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CO2
CO2 is a propellant gas used in air guns and airsoft guns. CO2 cartridges weighing 12 g contain liquefied carbon dioxide at roughly 850–900 PSI (58 bar) at 21 °C. Once the cartridge is punctured, the CO2 gradually evaporates and gas pressure drives the projectile through the barrel. You will find this system in both CO2 air rifles and CO2 pistols.
How a CO2 works
A standard 12 g steel cartridge is loaded into the gun’s grip or magazine. A piercing screw punctures the cartridge seal and gas enters the valve assembly. Each shot releases a short pulse of gas that propels the projectile.
A single 12 g cartridge delivers roughly 40–80 shots from a blowback pistol, 60–100 shots from a non-blowback pistol, and 30–50 shots from a rifle. The exact count depends on the gun’s design and ambient temperature.
Temperature has a strong effect on CO2 gun performance. Below 10 °C the cartridge pressure drops and muzzle velocity decreases. The ideal range is 16–32 °C. Rapid fire cools the cartridge (endothermic gas expansion), which temporarily lowers pressure. After a 12–15 second pause, performance recovers.
CO2 vs PCP
CO2 and PCP are two different pneumatic systems. The right choice depends on how you plan to shoot:
| Feature | CO2 | PCP |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Medium (up to about 16 J in air guns) | Higher (40+ J in more powerful models) |
| Shot consistency | Varies with falling pressure and temperature | Very stable (under 5 FPS spread with a regulator) |
| Convenience | Simple – just swap the cartridge | Requires a pump, tank, or compressor |
| Cost per shot | Higher (cartridge price / shot count) | Lower (compressed air is cheap) |
| Temperature sensitivity | Significant | Minimal |
CO2 works well for recreational shooting and training, where a quick cartridge swap with no extra gear is a clear advantage. PCP air rifles are a better fit for precision shooting at longer distances and hunting.