Gas-powered guns use pressurized gases like propane and HFC134a refrigerant to propel BBs, or little round metal pellets. These guns are commonly known as BB guns. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen may also be used and are more common. Environment friendly Freon (a variety of nonflammable gaseous or liquid fluorinated hydrocarbons) may also be used, but the type of gas used for operating these guns may also depend on the type of gun. Gas power is more commonly used in smaller handguns like pistols. Gas is either injected into a reservoir within the gun or attached to an exterior tank.

Gas-powered guns have a few advantages, which include adjustable velocities and blowback features. In the blowback mechanism, onboard or magazine-stored gas storage system is used to propel the pellets. The same compressed air that propels the pellet is used to pull back the slide. These airsoft guns are known as gas blowback guns or GBBs. Because of this blowback feature, BBGs are capable of automatic or semi-automatic fire. This means that the magazine can be emptied as fast as the trigger is squeezed, and be easily reloaded by inserting a new magazine.Green gas, normally a mixture of propane and silicone oil, is the recommended and most commonly used propellant in gas-powered Airsoft guns. HFC134a refrigerant is also widely used but is less powerful and not suitable for colder climates, where the gas may become insufficient to operate the guns. However, excessive use of Green gas may be harmful to guns that cannot handle the exceptional power. Electric Airsoft Guns provides detailed information on airsoft guns, airsoft gun history, airsoft gun pellets, airsoft machine guns and more.

Airsoft gun pellets come in different shapes, sizes and weights. Most airsoft pellets, also known as BBs (ball bearing) are normally 6mm spherical plastics. There are starch based biodegradable, metal coated, graphite coated, and steel pellets. Airsoft pellets typically weigh from 0.12 to 0.43 g.

6mm pellets, 0.12 g are used by gas and spring weapons but not for high-end AEGs. The same goes for 0.15 g. 0.20 g standard weights and used by AEGs. 0.23 g is heavy weight for AEGs and 0.25 g is the heaviest weight for standard AEGs, blowback and spring guns. 0.30 g is the standard and 0.36 g are heavier pellets for sniper rifles. 0.43 g is for highest levels of upgrades sniper rifles. As for 8mm pellets, 0.34 g is low weight, 0.45 g is standard weight and 0.60 g is the heaviest weight for 8mm sniper rifles.

For automatic electric guns (AEGs), the velocity limits range between 300-400 FPS (feet per second). For single shot guns, it is 400 to 500 FPS. The tension of the main spring determines the pellet velocity of automatic electric guns (AEGs), so there tends to be a stratification of values. Low-end spring pistols can shoot 0.2 g BBs at velocities from 100 FPS. The range for high-end airsoft guns can reach 550 FPS.

Anything beyond this would need a major upgrade of internal components. This internal modification can also increase the ROF (rate of fire) drastically.Airsoft pellets may not damage the skin but are extremely dangerous to the eyes, so goggles or other protective gear must be worn at all times while playing airsoft sports.

Electric Airsoft Guns provides detailed information on airsoft guns, airsoft gun history, airsoft gun pellets, airsoft machine guns and more.

Airsoft guns, as we know them today, began in Japan during the 1980s. Ownership of guns by public citizens was banned and residents wanted legal replicas that fired realistically in lieu of the handguns and rifles they could not longer own. To meet this need Airsoft can into being.

Airsoft weapons are powered with compressed air, providing the shooter an experience so much like shooting a gun with traditional ammunition. These weapons became quite popular and sharp shooter competitions began.

Airsoft guns have relatively low power so that they are safe to use in confined spaces. This was perfect for the Japanese market since space is at a premium there. These weapons were also designed to be affordable, flexible and very realistic. The ammunition was also quite affordable, making sports shooting something anyone could afford to do on a regular basis.

Airsoft remains popular in Japan and many other Asian countries but other countries around the world have discovered these guns that can be used in training and skirmishes safely and today the United States and Europe are quickly becoming great fans of Airsoft weapons.

Written by Tienda Airsoft