How to choose between a gas, Co2, electric or spring airsoft pistol?
For those who, like us, frequent airsoft playgrounds where a good number of newcomers approach, you will have heard this question many times. It's not easy to answer it in a nutshell, but we still want to give some small tips and list the pros and cons of each of these types of airsoft guns pistols
Co2 airsoft pistols
Considered by many to be the most powerful airsoft pistols, they have a mechanism very similar to gas pistols. They are fuelled by small Co2 capsules weighing 12 g. On average, one capsule costs about 1€ and about 60-70 bbs can be fired. You can choose Co2 blowback airsoft pistols if you want a more realistic effect. On the other hand, a non-blowback Co2 pistols will save some Co2 during play. Co2 airsoft guns are more resistant to cold weather than their green-gas cousins, but to reload the co2 you have to replace the capsule.
Green-Gas Airsoft Pistols
Gas airsoft pistols are somewhat less powerful than co2 airsoft pistols and are affected by Boyle's law and are not recommended in cold weather. The cost of a green-gas can is around 10€ and allows hundreds of bbs shots to be fired. Of course, this depends very much on the outside temperature and the type of gun. For example, airsoft blowback guns will consume a little more green gas.
Electric Airsoft Pistols
They are certainly cheaper than gas or co2 guns, but they perform less well. They still remain excellent secondary airsoft handguns. New players often prefer them as a airsoft sidearm to keep their initial expenses lower.
Spring-loaded airsoft guns
These are definitely the cheapest pistols in the airsoft scene, but must be considered entry level. Great for starting out to gain experience in handling replica airsoft pistols and for target shooting, even in confined spaces.