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About Airguns

Types of Airguns
Uses of Airguns
Regulation of Airguns
Airgun Safety
Useful links to learn more about Airguns


Not Your Daddy's Pellet Gun

Airguns have grown up! The current generation of precision airguns is powerful and accurate. No longer a mere "toy", airguns have become a major force in the shooting sports because they offer shooters the opportunity to enjoy their favorite sport with greater safety and less disturbance. Air gunning can also be a relaxing hobby enjoyed close to home or a rewarding competitive Olympic sport. Join the thousands of avid shooters that have discovered the pleasure of owning one of the new generations of adult precision airguns.


Types of Airguns

Although all airguns use "air-power" to eject pellets out of their barrels, the technology used to do this can differ. The three major types of airguns, as defined by their powerplant, are: spring-piston, CO2 and pneumatic.

1. Spring-piston: The spring-piston is the type of airgun that most people think of when they hear the word "airgun."

  • It is cocked by breaking the barrel or by cocking a lever. The cocking action moves a piston backward within the receiver and compresses a spring behind it. When the trigger is pressed, the piston moves forward using the power of the spring behind it and pushes a column of air forward into the rear end of the pellet. The effect of all this causes the pellet to rush out the barrel towards the target of you choice.
  • Spring-piston airguns have several drawbacks. First of all, they are difficult to shoot accurately because of spring/piston vibration while firing. Secondly, cocking does require some effort. Matter of fact, some of these guns can only be operated by strong adult males.

2. CO2 Guns: CO2 guns are easier to shoot than the spring-piston and are recoilless. They use compressed CO2 gas as powerplant. Their main drawback is lack of consistency. Changes in temperature will greatly affect a CO2 gun's point of impact. This lack of consistency can be a big problem for hunters and plinkers that need to be certain their pellet will hit where expected.

3. Pneumatic Airguns: Pneumatics use compressed air for power. There are two main types of pneumatics: the pump-up and the pre-charged pneumatic (PCP).

  • The pump-up compresses its own air using a multi-stroke or single-stroke pumping procedure. The big drawback of a multi-stroke is all the time and effort needed to get a shot off, and when hunting, a second shot is near impossible before your quarry runs or flies away. In addition, accuracy from a multi-stroke is just average. The single-stroke pump-up is considerably more consistent and accurate, but its power is on the low side.
  • PCP's provide the best of both worlds and this is the type of airgun that Airhog carries. With a PCP, you get variable power, incredible accuracy, easy cocking, no recoil and lots of shots from an air charge. In addition, charging the PCP takes little effort on your part as it uses compressed air from a scuba and/or carbon fiber tank. All you need is access to a dive shop. Falcon Airguns fall into this category.

Uses of Airguns

Pest Control:
High-powered airguns can be used to control all kinds of vermin. Just be sure to select an airgun with sufficient power. For best results, Airhog recommends you use at least a 22 caliber particularly if you want to control an infestation of rodents (rats, squirrels, etc.) or larger birds (crows, etc.).

If pest control is your main goal, take a look at Falcon's Sporter rifle and carbine product line. You'll get superb accuracy without paying for all the bells and whistles. Pistols are also OK; but be sure you choose a 22 caliber with an 8" barrel (more powerful and accurate).

Hunting:
Pneumatic airguns are perfect for hunting small delicate game, such as pigeon, squirrel and rabbit. Falcon rifles are quiet, lightweight and extraordinarily accurate. In addition, their ammunition is considerably cheaper and many suburban air gunners are able to hunt on local farms where firearms may be prohibited because of safety concerns.

If hunting is your goal, Airhog recommends you go with at least a 22 caliber rifle or carbine. Carbines do weigh slightly less than the 19 rifle; however you will sacrifice some power. The type of stock you choose will also impact overall weight so keep that in mind when selecting a hunting gun.

Target Shooting:
Target shooting with airguns has been popular in Europe for quite some time. And, in the U.S., the sport is gathering steam. Top grade pneumatic air guns are now considered to be the world's most accurate guns, bar none.

The NRA is actively promoting airgun shooting in America and it has established 15 levels of marksmanship awards in their 25-ft (10 meter) airgun shooting programs. Air gun matches are popping up everywhere at the local, state and national level. Airgun competition is also an official Olympic event for both men and women.

If you are interested in an accurate target-shooting rifle, take a look at Falcon's target rifles such as the TR and the TRL. A 177 caliber is best for target shooting, as they are slightly more accurate than a 22.

Plinking:
If plinking is your hobby, pneumatic air guns are your answer. They are quiet, safe and inexpensive to shoot. Ammunition is also considerably cheaper than that of firearms and you can plink right at home - no need to drive to distant firearm ranges. Low power and negligible recoil makes airgun shooting pleasant and "flinch-free." No earplugs needed.

Airgun Regulations

Airguns are not subject to regulation by the US Gun Control Act of 1968 and most states do not restrict their ownership. However, it is always a good idea to check with your local police department for local regulations just to make sure.

States with Regulations: New Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts and Michigan are four states that specifically regulate air rifles and/or BB guns. For more information, click on the following links:

For more on New Jersey's Laws (See last sentence):
http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws.asp?FormMode=Detail&R=NJ

For more on Massachusetts' Laws (See "Miscellaneous"):
http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws.asp?FormMode=Detail&R=MA

For more on Delaware's laws (See "Note"):
http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws.asp?FormMode=Detail&ID=10

For more on Michigan's Laws (See "Miscellaneous")
http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws.asp?FormMode=Detail&R=MI


Transportation/Shipping of Airguns: Normally, you can ship or transport airguns across state lines when traveling. However, be careful if you want to ship internationally as some countries (such as Britain) treat airguns in excess of 12 ft. lbs. of energy as firearms.

SAFETY

Airguns are winners when it comes to safety. Most target air guns have a maximum range of 400 yards and the pellets are so light and their energy so low that the only precaution required is eye protection.

LINKS

History of Airguns
http://www.airguns.net/history.html
http://www.beemans.net/400%20Years%20of%20Tradition.htm

Choosing your Airgun
http://www.beemans.net/best%20airguns.htm

Calibers and Pellet Selection
http://www.airguns.net/cal_pell.html

Field Use of an Airgun
http://www.airguns.net/fuoaa.html

How a PCP Airgun Regulator Works
http://www.airguns.net/reviews/regulators.html

Airgun Safety
http://www.beemans.net/Safety%20Record.htm

       
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