Gas powered BB guns use the explosive power of gas to propel BB pellets at high speeds.
Gas BB guns are a common sight on airsoft fields everywhere as they’re versatile, reasonably priced, and powerful.
Pistols or handguns are the most common gas powered BB guns and they’re usually semi-automatic, but you can get automatic gas powered guns too. Gas powered BB handguns will sometimes have blowback, which means that the top-slide or receiver of the gun will slide back realistically when you fire.
The gas that’s normally used in gas airsoft guns is propane, sometimes known as green gas, and it comes in pressurised canisters that you can use to refill your gun. Some gas powered airsoft guns use CO2 instead of propane, but that’s not as common.
Gas powered rifles, shotguns, and sniper rifles are also available, but these types of guns are more often electric powered.
Gas Airsoft BB Guns
Prioritising power and accuracy, gas blowback airsoft guns use different propellant gases - typically green gas, CO2, and propane - to fire accurate shots at the target. Green gas blowback guns are the most frequently used; however, CO2 and propane types offer varying levels of pressure based on the build quality of weapon as well as the player’s needs and playing style.
You’ll find gas blowback airsoft guns on almost every skirmish site, their popularity owed to their superior power and accuracy, which enables them to reach higher velocities and flatter trajectories than their spring-powered cousins.
The bulk of the gun’s magazine stores gas, while the remaining area houses the BBs. This is because BB pellets are much smaller than conventional metal bullet cases, and an ample gas supply is needed to last an entire game.
The gas stored in the magazine - before being fired - is pressurised. When you pull the trigger, the gun’s internal hammer pushes against the valve in the magazine, ejecting gas into the top part of the gun and propelling the BB out of the chamber.
Aside from their substantial power, gas blowback guns eliminate the need to manually reset the firing mechanism, making them quicker to fire. And due to the variety of gases available, they’re highly customisable.
Push the magazine release to remove the magazine, then hold the gas canister upside down and shake it gently. Holding the magazine upside down, insert the nozzle into the fill port while ensuring the gas canister and magazine are correctly aligned. Finally, apply downward pressure onto the gas canister for around ten seconds before releasing.
There are several variables that determine how long green gas lasts, including your gun model, shooting style, and the weather. Generally, keeping your weapon clean will prolong the duration green gas lasts in your airsoft gun.