What Does FPS Mean In Airsoft?

You've likely discovered that there is a wealth of information to absorb when it comes to airsoft. From the various types of guns, gear, and gameplay styles, it can feel overwhelming at first. However, fear not, as we're here to shed light on one of the most crucial aspects of airsoft: FPS, or Feet Per Second. When it comes to airsoft guns, FPS plays a pivotal role in determining their power and performance. It measures the speed at which a BB is propelled from the gun's barrel. Understanding FPS is vital as it directly affects the range, accuracy, and impact of your shots on the field. So, whether you're a newcomer eager to grasp the basics or simply seeking to expand your knowledge, join us as we go over what the concept of FPS is in airsoft.

What Does Fps Mean In Airsoft?

In airsoft, FPS stands for Feet Per Second. It is a unit of measurement used to determine the velocity or speed at which a projectile, such as a BB (plastic pellet), is propelled from an airsoft gun. FPS is used to indicate the power and performance of an airsoft gun. It measures how fast the BB travels when it is fired from the gun's barrel. The higher the FPS, the faster the BB will travel.

This is an FPS chart, it can be used to check the power of airsoft guns

FPS is an important factor in airsoft as it affects the range, accuracy, and impact of the BB. Generally, airsoft guns with higher FPS can shoot BBs farther and with more force. However, it is important to note that FPS is not the sole determinant of accuracy, as other factors such as the hop-up adjustment, barrel quality, and BB weight also play a significant role.

In many countries, including Canada, there are specific FPS limits and regulations that govern the use of airsoft guns. These limits are in place to ensure player safety and reduce the risk of serious injuries. It is important to adhere to these FPS limits and any local regulations regarding airsoft gun velocity to maintain a safe and enjoyable airsoft experience.

What Is A Safe Fps For An Airsoft Gun?

The safe FPS (Feet Per Second) for an airsoft gun depends on several factors, including the specific regulations and guidelines set by your local airsoft field or country laws. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of players and prevent serious injuries during gameplay.

In general, most airsoft fields and organizations enforce FPS limits to maintain a balance between player safety and enjoyable gameplay. These limits vary but typically range between 250 and 350 FPS for pistols and rifles and 350 to 500 FPS for snipers or bolt action airsoft guns. These limits are subject to change, so it is important to consult the specific rules and regulations of the field you plan to play at.

It's worth noting that different types of airsoft fields or games may have varying FPS limits. For instance, close-quarters or indoor games often have lower FPS limits to minimize the risk of injury in tight spaces, while outdoor games may allow higher FPS limits due to bigger game fields.

Additionally, some fields or organizations may implement different FPS limits or minimum engagement distances for different weapon types, such as rifles, pistols, or sniper rifles. This is done to maintain fairness and balance among players. Remember, adhering to the established FPS limits is crucial for safety and fair play in airsoft. Always check the rules and guidelines of your specific airsoft field or country's laws to ensure you are using an airsoft gun that falls within the designated safe FPS range.

Want to know what FPS is good for airsoft? check out this blog HERE

Can You Adjust FPS on An Airsoft Gun?

Yes, the FPS of an airsoft gun can often be adjusted. However, whether or not you can adjust the FPS depends on the specific model and design of the airsoft gun. Some airsoft guns, especially higher-end models, come with adjustable FPS systems built into the gun. These systems usually involve modifying the internal components and mechanisms of the gun to change the velocity at which the BBs are propelled. By adjusting spring tension, air pressure, or other factors, you can increase or decrease the FPS within certain limits.

Adjusting the FPS on an airsoft gun can be different depending on what type of airsoft gun it is. There are two main types of airsoft guns that you can adjust the FPS on, they are AEGs (Automatic Electric Guns) and GBBRs(Gas Blowback Rifles).

GBBR: An NPAS (Negative Pressure Air System) is a device or system used in airsoft to adjust the FPS of a gas blowback airsoft gun. It is typically found in gas-powered airsoft rifles and pistols. The NPAS allows the user to control the amount of gas that propels the BB and, consequently, the velocity or FPS of the gun. By adjusting the NPAS, you can increase or decrease the gas flow, which directly affects the power and speed at which the BB is propelled. The NPAS system usually consists of a nozzle with an adjustable screw or valve that controls the gas flow.

This is an NPAS for a WE GBBR

AEG: Changing the spring in an AEG is the best way to adjust the FPS on an AEG. By selecting a stronger or weaker spring, you can increase or decrease the FPS of the AEG. A higher FPS will result in faster and more powerful shots, providing a longer range and potential advantages in outdoor or open-field scenarios. Lowering the FPS can be beneficial for indoor or close-quarters engagements, promoting safer gameplay. Most airsoft guns today come with a quick change spring, which makes it easy to change the spring. If your airsoft gun does not come with this feature then we recommend taking it to an airsoft technician.

This is what a spring in an AEG will look like

It is important to note that adjusting the FPS of an airsoft gun may have legal implications, particularly if it exceeds the permissible limits set by local regulations. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of and comply with the FPS limits specified by your local airsoft fields, organizations, or laws. Furthermore, it's essential to exercise caution when adjusting the FPS of your airsoft gun. Modifying the internal components without proper knowledge or experience can potentially damage the gun or negatively impact its performance. If you are uncertain about making adjustments, it is advisable to seek assistance from an experienced airsoft technician or professional who can help you make the necessary modifications safely and effectively.

