Bringing Clarity to What FPS Means In Airsoft

What Is Airsoft?

Airsoft is a competitive sport that replicates the battlefield using replica airguns that shoot non-metallic pellets Richard Simmons, an Army major, originally developed the game in Japan in the 1970s. Popular in Europe and Asia, Airsoft is gaining traction in the U.S. Players typically compete on outdoor fields where long-distance shooting is encouraged and hitting an opponent with 0.20 gram pellets results in a direct hit. Winning Airsoft matches requires marksmanship and tactical maneuvering.

Airsoft Gear Requirements

Players must equip themselves with appropriate gear in order to compete in Airsoft. According to the official rules, all Airsoft replica guns (often referred to as replicas or "AEGs") must have an orange muzzle. This protects players and helps distinguish the replicas from real firearms. In addition, players must wear eye protection and must adhere to the Airsoft field's age regulations.

Understanding FPS in Airsoft

FPS stands for feet per second and is a measurement commonly used to express the speed of an Airsoft pellet. Knowing the FPS of Airsoft replica guns is essential for maintaining safe play.

Airsoft replica guns typically fire 0.20 gram plastic BBs at around 200-400 feet per second. Airsoft replicas range from 200-500 FPS, with typically higher FPS replicas being avoided as they can cause serious injury.

Various countries have put laws into effect for limiting the FPS of airsoft guns. For instance, the UK requires all Airsoft guns to have an FPS of no more than 0.2 joules or 1.46 FPS. Similarly, Canada requires all AEGs to remain below 366 FPS.

Measuring FPS in Airsoft

Although Airsoft retailers often provide FPS estimates, these estimates are often inflated. To know the accurate FPS of an Airsoft replica, owners need FPS readers. fps readers are devices that measure the speed of the BBs being shot from the Airsoft replica.

FPS readers come in two main types. Chronographs measure the speed of the BBs when leaving the replica gun's muzzle. Insert readers, on the other hand, measure the speed when the BB is a certain distance away from the muzzle. Insert readers offer more accurate readings, as the BBs may slow down while traveling through the shockingly long 20 cm distance from the gun's muzzle to the reader.

FPS and Field Regulations

As Airsoft replicas are capable of firing BBs up to 500 FPS, most Airsoft fields require players to test the replica's FPS in order to be allowed to utilize it in gameplay. This ensures the safety of all players.

Upon arriving at an Airsoft field, players must check the speed of their replica using an on-site chronograph. If the chronograph's reading shows that the replica is firing within the stated limits for that particular Airsoft field, the gun is cleared for play. If the reading does not comply with the specified regulations, the Airsoft replica may not be suitable for play and should not be brought to the field.

Potential Risks of High-FPS Replicas

Although having access to high-FPS replicas may appeal to many Airsofters, playing with such replicas is not because of safety concerns. High-FPS Airsoft replicas produce a larger-wound radius than lower-FPS replicas, resulting in more pain upon contact. Furthermore, using high-FPS replicas could cause long-term eye damage or the destruction of property.

In order to protect players and ensure safety, many major Airsoft companies have implemented limits on the FPS of their replicas. While it may seem like a restriction on airsofter's right of expression, such restrictions exist for a purpose.

Insights

Knowing what FPS means in Airsoft can be integral to a player's safety and enjoyment. To maintain safety, Airsoft players should look into equipment and field regulations to ensure that their replicas remain within the legally accepted standards. This way, the player can be sure that nothing will go wrong on the Airsoft battlefield.