Lowering Your Airsoft Gun's Fps: Easy, Quick Methods

how to reduce a electric airsoft fps

Many airsoft fields have FPS limits to ensure safety and fair gameplay. If your airsoft gun shoots above the allowed limit, you may need to modify it. Reducing FPS can also improve control in close-quarter environments, making your shots more precise and reducing the risk of injury. There are several methods to reduce FPS, including using heavier BBs, switching to a weaker spring, shortening the inner barrel, and creating a minor air leak. It is important to understand your replica's existing spring and purchase a compatible replacement to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Characteristics Values
Use heavier BBs This will reduce FPS but will not decrease the energy output of the gun.
Use a weaker battery This will decrease the fire rate and responsiveness of the gun.
Use the gun Running a few mags through it will help break it in and reduce FPS.
Shorten the inner barrel This reduces the distance over which air can propel the BB, decreasing its exit velocity.
Swap the spring A lower-powered spring will reduce FPS.
Intentionally create an air leak This is an unconventional but effective method.
Use a gas canister Using green gas or duster gas will lower the power output.
Upgrade the motor Upgrading to a motor with rare earth magnets or neodymium magnets will boost FPS.
Use a high-speed motor This will deliver a higher rate of fire.
Attachments Attachments can improve handling and accuracy.

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Swap to a lower-powered spring

Swapping to a lower-powered spring is a reliable and effective way to reduce the FPS of your airsoft gun. It is also a straightforward process with the right equipment.

First, you need to access the spring guide. This can be done by popping the buttstock pins, folding the stock, and removing a protective plate with a screwdriver. With the spring guide exposed, you can then rotate it and slide it out.

Next, you need to choose the right spring for your replica. This is a crucial step, as buying a spring that is not compatible with your gun can turn a simple fix into a frustrating problem. For example, if your gun uses an M120 spring, you could switch to an M110 spring to reduce FPS by 10-20 FPS. This will also put less strain on the internal components of your gun, improving its performance and longevity.

Once you have the correct spring, simply mount it onto the spring guide and push the guide back into the gun.

It is important to note that not all airsoft guns have easily accessible spring guides. Some traditional gearboxes may require you to open up the main body of the gun to access the spring, which can be challenging and may require planning and the right tools to ensure nothing gets lost or damaged. Quick-change spring systems, on the other hand, allow you to swap springs in just a few minutes without having to open the gun.

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Use heavier BBs

One way to reduce the FPS of your electric airsoft gun is to use heavier BBs. While this will technically reduce the FPS, it will not decrease the energy output of your gun. This is because energy output is measured in joules, which determine the force behind each shot, rather than just the speed.

Heavier BBs are useful for better accuracy and range, but at the cost of the BBs' speed. For room clearing, 0.20g BBs are the best choice budget-wise and gameplay-wise. It is important to note that airsoft fields should measure the force in joules, which is the total energy when you hit another player. Therefore, a lower FPS with a heavier BB can be just as harmful as a higher FPS with a lighter BB.

If you are looking to reduce the energy output of your airsoft gun, you may want to consider other methods such as swapping in a lower-powered spring. This is a reliable and effective way to adjust FPS as springs directly control how much power your gun generates. It is also important to note that the spring you choose should be compatible with your specific replica.

Other methods to reduce FPS include shortening the inner barrel of your airsoft gun, which decreases the distance over which the air can propel the BB, and creating a minor air leak by altering the seal between the gearbox and the hop-up unit, which will reduce the air available to propel the BB.

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Use a lower-pressure gas

If you use a gas-powered airsoft gun, you can reduce its FPS by using a lower-pressure gas. Gas Blowback (GBB) airsoft guns typically use gases like green gas, propane, or CO2. Each gas type has its own pressure level, which directly influences the FPS of your GBB gun. Green gas and propane are generally lower in pressure compared to CO2, making them suitable choices for reducing FPS.

For example, if your airsoft gun uses gas from a canister, you can switch from green gas to duster gas, which has a lower power output. This will lower the FPS of your airsoft gun by around 30 and you will likely notice a change in performance as well. Reducing the FPS in this manner would also reduce recoil.

