Although they are the most expensive to purchase, gas airsoft pistols are the most realistic airsoft pistols you can buy. Often they are manufactured from full weight metal, have realistic safeties, slides, hammers, beaver tails, and trigger actions. Also, these pistols have a “blast” sound when they discharge the airsoft BB. These attributes, among other important features of gas airsoft pistols, really set them apart from spring and electric airsoft pistols.
The Blow Back Feature of Gas Airsoft Pistols
This is the single most separating feature of the gas pistol over its electric and spring cousins. What this feature essentially does is offer a realistic kick action to the gun. Let’s take an example. The HGX 198C 1911 Style Gas Blowback Pistol is modeled after the standard 45 caliber GI issue sidearm. It utilizes a slide, and when loaded and fired, this slide is forced back by the gas released during the firing action, which provides a kick to the user’s hand, while also loading up the next airsoft BB, and cocking the hammer in the process. This also serves to make the gun semi automatic, a nice feature when you are in an airsoft war or combat simulation.
The Ease of Green Gas Cartridges
If you have never seen or heard of “green gas” with regard to airsoft, it is really quite nice. The old style CO2 cartridges were manufactured for one time use, and when you ran out of CO2, you had to throw away the cartridges, and insert a new one. With green gas airsoft, you now have a clip with a built in, rechargeable gas container, that you can use over and over again. Just simply get a can of green gas, insert the provided metal valve on the top of the can, insert and press for approximately 2-3 seconds at a time, until you don’t really hear any gas escaping the can. This will ensure that the clip is fully charged, and ready for action. On the above example gun, you should be able to empty the clip 2-5 times per charge.
Some Drawbacks to the Gas Airsoft Pistol
As aforementioned, one of the issues with these guns are the fact that they need to be recharged somewhat often, over their cousins. So unless you have several clips with you, you may have to carry a green gas can with you on the playing field, which is a hassle. Also, at times the gas airsoft pistols can get jammed, and if you cock the hammer again, it will simply load another BB into the chamber, and now you have two rounds loaded, and jammed. So you have to clear the jam before moving forward. But remember, regardless of the type of airsoft pistol you choose, their will always been advantages and disadvantages.
