One of the thrills of playing Airsoft is shooting guns that are almost identical to the real thing. When I bought my first Airsoft Pistol, I was so excited. It felt so good to hold this replica gun in my hand. I loaded it quickly and began firing BB’s in the back garden.
Then something occurred to me, something didn’t quite feel right. What was it about this pistol I was holding that made it feel fake? Then it hit me, the slide wasn’t recoiling. I tried everything. It turns out I had bought a non-blowback pistol when I should have bought a blowback pistol. Not something I was aware of at the time. So what is blowback?
Blowback in Airsoft is a mechanical action where the slide on a pistol slides backwards and then forward to replicate the feel and movement of a real gun. This is known as recoil. The same applies to Airsoft rifles only these use bolts instead of slides.
As you may have guessed, there are Airsoft guns with or without blowback. And to make choosing a gun even harder, you have the option of buying a gas or electric version. So what is all this blowback about?
In this article, we will discuss what blowback is in airsoft, the different types of blowback systems, and the advantages and disadvantages of using a blowback airsoft gun.
What is Blowback in Airsoft?
Blowback in airsoft refers to the mechanical system used in airsoft guns to simulate the recoil effect experienced when firing a real firearm. This system is designed to replicate the recoil and slide movement of a real gun, providing a more realistic shooting experience.
When a blowback airsoft gun is fired, the gas or spring-powered system creates a burst of air that propels the BB out of the barrel and creates the recoil effect.
There are two types of blowback systems used in airsoft guns: gas blowback and electric blowback.
Gas Blowback
Gas blowback is the most common type of blowback system used in airsoft guns. These guns are powered by a compressed gas, such as CO2 or green gas, which is stored in a magazine or reservoir. When the gun is fired, the gas is released, creating a burst of air that propels the BB out of the barrel and creates the recoil effect.
Gas blowback systems are popular because they provide a realistic shooting experience, with the recoil and slide movement closely resembling that of a real gun. They are also highly customizable, with many aftermarket parts available to enhance their performance and appearance.
However, gas blowback guns have some disadvantages. They are more expensive than non-blowback guns, and the cost of gas can add up over time. They also require more maintenance, as the gas system needs to be regularly cleaned and lubricated to prevent malfunctions.
Electric Blowback
Electric blowback is a newer type of blowback system used in airsoft guns. These guns are powered by an electric motor that drives a piston and creates the recoil effect. When the gun is fired, the piston moves back and forth, simulating the recoil and slide movement of a real gun.
Electric blowback systems are popular because they are more affordable than gas blowback guns and require less maintenance. They also have a higher rate of fire, as the electric motor can cycle the gun faster than a gas system.
However, electric blowback guns have some disadvantages. They are less realistic than gas blowback guns, as the recoil and slide movement are not as pronounced. They also have a lower level of customization, as there are fewer aftermarket parts available for electric blowback guns.
What Are The Advantages of Blowback Airsoft Guns?
Realistic Shooting Experience
One of the biggest advantages of blowback airsoft guns is that they provide a more realistic shooting experience. The recoil and slide movement of a blowback gun closely resemble that of a real gun, making it a more immersive and satisfying experience for the shooter.
Improved Accuracy
Blowback airsoft guns also provide improved accuracy, as the recoil effect helps to stabilize the gun and reduce recoil-induced errors. This makes it easier for the shooter to maintain a steady aim and make accurate shots.
Higher Rate of Fire
Blowback airsoft guns also have a higher rate of fire than non-blowback guns, as the recoil effect helps to cycle the gun faster. This can be an advantage in fast-paced airsoft games, where a high rate of fire can give the shooter an edge over their opponents.
What Are The Disadvantages of Blowback Airsoft Guns?
Higher Cost
One of the main disadvantages of blowback airsoft guns is that they tend to be more expensive than non-blowback guns. This is because of the added complexity of the blowback system, as well as the need for a more robust build quality to withstand the increased stress of recoil.
