Last night I was watching a video on a powerful airsoft sniper rifle that fires at 728 FPS. So I started wondering, what’s the highest FPS airsoft gun you can buy? And how much FPS actually matter?
To give you a short answer airsoft guns with the highest FPS are usually sniper rifles which are spring or gas-powered and usually shoot at around 500 FPS. There are some snipers with very strong spring which gives them up to 700 FPS but you can’t use those rifles on fields due to FPS limits. Also, you don’t want to use such a powerful gun as you could easily hurt someone. If you want power look no further – with 650 FPS Novritsch SSG24 Airsoft Sniper Rifle is an excellent choice.
But first things first. Let’s first talk about what FPS is, what is the relation between FPS and BBs, how much FPS matter, and what are the recommended FPS values.
Table of Contents
What Does FPS Mean In Airsoft?
FPS stands for Feet Per Second and is a measure used to describe airsoft gun projectile speed or muzzle velocity and it can vary depending on the type of gun. It’s the speed at which a BB leaves an airsoft gun’s barrel or simply FPS determines how fast your gun shoots. It is calculated using the BB’s weight plus the weapon’s power. Some countries, like the United States, use FPS while some countries that are using Metric System use MPS which stands for Meters Per Second (1 FPS = . 0.3048 MPS).
FPS not only depends on the power of the Airsoft gun but on the weight of the BBs you’re using. You’ll want a higher FPS gun as the slower your projectile is, the higher is the chance you’ll miss your opponent. FPS is not the most important factor for accuracy and range but it does affect both of those things. Additionally, if you have a weak gun with low FPS it is possible that your enemy won’t even feel that he’s been hit.
So higher FPS is better than lower, but remember that a higher FPS doesn’t mean a better gun. When buying a gun, don’t pick it just because it has really high FPS as build quality, accuracy and performance are more important factors.
Also, you want an airsoft gun which FPS isn’t too high. There are a couple of reasons and the first one is that with insanely high FPS airsoft rifle you could seriously injure someone. Additionally, you won’t be able to play on most fields as all of them cap FPS at a certain limit. Most indoor fields limit a muzzle velocity to 350 FPS, while outdoor fields to 400 FPS.
How FPS Affect BBs?
There’s a direct connection between FPS and the performance of your BBs. You see, when BBs leave the muzzle of the gun FPS decreases. More FPS means more energy your BB carries. FPS enables BB to travel farther and faster.
How BB Weight Affects FPS?
BB weight is an important factor as it influences things like velocity, kinetic energy, and pellet trajectory. While some airsoft players use little heavier BBs, like 0.25g, 0.20g is the standard weight. Some airsoft players don’t want to use heavier BBs like 0.25g because it affects FPS of their guns – FPS is lower with heavier BBs. Likewise, lighter BBs improve the FPS. Which doesn’t mean that heavier BBs are worse choice since heavier BBs increase range and accuracy and are not that easily affected by the wind which could alter the trajectory of lighter BBs. So to get the best results, pick your BBs according to your airsoft replica’s FPS – use heavier BBs with guns that have high FPS and lighter BBs with guns that have less FPS.
But maybe the more important thing is how much kinetic energy the BBs have while leaving the barrel. Kinetic energy is measured in Joules. So while FPS is relative to the BB weight, the kinetic energy it produces is always the same. So if you’re shooting with a gun that has 380 FPS with 0.20g BBs and then switch to a 0.25g BBs your gun will be shooting 340 FPS. That’s a big difference in FPS but the kinetic energy will be the same, regardless of what BB weight you use.
How To Check Or Measure Airsoft Gun FPS?
Most airsoft fields have projectile velocity restrictions and before the match, an airsoft gun projectile speed or muzzle velocity is measured. Airsoft shooting chronograph is a device used to measure Airsoft gun FPS. You can buy them online if you want to but as you can find them at some Airsoft stores and on the most airsoft field I think there is no need for you to buy them. Better spend your money on some additional pieces of equipment.
For your and safety of others, make sure that the field where are you going to play is checking velocity using Airsoft shooting chronograph.
If you own an Airsoft gun with very high FPS, you can use heavier BBs, like 0.25g, to get a lower legal FPS.
Does FPS Affect Accuracy And Range? How Much FPS Matters in Airsoft?
