The Various Propellants For Gas Airsoft Guns

By Anthony Carter

Cost of operation, accuracy, and realism are among the countless reasons why gas airsoft guns are rapidly increasing in popularity across the country. Owning a gas airsoft gun involves selecting the appropriate propellant, whether it's 134A, green gas, or CO2 (which are the most frequently used). The correct use of propellant will ensure the best operation and maintenance of your gas airsoft gun.

The gas that should be used in any particular airsoft gun should be determined by more than one factor. First of all, the temperature in which the gun is being used can affect the gas pressure which in turn affects the gun's firing power. Since one propellant may be appropriate in one temperature may be also be harmful to use in, say, a temperature that is 30 degrees Fahrenheit warmer, the fact that most gas type guns are designed for only one type of propellant is indeed a common problem.

As hot weather can cause gas to become too powerful, cold weather can render an airsoft gun useless. This is because the cold temperature reduces the gas pressure, which in turn disables the firing action since there's no power behind the shot. Another problem that can occur in cold weather is the valve may remain open after taking a shot, which will let the rest of the gas seep.

Using a propellant in a temperature that is too hot or too cold can cause damage to your airsoft gun so be wary of the temperature. Also, avoid using a gas that is more powerful than the gas the manufacturer originally intended for that design.

The most commonly used gas for airsoft guns of Japanese origin (and other selected brands of different origin) is 134A. It can be used in practically any climate that is above forty degrees Fahrenheit, which is why it is such a popular gas to use. If you notice your airsoft gun is misfiring while using 134A, it could mean you need a more powerful gas like propane or green gas.

Just about every other non-Japanese airsoft gun on the market is made for (or at least can use) green gas, the most popular airsoft gun propellant. Green gas is more powerful than 134A, so you need to be cautious in hotter weather to avoid causing damage to your gun.

There is no specific temperature at which one should use a less powerful propellant than green gas. Instead, the general rule is not to use green gas in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit or to expose it to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. If you are shooting continuously in hot weather, the gas pressure doesn't get too high because of the constant release; therefore you can probably get away with green gas in this case.

CO2 has the best temperature range for gas airsoft guns, though there are a few disadvantages that make this propellant and its related guns the least popular within their category. For one, almost every single CO2 airsoft gun takes CO2 gas and nothing else; for two, these guns are much more complex to deal with than other models. On top of everything, the CO2 ones are also rather pricey. - 31373

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