Optimizing Airsoft Gun FPS

Airsoft guns are always a favorite among gun enthusiasts, due to the realistic feel thanks to their recoil. Most airsoft guns don't require any sort of background checking, budget-friendly and lighter than most real firearms. However, many areas have stringent regulations for power output of airsoft guns, and exceeding the maximum might end up with hefty fines and culture shock. As such, many airsoft fans are looking for ways to optimize their gun's FPS (feet per second), without compromising its strength. In this article, we'll explore eight pivotal themes from historical perspectives, key milestones, common trends, popular tips, and potential pitfalls to understand how we can adjust the fps of our airsoft gun.

1. A Historical Perspective

In 1986, the Japanese started producing the first version of airsoft guns, with the intention of providing safe gun replica for recreational and military training purpose. The guns that were initially produced used round bands as markers to simulate gunshots, and it wasn't until around 1992 that airsoft gun engineers began introducing spring-powered, gas-powered, and electric-powered guns. After a series of gradual improvements. The latest generation of airsoft gun is more realistic and sophisticated than ever, with the ability of shooting out a .2g BB at speeds exceeding 50lighting-class.

2. Key Milestones in Power Output Regulation

As airsoft guns become increasingly popular, governments around the world have had to introduce stricter regulations to ensure public safety. Here is a timeline of key milestones in regulating the power output of airsoft guns:

• 1985 Japanese technicians started researching into airsoft guns.
• 1992 First law enforcement required airsoft guns to be identified as such and displayed on the metallic housing.
• 1998 Japan and Taiwan have decided to regulate airsoft guns' power output and introduced the maximum power output of 0.98 joules.
• 2000 The US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives classifies airsoft guns as toy and non-lethal.
• 2013 The Canadian Criminal Code has a provision that states any airsoft gun with an ammo speed of over 5.7 joules will be regulated as a firearm.

3. Popular Trends in Lowing FPS Rating

As governments around the world are introducing limitations in the power output of airsoft guns, many gun makers and tinkers are looking for ways to lower the fps rating of their guns. While airsoft guns' fps can be lowered by changing the size of the spring, many gun enthusiasts have realized the limitations of the spring-powered mechanisms and opt for other ways to reduce the fps of their gun.

3.1 Utilizing Hop-Up System

The hop-up system, a system used to adjust the backspin created by the airsoft gun when launching the bbs, is one of the most popular methods among airsoft gun enthusiasts in lowering their fps rating. Although hop-up system can be found in most airsoft game settings nowadays, adjusting it would directly affect the maximum velocity of the projectile.

3.2 Utilize Weaker Ammunition

Another popular method is to change the size or weight of the ammunition. The smaller and heavier the ammunition will result in a slower exit velocity, resulting in a lower fps rating. It should be noted that while changing the ammunition will affect the fps rating, it will also affects the range of the gun.

4. Common Tips to Consider

Airsoft guns' fps rating depends on multiple factors, and as such, there is no singular recipe for reducing it. Every gun has its own personality and cycle rate, and as such, there are multiple tips to consider when developing a plan to reduce its power output:

• Swithc out the existing spring for a lighter spring.
• Adjust the hop-up setting.
• Consider changing out the gear forces, and opt for different cylinder or air seals.
• Regulate the propellant, or switch out different type of propellant.
• Consider alternative ammo that weighs and smaller than the existing one.

5. Potential Pitfalls to Avoid

Even though there are plenty of ways to lower the fps rating of an airsoft gun, tinkering with a sophisticated gadget may seem like a daunting task for the first-timer. Not to mention that the extensive experimentation might unintentionally degrade the gun's overall performance, and might render it completely useless if it falls beyond the maximum limit set by the government.

5.1 Power Degradation

As with most machinery, reducing the power output won't make the airsoft gun stronger but weaker. Too much tinkering will unintentionally degrade its power, and that is why it is important for one to understand its limitations before making any adjustments.

5.2 Exceeding the Maximum Power Output

Each region or country has their own limitation in maximum power output for an airsoft gun, and exceeding that limit may come with hefty fines and potential jail time. As such, it is important for one to always consider the maximum limits before attempting to lower their fps rating.

Insights

Airsoft gun enthusiasts can always count on the ability of reducing their gun's fps rating by taking the necessary precautions. With a bit of tinkering, many gun enthusiasts have been able to lower the fps rating of their gun safely, effectively, and affordably. In the end, it all comes down to understanding the limits of one's airsoft gun and abiding to any local regulations before making any adjustments.

References:

1) https://www.evike.com/blogs/tactical-tips/airsoft-101-a-history-of-airsoft

2) https://www.airsoft gun station.co.uk/hints-and-tips/tunning-airsoft-an-introduction/