CO2 Cartridges

CO2 cartridges (also referred to as: c02 cartridges, co-2 cartridges, or CO 2 cartridges) are built to store compressed air for repeated shots. No pumping or filling is needed. A Co2 cartridge is usually 12 grams of pressurized CO2 gas, but there are larger, more expensive models. These use refillable reservoirs like the ones found in paintball markers.

A Co2 cartridge typically provides 30 to 200 shots, depending on the gun and environmental conditions. The first 10 shots from a new bottle are usually consistent, with subsequent shots losing power. A 12-gram CO2 cartridge may only give you between 20-30 good shots before you must let it warm up a bit and then take other shots. Some air guns powered by CO2 can deliver more shots but will take longer to cool down. An 88-90-gram CO2 tank allows shooters to enjoy a rapid-fire but will have to wait for it to warm up again before letting off more rapid-fire shots. Some manufacturers still make 12-gram size tanks but offer a dual canister. The result is that you will fire more than a single 12-gram cartridge would.

Co2 cartridges are also convenient and easy to carry. They also produce very great accuracy in higher-quality models. Still, since Co2 rifles are not self-contained internal air, velocities can sag when the temperature gets colder.

With the inexpensive Co2 cartridge and ammunition, the Co2 platform is popular for training. They can also be purchased and owned in areas where firearm possession is controlled or banned. Because they are so easy to shoot and cock, producing very little recoil, a Co2 powered air gun is a perfect choice for a shooter of any experience.