The factory rates them at 700 fps new. However, it's commonly accepted among airgunners that most factories "pad" those figures. So with light .177, I'd expect around 650 fps new.
For an older gun if you're getting over 600 fps, I'd be happy.
As for match shooting, if your are talking Olympic/International style, most of the rifles are low powered because they just punch paper. Remember also, that's a massive spring in there. The faster your gun shoots, the more stored energy the spring releases, and creates recoil. Where that really comes into play is with something called "lock time". Which is the amount of time it takes the pellet to exit the barrel. The harmonics created by the recoil can cause inaccuracy. That's because the airgun is moving, while the pellet is still in the barrel. As opposed to a firearm, where the bullets travels much faster (in general), and has already left the barrel before the gun recoils. So as you can see, it's a bit of a "catch-22". To cut down on "lock time", you need more velocity, but with a springer you get more recoil!
That's why, in my opinion, a springer shouldn't generate more than 14-16 fpe depending on caliber. Sorry to all the Patriot/Kodiak, and RWS 1350 owners out there.
In regards to accuracy, buy several different tins of pellets and see which one is the most accurate. Different guns like different pellets, even the same models. That's just like a .22 rimfire in that respect.
I got a little off track there, but I hope that helps.
John
