Blowback System – do you know what it is and what its importance is?
Are you familiar with the Blowback system? If you haven’t heard of it yet, you have definitely seen it in action. We’re referring to the recoil movement of the internal mechanisms of a firearm that ejects the spent casing from the chamber. But what about the importance of blowback? Do you know what it is and its significance in the shooting experience?
These are many questions, and in today’s article, we will answer them all! We will provide you with clarification and explain everything you need to know about this innovative system found in various firearms: what it is, how it works, the different types that exist, and more.
Blowback System – what is it?
If you enjoy action movies, you may have noticed that during shootouts, there are scattered casings on the ground. This happens because of the Blowback system, which expels the cartridges through an ejection chamber.
Blowback is an operating technique in firearms that eliminates the need for locking the breech. Due to the expansion of gases from the cartridge’s explosion inside the barrel of the firearm, the bolt is propelled backward, and the recoil spring absorbs the energy.
These mechanisms cause the bolt to return forward, thereby chambering a new cartridge.
This innovation first appeared in the Thompson submachine gun, the American Tommy Gun. This firearm was revolutionary due to its rate of fire, which was made possible thanks to this technique.
Why is Blowback system so important?
Airsoft equipment does not have an expendable part, making it impossible to have this system effectively functioning. Therefore, when it is applied, the guns do not actually have the system, but they imitate it perfectly, making the shooting experience more realistic.
Sport shooting is a sport with many facets and some complexity, and each shooter has a factor or aspect they appreciate in the sport. However, there is one thing they can all agree on: the more realistic the environment and equipment, the better! Therefore, if you value the realism of the shooting experience, a firearm with this integrated function is an option to seriously consider.
How does the Blowback system work?
You already know that blowback is a mechanism used in gas-powered airsoft guns that mimics the strong bolt recoil during a shootout, enhancing realism. But do you know how it works?
Each gas-powered airsoft pistol is fueled by expanding gases. Part of these gases is utilized by the blowback system, causing the bolt to cycle back due to the bolt valves. With each shot, the gas is expelled from the reservoir into the barrel and then into the piston in the slide of the airsoft pistol, generating the recoil. Firearms utilize a very similar mechanism, but in that case, the gas is produced by the ignition of gunpowder.
The different Blowback systems
Simple Blowback
The most basic and well-known is the Simple Blowback, which can also be referred to as direct or pure system, commonly found in automatic pistols and submachine guns with low power and lightweight projectiles, where it is more practical. Due to the required weight of the bolt, blowback system designs are generally limited to lower calibers.
High-powered cartridges require heavier bolts to prevent premature opening of the breech. However, beyond a certain power level, the bolt becomes too heavy to be practical. Firearms using ammunition that generates higher pressures during firing are generally considered unsuitable for this system.
Delayed Blowback
Delayed Blowback is very similar to simple Blowback, but in this case, it can be applied to firearms with higher firing pressures. The delayed Blowback system is also more suitable when the goal is a lighter mechanism than the simple Blowback design.
In delayed Blowback, the bolt is not fully locked but initially held in position, sealing the cartridge in the chamber through mechanical resistance. There are three types of delayed Blowback: lever-delayed, roller-delayed, gas-delayed, and blowback-delayed by a primer.
Here are some of the best firearms with this integrated system.
ASG CZ 75 BLOWBACK FULL METAL pistol
ASG CZ75 Pistol
ASG continues to impress. The ASG CZ75 is possibly one of the most realistic CO2 pistols available. It features a CO2 valve system activated by the hammer, a single-action trigger with safety, a firing velocity of 100 m/s, and a Weaver Picatinny rail under the barrel for attaching a laser or flashlight if desired. It includes a magazine for 17 4.50mm steel BBs.
- Weight: 950 grams
- Total Length: 210 mm
- Number of shots per 12g CO2 cartridge (approx.): 40
- You will need to purchase BB ammunition and a 12g CO2 cartridge in order to use your firearm.
Gamo CO2 Pistol
The Gamo PT-85 CO2 pistol incorporates an innovative system, transforming it into a semi-automatic weapon with the shooting effect of a real firearm. This pistol developed by Gamo includes a dual magazine system, allowing for 2X8 consecutive shots.
- Weight: 700 grams
- Total Length: 196 mm
- Number of shots per 12g CO2 cartridge (approx.): 50
- You will need to purchase 4.5mm ammunition and a 12g CO2 cartridge in order to use your firearm.
- This pistol can shoot any type of 4.5mm pellets as long as they do not exceed the normal weight (0.50g) and do not have any type of coating.
Blowback – Yes or No?
Blowback is an optional feature in airsoft equipment that is up to you to decide whether you want it or not in a firearm. It is not as essential as, for example, sights that determine the accuracy of your shots, so choosing an airsoft pistol equipped with blowback is a matter of personal preference. If you are a less experienced shooter, strong recoil can actually decrease your accuracy.
In the case of gas-powered airsoft pistols, the blowback system also increases your operational costs. This feature consumes a lot of gas, so you will likely need to reload more frequently. It’s easy to shoot through the entire magazine capacity with one charge, exponentially increasing the usage costs of your airsoft.
Blowback also becomes less efficient in low temperatures. In airsoft pistols equipped with blowback, the valve is more prone to getting stuck, resulting in the loss of all the gas during a single shot.
What do you think of blowback? Do you consider it an important element in the shooting experience? If you have any questions about how this system works, feel free to ask us! We are happy to clarify it for you.
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