If your gun uses CO2, it may not be possible to reduce the FPS as CO2 capsules have a fixed gas output. However, changing the hammer spring or adding a recoil spring may result in a slight FPS reduction, although the difference is often too small to make a noticeable impact.

If you're using a gas-powered airsoft gun, you can also try using a nozzle restrictor, a small component installed in the gun's nozzle that constricts the flow of gas each time a shot is fired, effectively lowering the FPS. Alternatively, you can try using HPA, which allows you to adjust the power by turning a screw to limit the amount of compressed air flowing into your replica.

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Shorten the inner barrel

Shortening the inner barrel of an airsoft gun is one way to reduce its FPS. This method decreases the distance the BB travels, thereby reducing its velocity. However, this may impact long-range precision as the BB will drop earlier.

If you wish to shorten the inner barrel, you can use a pipe cutter to ensure a clean cut without crushing the barrel. For stainless steel, it is recommended to put the barrel in a drill while using the pipe cutter. After cutting, use a crowning tool to recrown the barrel. Sand the outside of the barrel end that was expanded by the crowning process, and use a dremel to buff the inside and outside. Finally, clean the inside of the barrel with isopropyl alcohol and a cloth.

Alternatively, you can use a fine-tooth hacksaw to cut the barrel, as some pipe cutters may push the material inside the barrel and make it too small.

While shortening the inner barrel is one way to reduce FPS, it is important to note that this modification may affect the accuracy and range of your airsoft gun. Other methods to reduce FPS include using heavier BBs, switching to a weaker spring, or using a gas with lower power output. These methods can help reduce FPS while maintaining the energy output of your airsoft gun.

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Intentionally create an air leak

One method to reduce the FPS (feet per second) of your electric airsoft gun is to intentionally create a controlled air leak. This method will allow a portion of the air to escape, resulting in a decrease in the overall pressure and, consequently, a reduction in the FPS. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively create an air leak to adjust the FPS:

Begin by making sure the airsoft gun is unloaded and the power source is disconnected. This ensures safety during the adjustment process. Now, locate the cylinder or the compression chamber of your airsoft gun. This is the area where air is compressed to propel the BBs. Look for the adjustment screw or nozzle that controls the air release. This could be a small screw or a adjustable nozzle near the cylinder or barrel.

Before making any adjustments, it is important to understand the impact of your changes. Make small, gradual adjustments to the screw or nozzle, turning it counterclockwise to create a larger air leak, which will result in a reduction of FPS. Make sure you do not completely remove or overly loosen the screw, as this may result in inconsistent performance or excessive air loss that could affect the gun's ability to shoot effectively.

After each adjustment, test the airsoft gun to gauge the impact on FPS. You can use a chronograph to measure the exact FPS, ensuring you achieve the desired velocity. It is important to note that creating an air leak will not only reduce the FPS but also impact the rate of fire. As such, you may need to fine-tune your adjustments to balance both the FPS and the rate of fire to your desired specifications.

Finally, once you have achieved the desired FPS and performance, ensure that you securely tighten any adjusted screws or nozzles to prevent further air leakage. Regularly monitor your airsoft gun's performance, as you may need to make further adjustments over time as the gun's internal components wear or if you change the type or weight of BBs you are using.

Frequently asked questions

Many airsoft fields, especially indoor arenas, have strict FPS limits to ensure safety and fair gameplay. If your airsoft gun shoots above the allowed limit, you may not be permitted to use it unless modifications are made.

Swapping in a lower-powered spring is a reliable and effective way to adjust FPS. Understanding your replica’s existing spring is crucial when choosing a replacement. For instance, if your gun comes with an M120 spring, switching to an M110 spring can reduce FPS by 10-20 FPS.

Shortening the inner barrel of an airsoft gun is a practical method to decrease its FPS. A shorter barrel reduces the distance over which the air can propel the BB, thereby decreasing its exit velocity. Intentionally creating a minor air leak in an airsoft gun is another unconventional yet effective method.

When reducing the FPS of your electric airsoft gun, it is important to purchase a compatible spring designed for your specific replica. It is also crucial to approach the air leak method with caution as it can impact the consistency and reliability of the gun's performance.

Heavier BBs will decrease your FPS but not your total joule. Lower FPS with a heavier BB can be as harmful.

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