What Is An Air Gun?

Airguns are a type of gun used for target shooting using compressed air. The history of airguns goes back to the 16th century, with one of the oldest pressure guns being displayed in the Livrustkammaren Museum in Stockholm. Nowadays, you can find numerous models of airguns available in the market. This guide will help you to understand various types, calibers, and key features, so you will be able to pick an airgun that best suits your needs.

Types Of Airguns

There are 5 main types of Airguns available on the market at the moment.

Break Barrel

A break-barrel air rifle is an airgun with a spring piston mechanism that compresses air within a chamber. When the trigger is pressed, a spring is released, propelling a piston forward and compressing the air in the chamber.

CO2 Airgun

A CO2 air rifle operates by storing compressed Carbon dioxide (CO2) in a cylinder as a liquid. Once you pull the trigger, the valve opens, and the explosive pressure drop propels the pellet forward. 

Gas Piston

This type of pellet gun functions similarly to a Break Barrel air rifle. However, instead of compressing a spring, gas (nitrogen) in a cylinder is compressed. When the rifle is fired, compressed gas forces a piston forward, compressing air in the receiver behind the projectile.

Multi-Pump Pneumatic Airgun

When using a Multi-Pump Pneumatic Airgun, multiple pumps are required to charge it before shooting a projectile. Depending on the number of pumps, the power of the shot will vary.

Pre-Charged Pneumatic

Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) Air Ruffle incorporates a hollow tube that holds high-pressure air. When you pull the trigger, compressed air is released from the barrel, pushing the pellet.

Calibre Options

There are 3 main calibres of airgun pellets, each serving best for different occasions.

.177 Caliber (4.5 mm)

It is best used for target shooting and small game hunting due to its high velocity and flat trajectory, which makes it the most popular available airgun calibre. 

.22 Caliber (5.5 mm)

Perfect balance between velocity, accuracy, and impact energy makes this calibre suitable for small game hunting, target shooting, and pest control. This calibre is rightfully considered an all-around consideration for air rifles.

.25 Caliber (6.35 mm) and Above

It is the largest available calibre of pellets and best suited for medium-sized to large hunting games. Pellets are less affected by the wind while shooting, however they will have a curvy trajectory on larger distances.

Intended Use

As evident from the calibre descriptions, there are several ways an airgun can be used, making it important to choose the type according to how you intend to use it.

Target Shooting

Target shooting refers to firing at an inanimate object that usually has a bodily reaction or scoring markers. You might want to look for accuracy when choosing an airgun for this intent, as well as choosing lighter calibres (.177 works best for this purpose), and adjustable trigger options.

Hunting

Hunting is an activity or sport of chasing or searching for wild animals or birds to kill or catch them. If you are planning to participate in hunting games or events, you might consider investing in more powerful airguns, while your pellet calibre will depend on the scale of the games (small or large), therefore you need to verify it in advance to prepare. 

Pest Control 

(not sure about this one, we talked about hunting with Fran, however, Pest Control is supposed to be carried out by a certified professional, so I am not sure if we should share information about it)

Pest control is the practice of controlling, managing, minimizing, or eliminating undesired insects and other pests from human-occupied environments. In this case, you need to look into air rifles that provide more shooting precision and sufficient power.

Plinking

Plinking is a phrase for leisure shooting using low-caliber rifles, which involves but is not limited to shooting aluminum cans, or any other aims. This is the most diverse way to use an air gun, which does not require looking for specifications, and should be enjoyable for anyone from beginner to expert.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing An Airgun

Power & Velocity

Two main measurements of power and velocity are Feet Per Second (FPS) and Foot-pounds of Energy (FPE). FPS is the rate at which a pellet travels after exiting the muzzle before drag slows its flight, with higher FPS providing a flatter trajectory and extended range. FPE, on the other hand, is related to a measurement of the amount of kinetic energy delivered by an airgun projectile, which determines the power and possible impact of an airgun, an important aspect of hunting or pest control.

Accuracy

Accuracy refers to how near a shot comes to the intended location of contact. It depends on several factors, such as barrel quality, trigger, sights, and pellet matching.

Barrel quality is evaluated through precise dimensional tolerances in bore diameter, straightness, and surface quality. Quality steel or stainless steel materials withstand corrosion while remaining smooth. A longer barrel provides higher power in terms of accuracy and stability of the projectile, longer flight, and more power transmission, while a short barrel does the opposite.

