Abstract: A pneumatic projectile launcher with improved valve opening and closing characteristics includes a trigger mechanism in communication with a valve assembly, preferably through pneumatic or mechanical means. This valve assembly consists of at least two members; the first is used to seal a single projectile in a barrel tube so as to accelerate the projectile with a gas pulse (“bolt”). The second member of the assembly is a valve member which controls the release of said gas pulse. The aforementioned pulse that propels the projectile out of the barrel (“forward”) also acts on a face of the valve member opposite the projectile, translating the valve member rearward to the original, closed position.