If you’re new to airsoft, you’ve probably seen the term FPS tossed around — but what does it actually mean? FPS stands for feet per second, and it measures how fast a BB travels when fired from an airsoft gun. For example, a gun that shoots at 350 FPS fires BBs at 350 feet per second.
While high FPS might sound like a clear advantage, more speed doesn’t always mean better performance. In fact, many airsoft fields have strict FPS limits to ensure safety. For indoor CQB fields, the cap is often around 350 FPS, while outdoor fields may allow up to 400–450 FPS for rifles, depending on engagement distance and gun type.
Instead of chasing the highest FPS, smart players focus on accuracy, consistency, and range. A gun with moderate FPS but a tight hop-up system and high-quality barrel will often outperform a faster, less accurate setup. For example, the Elite Force M4 CQCX Eyetrace offers reliable 280-300 FPS performance — perfect for close quarters and field compliance.
And if you’re looking for a solid sidearm with field-friendly FPS, the Elite Force GLOCK 19 Gen 5 GBB is compact, accurate, and skirmish-ready.