What is Green Gas Airsoft?

While green gas is commonly used in BB guns (air guns that shoot plastic BBs) and pellet guns (air guns that shoot small metal pellets), green gas airsoft guns are becoming increasingly popular. The main reason for this is because they run on green gas, which is compressed propane, instead of electricity. This means that they don’t need a battery or any other outside source of energy to function. This makes a green gas airsoft gun truly self-sufficient, since it doesn’t rely on outside power to operate.

So, what is green gas airsoft? Green gas is commonly used for firing gas-powered airsoft guns. It is a propane, silicone lubricant mixture with scent added and is not green in color. It typically comes in 8-ounce cans.

There are many reasons green gas is preferable in airsoft play. However, different airsoft guns may use other types of gas, including CO2 and less common red and black gas. There are pros and cons to each.

Green Gas Airsoft 101

Green gas is commonly used in gas-powered airsoft guns. It is a high-pressure gas and is an excellent performer, including speed, accuracy, durability, and impact. It is higher performing and therefore recommended for use by intermediate and professional players. 

Green-gas-powered guns are the most realistic, and therefore most often preferred by military and law enforcement for training and simulations. They must be operated as real guns to be used properly.  

An 8-ounce can of green gas can fill 50 magazines and fire approximately 1500 pellets. It also comes in cartridges that can fill 2.5 magazines each. Cartridges and cans are two different mechanisms for holding green gas, and the price reflects the different sizes. 

Green gas is simply propane. Refillable tanks are also available and can be refilled with regular camping propane. However, lubricant will need to be added periodically if you choose to go this route.  

Overall, green gas lasts longer and is therefore much better in competition but is not as efficient in cold weather, resulting in lower velocities. 

It should be stored in the garage, preferably by a window, as it is pressurized. If it leaks, being near a window will help vent it. However, keeping it out of direct sunlight is essential as the heat can further pressurize it, potentially resulting in an explosion (although the likelihood is low). 

Green gas costs around $12-17 per can. If you choose to buy in bulk, it can be around as little as $7-8 per can. While it can be slightly more expensive than CO2, there are substantially fewer maintenance costs on your airsoft gun when using green gas. 

CO2 Airsoft

CO2 is carbon dioxide. It is a higher power than green gas, making it better for colder regions. The velocity can be adjusted but typically shoots around 400 VPS. 

It typically comes in 12g capsules or cartridges rather than cans and can be found online or in airsoft gun stores. The average cost is around $1/cartridge. A cartridge lasts about 2.5 magazines, making it slightly less expensive than green gas. However, your gun’s maintenance costs when using CO2 are much higher. CO2 does not contain a lubricant, and the higher velocity results in your gun breaking down much faster than with green gas. 

CO2 magazines don’t have an internal reservoir, so the cartridges have to be changed out every time they run out. However, there is no way to know the gas level. This can result in waste since it’s preferable to change a cartridge out before it runs out. Changing the cartridge can also be time-consuming and not desirable when in the middle of a game.

As with green gas, you should store CO2 safely in a garage or outbuilding. 

Red or Black Gas for Airsoft Guns

A less common type of gas is red or black gas.

These gases are not recommended for regular use. Like green gas, these are just propane gas but are much more compressed, resulting in a higher velocity. It is excellent for frigid temperatures as it can increase FPS by 40%. However, it should not be used in warm weather conditions as the higher FPS makes it too powerful, making it dangerous.

Red and black gas are much more difficult to find to purchase. Airsoft gun stores are the best place to search.

So, is a Green Gas Airsoft Gun in Your Future?

Some high-quality guns can switch between CO2 and green gas. However, it is recommended you check your warranty and gun specifications to ensure your particular gun can handle it.

How long either gas type lasts depends on the kind of gun, size of the magazine, gas capacity, and ambient temperature.

Cold weather is often considered when determining which type of gas to use; however, both CO2 and green gas will lose pressure if temperatures reach over 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).