A trigger that is neither too hefty nor too light and has a consistent draw can greatly improve accuracy.

Sight is the lens closest to your eye, and it is frequently equipped with a screw-in, screw-out feature, allowing the shooter to focus the scope for their specific eyesight.

Build Quality

When choosing an airgun, it is always good to consider the overall quality and durability of the materials, and how solid is the construction. If you want to make a serious investment, consider buying from reliable brands. 

Noise Level

The amount of noise produced by the airgun will fully depend on your intended use, with an only recommendation of choosing quieter models if you are planning on using it for shooting in your backyard, or anywhere where noise can startle other people. 

Safety

There are various steps to ensure safety when using an airgun, however when choosing a model always ensure that it comes with a built-in safety mechanism. The airgun has an automated locking safety that engages when it is cocked. The safety slide is situated at the end of the compression tube.

Optics & Accessories

Each manufacturer provides a range of Optics and various accessories compatible with their airguns. Choosing what works best for you before purchasing is always better since you will have everything you need at once. Some distributors offer bundles, to make the selection process easier.

Scopes

Scopes, also known as telescopic sights, are distinguished from typical airgun sights by the use of optics to improve the shooter's perspective. They help to enhance the accuracy when shooting. Generally, they can be divided into models with fixed and variable magnification.

Pellets

There is a range of pellets available on the market. Different air guns require different ammunition. The three most popular pellet kinds are pointed, domed, and wadcutter. Understanding the specifications of your air gun will allow you to make an informed decision. You should also evaluate what your purpose is. 

Wadcutter pellets have a flat nose, best used for target shooting and plinking under 25 yards.

Domed pellets have a rounded tip, used for most types of shooting, and hunting.

Pointed pellets have a sharp tip, generally used for pest control due to their effective penetration.

Hollow Point, as evident from the name, has a hollow space in the centre of the pellet, used predominantly for hunting.

You can also make your pellets with special kits, adjusting them specifically to your shooting preferences.

Mounts and Rails

An airgun mount is a device that allows you to attach numerous accessories to your airgun, such as scopes, sights, lasers, or other aiming devices. The mounts are intended to secure various items in place, assuring accuracy and stability during use. Some designs of mount you can find include Ring, Dovetail, Picatinny, and One-Piece mounts, each serving different purposes.

At the same time, the airgun rail is a platform on an airgun that allows for the installation of various accessories like scopes, sights, lasers, and aiming devices, ensuring their secure and robust installation. The designs of the rails are compatible with the relevant mounts described previously.

Legal Considerations

Purchasing an airgun necessitates various legal concerns, which might vary greatly depending on your area, and can affect features that you can have with your specific airgun. Always consider local laws and regulations before making a purchase, to eliminate any potential problems. If you plan to travel with your airgun to other countries, remember to check the laws of the other country, and make sure to comply with the Transport & Storage regulations of your carrier.

Budget Considerations

Due to the large variety of airguns available on the market, it is possible to find models and modifications for any budget range. When picking your price range, do not forget about maintenance costs, which will depend on your personal product selection.

Entry-Level

When buying your first airgun, you can lean more towards the manufacturer's recommendations and basic equipment, so you can start from something and figure out how you want to modify your experience. The total estimated cost would be anywhere from $100 - $500 depending on the brand you choose.

Mid-Range

When you have a grasp of basic features and would like to look into specifics or modify your airgun, you can look for more complex and precise models. Mid-range selection generally goes from $500 - $1000.

High-End

Top quality and accuracy models, used by professionals and people with long-term experience in shooting and airgun handling. Pricing for this category varies greatly, from $1000 - $3400+.

Maintenance & Care

To ensure the correct functioning of your airgun, always remember to carry out maintenance and properly care about it. In most cases, maintenance of the airgun involves cleaning the barrel, lubrication, exterior cleaning, and cleaning of scope and sight. There are certain differences in maintenance depending on your airgun type, and seasons. Moreover, set certain dates for routine maintenance of your airgun, invest in quality accessories, and ensure proper handling of it.

Each manufacturer has specific guidelines for their products that answer questions regarding safety, proper handling, environmental awareness, and maintenance. If there are any problems, these guidelines can assist you with troubleshooting. However, if the problem persists, you can reach out to your distributor for any assistance.

Conclusion

While choosing an airgun involves numerous factors, using information from this guide will make this process easier and more enjoyable. Research all the important points, and if you have more questions - feel free to reach out to us for any support and choose the best distributor for you!