Curious about how airsoft guns work? check out this blog HERE

Why Is .20g BBs The Standard To Chronograph With?

The .20 gram BB has become the standard weight for airsoft guns in many countries due to several reasons. Firstly, the .20 gram BB strikes a balance between weight and performance, offering a versatile option for various airsoft gun platforms. It provides reasonable accuracy, range, and velocity without compromising significantly in any particular aspect. This makes it suitable for a wide range of airsoft guns, accommodating both entry-level spring pistols and higher-end AEGs (Automatic Electric Guns).

Secondly, the use of .20 gram BBs is driven by safety considerations. The lighter weight of these BBs reduces the risk of injury or damage. With less kinetic energy compared to heavier BBs, they are deemed safer when accidentally or inadvertently shot at close range. Therefore, .20 gram BBs are commonly used in indoor CQB (Close Quarters Battle) arenas, where engagement distances are shorter. Also, .20g BBs are the standard in airsoft gun factories and is what most guns are quality tested with.

Additionally, the availability and affordability of .20 gram BBs contribute to their widespread adoption. They are widely accessible and more budget-friendly compared to heavier BB weights. This accessibility ensures that players can easily find and purchase .20 gram BBs from various retailers, both online and in physical stores. However measuring with .20g BBs and then using another weight can lead to something called Joule creep.

Joule Creep And How BB Weight Affects FPS

Joule creep in airsoft is when a gun's muzzle energy increases as the weight of the BB increases, even when the initial velocity remains constant. In simpler terms, it means that heavier BBs can sometimes produce higher energy outputs than lighter BBs when shot. Sometimes this can happen with lighter BBs too, but it depends on several factors with your gun.

This occurs due to a combination of factors. One key factor is the way airsoft guns are designed, particularly in terms of the volumetric ratio between the barrel and the cylinder. The relationship between the volume of air pushed by the piston and the volume of the barrel can affect the energy transfer to the BB. When using heavier BBs, the greater resistance they encounter while being propelled through the barrel can cause more air to be compressed behind them. This results in a longer air compression time, allowing for more energy transfer and a higher muzzle energy output.

It is important to note that joule creep can vary between different airsoft guns and setups. Some guns may exhibit more significant joule creep than others, and the effect may be influenced by factors such as the gun's internal components, barrel length, hop-up unit, and the specific weight of the BB being used. Understanding joule creep is crucial for airsoft players, especially in fields or events where energy limits are enforced. It is recommended to chronograph airsoft guns with the specific BB weight being used that day to ensure compliance with field rules and regulations. Some fields may require you to Crono with .20g BBs which may require you to modify your power output. It is not recommended to Crono with .20g BBs (if you are not using them or are using a heavier weight BB) but it is their field so therefore their rules.

What Airsoft Gun Has The Highest FPS?

Several airsoft guns are known for having high FPS (Feet Per Second) out of the box, although it's important to keep in mind that FPS can vary based on factors such as the specific model, brand, and any modifications made to the gun.

Bolt-action sniper rifles designed for long-range precision shooting often have high FPS, with some models reaching 400-500 FPS or even higher. Gas blowback rifles or pistols, especially those powered by CO2, can also have high FPS, typically ranging from 300 to 500 FPS. Additionally, upgraded AEGs (Automatic Electric Guns) with stronger springs, reinforced internals, and longer barrels can achieve 400 FPS or more

Another option for high FPS is HPA (High-Pressure Air) guns, which use compressed air as the power source. HPA guns can be highly customizable and have the potential for extremely high FPS levels, often exceeding 500 FPS and beyond.

However, it's crucial to consider that FPS alone does not determine the overall performance of an airsoft gun, as factors like accuracy, range, reliability, and build quality also play significant roles. Always ensure compliance with local regulations and field-specific FPS limits for safe and responsible use of airsoft guns.

How Far Can A 500 Fps Airsoft Gun Shoot?

The maximum range of a 500 FPS airsoft gun can vary depending on several factors, including the specific model, BB weight, hop-up adjustment, and environmental conditions. It's important to note that FPS alone does not solely determine the effective range of an airsoft gun, as accuracy and consistency also play significant roles.

In general, a 500 FPS airsoft gun has the potential to shoot accurately and achieve reasonable engagement distances in the range of 200 feet (60 meters). This range can be extended further with a better hop-up bucking and rubber, quality BBs, and favorable wind conditions. However, it's important to consider that airsoft BBs are affected by factors such as wind resistance and trajectory, which can limit their effective range compared to other projectiles. Typically with a high FPS airsoft gun (especially a bolt-action sniper), you will want to use heavy-weight BBs as this will give you better range. Using anything above 0.40g BBs is perfect for snipers for long range shots.

How To Test Airsoft Fps?

To test the FPS of an airsoft gun you will need to use a chronograph. A chronograph or crono for short, is a device commonly used in airsoft to measure the FPS of an airsoft gun. It provides a way to quantify the velocity at which the airsoft BBs are propelled. The chronograph typically consists of a sensor or designated area where the BB passes through, and it calculates and displays the velocity in FPS.

This is a chronograph, it is used to measure the FPS/ power of airsoft guns

By measuring the FPS, airsoft players can assess the power and performance of their airsoft guns, ensure compliance with local regulations and field-specific FPS limits, and make adjustments or modifications if needed. Chronographs are essential tools for maintaining safe and responsible airsoft gameplay, as they provide an objective means of verifying the velocity of airsoft guns.