How Do Electric Airsoft Guns Work?

As Airsoft has become increasingly popular, people have become more and more interested in understanding the mechanics behind these electric guns. Whether you're a beginner just getting into the hobby or an Airsoft aficionado who's been playing for years, a better knowledge of how electric airsoft guns work is sure to provide you with a greater appreciation for the sport, as well as give you an edge over the competition.

The Basics: AEG (Automatic Electric Gun) vs. GBB (Gas Blowback)

There are two primary types of electric airsoft guns: Automatic Electric Guns (AEGs) and Gas Blowbacks (GBBs). AEGs feature an electric motor and gearbox that facilitates semi-automatic, fully automatic, and even 3-shot burst firing models. GBBs, on the other hand, run on pressurized air or some type of gas, typically propane or green gas, to force pellets out of the barrel and create a realistic blowback action.

AEG Components

An AEG consists of four primary components: the body/frame, gearbox, motor, and hop-up system. The body or frame of an AEG electric gun consists of the plastic shell, consisting of the lower receiver, upper receiver, and any sights or accessories attached.

• Lower Receiver: Houses the magazine and trigger, as well as the motor and gearbox.
• Upper Receiver: Contains the barrel and hop-up system
• Sights and Accessories: Such as scopes and laser dots

Gearbox

The gearbox is the heart of an AEG. It contains various gears and other integral components, all of which work together to power the inner workings of the gun. At its most basic, the gearbox is responsible for poweringcompressing a piston, which compresses air, thus velocitizing and firing the pellet when the trigger is pulled.

Motor

The motor is responsible for providing the electric power that allows the AEG to fire. It receives electricity from a power source, most commonly an 8.4V or 9.6V NiMH or LiPo battery, which stores energy and delivers it to the motor when the trigger is pulled.

Hop-Up System

The hop-up system is responsible for imparting backspin onto the pellets that are fired, thus allowing them to travel farther and straighter down-range. The hop-up system is composed of a rubber O-ring which sits atop a metal hop-up arm.

Gas Blowback Basics

A gas blowback airsoft gun functions much in the same way as an AEG, with a few key differences. The most basic version of a GBB consists of a plastic shell, magazine, and a mechanism which propels the pellet forward.

Gas Storage and Firing

Gas blowback airsoft guns typically require a fuel source, most typically propane or green gas, which they store in the magazine. When the gun is fired, the gas is released and compressed into a small chamber, allowing a piston to drive the pellet out of the barrel.

Realistic Blowback Action

AGBs are ultimately intended to provide a realistic shooting experience. As such, they feature an action known as blowback which mimics the recoil and reloading action of a real firearm. As the gas is compressed and released, a piece of metal slams into the back of the bolt, giving the shooter a realistic kick.

Conclusion

Electricity and gases are two of the primary sources of power for airsoft guns, and understanding how they work is essential to understanding the sport. With an AEG, electric power drives a gearbox which compresses air, propelling the pellet out of the barrel. Gas blowback guns, meanwhile, use gas to generate an authentic recoil and reloading experience for the shooter. Understanding how electric airsoft guns work can afford you a greater appreciation for the sport, as well as give you an edge over the competition.

Brief Recap

Airsoft guns are powered by electricity, via an Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) system, and gases, via a Gas Blowback (GBB) system. AEGs use an electric motor and gearbox to compress air in order to fire the pellet. GBBs, meanwhile, use pressurized air or gas to drive the system, and feature a realistic blowback action when fired. Understanding both how these guns work and their differences can help an Airsoft player improve their game and gain a greater appreciation for the sport.