Marker Efficiency & Dwell

Marker efficiency reflects the relationship between gas consumption and the number of shots produced from a given cylinder. In technical discussions, efficiency is often summarized as shots per fill for a specific tank size and pressure rating. Dwell, defined as the time interval during which the valve remains open, is a central parameter that influences how much gas enters the firing chamber for each shot.

Shorter dwell intervals restrict the period in which gas can flow, reducing consumption but also limiting the volume of gas delivered. If the delivered volume is insufficient for the chosen operating pressure and marker configuration, observed velocity may decrease. Longer dwell intervals extend the gas delivery window, which can support higher or more stable velocities at the cost of increased gas use per shot.

Electronic markers typically manage dwell through programmable control boards, while mechanical designs rely on spring forces, hammer mass, and valve geometry to define effective dwell behavior. In both cases, the interaction between dwell, operating pressure, bolt design, and internal passage dimensions shapes the efficiency profile.

Discussions of marker tuning frequently consider how dwell settings, regulator output pressure, barrel characteristics, and temperature together influence shot count, velocity stability, and perceived shot quality. These relationships are examined within the broader context of marker design rather than as prescriptive adjustment instructions.