Higher Maintenance Requirements
Another disadvantage of blowback airsoft guns is that they require more maintenance than non-blowback guns. The moving parts of the blowback system need to be regularly cleaned and lubricated to prevent malfunctions and ensure smooth operation. This can be time-consuming and requires a higher level of technical knowledge than maintaining a non-blowback gun.
Lower Magazine Capacity
Blowback airsoft guns tend to have a lower magazine capacity than non-blowback guns. This is because the space in the magazine is taken up by the gas reservoir or the electric motor, leaving less room for BBs. This can be a disadvantage in longer airsoft games, where a larger magazine capacity can be a significant advantage.
Tips for How To Use Blowback Airsoft Guns
If you do choose to use a blowback airsoft gun, there are a few tips and best practices that can help you get the most out of your shooting experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Use High-Quality BBs
Blowback airsoft guns are designed to provide a more realistic shooting experience, and using high-quality BBs can help ensure that the gun operates smoothly and accurately. Cheap or low-quality BBs can jam the gun or cause it to misfire, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous.
2. Regularly Clean and Lubricate Your Gun
As mentioned earlier, blowback airsoft guns require more maintenance than non-blowback guns. Regularly cleaning and lubricating your gun can help prevent malfunctions and ensure that it operates smoothly.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance, and don’t be afraid to seek help from a more experienced airsoft player if you’re not sure what to do.
3. Practice Proper Safety Procedures
Like all airsoft guns, blowback guns can cause serious injury if not used properly. Always wear appropriate eye and face protection when shooting, and make sure that anyone else in the area is also wearing protective gear. Never shoot at animals, people, or anything else that could be damaged or harmed by the BBs. And always follow local laws and regulations governing airsoft gun use.
4. Adjust Your Shooting Style
Blowback airsoft guns provide a more realistic shooting experience than non-blowback guns, and that includes the recoil effect. To get the most out of your gun, you may need to adjust your shooting style slightly to account for the recoil. Practice shooting at targets at different distances to get a feel for how the gun handles, and adjust your aim and technique accordingly.
5. Experiment with Different Gas Types (For Gas Blowback Guns)
If you’re using a gas blowback airsoft gun, you may find that different types of gas can affect the gun’s performance. Experiment with different types of gas to find the one that works best for your gun and shooting style. Some gases may provide a higher rate of fire, while others may provide a more consistent shot velocity or better accuracy.
What Is The Difference Between Blowback and Non Blowback Guns In Airsoft?
As I’ve mainly talked about blowback guns, you’re probably wondering what’s the difference between blowback and non-blowback guns. Well, here you are:
A blowback airsoft gun uses the force of the airsoft gun’s gas or electric-powered mechanism to move the slide or bolt back and forth with each shot, mimicking the recoil action of a real firearm. This provides a more realistic shooting experience, with the slide or bolt moving back and forth, and the gun making a distinct noise with each shot.
However, this type of action requires more gas or battery power, resulting in a slightly lower FPS (feet per second) compared to non-blowback airsoft guns.
On the other hand, a non-blowback airsoft gun does not have a moving slide or bolt, and instead uses a simpler internal mechanism to fire the BB. This type of gun is typically more efficient, with higher FPS and longer battery or gas life, as there is no energy being used to move the slide or bolt. However, the shooting experience is less realistic, as there is no recoil or noise made with each shot.
Conclusion
Blowback airsoft guns provide several advantages over non-blowback guns, including a more realistic shooting experience, improved accuracy, and a higher rate of fire. However, they also have several disadvantages, including higher cost, higher maintenance requirements, and lower magazine capacity.
Ultimately, the choice between a blowback and non-blowback airsoft gun comes down to personal preference and intended use. If realism and immersion are important to you, and you are willing to invest in a higher-quality gun and spend more time on maintenance, then a blowback gun may be the right choice. If you are more focused on affordability and ease of use, then a non-blowback gun may be a better fit.
