Airsoft Chronograph - What You Should Know About It?
A chronograph is an essential device for individuals who service and tune airsoft guns. It is used to measure the energy, muzzle velocity of BBs, and can also estimate the rate of fire in rounds per second (RPS) of a given airsoft gun. Without it, it would be challenging to assess the effects of modifications and repairs. A chronograph should be part of the equipment for every airsoft event organizer aiming to ensure a safe gaming experience for participants.
An airsoft chronograph is indispensable for testing airsoft guns and allowing them into the game. Especially popular on the market are products from brands such as Tornado, Acetech, Xcortech, and more recently, Specna Arms. They are known for their solid construction and precision in measurement results.
Tornado Bluetooth Chronograph
What is a chronograph?
A chronograph is a device used to measure the muzzle velocity of BBs fired from an airsoft gun. The obtained result is usually given in feet per second or meters per second. Additionally, the chronograph can measure the rate of fire (RPS) and energy (Joules) calculated from the weight of the BBs. Measurement is carried out by firing a BB through a special chamber, and the result is most often automatically displayed on the device screen. More expensive and advanced chronographs have the ability to save results, which significantly facilitates later analysis of the airsoft gun's power.
Airsoft skirmishes take place in various locations such as forests, enclosed buildings, halls, or abandoned areas. All of these have specific limitations regarding distance and allowable firing modes for different airsoft guns. It is evident that using a high-power sniper rifle in close-quarters battles (CQB) can be dangerous for other participants. Therefore, organizers impose restrictions, and the power of a particular airsoft gun is measured using a chronograph. In Poland, there are no official regulations regarding the power limits of airsoft guns. Everything depends on the organizer and the specifics of the field where the game takes place. Unofficially, players often adhere to the principle that the limit in buildings is around 350–360 FPS. Moreover, above 450 or 550 FPS, shooting may be allowed only in single-shot mode. However, these are not universal and widely adopted regulations. Certainly, every event organizer should ensure safety and adherence to fair play principles by participants.
When do we use a chronograph?
A chronograph is essential for equipment servicing. Repairing, tuning, or adapting airsoft guns to specific game conditions cannot be done without a precise measurement of velocity, energy, and rate of fire. Accurate measurement is the duty of every technician. Only by comparing with the initial results do we know if the service provided the expected effects.
Players themselves should also equip themselves with a chronograph, especially if they want to independently upgrade their existing airsoft guns. After all, not everyone owns multiple airsoft guns tailored to different game conditions. Often, a long assault rifle and a sidearm are standard equipment. While the sidearm usually complies with the limits of CQB-type games, the main airsoft gun often exceeds them significantly. Reverse situations also occur – having a low-power rifle becomes challenging in some terrains due to the lack of range, significantly reducing the player's effectiveness.
Bluetooth Chronograph from Specna Arms
An airsoft chronograph allows players to independently make necessary measurements and tune a particular airsoft gun to fit within the limits set by the game organizer while ensuring maximum efficiency. Ideal adaptation of a airsoft gun without a chronograph is practically impossible. Why invest in a chronograph? The chronograph, colloquially known as "chrono," is an essential device in the airsoft world, especially for professional technicians who deal with airsoft guns as a profession. However, many players also cannot imagine basic equipment without a chronograph, especially if they care about real-time control of their airsoft gun's parameters and adjusting its power to the conditions of a specific game. Indeed, it is not a cheap device, but it is worth considering distributing the purchase cost among a group with whom you typically participate in airsoft games. This expense will undoubtedly pay off!