How much FPS matters in Airsoft? Does it affect accuracy or range? Will a 500 FPS airsoft gun provide higher accuracy than a 300 FPS gun?
Yes, FPS matters and it does affect accuracy and range but it is not the most important factor. There are other things that are equally or more important for accuracy and range like the hop-up system and barrel length so you’ll want to get a more balanced gun. So don’t go for a gun with high FPS that has poor or average hop-up or barrel. Hop-up (High Operation Power Up) is a mechanism that creates a back-spin effect on airsoft BBs to increase their range and accuracy.
You want high accuracy and although FPS plays a role you also have to factor in wind, ballistic drop, distance, and inner barrel length. A longer inner barrel is usually more accurate than a shorter barrel. The way how FPS affects accuracy is by letting a BB travel faster and thus it will be less affected by wind. Assuming two identical AEGs, the one with higher FPS will have better accuracy under windy conditions. But FPS doesn’t matter much if hop up and barrel are of poor quality. One big advantage of guns with higher FPS is that they can handle heavier BBs which are more wind resistant than lighter BBs.
If we talk about range, FPS plays a role but the other important factors are hop up and barrel length. That means if airsoft gun has a high FPS but the other criteria are not met like your gun doesn’t have a hop up, you won’t get satisfying results.
One more important thing is the maintenance of the gun. The inner parts of your replica need to be properly lubricated and everything needs to be properly sealed. Clean your barrel regularly even if it’s a brand new gun.
So as you see FPS is not the most important factor for accuracy and range. There are many airsoft guns with lower FPS that can easily beat higher FPS guns in terms of range and accuracy. A good example is AEGs from Japanese manufacturer Tokyo Marui, which have lower FPS but are outperforming many AEGs with high FPS in terms of range and accuracy due to their hop-up and barrel quality. It is better to have a medium power gun (330–350FPS) with a very good hop-up and inner barrel to achieve greater accuracy and range.
Why Do Airsoft Fields Have An FPS Limit?
The answer is actually pretty simple. The reason, why airsoft fields have an FPS limit, is the safety of participants. FPS limit on most indoor fields is 350 FPS, while on outdoor fields 400 FPS.
If there were not any limits people could come with modified guns that have insanely high FPS and getting hit from that gun could cause you serious injuries if not worse. Also if people are constantly getting hurt, where’s the fun?
Besides FPS limit airsoft fields are enforcing MED or Minimum Engagement Distance so that people are not shooting on each other, especially from more powerful guns, at close distances.
What Is The Recommended FPS For Different Types Of Airsoft Guns?
As I said before, higher FPS is better than lower, but also, you don’t want an airsoft gun with too high FPS. Higher FPS has an effect on accuracy and range but on the other hand, you don’t want to hurt someone if you have a gun with really high FPS or get banned from the airsoft field.
Recommended FPS for airsoft guns depends on a couple of factors. Will you be playing outdoor or indoor? What type of airsoft gun do you want to use? Pistol, rifle, sniper? What type of mechanism is powering an airsoft gun?
Gas-powered guns are mostly in 250-500 FPS range, spring-powered between 125 and 500+ FPS while electric-powered between 115 and 450 FPS. Also note that the FPS cap on most indoor fields is 350 FPS, while on outdoor fields 400 FPS. Most cheaper Airsoft guns fire around 200 FPS while better ones around 400 FPS. My suggestion is to aim for something between 300 and 400 FPS, or 300-350 fps if you’re playing indoor, and 350-400 if you’re playing outdoor.
So, without further ado, these are recommended FPS values for different types of airsoft guns.
Recommended FPS For Airsoft Pistols And Revolvers
For this type of weapon, you’ll want something between 250 and 350 FPS. You will probably use them as a secondary weapon and for close combat so you don’t need anything more powerful.
Recommended FPS For AEGs
For AEGs you’ll want something between 300 and 400 FPS. If you’re going to use it indoor, then something between 300 and 350 FPS and if you’re playing mostly outside than something from 350 and 400 FPS. You can get AEG with 400+ FPS but I wouldn’t recommend that as you probably won’t be able to play in most fields.
Recommended FPS For Airsoft Snipers
One more thing that you should consider is distance. It is not the same if you hit someone with 400+ FPS guns from 10 meters or from 50 meters. As a sniper, you would shoot at your opponents from bigger distances so the recommended value for snipers is between 450 and 500 FPS.
