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Gas Blowback Handgun
Guide
By: Colonel Stinger
Last updated: 5/28/2001
Gas blowback weapons, commonly referred
to as GBBs, are the most realistic shooting airsoft guns. They use a liquid
form of gas stored in a reservoir (either inside a magazine or via an external
tank) to provide the power for the gun. In most GBB weapons a hammer falls when
the trigger is pulled, striking the gas release valve on the outside of the
magazine. A small amount of liquid is released which instantly turns into gas.
From this point, the gas is divided to propel the BB and blow the slide back.
Although the power and strength of the recoil depends on the type of gas used,
the force of the recoil is usually compared to that of a .25 caliber handgun.
So, the recoil isn't tremendous, but is enough to make shooting fun and realistic.
The world of GBBs can be very confusing to someone new to the sport of airsoft.
There are many gasses, different manufacturers, and much to know about general
maintenance, all of which I hope to explain later in this guide.
Gas is the source of power behind gas blowback weapons. Although there are
many gasses of different compositions, the two most popular gasses are Japanese
HFC134a and Taiwanese green gas. Japanese gas or HFC134a is the lowest powered
gas and is meant for use in Japanese GBBs. HFC134a can be found at online retailers
for between $16-$20 a can. HFC134a is also chemically the same as 1,1,1,2 Tetrafluoroethane
or duster gas. Duster gas, also known as PC duster, or keyboard cleaner can
be found at almost any electronic store or office supply store. It can be bought
for $3 - $10 per can depending on the store. Certain adapters must be made to
transfer the gas from the duster can to the magazine. Some make jury-rigged
devices that suit their purposes, but Tactical Air Sports sells an adapter that
slips over the top of the duster can for 2 for $5 plus shipping. The only difference
between Japanese gas and duster gas is that Japanese gasses contain lubricant
to maintain the internals of the GBB. However, this is easily remedied with
100% silicon oil sold at most hobby shops. Taiwanese gas, also known as green
gas is for use in Taiwanese GBBs. It has more power than HFC134a, which creates
stronger recoil and greater muzzle velocity. Many have easier access to green
gas, which costs around $15, and decide to use it in their Japanese GBBs. However,
this will greatly decrease the life of the gun. So, there is a trade off of
power for durability of the GBB. Other gasses include Red gas, and Black gas
(possibly a rumor). These gasses are for die-hard airsofters who either have
highly upgraded guns, or are wealthy enough not to care about the condition
of their weapons. Hopefully, I have cleared up some questions and misconceptions
about airsoft gasses.
There are many manufacturers of airsoft
gas blowback weapons. These manufacturers each have qualities that make their
products worth owning, and there is really no manufacturer that can be said
to be better than all others. Tokyo Marui, famous for its automatic electronic
guns (AEGs) also produces GBBS. They make excellent beginner GBBs, and can be
found at decent prices. KSC and Maruzen are well-developed companies, and our
known for their quality GBBs. Western Arms and Tanaka are higher in quality,
and therefore are higher in price too. KWC and Kuan Ju Works (KJW) are the higher
quality Taiwanese GBBs. KWC has two grades of GBBs regular/lightweight and super/heavyweight.
Stick to the super/heavyweight line up, as they are the best-built KWC guns.
KJW is another Taiwanese manufacturer that is said to use Japanese parts in
their guns while being assembling them in Taiwan. Just remember that every manufacturer
has its advantages, disadvantages and design flaws. The best thing to do is
decide on a type of gun instead of limiting oneself to a certain manufacturer.
Maintenance and care of gas blowbacks can be confusing, so here is a list of
things to remember.
1. Do NOT use Taiwanese green gas in stock Japanese GBBs. If Taiwanese gas
is used in Japanese GBBs, metal slides and upgraded valves should be installed.
Also, when installing a metal slide the extra weight of it may make it necessary
to use Taiwanese gas to provide crisp blowback.
2. When using duster gas, remember to put a few drops of 100% pure silicon
oil in the magazine fill valve before filling it with duster gas.
3. It is usually a good idea to keep the hop-up on a GBB well oiled to prevent
the BBs from rolling out of the barrel, and keep the GBBs range and accuracy.
4. Be careful with GBBs, and buy a good holster that covers the gun. Although
some have been known to take complete submersion in water, others are very sensitive
to dirt.
5. After every skirmish, completely disassemble the gun, clean off dirt from
the internals and apply oil to all moving parts and all places the gas will
come in contact with (if using duster gas)
6. If Taiwanese gas is to be used in Japanese GBBs but the durability of a
gun is an issue, try mixing Taiwanese gas with duster gas. This is easily done
by filling some of the magazine with one gas, then filling the rest with the
other.
7. Only use 100% silicon oil when oiling GBBs. Do not use petroleum based oil.
It can warp the rubber seals and cause problems with the internals and the gun's
performance.
Writer's Picks:
Field Usability: KSC Glock18C
Best Beginner GBB: Tokyo Marui M9 or KSC Glock 17
Durability: KWC "Super" M92F Beretta
Power: Western Arms Infinity and Western Arms limited production models (CQB,
TAC, and SpeedComp)
Cosmetics: All Western Arms guns have excellent cosmetics and features.
A special thanks to all those who have been my source of knowledge for GBBs.
Especially DumboRAT, 888(Spasman), Jinnx, and all others whom I have learned
from.
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