It’s too bad I need to even address this issue, but it is a rumor that continues to persist.
A younger generations has been let down by an older generation of airsofters who are willing to perpetuate ignorance in the face of simple physics. Maybe it’s the formal education system; no doubt the lack of students involved in mathematics and science have a part to play in this. The fundamental basic mechanics of airsoft are something of a myth to a those who are easily caught up in the marketing ploys of companies trying to explain why ‘less is more’ in regards to the maximum range of an AEG. It is my goal to educate those who are confused about increasing their maximum range.
Please keep in mind that we are not talking about “effective range”, which is synonymous with “accuracy”, nor will we discuss the longevity of an airsoft gun!
If you are reading this, humor yourself by trying a simple experiment. To understand that FPS is the chief component of achieving horizontal range, give this simulation a try:
Part A
- Place a ball on the table.
- Gently push the ball off of the table.
- Measure the distance from the base of the table to the position the ball hits on the ground.
Part B
- Place a ball on the table.
- Push the ball with markedly more force.
- Measure the distance from the base of the table to the position the ball hits on the ground.
How to Understand the Results
We are simulating how horizontal movement directly increases the range of a projectile. You will notice that the second experiment resulted in further distance. Simply put, the distance was directly influenced by increasing the amount of force behind the ball. Assuming that the ball was in fact a BB, and that it was coming out of the barrel of an AEG with the hop up turned completely off, we can deduce that the only way one can increase the range is by increasing the horizontal thrust behind the BB. Less thrust will mean less maximum range.
In essence, the higher the FPS (Feet per Second, e.g. speed of the BB), the greater the range of the gun.
But What About Hop-Up?
Hop up adds a backspin to the BB, causing it to float longer before dropping. The hop-up reduces the overall speed of the BB in exchange for maintaining a straighter flight pattern for longer, which in turn improves the maximum range of the BB and maintains it’s vertical consistency. A hop up is a very cheap component in every airsoft gun, and upgrading to the best hop-up system on the market can be done for less than $30.00 in most cases.
But What About a Tight Bore Barrel?
A tight bore barrel decreases the amount of air that escapes around the BB, which mildly increases the FPS, which mildly increases the overall range of the AEG. However, a tight bore barrel is meant to improve accuracy by smoothly guiding the BB out of the barrel. Debris, imperfections, and gauges can change the axis of rotation on the BB which causes the BB to spin on an axis that had not been intended, causing it to shoot wildly. A good, clean tight bore barrel will drastically improve accuracy, and a dirty tight bore barrel will drastically reduce accuracy.
But What About an Upgraded Spring?
An upgraded spring directly affects the amount of force behind the BB by increasing the rate the air is pushed through the cylinder, nozzle, and into the barrel. Increasing the power of the spring will directly increase the speed of the BB.
But What About an Upgraded Cylinder Head, Nozzle, etc?
Other parts will add accuracy, durability and superior compression to the AEG. With the correct seals, more of the airflow is put directly behind the BB which results in higher FPS, which in turn results in increased range. These parts do not come in contact with the BB–they are intended to reduce the amount of air that is lost to poor seals and increase the amount of air behind the BB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Then Why Does Tokyo Marui Come Stock at 300 FPS?
Because it is against the law in Japan to have a gun that shoots with more than 1 joule of force.
Then Why Does G&G Come Stock at 330 FPS?
Because it is against the law in a number of European countries to have a gun that shoots faster than 330 FPS.
My 280 FPS Tokyo Marui Will Shoot Further Than a 425 FPS Echo1.
Not true. It may shoot more accurately within it’s maximum range, but it is scientifically impossible for it to shoot further.
Do You Have Proof that FPS = Range?
Yes, in fact I do. We are lucky enough to have a neighboring group that uses high powered airsoft guns–and they are primarily made by G&G, not Tokyo Marui.
Conclusion
Too many gullible airsofters have fallen prey to the convincing marketing ploys and exaggerated claims of airsoft companies. Hop-up is a great way to increase the overall range of your gun–however, it is cheap to install and replace! Most hop up units are under $20.00, and can be easily swapped in and out of a gun. Many high end guns come with great compression, but even a high powered gun with low compression/seal quality can have a higher FPS than the Tokyo Marui. With that in mind, remember this…
The maximum range of an airsoft BB is affected by two things:
- It’s speed (FPS)
- Hop-Up
Accuracy is affected by three things:
- Barrel smoothness
- Hop-Up
- Compression and seal quality
FPS is Affected by three things:
- Spring power
- Compression and seal quality
- Hop-Up
- The Challenge
I will personally reward anyone who can conclusively and scientifically prove that a Tokyo Marui gun shooting 280 FPS will outrange a Jing Gong shooting 425 FPS with ten dollars out of my own pocket. That’s right, ten bucks! I don’t want to know which one can shoot BB’s more accurately (my money is on the Tokyo Marui in that case)–I just want to know which one will sling it further. Of course I won’t actually have to pay up–nobody can do it because it’s impossible. I just want to see the Tokyo Marui fanboys try!
