If you’re looking for a new airsoft gun, you might be wondering whether you should choose a gas or electric model.
When it comes to gas vs electric airsoft guns, there are pros and cons to both types. It can be tough to decide which type of airsoft gun is right for you.
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of gas and electric airsoft guns, so that you can make an informed decision about which type of airsoft gun is best for you!
Gas or Electric Airsoft Guns?
We all know what’s an airsoft gun but let’s take a closer look at both gas and electric guns. Let’s dive deeper into what they exactly are and how they work and see how they really differ from each other.
Gas Airsoft Guns
Gas powered airsoft guns use compressed gas (usually CO2 or green gas) to shoot the BBs. The gas is stored in a canister, usually within the magazine of the gun. When you pull the trigger, gas is released from the canister and propels the BB out of the gun with force.
Electric Airsoft Guns (AEG)
Electric airsoft guns or AEG for short, use a battery to power a motor, which in turn spins a series of gears. The gears compress a spring, which is released when the trigger is pulled, firing the pellet.
How Do Gas and Electric Airsoft Guns Differ?
Power
The main difference between gas and electric airsoft guns is their power. Gas powered airsoft guns are generally more powerful than electric airsoft guns, as they use pressurized gas to propel the BBs. Electric airsoft guns, on the other hand, rely on a battery-powered motor to spin the gears and compress the spring.
Realism
Another difference between gas and electric airsoft guns is the level of realism. Gas powered guns tend to be more realistic, as they can simulate recoil and blowback when fired. Electric airsoft guns do not usually have this feature, as they are powered by a motor rather than compressed gas.
Weather and temperature
Gas powered airsoft guns tend to be more affected by weather and temperature than electric airsoft guns, as they rely on gas to propel BBs. In cold weather, the gas can become less effective as it won’t expand as much as in warmer weather.
Now for AEGs, cold weather doesn’t really affect the performance of electric airsoft guns as it does for gas powered ones. This makes it ideal for winter use which might be a big advantage if you plan to play in colder climates.
The only weather condition that can affect electric airsoft guns is rain or moisture which can make the battery malfunction or short circuit.
Maintainance
When it comes to maintenance electric airsoft guns are easier to maintain than gas powered ones. As they don’t require any gas refills or so thorough cleaning, all you need to do is make sure the battery is charged and the gun is overall clean.
Gas powered airsoft guns, on the other hand, require a lot more maintenance. You’ll need will need to clean a gas powered gun pretty much after each game while for AEG you should clean it every few games.
Although both guns do require you to clean and lubricate the gears, springs, and other moving parts regularly.
Also, when it comes to different problems and malfunctions, it’s gonna be a lot more difficult to pinpoint what is wrong with your gas powered airsoft gun compared to electric ones.
Although electric airsoft guns have a complex inner system that is composed of many different parts and can seem difficult at first, it’s actually a lot easier to find errors and malfunctions. And it’s definitely easier to fix them.
Customizability
When it comes to customizability, electric airsoft guns are way ahead of gas powered ones. They have a wide range of aftermarket parts that can be used to enhance their performance and customize them according to your needs.
There are different gearboxes, springs, and other parts available for these guns that can drastically improve their FPS, how far these guns shoot, and their overall performance.
Price
When it comes to price electric guns are usually a lot cheaper than gas powered ones, depending on the brand and model.
Electric airsoft guns can cost anywhere from $50, with an average somewhere around 200-300 dollars, while decent gas powered guns usually start at around $200 and can go up to $700 or more.
Recurring costs
When it comes to recurring costs, gas powered airsoft guns are more expensive. You’ll need to constantly buy new gas for the,m which can quickly add up in the long run.
Electric airsoft guns don’t require any gas refills or so, since they’re powered by a battery that needs to be recharged. As long as you take proper care of your battery and keep it charged, you won’t need to worry about any additional costs for your electric airsoft gun.
Gas vs Electric Airsoft Guns: The Pros and Cons
We went over the main differences between gas and electric airsoft guns, so let’s now take a look at the pros and cons of each type.
| Gas powered airsoft guns | Electric airsoft guns | |
| Pros | – In general, they are more powerful and offer a higher FPS than electric airsoft guns. – Gas airsoft guns have a greater accuracy. – They can shoot farther than electric guns. – Gas airsoft guns have a greater rate of fire. – They are capable of shooting semi-auto and fully automatic. – They are more realistic and can have a blowback mechanism and some recoil. – Magazines are more realistic as they offer a real-world like capacity. | – They are cheaper than gas powered airsoft guns. – Easy to maintain and clean. – Require no gas refills or any additional costs. – Great for beginners because they are cheaper and more reliable. – More customizability options. – Easier to troubleshoot and fix. – AEG guns have a good rate of fire. – Cold weather doesn’t really affect them. – High-capacity magazines. |
| Cons | – Gas airsoft guns can be more expensive. – Cold weather can affect the performance of your gas-powered gun. – They require regular maintenance and cleaning. – Gas guns require gas refills which can be costly in the long run. – It’s harder to troubleshoot and fix. – Fever customizability options. – Louder than electric guns. – They aren’t ideal for beginners. | – They are less powerful than gas powered guns. – They have a shorter range and accuracy than gas powered guns. – Replacing the battery could be costly. – Don’t offer the same level of realism as gas powered guns. – Usually don’t have a blowback option. – Because the system has a lot of parts, they can break more easily. – Moisture can affect the performance of your gun. |
How to Choose Between a Gas and an Electric Airsoft Gun?
When it comes down to choosing an airsoft gun, it’s important to keep in mind that different guns are better suited for certain types of players and the choice should be made based on your needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a gun that is realistic and powerful, then a gas-powered airsoft gun may be a good choice. They offer a better accuracy and range, they have a greater rate of fire, and they are more realistic.
if you are a beginner or on a budget, then an electric airsoft gun is the way to go. They are cheaper and require no gas refills or additional costs. They also have a good rate of fire and a higher capacity magazine.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to what type of player you are, and what type of gun fits your needs the best.
All-In-All Are Gas or Electric Airsoft Guns Better?
Both gas and electric airsoft guns have their own unique pros and cons, so it’s really hard to say which one is better. It all boils down to your individual needs and preferences.
For experienced players and those who are looking for a more realistic gun, then gas powered airsoft guns are the way to go. For beginners or those on a budget, then electric airsoft guns are the better option.
So, which one is right for you? It’s up to you to decide. Just make sure that whichever one you choose, it fits your needs and preferences the best.
Also check out our review on the best airsoft guns to guide you on your purchase decision!
Good luck and have fun!
