Description
Ace 1 Arms Ranch Boy I Gas Blowback Rifle
The Ace 1 Arms Ranch Boy I is a gas blowback airsoft rifle. Gas blowback rifles give you a moving bolt and real felt recoil with every shot, so they are about as close to the handling of a real rifle as airsoft gets, and they are great fun to shoot whether you are skirmishing or plinking at targets.
Ace 1 Arms is a maker of gas-operated replicas, and the Ranch Boy name suggests a light, handy rifle in the spirit of a farm or ranch rifle. We do not have a full manufacturer’s specification sheet for the Ranch Boy I, so we have kept this description to what we can confirm. Please look at the product images for the furniture, sights and finish, and contact us if you need a particular detail, such as the magazine capacity or gas type, before you order.
Gas blowback explained
In a gas blowback rifle, the magazine holds both the BBs and the gas. When you pull the trigger, a valve releases a burst of gas that sends the BB down the barrel and drives the bolt back, which loads the next BB and gives you recoil that you can feel. Every shot is a small mechanical event, and that is what makes gas blowback so satisfying to shoot.
Because the gas cools as it expands, gas replicas are affected by temperature. On warm days they are lively and consistent, while on cold days pressure falls and the action can slow. Keeping magazines in an inside pocket until you need them and swapping between magazines helps a great deal.
Handling and use
A gas blowback rifle rewards good technique. The kick of the bolt makes each shot feel deliberate, and there is a real sense of rhythm when you fire a string of shots at a target. It is an excellent way to practise trigger control and follow-through, because you can feel the action working and see where each shot lands.
On the field, a light rifle is quick to bring to the shoulder and easy to carry all day. Gas rifles also tend to be quieter than many electric rifles, so they suit players who like to move carefully and pick their shots.
Before using the rifle at a site, have it chronographed to make sure it is within the site’s limits, and check the site’s rules on gas replicas.
Getting started
Read the manual before the first use so that you understand how to fill, load and fire the rifle, and which gas it is designed for. Fill the magazine in short bursts, load good quality BBs, and test-fire at a safe backstop such as a BB trap or a box filled with old cloth.
Set the hop-up as described in the manual so that shots fly flat rather than dipping or climbing, then move back gradually and fine tune. Small adjustments make a big difference, so change it a little at a time.
Key features
- Gas blowback action with felt recoil
- Ranch Boy I model from Ace 1 Arms
- Moving bolt on every shot
- Satisfying, realistic handling
- Good for skirmish and target practice
- Rewards careful trigger control
Compatibility
Use magazines made for the Ranch Boy I, or confirmed as compatible with it, and the gas recommended in the manual. Use good quality, seamless 6mm BBs. If you plan to fit an optic or other accessories, check the product images for the mounting options before you order, or ask us.
Care and maintenance
Put a drop of silicone oil on the magazine’s fill valve every few fills, fill in short bursts and do not overfill. Store magazines with a little gas in them so the seals stay supple, and keep the rifle and magazines away from heat and direct sunlight.
Clean the inner barrel with a cleaning rod and a lint-free patch if accuracy drops, and use clean, good quality seamless BBs. Wipe the metal parts with a light film of silicone oil, follow the manual for any stripping, and never use lighter fluid or butane from a lighter refill can.
Who is it for?
The Ranch Boy I suits players who want the feel of a gas blowback rifle, from newer players looking for something more involving than an electric rifle to experienced players and collectors who enjoy the character of a gas rifle. It is also a good choice for anyone who likes target shooting with a realistic action.
Please note: Always wear suitable eye protection when using airsoft replicas, and have the rifle chronographed at your site before play.
