When it comes to getting a sidearm to use, there are a lot of options. Among the many things to consider such as which pistol you like the feel of better, or which one is more accurate, there comes the question of propellant. Green Gas or CO2? Green Gas and CO2 work very similarly. Often used as a propellant for pistols, and sometimes for rifles, these gasses are stored in the magazine of the gun. When the trigger is pulled some of the gas is released into the nozzle causing the bb to shoot, and the gun to cycle.
Differences Between Green Gas and CO2
Now, while in the workings of the airsoft gun, both types of propellant function very similarly, there are actually quite a few differences in the gases themselves. Green Gas is essentially propane, with some silicone oil added in, and the smell removed. Most of the time Green Gas is purchased in prefilled Airsoft Green Gas cans. However, with the right adapter (found here), you can use regular propane cans, such as you would use to fuel a camping stove, to fill your magazines. Green Gas is stored in a bottle, pressurized to about 300 psi, and you can fill up magazines by charging them through the fill valve. Depending on your gun, you will get differing shots per fill up, as well as different shots per can.
CO2 on the other hand is just straight air. It is pressurized Carbon Dioxide, and contained in a small metal cylinder. There are several sizes of Co2 Cartridges available, the ones commonly used in airsoft guns are 12g Cartridges which are about the same size as your thumb. CO2 will have a pressure of about 12,000 psi. Just like green gas, the CO2 will go in the magazine. However, unlike green gas, the whole canister will go into the mag, you won’t fill up the magazine itself.
Benefits of Green Gas – Reliable, Affordable, Easy
There are many benefits of using both Green Gas and CO2. Some of the benefits of using green gas are that it is easier on the gun, more cost efficient, and is often easier to keep magazines full. Because Green Gas has a relatively low pressure compared to CO2, it will not be so stressful on your gun. Also, because it has silicone oil in it, it will partially lubricate your gun as you are firing. However, just because there is silicone oil in the gas doesn’t meant that you don’t have to clean your pistol properly. You still do.
Green Gas is also more cost efficient. Green Gas costs anywhere from $10-20 for a can, and depending on your gun, you can be getting more than 800 shots out of a can. Finally, because you can just top off the mag, many people find it easier to ensure you have a full mag when using Green Gas. So, Green Gas has some great advantages such as reliability of the weapon, being cost efficient, and ease of use. However, CO2 also has some great benefits as well.
Benefits of CO2 – Harder Kick, Faster FPS
CO2 also has some great benefits. While it is true that Green Gas is easier on the gun, and more affordable, that doesn’t mean that Co2 is worthless. CO2 is going to kick harder, shoot faster, and work better in colder temperatures. Due to it’s higher pressure, a CO2 powered pistol will kick much harder than a green gas weapon. Also due to the pressure, most CO2 pistols will have a higher FPS than their Green Gas counterparts. Finally, because of the self-contained cartridge design, Co2 will also function better at more extreme temperatures than Green Gas. CO2 cartridges will usually cost upwards of a dollar a cylinder, and usually get anywhere from 30-50 shots per cartridge.
The Ultimate Question – Which is a Better System?
Ultimately, if you’re reading this it’s probably because you want an answer. However, it will truly come down to personal preference, and what you like better. Do you value a reliable, affordable, and easy to use pistol? Then Green Gas is the way to go. We have lots of good Green Gas pistols available at a wide variety of prices. Some of the best that we have found are the Elite Force Glock Series. On the other hand, if what you are looking for in a pistol is a hard fun kick, and a powerful shot, then you might want to look at Co2. We like the ASG CZ P-09 for a fairly reliable and fun Co2 Pistol.
Let us know if you have any questions or comments, we love hearing feedback and helping our customers. We are always looking for ways to improve!
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