[prickett]

I'm considering going airsoft and see that you have a choice between spring and gas powered pistols. Most people seem to be buying gas guns. Are spring guns a viable option or are they just toys?

[dbarrym]

prickett, on Nov 16 2009, 07:53 PM, said:

I'm considering going airsoft and see that you have a choice between spring and gas powered pistols. Most people seem to be buying gas guns. Are spring guns a viable option or are they just toys?

For IDPA/USPSA etc. practice, the spring guns are toys at best. They are single shot, requiring a manual 'recocking' for each pull of the trigger. Gas guns are semi-auto and operate much like a regular semi-auto firearm.

If you just want to practice drawing from a holster, a spring gun would be OK, I guess......

Barry

[Tzygä]

Yes, gas guns are way to go!

[CC712400]

Four types:
GBB
NBB
AEP
Spring

AEP's (automatic electric pistols) are also out on the market, and are generally cheaper than their counterparts in GBB (gas blow back). AEP's have unrealistic magazines, and NO recoil (less than even spring pistols, in my experience). That said, they are VIABLE (though certainly not preferable) as alternatives to gas-powered guns.

If you have family with extreme sensitivity to propane, or don't have appropriate ventilation, then AEP's are an alternative. If at all possible though, go with gas.

[thepossible]

It's possible to use co2 shell, it doesn't smell.