FPS in Airsoft What Does It Mean

What Does FPS Mean in Airsoft?

Firing Power System (FPS) measures the velocity of a BB or pellet being fired from an airsoft gun (whether gun is electric, gas, or spring-powered). FPS stands for Feet per Second, or the unit of measurement used to calculate the rate of projectiles leaving the barrel of the gun. For airsoft players, this rating is an important factor in choosing their next airsoft gun. Whether you are playing indoor or outdoor, the FPS of your gun can make all the difference in the sport.

What Is the Optimal FPS Range?

When purchasing an airsoft gun, you'll want to pay attention to the gun's FPS rating. Generally,airsoft guns should fire between 90 and 500 FPS, with medium-level guns firing from 350 400 FPS. However, the FPS rating will vary based on the type of airsoft gun. For example, most spring-powered airsoft gunsneed to be manually loaded after each shot, and typically achieve firing accessible FPS levels from 80 100 FPS. in contrast, gas blowback and automatic electric guns (AEGs) typicallyhave a higher FPS rating than spring guns and are more suitable for outdoor combat.

What Is the Difference Between Joules and FPS?

Two relevant terms when considering an airsoft gun's performance is Joules (J) and FPS (Feet per Second). We can understand Joules as a measure of energy, while FPS is a measure of velocity. The Joules rating takes into account the weight of the BB or pellet, and the FPS rating does not. This means an airsoft gun's Joules rating can determine the effective rangeand precision of a gun, while the FPS rating can provide an idea of the power of a gun.

What Airsoft Modes Require Certain FPS Levels?

The FPS rating of your airsoft gun is extremely important when consideringwhat game modes to play. Different FPS ratings will limit what type of gamesyou can play or what kind of field you can use your airsoft gun. For example, most CQB (Close Quarter Battle) fields reqiure spring guns no higher than 350 FPS. Similarly, a lot of milsim or tactical realism event organizers typically require guns to fire no higher than 400 FPS. Additionally, some sites have their own rules on FPS which should always be followed.

What Are Some Tips for Increasing Accuracy?

When buying an airsoft gun with the plan ofimproving your accuracy, it is important to keep in mind that FPS is not everything. Upgrading the inner barrel, hop-up, and even bucking (rubber padding)can drastically increase shooting precision, regardless of what FPS your gun is firing at. Installing a tight-bore barrel can help to reduce the spread of the BB, while an adjustable hop-up system can add or subtract backspin to BBs so they travel further before dropping.

Brief Recap

When shopping for an airsoft gun, FPS can often be an important factor in choosing your next gun. Generally, airsoft guns should fire between 90 and 500 FPS, with medium-level guns firing from 350 400 FPS. While FPS rate rate the speed of a projectile, Joules rate the energy. FPS rating can dictate what type of games you can play, so keep the specific field/game requirements in mind. Upgrading the inner barrel, hop-up, and bucking can all improve accuracy, even with a lower FPS gun. With the right upgrades, and the right caliber FPS, your airsoft gun will be ready for some competitive shooting.