Recommended FPS For Airsoft Shotguns
A shotgun is a good choice for close quarter combats (CQB) and the recommended value for them is between 280 and 350 FPS.
What Are The Airsoft Guns With Highest FPS?
So after you learned what FPS is let’s take a look at some powerful airsoft guns. And here we’re not talking about custom made or modified airsoft guns, but the ones that you can buy in regular stores.
As we already said at the beginning of the article, airsoft guns with the highest FPS are usually sniper rifles that use a high strength spring or highly compressed propane carbon dioxide mixture to achieve high velocity. They usually shoot at around 400 to 500 FPS, although there are snipers that shoot around 700 FPS thanks to very strong springs installed in them. But you can’t use those rifles on airsoft fields due to FPS limits and also you don’t want to use such a powerful gun as you could seriously injure someone. If you want power look no further – with 650 FPS Novritsch SSG24 Airsoft Sniper Rifle is an excellent choice.
There are also some powerful pistols out there, while most AEG rifles shoot up to 400 FPS, with some exceptions like ICS CXP-MARS DMR Full Metal M4 Airsoft AEG Rifle which shoots 450 FPS with 0.20g BBs
Most Powerful Airsoft Sniper Rifles
Novritsch SSG24 Airsoft Sniper Rifle – 650 FPS
The Novritsch SSG24 is a spring-powered airsoft sniper rifle that can shoot 6mm 02.0g BBs at 650 FPS with M190 springs. It has a precision hop-up chamber and a 6.01mm precision barrel installed for exceptional accuracy out of the box. Unlike many airsoft sniper rifles on the market, the SSG24 needs no further tuning or modifications.
KJW M700 Gas Bolt Action Sniper Rifle – 500 – 550 FPS
This airsoft sniper made by KJW is a gas-powered gun (Green Gas) and shoots at around 500 to 550 FPS with 0.20g BBs. Features adjustable hop-up, adjustable front and rear sights with an inner barrel length of 555mm. The range is around 200 feet and its magazine can hold 10 rounds.
Features
- Full Metal construction with high-quality polymer stock
- 4 Way adjustable front and rear sight
- Adjustable Hopup System
- Feather-light trigger pull, feather-light bolt pull
- Instantly takedown into two pieces for easy transportation
- Extreme high power, great accuracy, and range
- Built-in Scope rail & Bi-pod stud mount
- Weight: 3600g
- Inner barrel: 555mm
- Action: Single shot bolt action
- Magazine: 11 rounds
- Gas: Green gas, Red Gas, Propane Adapter
Echo1 M28 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle – 530 FPS
Echo1 M28 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle is a spring-powered sniper rifle that shoots at 530 FPS with 0.20g BBs. It features full polymer body and full metal barrel assembly, an integrated rail scope mount and this rifle has great room for upgrading to perform at its peak. Magazine capacity is 18 rounds.
Features
- Firing Mode: Single Shot (Bolt Action)
- Full Metal Barrel Assembly
- Textured Nylon Fiber Stock
- Integrated Railed Scope Mount
- Muzzle Velocity: 500-530+ FPS
- Range: 100~150 feet
- BB: 0.25g, 0.28g, 0.30g or heavier bb recommended
- Magazine: 18 rounds (two included)
- Bipod included
WellFire MB11B Full Metal Bolt Action Sniper Rifle – 515 FPS
This sniper rifle shoots up to 515 FPS with 0.20g BBs. It features ergonomic and adjustable stock, high FPS and accuracy, fluted metal outer barrel, full metal compensator, and ergonomic pistol grip. Good choice for long-range sniping.
Features
- Fluted Metal Outer Barrel
- Full Metal Compensator
- Ergonomic Pistol grip
- Realistic weight and feel
- High FPS & Accuracy
- Ergonomic & Adjustable stock
- Rubber butt pad
- Inexpensive and easy to use
- Perfect for long range sniping
Win Gun M117 CO2 Powered “Herd Wolf” Revolver Carbine With Scope – 530-600 FPS
This one is actually not a straight sniper rifle but a mix between rifle and pistol. With all of the power and found in the Win Gun revolvers, this rifle has a longer barrel, improving accuracy, power and range. It features unique carbine design, integrated 20mm accessory rail for the mounting of a variety of optics, durable metal and polymer construction, ergonomic pistol grip which makes shooting comfortable, bipod, and high powered CO2 system. Its magazine can hold 6 rounds.
