GAS: Gas powered airsoft guns are similar to CO2 guns, in the sense that both use a pressurized gas as a power source to propel BBs. They differ in that CO2 comes in disposable cartridges, while gas is contained in one large canister that is then used to refill the gun. The most common gas used is called "Green Gas," a mixture of propane and polysiloxane lubricant: HFC-134 is another specialized gas that can be used.
Like CO2 pistols, Gas powered guns have several advantages over spring powered pistols: Increased power, consistency, heavier weight, and realism. Several models also feature Blowback action, a simulated recoil affect.
CO2: CO2 has been a staple if high-performance Airsoft pistol for years. Everyone, from beginners to experienced veterans, know the power and realism that CO2 can deliver. CO2 refers to the small canisters, more commonly called "cartridges" or "jets" of the CO2 are used as a power source for the gun. The cartridges are disposable and fit inside the magazine of the pistol and are easily replaceable.
CO2 pistols also feature the "Blowback" affect that Gas pistol gives.
Spring: Spring powered Airsoft guns use compressed spring energy to "fire" a pellet from the gun. Because spring must be re-compressed before each she by "cocking" the gun , spring guns are limited to single shots. Typically spring powered guns are not as powerful as Gas, CO2 or Electric guns. The main advantage to using spring guns is that they don't depend on a propellant gas.
Electric Rifles: Automatic Electric Guns (A.E.G) use a rechargeable battery to power an electric motor which cycles an internal piston that helps propel the BB. AEG's have quickly become the most popular type of Airsoft guns on the market and it's easy to see why. Some features include: a higher muzzle velocity of 400+ FPS, many have an all metal body, steel gears and gearbox. Also AEG's have high capacity magazine, metal barrel, adjustable sights, adjustable stocks and more accessories. Most are able to shoot semi and full automatic with as high of 2,000 rounds per minute. The electric guns are 1:1 scale to its real version in weight and detail.
Electric Pistols: Automatic Electric Pistols (A.E.P) are similar workings are the A.E.G's. They both use electric motors and pistons to operate to propel BBs. Instead of being a long rifle a A.E.P is a pistol version with the same workings. The A.E.P has a lower muzzle velocity than rifles usually in the 200 to 280 FPS. The A.E.P's still can fire full or semi auto and can give you the blowback affect too. The down side of a A.E.Ps are the magazine capacity due to its limited internal space. The magazine acts for a holder for batteries and limit the number of BBs it can carry. The biggest advantage of the electric pistols as a side arm is in cooler weather. A.E.Ps are not affected by frigid temperatures like Gas and CO2 can be.
Muzzle Velocity: Is the speed that a projectile (BB) leaves the muzzle of the gun. It is measured in Feet Per Second. (FPS)
Orange Tip: Airsoft replicas are considered a "Toy Gun," in the United States. Federal law requires a minimum 6mm orange tip on the muzzle of the Airsoftgun. That is also a requirement for shipping and importing into the United States.
CO2 Conversation to GAS: Just like CO2 Green Gas is a propulsion substance. It's has better energy than CO2 and is meant for blowback style pistols. A few CO2 guns also have a option of being converted to gas. This is done with getting a different magazine for the gun. The magazine instead of holding a CO2 cartridge is a Green Gas style magazine.
Rail System: A rail system for a Airsoft gun is a platform for adding accessories on. Some rifles have a full style rail system to allow more add-ons than others and some pistols feature a top or bottom rail. This allows a player to customize his or hers own airsoft gun. You are then able to add scopes, red dots, lasers, fore grips and anything else that is meant for a rail system.
