Whether you’re interested in an economical, low-powered air rifle for backyard plinking or a high-powered, hard-hitting target shooter, there’s an air gun out there to suit your needs. And for the more serious enthusiast, there are plenty of accessories to customize your gun to take it to the next level.
What is an airgun?
In standard terms, it’s a gun that uses compressed air to shoot projectiles rather than chemical propellants. The air is mechanically pressurized by a spring or gas, and when the trigger is pulled it’s released to propel the projectile down the barrel.
Most air guns are used for recreational shooting or for pest control, and they’re quieter than traditional firearms. For that reason, they’re also an excellent choice for hunting or target shooting in urban areas where noise pollution may be a problem.
While they may not have the range and power of some traditional firearms, modern large bore airguns can ethically harvest a variety of game species. And because they’re lightweight, quiet and economical, they can be a great alternative in urban environments where a gun with more power might not be practical or legal.
There are several different types of airguns, but the most common are pellet and BB guns. Pellet guns use lead ammunition in various shapes and sizes, while BB guns typically use steel or other alloys in round, one size. Some modern BB guns also use lead-free materials, which are less likely to degrade in hot weather or in the presence of chemicals like mercury and heavy metals. airguns