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Jun
08
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An airsoft pistol is a handgun that is a replica of a real pistol. By their designs, airsoft pistols can be powered by springs, electricity (supplied by batteries) or gas. These pistols are mostly used in close quarters battle (CQB) during airsoft exercises. This is because their range is shorter than that of rifles.
Spring-powered airsoft pistols can be fired in any situation, unlike battery and gas powered pistols. This is because they don’t rely on any external power source. In addition, water and cold do not affect spring-powered pistols like they do the other two types.
The construction of a spring-powered airsoft pistol is such that, to fire it, you must pull back the slide, which compresses the spring that is released when you pull the trigger. Therefore, this kind of airsoft pistol cannot be made as an automatic model.
An electric pistol, however, can be automatic or semi-automatic. It packs a battery (AA or AAA batteries), which powers the piston that compresses the spring mechanism that fires the pellet. Since this sequence can be cycled by the power from the battery, electric pistols can be fired repeatedly and immediately.
Due to restrictions in design, the firing mechanism and the battery have to fit into the handgrip of electric pistols, therefore, reducing the space available for the magazine. This is why these pistols never use full size magazines like gas-powered pistols. Compared to electric rifles, the need for smaller batteries and firing gear makes electric pistols only fit for close combat during airsoft play. However, compared to gas powered pistols, cold weather affects electric pistols even less.
For gas powered pistols to fire, the gas stored in them in liquid form needs heat to vaporize. This is why cold affects them significantly. The gases used in these pistols include carbon dioxide, ‘green gas’ or a mixture of nitrogen and compressed air. The pressurized gas propels the pellets out of the gun.
Gas powered airsoft pistols are used where size constraints make electric powered mechanisms impractical or when a blowback mechanism (e.g. recoil) is desired.
An airsoft pistol, whether spring-powered or driven by electric power or gas, offers its own advantages. It may not match the range of rifles but, at close quarters, its accuracy is high. It is light and dependable, and an essential part of your airsoft collection that can add enjoyment to your game.