Beginner’s Guide to Green Gas and CO2: Understanding the Differences in Power and Usage
At first glance, airsoft may seem like a simple and harmless game of shooting BBs at each other, but it’s much more complex than that. For airsoft enthusiasts, the type of gas used in their airsoft guns is a crucial factor that can determine the power and accuracy of their shots. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the differences between green gas and CO2, and which guns use each type of gas.
What is Green Gas?
Green gas, also known as propane, is a common type of gas used in airsoft guns. It’s a mix of propane and silicone oil, which acts as a lubricant to prevent the gun’s internal parts from wearing down over time. Green gas is easy to find and relatively inexpensive, making it a popular choice among airsoft players.
One of the biggest advantages of green gas is its power consistency. Because of the silicone oil, the gas pressure remains relatively constant throughout use, ensuring that each shot has a similar amount of power behind it. Green gas is also great for use in colder temperatures, as it maintains its pressure even in the cold.
What is CO2?
CO2, or carbon dioxide, is another type of gas used in airsoft guns. It’s a high-pressure gas that comes in small cartridges that can be loaded into the gun. CO2 provides a lot of power, making it a great choice for players who want more accuracy and range.
However, CO2 isn’t as consistent as green gas when it comes to power output. The pressure can fluctuate depending on how much gas is left in the cartridge, meaning that the last few shots may not be as powerful as the first ones. Additionally, CO2 doesn’t perform as well in colder temperatures, as the pressure can drop significantly.
Which Guns Use Green Gas?
Most gas-powered airsoft guns are designed to use green gas, including many popular models such as the Tokyo Marui M9, the KWA ATP, and the KJW M9. These guns are usually powered by a gas magazine, which is loaded with green gas and inserted into the gun’s grip.
Green gas is particularly useful for guns that have blowback, which is a mechanism that causes the gun to recoil after each shot. This is because the silicone oil in the gas helps to lubricate the gun’s internal parts and keep them working smoothly.
Which Guns Use CO2?
While green gas is the more common of the two types of gas, there are still many airsoft guns that are designed to use CO2. These guns usually have a different type of magazine that is designed to hold a small CO2 cartridge.
Some popular airsoft guns that use CO2 include the ASG CZ P-09, the Umarex Colt 1911, and the Elite Force 1911. These guns are often more powerful than their green gas counterparts, and they can be particularly useful for players who want to shoot from long distances.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right type of gas for your airsoft gun can have a big impact on your gameplay. Green gas is a great choice for most players, as it’s consistent and works well in most temperatures. However, if you’re looking for more power and range, CO2 may be the better option.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which type of gas is right for your gun is to try them both out and see which one works best for you. Whether you choose green gas or CO2, make sure to follow all safety precautions and use your airsoft gun responsibly.