What’s Better for Airsoft Gas or Electric?
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Are you a beginner looking to start airsoft gaming, or you’re a veteran airsoft player that wants to upgrade to a high-end gun with more power? You want to know What’s better for Airsoft gas or electric?
While there are several sniper rifles or pistols on the market, it’s good to know which one is the best option for your needs.
There are spring powered guns, gas powered guns, and automatic electric guns with varying magazine capacities and muzzle velocities.
But here’s the thing…
We’ll be comparing the gas guns to the electric guns.
Gas vs Electric Airsoft Guns
Gas airsoft guns use green gas, red gas, or propane to propel their BBs. Their internal barrel is simple and you’ll never need a battery.
Gas powered airsoft guns can be quite expensive and challenging to maintain.
On the other hand…
You have more choices with electric guns, since they are cheaper, more durable, and use a rechargeable battery. Plus, you won’t need to buy new cartridges to fire on.
Related: Best Airsoft Sniper Rifles
Types of Gas
The most common gases that airsoft nuts use with their guns are green gas, CO2, and Propane.
Green Gas
This is the most popular type of gas. It comes in refillable magazines and is often a mix of propane, silicone oil, and some level of grass.
Once you fill the magazines, your gun is ready to fire several rounds.
CO2
This type of gas is often the best option for pistols, thanks to its low cooldown rate. All you have to do is fill the magazine of the gas pistol or airsoft rifle directly with CO2.
Here’s something…
CO2 has a slower cool-down rate and higher power than green gas, so most airsoft players prefer filling their airsoft guns with it when playing at the competition level.
Propane
Airsoft weapons need both propane bottles and adapters to fill their magazines.
Propane is like Green Gas but without lubricants or grasses. If you want to use propane to power your airsoft weapons, you’ll need propane bottles and adapters.
This type of gas is good for any airsoft firearm, because it has the lowest cooldown, and is naturally odorless.
Gas Blowback Airsoft Guns
If you love the realistic feel, recoil, or the challenges that come with using a gas blowback (GBB) airsoft gun, then this weapon is worth your bucks.
Here’s the thing
The blowback gun is a special gas-operated airsoft rifle that gains energy from the motion of a cartridge case.
The gun’s parts are detachable. And unlike a spring gun with a slower firing mechanism, one of the pros of this gun is that it shoots fast.
Gas Advantages
One of the advantages of gas-powered guns over spring airsoft guns or electric guns is that they are more accurate, even when you shoot at targets from a distance.
Another advantage is that they can be either semi-automatic or fully automatic. Also, unlike spring powered guns, they operate on a ‘blowback‘ mechanism.
The blowback mechanism involves a slide back with each shot. As you pull the trigger, there’s a recoil effect.
Here’s the truth…
Not all gas guns operate on this mechanism, but if you want to experience the feeling of a real gun while pulling the trigger, this is a good option for you.
Gas Disadvantages
A major disadvantage of a gas gun is its complex mechanical makeup. For instance, green gas becomes cold when in liquid form. And when internals come in contact with the new form, it slows down the mechanism.
Even compressed nitrogen and CO2 can damage the mechanism of a gun.
Here’s the thing…
Harsh weather conditions affect the power level of guns.
Also, you can run out of gas. So you have to go around with gas canisters if you’re playing extended games.
AEGs (Electric Airsoft Guns)
Electric airsoft guns (AEGs) operate like spring guns, but unlike the spring powered gun, the internal motor of an AEG requires a rechargeable battery.
When you fire the gun, the internal motor compresses the pump, forcing the BB out of the barrel.
Electric airsoft guns are simple, and airsoft players prefer them to spring action replicas because they are faster. They are mostly automatic and more powerful and accurate than their counterparts.
Airsoft players are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a gun that doesn’t leave them stranded during a game. All they need to do is charge the power source.
But here’s something…
Prepare to keep your batteries charged, and maybe even carry some extras in a bag while playing. An average battery takes 5-8 hours to charge completely the first time. Subsequently, it would take 3-4 hours.
Electric Advantages
An electric gun has a faster trigger response. Also, it’s cheaper to charge batteries than buy new CO2 cartridges for gas guns.
Here’s another one…
You don’t need to worry about a gas leak or be wary of the cold weather impairing your gun’s firing mechanism.
With good maintenance, your gun will last long.
Electric Disadvantages
Because all AEGs use electricity, they are not a perfect fit for extended outdoor battles.
The weapon will run low on battery at some point, and you’ll need a wall socket to charge it. But you’d be out of luck as there’s no space to stick your charger to the wall. This experience can ruin all the fun you had planned.
That’s why many players have a backup AEG in case one goes out of power. But buying extra batteries or guns will cost you some bucks.
Plus, most of them are noisy and do not sound like the real thing. This is where spring airsoft guns turn out better. As you fire each BB, it sounds almost like a real weapon.
CONCLUSION: What’s Better for Airsoft Gas or Electric
When considering which of the many airsoft guns to go for, factors that matter include the power source, bolt action durability, accuracy, versatility, and cost effectiveness.
Whether it’s a spring powered, electric powered, or gas airsoft gun, make sure you go for a gun that will meet your specific needs as an airsoft lover.
If you’re in doubt of which gun to choose, try all types. Then you’ll know for sure which suits you best.
