Should I Use Co2 or Green Gas in My Airsoft Pistols?Â
In the world of air pistols, the most common method of pushing BBs or pellets out of the barrel is via compressed gas. After all, these are airguns we are talking about. When it comes to repeating and blowback air pistols there are two major propellants that shooters will encounter: 12 gram CO2 and green gas. For those of you who have only shot .177 caliber air pistols, you are most likely familiar with those small capsules. But what is the green gas and what is best for my Airsoft Guns?
Carbon Dioxide Air Gun Capsules
CO2 powers nearly all air pistols and a good deal of 6mm airsoft pistols. 12g Co2 cartridges are easy to find. Nearly any department store and just about all outdoors-centric stores, like your local airsoft dealers, are going to have at least one brand of CO2 on the shelf. Airguns have used CO2 as a propellant for many years. The reasons are many, but suffice to say that CO2 is cheap and reliable.
Depending on the quantity the 12-gram CO2 cartridges are purchased in, the cost per unit usually ranges from $.50 to $.90. In .177 most pistols will get between 70 and 90 shots per cartridge. This works out to a cost per shot of about $.01 and $.02. Depending on the model of CO2 powered gun you are using, the CO2 cartridge may be housed in either a drop-free magazine or could be located in the pistol’s grip. 12 gram CO2 can be found powering standard air pistols as well as airsoft pistols that shoot plastic 6mm airsoft BBs.
Green Gas for Airsoft Guns
Airsoft Gas pistols are run by a propellant mixture of propane and silicone oil. But unlike CO2, airsoft green gas is only used to power 6mm airsoft pistols. Since airsoft BBs are much lighter than steel BBs, not much power is needed to launch them at a sufficient velocity to get the job done. Additionally, since the sport of airsoft involves shooting the 6mm BBs at other players with proper eye protection and face protection, velocity is regulated at most airsoft fields. Generally, that threshold is around 350 FPS, a speed that allows airsoft guns to be accurate and have range, but not so fast that players have an elevated risk of injury.
Airsoft play takes place in all sorts of weather conditions. It’s not uncommon to see players engaged in a match in blowing desert dust, rain, or extreme humidity. The addition of silicone oil to the propellant helps keep the gun running reliably during use. It is also very fast and easy to recharge the gas reservoir on GBB (green gas blowback) air pistols. However, GBB handguns tend to get only 30-40 shots per fill. This is not really viewed as a disadvantage when it comes to airsoft milsim-realism in the shot count and magazine capacity is preferred in this field of use because as we all know that in real life magazines run empty from time to time.
Should I Choose CO2 or Green Gas?
If you are looking for performance, CO2 may be your best bet. CO2 is a higher-pressure gas and depending on the make of the pistol can provide a harder recoil on blowback airsoft pistols. And CO2 performs better in colder weather, although it is temperature-dependent as well. Co2 Cartridges can be used in Airsoft Rifles and Airsoft Pistols all available from Just Airsoft Guns USA.
At Just Airsoft Guns we now offer all of our airsoft pistols in Co2 as well as Green Gas. However, Co2 offers better consistency of power, fewer mag leaks, and works best in most weather conditions. So if you are new to Airsoft or want to up your game, take a look at our Co2 Airsoft Pistoiols now in stock at Just Airsoft Guns USA.