Features
- FPS Range: 530-600
- Integrated 20mm accessory rail allows for mounting of a variety of optics
- Durable metal and polymer construction
- Ergonomic pistol grip makes shooting comfortable
- Included bipod offers a stable shooting platform
- Laser aiming module provides for a quick shot reference
- High powered CO2 system
- Dimensions: 990mm x 150mm
- Magazine: 6 rounds. Compatible with WG/Dan Wesson 6mm revolver cartridges
- Gas Type: Co2
- Firing Mode: Double action, Safety
- System: Non-blowback revolver
- Hopup: No
View on Evike.com (Package: Gun, Bipod, Laser Unit)
View on Evike.com (Package: Gun Only)
Highest FPS Airsoft Pistols And Revolvers
High-velocity airsoft pistols are not that common because they are mostly used in close quarters where playing with a powerful pistol could cause much pain to the person that gets shot. The recommended FPS value for pistol is between 250 and 350 FPS. Although that doesn’t mean there are no more powerful pistols. If you get one of those 400+ FPS please don’t use it on the field. Use it on your private property and shoot at targets.
Dan Wesson WG CO2 Full Metal High Power Airsoft 6mm Magnum Gas Revolver – up to 499 FPS
This powerful gas-powered revolver shoots at around 499 FPS with 0.20g BBs. It features heavyweight full metal construction, a high power gas system, adjustable rear sight, and ergonomic pistol grip. Magazine capacity is 6 rounds. Unfortunately, this revolver doesn’t have a hop-up or recoil.
Features
- Fully licensed high-quality product by Dan Wesson / ASG
- High power / superb accuracy and performance. (400~500 FPS)
- High Strength Polymer handgrip with innovative design to conceal a 12gram inside the handgrip
- Shooter friendly ergonomic imitation wood revolver grip
- Great air seal allowing over 20 reloads per CO2 cartridge
- Full metal construction with great details all around and bull barrel for enhanced stability and accuracy.
- Heavy weight and collector’s grade realism
- Metal modular rails for attachments and optics included
- Weight: 870g
- Barrel Length: 6″
- Magazine: 6 metal shells (6 rounds) and Speed Loader included
- Power Source: 12g Co2 cartridges.
- Firing Mode: Semi-Automatic.
WinGun Xtreme 1911 Airsoft CO2 Gas Blowback Pistol – up to 500 FPS
This gas-powered airsoft pistol shoots at 500 FPS with 0.2g BBs. Features full metal body, adjustable rear sight, integrated RIS rail, textured anti-slip grips, detachable magazine clip which holds 16 rounds and adjustable hop-up.
Features
- New Generation Gas Blowback System
- High Power output, performance, range, accuracy, and durability.
- Muzzle velocity: 400~500 FPS measured with 0.20g bb
- Highly efficient CO2 system
- Railed Frame for tactical light, laser and other accessories / attachments
- Functional on frame safety
- Ergonomic polymer / textured 1911 hand grip
- Adjustable Rear Sight
- Detachable Heavy Weight Co2 Magazine
- Gas: 12 gram CO2 cartridge
- Firing Mode: Semi-Automatic, Safety
- Action: Gas Blowback / Semi-Automatic
- Adjustable hopup
- Magazine Capacity: 16 rounds
WG Panther 801 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol
WG Panther 801 CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol shoots at around 450 FPS with 0.20g BBs so it is recommended for target shooting only. Features full metal construction, integrated trigger activated laser aiming device, functional slide lock, and safety, and built-in tactical rail.
Features
- Full metal slide and frame
- Integrated trigger activated laser aiming device
- Functional slide lock
- Functional safety
- Strong recoil
- High muzzle velocity (450 FPS)
- Integrated 20mm accessory rail
Conclusion
So as you see, FPS plays a role in accuracy and range but it doesn’t matter much if you buy a gun with poor quality hop-up and barrel. Yes, higher FPS is better but don’t focus only on FPS when buying a gun. It is better to have a medium power gun with a very good hop-up and inner barrel. And if you get some of that high powered airsoft guns please be careful where and how are you using it to avoid injuries.
