What Does FPS Mean in Airsoft?

Airsoft is a game that calls for a lot of strategic planning among its players. It derives its approach from the competitive shooting sports, and the players usually take part in skirmishing activities that use replica firearms. The most important factor to consider when gearing up for a game is knowing the firepower of your airsoft gun with FPS feet per second being the units of choice.

What FPS is Typical in Airsoft?

The typical FPS ranges between 250-400. You can get some airsoft guns with much higher FPS ratings, however, with some variations being able to hit up to 500 FPS. To add a sense of realism, some guns come with a much lower FPS rating but those usually require some modification for successful operation in an airsoft battle. High-FPS guns regulated up to 200 FPS are typically used for new or inexperienced players, as it reduces the level of damage.

The Different Types of Airsoft Guns

Airsoft guns come in three different types; these are electrical, gas-powered, and spring-powered variations. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks when it comes to FPS and power. Let's run through each of them:

Spring-Powered

Spring-Powered Airsoft guns use a pull-back system that become compressed when the trigger is pulled. This type of airsoft gun is the most common and they feature a fixed FPS. This type of gun is good for beginners as they require a lot less maintenance and they are also considerably less expensive. They tend to be less powerful than other types but are great if you want to keep the price low.

Gas-Powered

Gas-powered airsoft guns use propane or compressed air to shoot the BBs. These guns have high-FPS values that make them great for target shooting. Gas-powered airsoft guns are also significantly quieter than their electric counterparts due to the mechanical nature of their propulsion. As such, they provide the satisfaction of feeling like a real firearm without the loud noise. The downside to these guns is that they require some degree of maintenance and regular supplies of propane, making them more expensive in the long run.

Electric-Powered

Electric airsoft guns are the most powerful type of airsoft guns and the most versatile. They use a battery system and have higher FPS than spring or gas-powered guns. They are typically semi-automatic and feature adjustable hop-up systems that help to improve accuracy. On the flip side, electric airsoft guns tend to be much more costly and require more maintenance.

The Use of BBs in Airsoft

Having the ideal FPS is useless if the gun is not using the right type of BBs, which come in 6mm or 8mm sizes. 6mm BBs are the most common size for all types of airsoft guns but 8mm versions are also available for certain styles of airsoft guns. Some 8mm BBs have a harder texture and are specifically created for high-FPS airsoft guns. It is important to note that using any other type of projectile other than BBs may be dangerous, so be sure to check the specifications of your gun before using it.

Velocity in Airsoft

Most airsoft fields have a maximum FPS limit ranging between 350 and 400fps. All players must adhere to these restrictions as using guns with higher FPS can increase the likelihood of causing injury. It is always recommended that you check the FPS of your gun before using it in a game and adjust accordingly.

In some cases, you may need to lower the FPS of your gun in order to comply with the venue regulations. This can be done by reducing the power of the gas or battery or by installing an Muzzle Velocity Adjustment Mechanism (MVAM). however, you should always seek the help of a professional technician if you are unsure of how to adjust the FPS of your gun.

Safety in Airsoft

For your safety and the safety of those around you, always adhere to any field regulations in regards to airsoft gun's FPS. Never exceed the maximum limit that is set and make sure that all of your friends are aware of this too. Always wear safety glasses and have your gun pointed in a safe direction.

Insights

Airsoft requires an understanding of a number of different factors, including the power of your gun in FPS, the type of gun you use, and the safety regulations that you must follow. Having a good understanding of these areas will ensure that you get the most out of your airsoft experience. Lastly, always seek the help of a professional technician if you are unsure about making any adjustments to your airsoft gun.