What are Electric Airsoft Guns?
Electric airsoft guns, or AEGs, are airsoft guns powered by a rechargeable battery. These batteries provide the necessary energy to operate an internal motor, which in turn powers the firing mechanism. AEGs are among the most popular types of airsoft guns due to their reliability, capability to shoot in semi-automatic and fully automatic modes and relatively easy maintenance.
How Do Electric Airsoft Guns Work?
Battery: The process begins with the battery. The most common batteries used in AEGs are Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries. When triggered, the battery supplies power to the gun’s internal motor.
Motor: Upon receiving power, the motor turns a series of gears at high speed.
Gearbox: These gears are housed inside a gearbox. The primary function of these gears is to transfer the motor’s rapid rotational energy into a backward motion, pulling back the piston inside the gearbox.
Piston & Spring: As the gears turn, the piston is pulled back against a powerful spring. Once the piston has been fully retracted, the gears release it.
Compression and Release: With the piston released, the spring rapidly pushes it forward. As the piston moves forward, it compresses the air in front of it inside a cylinder. This compressed air is then funneled through a nozzle at the end of the cylinder and is directed into the chamber holding the BB.
Firing the BB: The force of the compressed air propels the BB out of the barrel at speeds up to 400 FPS.
Pros and Cons of Electric Guns
Pros of AEGs
Consistent Power Source: Because electric guns use rechargeable batteries they have a lot more consistent FPS (feet per second) shot-to-shot versus gas-powered airsoft guns which can be affected by temperature and require frequent refills.
Cheaper: In the long run, AEGs can be more cost-effective than gas guns since you’re recharging batteries rather than buying gas. Plus, Good beginner AEGs are available at prices as low as $150.
Less Maintenance: While AEGs still require maintenance, they are much easier to care for than gas guns.
Cons of AEGs
Battery Limitations: Batteries can run out in the middle of games and require recharging. Having spare batteries can add to the overall cost.
Sound: AEGs tend to make a distinctive gearbox noise, which is nothing like the feel of shooting a gas blowback gun.
Response Time: AEG triggers can have a slight delay from when the trigger is pulled to when a BB is fired, especially compared to gas blowback models.
What is a Gas Blowback Airsoft Gun?
Gas blowback airsoft guns use gas, CO2 or green gas (often substituted with propane and silicone) to work. They’re different from electric or spring-loaded guns because of their realistic recoil effect caused by the gas which makes the gun’s slide or bolt move back each time you shoot just like real guns. This makes shooting feel more real. A lot of airsoft players buy gas blowback guns because of this realistic effect.
How Do Gas Blowback Airsoft Guns Work?
Gas Storage: The gas, whether it’s green gas or CO2, is stored under pressure in magazines or cartridges. When the trigger is pulled, a small amount of this compressed gas is released.
Release Mechanism: A valve on the magazine regulates the release of the gas. As the trigger is pulled, the hammer strikes this valve, allowing a measured amount of gas to escape.
Firing the BB: A portion of the released gas propels the BB out of the barrel. The force exerted by the gas on the BB causes it to shoot out at high velocities, making it the projectile.
Blowback Mechanism: Simultaneously, another portion of the gas is directed backward, pushing the slide or bolt back (hence the term “blowback”). This movement mimics the recoil effect seen in real firearms.
Resetting for the Next Shot: As the slide or bolt moves back, it re-cocks the hammer, resets the firing mechanism, and chambers the next BB. Once the slide or bolt returns to its original position, the gun is ready to fire again.
Pros of Gas Airsoft Guns:
Realism: Many gas blowback (GBB) airsoft guns replicate the blowback motion of real firearms, providing a more realistic shooting experience in terms of recoil and action. Many players choose gas blowback guns instead of electric guns because of this reason.
Instant Trigger Response: Gas guns typically have a faster trigger response than electric guns this can be especially beneficial for speedsofters and other players who want to get a high rate of fire.
No Need for Batteries: For those who don’t want to manage battery charging or swapping, gas guns provide an alternative.
Versatility: Some gas guns allow users to switch between different types of gas, like green gas or propane, and have a ton of parts and accessories you can buy to customize your gun to your liking.
Cons of Gas Airsoft Guns
Gas Consumption: Gas airsoft guns consume gas quickly, especially in full-auto or rapid-fire situations. This can lead to higher operating costs over time.
Performance Variability: The performance of gas guns can be inconsistent, especially as the gas pressure drops with each shot.
Temperature Sensitivity (especially for Green Gas): In cold environments, the performance of gas guns (especially those using green gas) can be significantly reduced. This might lead to lower power and inconsistency.
Maintenance: Gas guns generally require more frequent maintenance than AEGs. Seals can dry out, and the propellant can cause wear on the internals.
Limited Ammo Capacity: Many gas magazines, especially those for pistols, have limited BB capacities compared to AEG high-capacity magazines. There are other ways to improve the bb capacity like using an HPA to M4 Magazine Adapter.
Potential for Gas Leaks: Over time, seals and valves on gas magazines can wear out or become damaged, leading to gas leaks which can be quite annoying.
So there you have it. Electric vs Gas Airsoft Guns. Both have their highs and lows. Whether you prioritize realism, maintenance, cost, or performance, the choice is yours. Remember, in the world of airsoft, there’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s all about finding what resonates with your style and passion.