Although airsoft guns are designed to be safe and non-lethal, they also have the potential to be customized and upgraded to increase their power and performance.
Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive airsoft enthusiast, upgrading your airsoft gun can improve your gameplay experience and give you an edge on the battlefield.
In this article, we will explore several ways to make an airsoft gun more powerful, including upgrading the spring, gearbox, and hop-up.
1. Understanding the Limits
Before attempting to increase the power of your airsoft gun, it is important to understand the limits set by your country or state. In most countries, airsoft guns are classified as toys and are subject to specific laws and regulations.
In the United States, for example, the maximum legal velocity for airsoft guns is 6mm or .23 inches, and they must be limited to 1.3 joules of energy. Exceeding these limits could result in legal consequences, as well as potential injuries to players.
In addition to technical limits, it’s also good practice to know your own limits. For example, are you a technical person who is confident enough to make the following upgrades? If not, it’s always a good idea to seek help and advice from a season airsoft player or a qualified technician.
2. Upgrading the Spring
One of the simplest ways to increase the power of your airsoft gun is to upgrade the spring. The spring is responsible for compressing and releasing air, which propels the BB out of the barrel.
Upgrading to a stronger spring can increase the amount of force applied to the BB, resulting in higher velocities. However, upgrading the spring can also increase wear and tear on other components, such as the gearbox.
When upgrading the spring, it is vital that you choose a spring that is appropriate for your gun and your desired velocity. A spring that is too strong can damage the gun and cause inconsistencies in performance.
It is also important to upgrade other components, such as the piston and gears, to ensure they can handle the increased stress.
| Spring Tension | Velocity Increase |
|---|---|
| M90 (290fps) | 5-15 fps |
| M100 (330fps) | 10-20 fps |
| M110 (360fps) | 15-25 fps |
| M120 (390fps) | 20-30 fps |
| M130 (420fps) | 25-35 fps |
| M140 (450fps) | 30-40 fps |
| M150 (480fps) | 35-45 fps |
3. Upgrading the Gearbox
The gearbox is a critical component of any airsoft gun, as it is responsible for transferring energy from the spring to the BB. Upgrading the gearbox can improve the efficiency of this process, resulting in higher velocities.
There are several ways to upgrade the gearbox, including replacing gears, bearings, and other internal components.
When upgrading the gearbox, choose high-quality components that are compatible with your gun and also make sure you follow proper installation procedures to avoid damaging the gun. Upgrading the gearbox can be a complex process, so it may be helpful to consult a professional or experienced airsoft player.
4. Upgrading the Hop-Up
The hop-up is a component of the airsoft gun that creates backspin on the BB, which helps it to maintain stability and accuracy in flight.
Upgrading the hop-up can improve the consistency and range of the gun, resulting in higher velocities. There are several ways to upgrade the hop-up, including replacing the bucking, nub, and chamber.
It is also important to properly adjust the hop-up after installation to ensure optimal performance. Upgrading the hop-up can be a simple and effective way to increase the power of your airsoft gun.
5. Upgrading the Barrel
The barrel is a crucial component of the airsoft gun, responsible for directing the BB out of the gun with minimal resistance. Upgrading the barrel can enhance the gun’s accuracy and range, leading to higher velocities.
Selecting a compatible barrel and performing routine maintenance can optimize its performance. Improving the barrel can be an affordable and straightforward method to increase your airsoft gun’s power.
6. Upgrading the Gas System
Upgrading the gas system can improve the efficiency of gas-powered airsoft guns, including gas blowback pistols and rifles, by accelerating the BB out of the barrel. Several ways to enhance the gas system include using high-pressure gas and upgrading the valve system.
Proper installation, selection of appropriate gas, and safety precautions are necessary when upgrading the gas system, which can be a complex process. Consultation with a professional or an experienced player can be beneficial.
7. Using Heavier BBs
Another way to increase the power of your airsoft gun is to use heavier BBs. Heavier BBs have more mass, which means they can retain more energy and travel at higher velocities. Using heavier BBs can also improve accuracy and range, as they are less affected by wind and other environmental factors.
When using heavier BBs, it is important to choose BBs that are appropriate for your gun and your desired performance. It is also important to adjust the hop-up accordingly, as heavier BBs require more backspin to maintain stability in flight.
It is also important to note that using heavier BBs can increase wear and tear on other components, such as the gearbox and motor.
8. Upgrading the Battery and Motor
Electric airsoft guns, or AEGs, use a battery-powered motor to power the gearbox and propel the BB out of the barrel. Upgrading the battery and motor in electric airsoft guns can enhance the rate of fire and the gun’s overall performance.
It is crucial to select the appropriate components that match the gun and the desired performance. While higher voltage batteries can increase the rate of fire, they may also put additional strain on the motor and other parts.
Upgrading the motor can increase the gearbox’s efficiency and power output of the gun. Following safety procedures and proper installation processes are crucial when working with electrical components.
| Battery Voltage | Power Increase |
|---|---|
| 7.4V | 10-15% |
| 8.4V | 15-20% |
| 9.6V | 20-25% |
| 11.1V | 20-30% |
| 14.8V | 30-40% |
9. Improving Air Seal
The air seal in an airsoft gun refers to the tightness of the seal between the piston head, cylinder, and nozzle. A better air seal can improve the efficiency of the gun and increase its power output.
To improve the air seal, you can upgrade the piston head, cylinder head, and nozzle. Upgrading to higher-quality components can improve the fit and seal, resulting in better compression and higher velocities.
It is also important to ensure that the gearbox and other components are properly lubricated, as a lack of lubrication can cause leaks and decrease performance.
10. Customizing the Inner Barrel
The inner barrel of an airsoft gun is responsible for guiding the BB out of the gun and into the target. Upgrading or customizing the inner barrel can improve the accuracy and range of the gun, and increase its power output.
One way to customize the inner barrel is to increase its length. Longer barrels provide more time for the BB to be stabilized by the hop-up and can increase its velocity as it leaves the barrel.
However, it is important to choose a length that is appropriate for the type of gun and the desired performance, as longer barrels can also decrease the manoeuvrability of the gun.
Another way to customize the inner barrel is to increase its diameter. Wider barrels can increase the amount of air that flows around the BB, providing more power and improving the accuracy of the gun.
Choose a diameter that is appropriate for the type of gun and the desired performance, as wider barrels can also decrease the range and accuracy of the gun if not matched with the proper BB weight.
Customizing the inner barrel can be a complex process, so it may be helpful to seek advice.
Conclusion
There are several ways to make an airsoft gun more powerful, including upgrading the spring, gearbox, hop-up, barrel, gas system, and using heavier BBs. However, it is important to understand the limits set by your country or state, and to follow proper safety precautions and installation procedures.
Upgrading your airsoft gun can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it should be done with caution and responsibility. By following these tips and consulting with experienced airsoft players, you can improve the performance of your airsoft gun and enjoy a more competitive gameplay experience.
