within a base to offer component longevity, easy adjustment of the regulated pressure, and simple maintenance. The diaphragm type seal acts as a sensing element where a seat rides on the interior surface of the diaphragm. Because the seat is positioned inside the diaphragm, a direct path is created to maintain constant pressure and increase accuracy from the seat to a pin valve.

The present invention provides a gas regulator with a diaphragm-type seal for a paintball marker or other type of gas-operated device. All regulator components are housed within a base to offer component longevity, easy adjustment of the regulated pressure, and simple maintenance. The diaphragm type seal acts as a sensing element where a seat rides on the interior surface of the diaphragm. Because the seat is positioned inside the diaphragm, a direct path is created to maintain constant pressure and increase accuracy from the seat to a pin valve.

A blaster for shooting projectiles that includes a housing that defines a housing interior, and a variable velocity barrel assembly positioned in the housing interior. The variable velocity barrel assembly includes a barrel that defines a barrel axis and a barrel interior. The barrel includes an exit opening at a distal end thereof. At least a first opening communicates the barrel interior with an exterior of the barrel. The first opening is defined through a side wall of the barrel. A slider member that includes a cylindrical portion that surrounds the barrel is movable axially along the barrel between a maximum velocity position where the cylindrical portion covers the first opening and a minimum velocity position where the slider member does not cover the first opening.

A blaster for shooting projectiles that includes a housing that defines a housing interior, and a variable velocity barrel assembly positioned in the housing interior. The variable velocity barrel assembly includes a barrel that defines a barrel axis and a barrel interior. The barrel includes an exit opening at a distal end thereof. At least a first opening communicates the barrel interior with an exterior of the barrel. The first opening is defined through a side wall of the barrel. A slider member that includes a cylindrical portion that surrounds the barrel is movable axially along the barrel between a maximum velocity position where the cylindrical portion covers the first opening and a minimum velocity position where the slider member does not cover the first opening.

An air reservoir system is provided that includes a switchable valve to direct input air to an air reservoir, or stored air in the air reservoir to a firing pathway. Various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept may also include an air-saver system to maintain a minimum air pressure in the air reservoir during a firing operation.