Airsoft What Is FPS

Introduction

The airsoft world is full of jargon and obscure terms that may be unfamiliar for newer participants in the sport. One of these terms, FPS, stands for Feet Per Second and is an important indicator of the performance of an airsoft gun. FPS is an essential metric that has a significant impact on game play as well as the selection of airsoft guns. Knowing what FPS is, and how it related to airsoft is important for any newcomer or veteran of the sport. This article will provide an in-depth review of what is FPS and its importance in airsoft.

What is FPS?

FPS stands for Feet-Per-Second and is the unit used to measure the speed of any projectile leaving an airsoft gun. The FPS number is typically printed on the product description of an airsoft gun and it is used to measure the velocity of the BB pellet that is fired. Generally, the higher the FPS number, the faster the BB leaves the gun barrel and travels to the target. In addition, the FPS number is a good indicator of the power of the airsoft gun as well as the likely range of the BB projectile.

FPS Calculation

FPS is a measure of the velocity with which BB's travel from the gun's barrel and it is calculated based on the air pressure/compression inside of the gun when the BB is fired. This pressure is largely determined by the design of the gun, specifically within the cylinder, piston, and spring assembly which are responsible for propelling the BB out of the barrel and propelling it towards the target.

FPS For Airsoft Guns

FPS is an essential metric for deciding which airsoft gun to choose as it is related to both the power and range of the gun. Typically, airsoft guns have an FPS rating of anywhere from 150 to 500. The maximum Velocity for airsoft guns is typically set to limit of 400-450 FPS but this is highly variable and it depends heavily on the laws and regulations of a particular country or field/arena where airsoft is being played. As a general rule, snipers usually have higher FPS ratings compared to other models as they are meant to travel longer distances and require more power in order to do so.

Safety

FPS is an important metric for airsoft safety as higher FPS guns have the potential to cause more serious injury due to the increased impact of the BB when it hits a player. Higher FPS airsoft guns therefore require higher levels of protection when playing including full face masks, long sleeved shirts, gloves, and other gear. In addition, some fields or arenas will impose restrictions on the FPS allowed; usually because of the expectation that higher FPS guns can cause more serious injury.

FPS Modifications

Due to the importance of FPS to airsoft game play, many airsoft guns are designed to allow the user to adjust the FPS. Typically, this is done by changing the power of the spring assembly or by adding a new spring with a higher FPS rating. This allows experienced users to modify the power and range of their airsoft gun in order to gain a competitive edge on the field.

Conclusion

FPS is an essential metric for airsoft and one that all participants should be aware of. FPS stands for Feet Per Second and is a measure of the velocity of any BB leaving an airsoft gun. FPS is important for safety as well as game play as it has a large impact on both the power and range of the gun and is subject to field or regulation-imposed limits. In addition, many airsoft guns are designed to allow for FPS modifications in order to give the user an edge on the field. Understanding FPS and its implications is a must for any participant in the airsoft world.