The gas airsoft gun shoots BB and pellet ammunition using a compressed gas cartridge. The gas used in the powerful gas gun is low temperature CO2, environmentally safe Freon (HFC134A or HFC22), Green Gas or Red Gas. They can shoot BB's exceeding 400 feet/second. They are purchased predominantly by gun collectors and simulation war game enthusiasts. Airsoft guns were created in the 1980's to be used by gun enthusiasts who could not purchase an actual gun and within the last 10 years have made their way into North America with interest growing yearly.

The appeal of gas airsoft guns is their near exactness to that of actual gun models, and gun collectors who couldn't buy the real thing purchase these replicas as a substitute. The weights are often matched, as are the insignias and casing texture. The only difference between the airsoft guns and the real ones other than the firing mechanism is the bright orange tip.

Gas powered airsoft guns are the most like their real counterparts in that the GBB(gas blowback) models use the compressed gas to recoil the top of the firing mechanism, giving the gun the feel of an actual backfiring. If you desire to have the power of a real gun in your hand without worrying about the legalities of owning one, buy a gas gun and take out some soda cans or sign up for a simulated war game using full body gear. The sport of gun fighting is growing, and gas powered airsoft guns offer the ultimate experience.