The Great Debate: Propane vs. Green Gas

I have aquired my first GBB (KWA m93r), and I am wondering which is better, Green Gas or Propane. I looked up the chemical coposition for Green Gas and it is F2 C3H8, while propane is C3H8. Most places say that propane is fine as long as the gun is lubricated. They even have these cool adapters that have reservoirs to put in oil. I need some opinions.

for all intents and purposes they are the same. i've found in my experience, green gas shoots a little harder, but it's basically propane with silicon in it.

Propane is much cheaper than green gas, which to me is the most important factor considering they perform almost exactly the same. You can go to walmart and pick up a $4 can of propane that will last you 5 times longer than a $20 bottle of green gas.

I myself however, have been delving into the world of alternative gases, some of which perform much better here in Colorado, with our unpredictable weather and temperatures. For example, using propylene (a gas intended for certain types of blow torches, still substantially cheaper than green gas) I was able to run a gas pistol all day in 20F degree weather with no issues due to cooldown. Inversely, at higher temps, the gases pressure will rise beyond the ratings of most airsoft guns and can blow out seals in your gun, so on days that I know will be warm, I still run propane. If you want me to bore you to death with all the detailed chemistry jargon explaining Ideal Gas Law and how it pertains to cool-down from rapid shooting and cold temperatures with different types of gasses, I'd be happy to 8)

FrogMan1171 wrote:Propane is much cheaper than green gas, which to me is the most important factor considering they perform almost exactly the same. You can go to walmart and pick up a $4 can of propane that will last you 5 times longer than a $20 bottle of green gas.

I myself however, have been delving into the world of alternative gases, some of which perform much better here in Colorado, with our unpredictable weather and temperatures. For example, using propylene (a gas intended for certain types of blow torches, still substantially cheaper than green gas) I was able to run a gas pistol all day in 20F degree weather with no issues due to cooldown. Inversely, at higher temps, the gases pressure will rise beyond the ratings of most airsoft guns and can blow out seals in your gun, so on days that I know will be warm, I still run propane. If you want me to bore you to death with all the detailed chemistry jargon explaining Ideal Gas Law and how it pertains to cool-down from rapid shooting and cold temperatures with different types of gasses, I'd be happy to 8)

No I know exactly where you are coming from, thank you AP Chemistry, since there is more moles of gas in propylene it is able to contain a higher pressure at lower temperatures, however at higher temps it becomes too large. But I was searching the web when I came across a KWA forum where this question is asked, in response the staff posted this
"Green gas contain elements very much like Propane. However, it's not as simple as Propane + silicon.
On the other hand, the correct ratios of mixture is very important. You don't want it too much nor too little. Also, propane itself is bottled differently from regions to regions. Some maybe a little too much pressure. Thirdly, long term propane use leaves a nasty residue in the gun and it effects the operation of the gun. I know it's cheap, but it's more trouble than it's worth in the long run." (http://www.kwausa.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3293&st=0).
Do you agree?

Same can be said with green gas. Its one of the facts of owning a gas pistol thta you have to tear it down every now and then and give it a good cleaning to make sure you dont have excess build-ups like that

Ok, so how do you clean ot the magazine, do you take out the valve and scrub the inside of it?

I have also heard that propane use leaves a nasty residue in the gun and it effects the operation of the gun. (I read this from KWA
technical forums, like yourself.) As KWA has no investment in green gas (that i know of) I don't see why they would lead people astray. I would believe it and assume that green gas has less of a build up issue in GBB guns. Miner is right that all GBB guns need a good disassembly and cleaning to maintain best performance and overall endurance. He will be at Throwdown and I hope he will
instruct us both on how to best clean and maintain our guns. We will have tables for this very reason so it should be a decent field strip
location. Plus you two Chem. heads can explain some of the reasoning to a simple fella like myself.

TheRedThreat wrote:I have also heard that propane use leaves a nasty residue in the gun and it effects the operation of the gun. (I read this from KWA
technical forums, like yourself.)

based on my experience, neither leaves any kind of residue. i put about 50 mags worth of propane through my old TM 1911, and i have been using nothing but green gas through my WE 1911, and never experienced any kind of buildup or residue gumming up any of the works. granted, i usually field strip and clean them every couple weeks.

i can't imagine either leaving any residue through regular use.


so i guess the lesson is "maintain your weapon

So I ordered a propane adapter with silicone oil reservoir, I will start using it, and routinely clean my gun. I eagerly await throwdown, and learning more from a fellow chem geek.