Types of Airsoft Pistols – Spring, CO2, Electric & Green Gas

To an outsider of airsoft, finding an airsoft pistol can be frustrating, especially if they aren't familiar with the different types of airsoft pistols.  If you are one of those people who would like to get into airsoft, but don't know what type of pistol to get, then this post should help.  In this article you will find a short summary of the 4 types of pistols that can be found for airsoft play.

Spring Airsoft Pistols

These are the most common, and typically the cheapest. In fact, you can find spring powered pistols for under $10, presenting an extremely cheap entry into airsoft. Other spring airsoft pistols can be found for up to $50 or so dollars, of which will often be constructed out of metal, and weighted to feel like an exact replica of the real deal.

The great thing about spring pistols is they can be the most reliable pistols in airsoft, as they are simplistic in design. The trick is to buy one that is durable.

Co2 Airsoft Pistols

Co2 powered pistols are often the 2nd most sought after pistol for airsoft next to spring pistols. They are widely available, and sought after for their high-powered nature and semi-automatic firing. They are powered by one 12 gram co2 cartridge that is usually chambered into the grip. One 12 gram cartridge of co2 should last 40 - 60 shots. Most co2 powered pistols retail for above $30, and sometimes over $100 depending on quality.

Co2 is a decent propellant for air-guns. It performs great during warmer climates. However, if you plan on playing in the cold, then you should be prepared for some wacky velocity fluctuation, as co2 tends to not expand as well in cooler temperatures.

Electric Airsoft Pistols

Electric pistols used to just be plain crap up until recently. Nowadays you can find quality electric ones for sale, but you will have to pay over $100 to get a decent one. The cheaper ones are most ALWAYS pieces of junk, and will break within a week or so.

They are sought after because they are powered by a rechargeable battery pack, and not co2 or green gas. They are awesome because all you need is a fully charged battery pack and your set to shoot in either semi or full auto.

Green Gas Airsoft Pistols

Green gas confuses a lot of people. Heck, when I learned that my friend's green gas powered pistol was actually powered by propane I laughed. Why call it green gas and not propane? I do not know... it eludes me.

Green gas pistols are filled by those small propane tanks you can buy for camping. All you do is attach the fill adapter to the tank and squirt some air into the chamber at the bottom of the grip. Doing it this way is a lot cheaper and simpler than buying those disposable 12 gram co2 cartridges. The fact it is so much simpler is one of the reasons why green gas pistols are widely sought after, and one of the reasons why they usually cost the most.

The drawback to using propane over co2 is it can be stubborn. You have to prime your pistol by shooting it a couple times before it will shoot at max velocity. Also, if you do not shoot it for a while during a game, you'll notice your first shot won't be as powerful as the next ones you squeeze off. This is simply because of the nature of propane, and one tiny little setback to getting a green gas powered airsoft pistol.

Which One Should You Get?

If you plan on playing a lot, and want a pistol that will perform to the max, then buying a green gas or co2 powered pistol is best. You can get by with an electric pistol, but you really need to buy a quality made one that comes with a top notch battery pack - otherwise you'll be stuck with a glorified paperweight.

Spring is also a great option if you are looking for an easy to use pistol that doesn't require money to be spent on air sources. The better spring pistols are crafted entirely out of metal, and last a long time.

Getting the right pistol for your needs will ensure you have the most fun when playing airsoft. To get started looking for that perfect pistol, head to our homepage and check out all of the best spring, co2, electric, and green gas Airsoft Pistols For Sale.

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One comment

Hear what you’re saying. Youre totally right!

by log store on July 6, 2011 at 7:54 am. #

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