In this research work welding of stainless steel (AISI304) is done by MIG process with the aid of AISI309L solid wire electrode. 0.8mm diameter wire selected as electrode due of lack of research work on it is the main criterion of this experimental study. This investigation is focusing on finding appropriate shielding gas/ gas mixture for AISI304 since its wide usage in industries. Three different shielding gasses (Viz; Argon, Argon with carbon dioxide, Argon with carbon dioxide and oxygen) are experimentally adopted in this MIG welding process and the welds are done. Care is taken on the quality of the welded joint that does not become impaired by the shielding gas /gas mixture while using in this experiment. After welding the specimens are divided into three groups to undergo tensile test, hardness test and micro structure observations. The experimental results show the effect of the shielding gas on the weld penetration strength etc. Finally the strength of all three weldments produced by using different shielding gases is compared and future required investigations on selection of shielding gas for 0.8mm solid wire is proposed. © Research India Publications.