Tried & Tested: AI Propane Kit (GBB Oil)
User: Jack
Length of ownership: One Month
Usage: Gassing up 'mags and pistols
Cost: £15.00
Available from: All good airsoft retailers
I've seen people using propane for a while now, but was always put off by the fear that it would be somehow bad for my gun. However, with TWO large cans of Coleman propane costing a tenner from places like Mountain Warehouse and Cotswold Outdoor (or online fishing shops, where I found mine), the temptation to save a lot of money became overwhelming. The adaptor kit comes with a small bottle of silicone that you drip into the top of the gas can before screwing on the adaptor, a replacement nozzle in case you damage the one fitted, and a cap. Being nice and long, and made fo good quality plastic, the nozzle seats well into all my gas magus (Hi-Cappa, Glock, Detonics, M11A1, Mp9) and makes filling a simple job.
I've noticed no problems with my guns, besides a little bit more dirty build up in the barrels. I enjoy maintaining my kit, so the odd extra squirt of silicone to ensure the rubber parts stay soft, and a more regular clean is no problem for me. Having said that, when I do strip the guns, there are no signs that the silicone you add before using the gas isn't doing it's job.
As for power - I chronoed the gun with Cybergun Extreme (safe in the TM Glock even in the summer), propane and Guarder Powerful Gas (NOT safe in the glock in the summer!). Propane fell squarely between the two for velocity. I'll use this gas for all my guns now, as Airsoft Innovation's claims that Green Gas is just Propane with some silicone oil to weigh up. I'll still be a little careful with the Glock though (they have a tendency to blow the slide of if you use too powerful gas) until I've tested more.
Propane is also available from plumber's merchants (don't get the butane/propane mix), but I've found the Colman gas bottles fit a reat in an osprey water bottle pouch, so I'm sticking with them...