Monday, July 9, 2012

Airsoft Guns – A Guide to Gas vs. Electric vs. Spring

If you decide to purchase an airsoft gun, no matter which make or model you select, you will be guaranteed an adrenaline-pumping good time. That said, the type of gun you need will depend on your climate, your competition level, and whether you are practicing accuracy or just looking to have a killer time on a budget. We understand how important these factors are when making a decision between springs powered, AEG’s or gas powered airsoft gun, and that’s why we put together a good comparison guide for beginners and advanced alike. 



Spring Powered

The spring powered airsoft gun is probably the most readily available variety since they’re affordable. These weapons are named for their spring functionality which is responsible for launching the BB pellet. Although some other airsoft gun's use a spring mechanism as well this is the main and only function the spring airsoft gun uses to shoot.

Positives
  • Usually the least expensive option
  • No need for additional accessories like batteries and chargers
  • Unlimited power source since it doesn’t run on battery or gas
  • Many upgrade options to create a very powerful gun
  • Can be used in all weather conditions (cold, hot, wet, dry) since there’s no gas to freeze or battery to get wet
  • Great starter gun for first time airsoft gun users
  • Certain models can make extremely powerful sniper rifles with 400-700 fps

Negatives
  • Must manually cock your gun before every shot, making them incapable of semi-automatic or automatic fire
  • They generally don’t last as long as other airsoft guns although this can vary depending on the model you purchase
  • Often a plastic body as opposed to metal – meaning cheaper but not as reliable or realistic
  • The spring can make a noise that discloses location

Automatic Electric Guns

The automatic electric is the most commonly used airsoft gun in the market, especially the AEG rifle. They run on electric motors and are require an electric airsoft gun battery that you will have to routinely charge in order to use the gun.  Although it typically contains a spring, there are additional features on it that you won’t find on a spring powered airsoft, like the gearbox. The gearbox possesses 3 gears that combined with the piston, push against the spring to launch the pellet through the barrel. This often provides extra power for your shot.

Positives
  • Commonly available in metal body form for a more realistic feel
  • Usually the preferred form for field gamers, especially the airsoft rifle
  • No need to manually cock before each shot
  • Capable of rapid semi-automatic and automatic fire
  • Can “hot rod” them at a reasonable cost
  • Good option when you need to be quiet
  • Can use in both hot and cold weather

Negatives
  • You will have to recharge for multiple uses
  • Need to pay close attention to what battery you purchase since some last longer than others
  • Can malfunction in wet conditions
  • The electric pistol form is usually more “toy like” in appearance and feel
  • Restricted space for magazines on automatic electric pistols

Gas Powered

Gas powered guns are often called “classic airsoft guns” since they were some of the first airsoft guns ever made. There have been protocols enforced since then, however, to restrict the type of gas you can use to power them. It’s recommended to stay away from “red gas” or R-12 liquid propellants which both violate US EPA regulations when used as an aerosol. Stick to “green gas” guns or propane adapters to be safe.

Positives
  • Automatic and semi-automatic capabilities
  • Preferred type when purchasing an airsoft pistol due to size constraints with AEG’s
  • People love the blowback feature on the airsoft gas pistols, which automatically puts the next shot in place for you for the most realistic performance
  • Favorite for airsoft gun collectors
  • Also favored when you need adjustable velocity capabilities on your airsoft gun
  • One of the most versatile and realistic looking options
  • Often more affordable than AEG’s but more expensive than springs

Negatives
  • Often malfunction in cold weather since the gas can freeze
  • Purchasing gas canisters can be costly
  • No unlimited power since it needs gas reloads to run
  • If gaming, you will need to carry spare gas canisters with you, especially if using a blowback pistol
  • Many gasses are illegal due to their effects on the environment
  • Can produce a gas cloud which could give away your location if you need to stay hidden
  • When using propane you need an adapter
Although all the airsoft guns are fun, some are preferable depending on your conditions and constrains. Hopefully this list gave you some guidance and which is best for your needs.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, the #1 fastest growing Airsoft retailer in the nation. Airsoft Megastore offers the latest airsoft gun upgrades as well as a 125% low price guarantee on all new airsoft guns and airsoft pellets.

Labels: , , ,

posted by Airsoft Megastore at 9:27 AM 0 Comments

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Airsoft Gun Types: Spring, Gas and Electric (AEG)

airsoft guns types
From manually operated spring loaded pistols to fully automatic electric rifles, the variety of guns available to airsoft players today is vast. Airsoft players have more options than ever when choosing what types of guns to add to their collections. Airsoft guns fall into one of three main categories based on how they are powered:

Spring Loaded Airsoft Guns
Spring loaded airsoft guns fire single shots using the potential energy stored in a spring, which is compressed when the gun is cocked and then released when you shoot. Cocking a spring loaded airsoft gun compresses the spring in preparation for the next shot, so spring loaded guns must be cocked before each shot.

In general, spring loaded airsoft guns cost less than their electric or gas powered counterparts, making them popular starter guns for newcomers to the sport. Most experienced players prefer electric or gas airsoft guns for their power and realistic feel.

Electric Airsoft Guns
Electric airsoft guns, also called airsoft AEGs (automatic electric guns) because of their automatic or semi-automatic capabilities, utilize an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery to cycle an internal piston or spring that fires the pellets. Because of their power, performance and realism, AEGs are the most common type of airsoft guns you will see used in the sport of airsoft and are also the most widely available.

Gas Airsoft Guns
Gas airsoft guns are powered by pressurized gas – in the form of either green gas or CO2 - that is used to propel pellets from the chamber. Unlike spring loaded guns, gas airsoft guns do not have to be manually cocked before each shot. Gas powered airsoft guns are renowned for their power and precision. They are further classified as either non-blowback or blowback airsoft guns.

A blowback airsoft gun will have a slide that kicks back each time a shot is fired, mimicking the feel of firing a real gun. Non-blowback airsoft guns, on the other hand, have fixed slides and revolvers, and do not kick back as blowback guns do. Non-blowback airsoft guns give airsofters an economical alternative to blowback gas guns, but because of their realism blowback airsoft guns remain the most popular type of gas gun.

Deciding which type of airsoft gun you prefer may just take some trial and error. Many airsoft players have different types of guns to use for different purposes. Check out our Airsoft Knowledge Base for more details on the differences between spring loaded, electric and gas airsoft guns!

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs, full metal airsoft rifles or the right airsoft gas gun for players of any experience level.

Labels: , , ,

posted by Airsoft Megastore at 2:01 PM 0 Comments