Friday, August 14, 2009

Gas Airsoft Guns: How To Pick The Right Propellant

Gas Airsoft Guns: How To Pick The Right Propellant

by Anthony Carter

Gas airsoft guns are becoming more and more popular across the U. S. For their realism, functionality, accuracy, and cost of operation, to name only a few of the countless reasons. The propellant used to fire this type of guns is a crucial aspect in their operation as well as their maintenance. A few of the most often used propellants are 134A, green gas, and CO2.

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.

The opposite can occur in cold weather. An airsoft gun can stop working completely in cold climates because gas pressure decreases significantly, resulting in the ultimate loss of firing power. It's also possible for the valve to remain open following fire if it's too cold, which will cause all of the remaining gas in the gun to leak out.

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.

There are several brands of airsoft guns that can use 134A as a propellant; however, almost all guns of this type crafted in Japan are designed specifically to use this gas. 134A can function in any temperature that doesn't dip below 40 degrees F, at which point a more powerful gas such as propane or green gas would be the more appropriate choice.

The most popular gas propellant used for an airsoft gun is green gas. Almost every gun that is not made in Japan is designed to use green gas; however, you need to beware of using green gas in hot summer weather as it could become too powerful and harm your gun.

In terms of quality, there is a wide range of airsoft guns using green gas, so it isn't exactly possible to determine the exact temperature at which you should switch to a less powerful gas. You can play it safe by always keeping around some 134A and using that when the temperature exceeds 100 degrees F. You can also decide on the right gas by considering how often you're using it and the amount of direct sunlight. For example, direct sunlight will heat up the gas faster whereas frequent firing actually decreased pressure and subsequently the temperature of the gun.

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.

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