Summer is one of the best times to get outdoors and enjoy an airsoft game, but extremely hot weather can noticeably affect your Airsoft Guns and BB Guns and their performance. Whether you use a gas blowback pistol, a gas rifle, an AEG or a spring-powered gun, understanding how heat affects your equipment can help prevent damage and keep it performing reliably.
Gas Blowback Airsoft Guns
Gas-powered Airsoft Guns are the most affected by high temperatures. Green Gas, Propane and COâ‚‚ all expand as temperatures rise, increasing the pressure inside the magazine.
This can lead to:
- Higher muzzle velocity (FPS), which may exceed site limits.
- Increased recoil and cycling speed.
- Greater wear on internal components.
- Gas leaks caused by seals expanding or becoming damaged.
- In extreme cases, magazines may vent gas or suffer permanent damage if left in direct sunlight.
Top Tip: Never leave gas magazines or your airsoft gun inside a hot car or in direct sunlight for extended periods. Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can easily exceed 50°C, creating excessive internal pressure.
AEG (Automatic Electric Guns)
AEGs generally cope well with warm weather, but prolonged exposure to heat can still cause issues.
Potential effects include:
- Batteries becoming excessively hot during use.
- Reduced battery lifespan.
- Softening or warping of lower-quality polymer bodies.
- Lubricants becoming thinner, potentially reducing gearbox protection.
Lithium batteries should never be left in direct sunlight or inside a hot vehicle. Excessive heat can permanently damage the cells and create a fire risk.
Spring-Powered Airsoft Guns
Spring-powered rifles and pistols are less affected by temperature because they do not rely on compressed gas or batteries.
However, very high temperatures may:
- Soften plastic components.
- Cause seals and lubricants to deteriorate more quickly.
- Affect the consistency of hop-up rubber performance.
Hop-Up Rubber Performance
The hop-up bucking is made from rubber, which becomes softer as temperatures increase.
This can result in:
- More backspin than normal.
- Changes in BB trajectory.
- Reduced shot consistency.
- The need to readjust your hop-up during hot weather.
Premium silicone hop-up rubbers generally perform more consistently across a wider temperature range.
BBs and Magazines
Although BBs are manufactured to tight tolerances, they should not be stored in excessive heat.
High temperatures may:
- Cause cheaper BBs to deform slightly.
- Allow moisture to build up if stored incorrectly.
- Reduce feeding reliability.
Magazines should also be kept clean, as dust and grit are more common during dry summer conditions.
Optics and Accessories
Extreme heat can also affect accessories fitted to your airsoft gun.
Watch out for:
- Adhesives on optics loosening.
- Lens fogging when moving between air-conditioned rooms and hot outdoor temperatures.
- Slings and polymer accessories becoming softer after prolonged sun exposure.
Protecting Guns in Hot Weather
A few simple precautions can keep your equipment performing at its best:
- Store your airsoft gun in the shade whenever possible.
- Never leave guns or magazines inside a parked car.
- Keep gas magazines cool, but do not refrigerate or freeze them.
- Carry spare batteries in a protective case out of direct sunlight.
- Check your FPS before games, as hot weather may increase power.
- Clean and lubricate your gun after playing in dusty conditions.
- Transport your equipment in a quality padded gun bag or hard case.
Final Thoughts
While airsoft guns are designed to be used outdoors, exceptionally hot weather can affect their performance, reliability and longevity. Gas-powered replicas are the most sensitive to rising temperatures, while AEGs and spring-powered models are generally more tolerant but still benefit from sensible care.
By avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, storing equipment correctly and checking your gun’s performance before each game, you can enjoy reliable operation throughout the hottest months of the year while helping to extend the life of your equipment.
About This Blog
Address: Just BB Guns, Trimex House, Pier Road, Feltham, TW14 0TW
Call: 0330 900 5224
Website: www.justbbguns.co.uk
Blog Title: How Extremely Hot Weather Can Affect Airsoft Guns
Blog Author: Mark Watts