Abstract: There is disclosed a pneumatic launcher comprising a cylindrical storage member and a cylindrical barrel which are coaxial, and a cylindrical body therebetween. Pressurized gas is coupled into the chamber of the body. A valve member has a sleeve portion which telescopingly receives the cylindrical body. The gas entering the chamber leaks through the space between the sleeve portion and the body to fill the reservoir. The valve member has a second valve portion which is conical and movable against a valve seat. When it is desired to launch a projectile in the barrel, gas is exhausted from the chamber causing the valve member to snap back to its opened condition almost instantaneously to deliver gas from the reservoir to the barrel, thereby to launch the projectile therein.