Co2 Patented Over 100 Years Ago
Co2 has been around for over a hundred years. Paul Giffard began exploring the idea of an air/gas powered projectile launcher in the 1860’s, the actual patent for the first Co2 gun wasn’t achieved until the 1880’s. Like I said Co2 has been around for a very long time.
The ability to shoot bb’s like the Air Venturi Steel BBs or pellets like the JSB Match .177 Wadcutters powered by a Air Venturi Co2 Cartridge opens the door for everybody to head to the range for some good old plinking or training. The cartridge, once empty, can be removed and replaced with a full one. No need for expensive fill sources. It’s been extremely popular for plinkers world wide and useful for more serious applications.
- Teaching firearm safety to new shooters and/or children.
- Firearm training; proper hold, trigger pull, sight acquisition.
- Training for life like scenarios.
Sometime There Are Limits
Though it’s a great platform, like most everything, it does have its cons. There are some things about Co2 that can limit the performance or the shooting opportunities. It is extremely sensitive to temperature, the optimal temps to operate are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Not too many places stay in that range for long.
What happens if the temperature isn’t ideal? Shooting your Strike Industries ARK Co2 BB Pistol, (or any other Co2 powered airgun) when it’s too cold, can lead to reduced power, possible jamming, poor performance and a lower shot count. In extreme heat the Co2 can cause problems like possible valve failure or even cartridge explosions.
Introducing NitroAir
Enough about Co2, it’s been a great application for a very long time and continues to be used within its limitations. There’s a new kid in town, the Nitro Air Cartridge. Umarex released a new air rifle called the Komplete NitroAir Rifle that acts like a pcp without the heavy entry costs. The only thing you need to operate this air rifle is the Nitro Air Cartridges, an allen wrench, and JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 18.13 Pellets.
What Are The Advantages?
Why is this different from Co2? You may not know unless you’re a scientist or have a knowledge of gases. Though Co2 may not hit the wallet as hard as nitrogen will, let me explain why NitroAir is a great option.
- It offers greater and consistent power like a PCP.
- Better accuracy at greater distances.
- Is not temperature sensitive.
- The NitroAir cartridge can stay in the air rifle indefinitely without affecting its performance.
Lightweight Cartridge
Why not just get a pcp? Though the NitroAir can add up, the impact on a wallet is a lesser hit at once than the entry cost of entering into the pcp world. A pro to consider if you’re small game hunting, you’ll get about 50 shots per cartridge and when it’s depleted, the storage of an 8 oz cartridge is not asking much. Just remove the empty and replace it with the full one, and just like that you’re ready for another fifty shots!
No need to pack up large air tanks, hand pumps, or portable compressors! No need to check the temperature before you head out to the range, the woods, or the backyard! Welcome to the market NitroAir! Will it replace Co2? What do you think?
