Feeling Gassy? Three Kinds of Gas for Airsoft
Posted February 28th, 2009 by adminOne of the most popular airsoft guns are gas airsoft guns. While gas airsoft guns are one of the most popular forms of airsoft, they may not be the cheap airsoft guns that you’re looking at. To put it simply, gas airsoft guns are great because they not only resemble actual guns in their look and feel, but they shoot more like a real gun than spring or electric airsoft guns. Many gas airsoft guns even have a “blow back” feature which simulates the actual recoil you would feel after shooting an actual gun. There are many different reasons why consumers prefer gas airsoft guns over the other types that are readily available on the market. But what many airsoft users don’t know, or understand, is that there are several different kinds of gas used in gas airsoft guns, and it is important to use the right kind of gas for your airsoft gun. Here are the three types of gas that are used in airsoft, as well as some great benefits for each one.
134A - The Mild Weather Gas
The first type of gas to know about is 134A, and is typically recommended for airsoft guns from Japan, with a few exceptions. Gas 134a can be used under all weather conditions except for the colder climates, more specifically, at temperatures which are 40 degrees and below. Once this gas reaches that temperature, airsoft guns will start to be affected. You could find that your airsoft gun may start to misfire, or not fire at all. So while this gas may be popular in some countries, others could have some potentially dangerous problems.
CO2 - Is There Really Any Other?
CO2 is perhaps the most popular kind of gas for airsoft guns. One of the drawbacks of CO2 airsoft guns is that typically, of course with a few rare exceptions, will only be able to take CO2. This means that if you ever want to switch to a different kind of gas for your airsoft gun, you’re pretty much going to have to purchase a new gun as well. One of the good thing about using CO2 in airsoft guns is that you have a wider temperature range for usage, unlike the 134a which was discussed earlier. So if you don’t see yourself ever wanting to switch to a different kind of gas, and the temperature range doesn’t bother you, there is one more major drawback of which to be aware. That is, cost of operation, which at times can be pretty steep.
Green Gas - the Name Just Sounds Cool
Green gas is another popular kind of gas for airsoft guns and a majority of airsoft guns are created to use this type of gas. For those airsoft users with extreme summer heat, be aware that if the temperature reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the green gas may become too powerful and damage your gun. In the event of higher temperatures, you may want to switch to the less powerful 134a. The amount of direct sunlight and frequency of use need to be considered as well, if your airsoft gun is in continuous use, the process of expelling a little gas for each shot will actually lower the temperature of your gun.
Choosing the right kind of gas for your airsoft gun should depend on several factors, such as what kind of gas was designed in the gun, the kind of temperature ranges in which the gun will be used, and of course, cost of use. You can find a variety of gases for airsoft guns in any sporting good store which carries airsoft guns.