Air Guns

What Is An Air Gun?

An air gun is either an air rifle or a hand pneumatic gun which fires projectiles using a mechanism including compressed air or other high pressured gas. When the trigger is pulled the pellets are forced from the barrel either by the release of a coiled spring, or the discharge of compressed gas from the cylinder. They are also called pneumatic guns, pellet guns or BB Guns. They can be used for hunting or leisure shooting practise with targets. An air weapon, either an air rifle or air pistol, differs fundamentally from a conventional firearm by the fact that the gun and the pellets discharged do not contain explosive substance.

How Long Have Air Guns Been Around?

Air guns have been around since the 15th Century but did not really rival powder guns as they were more expensive and delicate and prone to malfunction. Famously the US explorers Lewis and Clark carried a large air gun capable of firing 22 shots per minute.

In the 1890s air rifles began being used in England for competitive target shooting, often involving pub teams. This was the development of shooting as a sport in England and soon after the National Air Rifle Association was created.

What Types Of Air Gun Are There?

There are three fundamentally different methods of powering an air gun either spring-piston or gas ram or pneumatic power.

Air Air Guns Legal?

Modern air guns are low-powered due to legal restrictions. There are minimum ages for possession, usually less than the age for firearms. Sales of both airguns and ammunition may be restricted as well and may require firearms possession but the legal definition of an airgun differs from country to country so you need to check this out with your local police authority. In the UK air pistols generating more than 6 foot pounds (8.1 J) or air rifles generating more than 12 foot pounds (16.2 J) of energy are considered firearms.

There are also in the UK laws affecting the possession of firearms in a public place. Air weapons age limits in the UK state it is an offence for a person under 17 years old to be in possession of an air weapon, or ammunition for it, except as a member of an approved club for target shooting or whilst at a shooting gallery where only air weapons or miniature rifles not exceeding .23 calibre are used.

A public place means any highway or place or premises to which, at the material time, the public have or are permitted to have access, whether on payment or otherwise. You may not have an airgun in a public place without proper reason. Contact your local shooting club, the police or council to see the full restrictions on air gun usage.

What Is The Calibre Of An Airgun?

Airguns commonly have the following ]calibres:

.177ins/4.5mm - the most common caliber used in shooting events at the Olympic Games.

.20ins/5mm - found in some European and US airguns.

.22ins/5.5mm - common caliber for hunting small game.

.25ins/6.35mm - largest commonly available.

Larger calibers also exist. Some are even suitable for shooting large game.

What Is The Best Air Rifle To Buy?

You need to know exactly what your needs are and you need to consider your budget. Review Centre provides a comprehensive list of consumer reviews about air guns and air rifles with lots of tips about the reputations of the various brands as well as tips on usage.

Different models will be suitable for different uses such as target practice and hunting. Beginners' models are available. Do plenty of research and remember to shop around.

Spring-piston, multi-stroke pneumatic, single-stroke pneumatic air guns require no additional CO2 cylinders or external pumps and are generally cheaper to operate. Spring-piston models are generally quieter. Pre-charged, single-stroke pneumatic, recoilless piston guns have more repeatable shots. Pre-charged or CO2 powered guns do not require constant cocking and so are popular with recreational shooters. Remember the best gun quality may be reflected in a higher price.

What Is The Best Calibre?

.177 is the standard and good for target shooting but either the main calibres is good for hunting. .22 is the most popular for hunting, especially for vermin control such as rats. .25 is ok for closer ranges.

My Gun Is Inaccurate, What Can I Do?

There may be lots of reasons for this. Loose stock screws could be a reason. Keep them tightened but not overtightened. Keep your sights properly tightened. Choose the right pellets. Different pellets are more effective with different guns. Review Centre reviewers offer great tips about these. Maintain and clean your barrel. Rods and cleaning pellets are also available to maintain and improve the consistency of your gun. Failing that you may need more practice or time to study your technique and try and improve it. There are basic shooting techniques which are essential but as in any sport practice makes perfect.

What Ammunition Is There?

Pellets are typical ammo for air guns often lead diabolo pellets which are very inexpensive. Most air guns have a caliber of .177 and .22 and are designed for target practice, small game hunting and field target shooting. The BB was once the most common air gun ammunition in the USA. A BB is a small ball usually made of steel with a copper or zinc coating. BBs can be very accurate at short distances when fired from properly designed guns but less accurate over bigger ranges and as such are seen as a leisure 'plinking' gun.

Got Any Good Shooting Tips?

Hold your airgun loosely against your shoulder and let it recoil freely when you fire it. Do not pull it in hard into your shoulder or grip the forend and don't rest it on a hard surface. This affects the recoil and has the side effect of scratching your stock. Let it recoil and vibrate freely - never try to prevent it. When you pull the trigger and you feel the recoil of the gun, the pellet is only just starting up the barrel so you need to stay composed on target for a little longer. Breathing techniques, stance and trigger control are all important as is concentration and relaxation. A good tip is to select the master eye.

Everyone has a dominant eye which is stronger. This eye should be used when aiming.

The object of a good stance is to obtain a stable platform in the most efficient way.

The position should be natural to you and comfortable.

For extra stability it may be useful to stop breathing for a few seconds when you fire.

Trigger control must be constant, controlled, slow and deliberate with no disturbance or motion of the foresight. Check the mount screws are tight on your scope and ensure it is accurately positioned. Check your manual for this.

If you use a silencer make sure the silencer is tight and light. You may find fitting a silencer affects accuracy so you may need to experiment until you find the right one.

How Do I Stay Safe?

Make sure your rifle is unloaded when carrying it, or taking it indoors or into a car.

Always unload your rifle before climbing fences or other obstacles.

Never leave your rifle unattended, even if it is unloaded.

Treat every rifle as though it was loaded. Do not take anyone's word that it is unloaded.

Never under any circumstances point your rifle at anyone.

Never shoot on land without permission from the owner.

Always ensure it's safe to shoot and be certain of your target before you squeeze the trigger.

Be sure that there is a safe area behind the target or a backstop to catch your pellets. If in doubt do not shoot.

Beware of ricochets - do not shoot at water or other smooth surfaces that may deflect the pellet in a new direction.

After use unload, clean, dry and lubricate your rifle before locking it away safely and out of reach of children. Store your pellets separately.

Always maintain your gun properly.

Got Any Good Maintenance Tips?

Before firing maintenance should be conducted included a general inspection of the rifle to ensure its sights are properly attached, its screws are tight, and it is

clean and functioning properly. Felt cleaning pellets can be fired through the barrel to ensure it is clean at the start of a session

After firing maintenance should be introduced to check the gun is clean, functioning, and will be ready for the next outing

Again felt cleaning pellets can be fired through the barrel. Clean external parts of the rifle.

Remember, moderation - striking the right balance - is the key with all maintenance and especially lubrication.

Spring-piston models usually require slight lubrication.

Cleaning pellets are manufactured from heavy felt and they are essential to remove dirt and lead residue from the barrel. Occasionally a thorough cleaning with a rod will be required for a complete clean.

Store rifle safely and keep dry.

Read your instruction manual carefully and follow any advice.