Sunday, December 27, 2009

The Various Propellants For Gas Airsoft Guns

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.

Most gas guns have been designed to use just one kind of gas, but this is not the only factor by which one should determine the best gas to use. Other factors like the temperature can seriously affect the performance of the gun because of the way the gas reacts. For instance, a gas that works well at room temperature may be too powerful in high heat, which can cause significant damage to your airsoft gun.

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.

The most commonly used gas for airsoft guns of Japanese origin (and other selected brands of different origin) is 134A. It can be used in practically any climate that is above forty degrees Fahrenheit, which is why it is such a popular gas to use. If you notice your airsoft gun is misfiring while using 134A, it could mean you need a more powerful gas like propane or green gas.

Green gas is the most frequently used propellant for an airsoft gun. If the airsoft gun you have is not made in Japan, it is likely designed to work best with green gas as its propellant. It's important to pay attention to the climate when using green gas as it is too powerful for most summer climates and can destroy your gun.

There are so many different kinds of airsoft guns using green gas that it's impossible to determine the maximum temperature at which point the propellant should be changed to something like 134A. Higher quality guns can withstand higher temperatures and lower quality guns can become damaged more easily by use in warm weather, so it's up to you to pay attention to the temperature and amount of direct sunlight to which the airsoft gun is exposed. One tip to remember is continuous firing will decrease pressure in the gas chamber, subsequently lowering the internal temperature.

Another type of gas propellant is CO2, though the airsoft guns that are made to work with CO2 are generally frowned upon by airsoft enthusiasts because of their intricacies which make them difficult to operate and maintain. CO2 still has a small but loyal following since this gas has the widest temperature range over the other options.

About the Author:

No comments: