The decision to use a gas powered airsoft gun is usually arrived at by players because of their realism and accuracy, but choosing the best gas for them can be a harder decision.
The propellant used in your airsoft weapon will have a great impact on the performance of the gun but there are a few factors you’ll have to consider to make the right choice.
So, what is the best gas for airsoft guns and is there a one size fits all answer that’s ideal for all types of guns?
There are three common types of propellant used for these weapons, including green gas, CO2, and 134A. The best gas for your airsoft gun will depend on the weapon’s design and manufacturer’s intent, as well as the temperature in which you’ll be using it, so both have to be considered.
We’ll explore all three types of gas and what their ideal conditions are, as well as the weapons that they suit best.
With the correct choice of gas in your airsoft gun, you’ll be met with the accuracy, realism, and operation that makes these types of weapons a popular choice for airsofters across America.
So, What Is the Best Gas for Airsoft Guns?
If you’ve weighed up the pros and cons of all types of airsoft guns and came to the conclusion that gas powered is the way to go, your next step will be considering what the best gas is to use.
Unfortunately, there’s no right or wrong answer that is going to suit every player or their weapon, but there are three common options to go with.
- 134A: This is a popular choice for Japanese made guns specicially as they work better in weather conditions that aren’t too cold. When the temperature drops below 40 degrees, you may notice a difference int heir performance. 134A is considered a safe gas to use but it’s also the most expensive of the three to purchase.
- Green gas: This is the most common gas used in airsoft guns and works better in weather conditions that aren’t too hot. People choose green gas as a budget-friendly propellant and it is thought to be softer on the gun.
- CO2: CO2 is considered the best bet for performance and is high pressured, making it perfect for colder climates but not always ideal for the health of the weapon. A gun designed to use CO2 will really only work with CO2 and you should never attempt to switch.
The best idea is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations about which gas is best for your airsoft gun and which will deliver the best performance.
In the absence of a recommendation, consider the weather conditions and temperature where you’re playing to find the next best answer.
Can You Use Butane in an Airsoft Gun?
Butane is not a recommended alternative for gas in an airsoft gun, although some people have tried it with different results.
It might be tempting to fill your airsoft gun if you’ve run out of the regular gas that you use, but it should be avoided due to unknown consequences and potential damage to the entire weapon.
The key reason that butane won’t work in an airsoft gun is due to the pressure level not being sufficient. Butane exerts a lower pressure than other types of gas, including even propane, and so in terms of being able to fire a BB proficiently from the barrel, it won’t offer the same type of power and possibly won’t even shoot one pellet.
In addition to not being suitable for airsoft guns because of lack of pressure, some believe that butane can do damage to the internal parts of your weapon.
Rather than attempting to fill your gun with butane, you should stick to the recommended gas that has been made specifically for the weapon.
Can You Use Propane in an Airsoft Gun?
A common propellant alternative that people wonder about is propane, and more specifically, can you put propane in an airsoft gun?
While the short answer is yes, to better understand the answer, we need to look at the difference between green gas and propane, as the two are commonly compared.
Propane and green gas are actually interchangeable, and the green gas is propane.
The main difference is that green gas has an artificial scent added to help detect it. Using propane instead of green gas can save money and it’s easier to purchase from a local hardware store, but not all airsoft players will feel comfortable filling their weapon with it.
People often prefer to use green gas because it’s been lubricated, compared to propane which hasn’t. However, in recent years airsoft players have been adding their own lubricant to propane in order to achieve the same results. This is done by adding the lubricant to the magazine fill charge and is a careful process if you decide to undertake it.
You should also keep in mind that green gas is only used for high powered guns, and propane will be the same. Don’t ever attempt to use propane in a low-pressure gun otherwise it could damage the seals or break the slides.
It’s up to the individual to decide which they prefer to use for their airsoft weaponry and be happy to live with the potential consequences.
Can You Use Lighter Gas in an Airsoft Gun?
You might be wondering if you can put lighter gas into an airsoft gun rather than buying the specified gas that was recommended for it, but this would not be ideal.
Lighter gas is nearly identical to butane, which is not a good choice for airsoft weapons due to the low pressure it exerts and the flammable nature of it.
People might be tempted to try and use lighter fluid because it’s easily accessible and cheap to purchase, but it won’t deliver the results you want. Stick to one of the three common and recommended types of gas like CO2 or green gas to ensure firing performance and minimal wear and damage on your gun.
What is the Safest Way to Recharge Your Airsoft Gun With Gas?
The safest way to recharge an airsoft gun using gas is with a cartridge or canister made specifically for these types of weapons.
Your gun will have exact instructions on the best way to refill the gas and the cartridge may also have additional instructions, but they usually follow the same basic steps.
- Push the magazine release on your weapon to remove the magazine, and then hold it upside down to find the slot where the canister nozzle will go.
- Insert the nozzle of the gas cylinder into the magazine, being sure to hold both upside down and in a straight vertical line as you do.
- When you feel that the nozzle is sealed securely inside, you can press the cylinder down into the magazine to release the gas. The length of time it takes to fill the magazine will depend on the specific airsoft gun design, but this usually is no more than six seconds.
- Once the gas has been inserted, you can then put the BBs into the magazine if needed. Place the magazine back into the airsoft gun and then cock it to ensure it’s ready to use.
It’s ideal to practice the safe and efficient method of putting gas into an airsoft gun so you know you’re doing it correctly.
When you’re in a match, you’ll need to be able to do this quickly and carry on with the game, so it’s worthwhile practicing at home.
Related Questions
Learning how to refill the propellant on your gas powered airsoft gun is a skill that you’ll want to be an expert at.
These are some follow-up questions that can ensure you’re using the gas the right way and also getting the most out of it.
How Do You Store Gas For Your Airsoft Gun?
Unless you need to remove it for a specific reason, the gas cylinder can be left inside of your airsoft gun for some period. These guns are designed to house high-pressure cylinders even for long periods, so you don’t need to remove it.
If you plan on leaving your gun for a while without use, you might want to fire off some rounds to even out the pressure.
How Many Rounds Will a Canister of Gas Last in an Airsoft Gun?
A 12g cartridge of gas is capable of delivering anywhere from 30 to 200 shots, and this huge variation is determined by a number of factors.
The outside temperature, settings of the valve, size of the canisters, whether it’s semi or full auto, and the pace at which you shoot will all affect how much you get from it.
How Much Backup Gas Do I Need in an Airsoft Match?
The length of the game and what weapons you’re using will determine how many gas cylinders you should take to a match.
However, for faster battles, most people prefer to use an automatic weapon as there’s no need to refill it.
I have a older maruzen p38 detachable. What gas should I use. Also I have older mgc hk p7 m13. I have uesed compressed air (as found in spray cans for cleaning computer keyboards) with a adapter and silicone oil but I’ve lost my adapter and silicone oil. Where might I purchase a adapter and silicone oil
Great info, thank you! Just purchased an airsoft grenade launcher and shells, but the dealer didn’t have any green gas. But I have lots of propane!
Personally I like Co2. Own many co2 airguns and therefore stock plenty of bulk co2 either way. Own just one (and my first) gas bottle – because my CZ P-09 came with a gas mag only – and of course had to test the pistol while waiting for the separately ordered co2 magazine.😁 Most of my airsoft pistols are co2 driven, but I have nothing against gas guns either.