Gas Airsoft Guns - The Pros and Cons Of Owning One

[an error occurred while processing this directive] In the hierarchy of airsoft guns there's spring and then gas powered airsoft guns. The spring models do their job exceptionally well but gas powered guns take it to the next level. Whereas spring guns have to be manually cocked each time you want to fire a bb the gas models contain a gas charge that gives you a more automatic style of firing. The principle is the same in that a piston compresses air and fires the bb from the gun but the presence of an existing gas charge means you can fire several dozen rounds from one charge without having to cock the gun again.

The range of gas airsoft guns is made up mostly of handguns, pistols or sub machineguns like the Uzi for example. There are some gas powered rifles available but most of these are sniper models and not the AK47/CAR-15 type assault rifle. There's no specific reason for there not being gas powered assault rifles although the fact that a fully automatic airsoft rifle could and would deplete a full gas charge in a few seconds is reason enough not to build them for sale. The same amount of gas could power a handgun or sub machinegun for several bursts.

Gas airsoft weapons are charged through a small nozzle on the gun - normally this is right underneath the gun in the trigger assembly. You simply take your can of airsoft gas and charge the gun until it's full. You can then fire the gun in a fully or semi-automatic mode until the charge is used up. You'll notice that the gun starts to lose power towards the end of the charge until the gas is just a feeble pop with no power behind it.

Airsoft gas isn't free but isn't wildly expensive either and it is definitely something to take into account when buying an airsoft gas gun. You have two choices:

1. You can buy a tin of compressed airsoft gas (1000ml for about $8) and use this to recharge your gun. These go quite a long way.

2. You can also use a portable air reservoir to power your gas airsoft gun. These are basically small, portable air tanks that you pump up to pressurize the air inside. The tank is constantly connected to your gun so you have a constant and "reliable" way of recharging your gun. These gas pumps do work but can get in the way a little when you're moving around.

One of my favourite features of airsoft gas handguns is the blowback feature that's available on many of them. On blowback model guns the topslide of the gun flies backwards when a shot is fired - just like it does in the movies. You have to use a gas blowback to truly appreciate how cool they are when you fire them.

One important consideration for gas airsoft guns is handling them. If there's any damage to the gas reservoir chamber in the gun then it becomes unusable and can be very difficult to repair. The moral of the story is to treat your gas airsoft gun with care.

Check out the range of airsoft gas guns available today.