History of Air Guns
Blog
by Tom Gaylord (B.B. Pelletier)
| 4,000 BC | 1560 AD | 1803 AD | 1905 AD | 21st century |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Age man killed small mammals with poisoned blowgun darts | European nobility shot darts from their extremely accurate single-shot bellows target rifles | Lewis & Clark carried a 22-round Girardoni precharged pneumatic rifle that shot .46-caliber round balls | G.C. Bonehill in England markets the Britannia, perfecting the first modern breakbarrel air rifle | What does the 21st century really hold for airguns? Stick around to find out... |
In 2015 we asked Tom to start a gigantic project — to document the history of air guns.
Over the past 10 years, Tom has been writing some articles every week dedicated to the history of air guns.
This is the result of 10 years of work — a gargantuan effort that has not stopped, but continues every week. We think nobody in the world has undertaken such a project, and now the time has come to present it to you.
Enjoy!
The history of airguns This report covers: Nobody knows when rifling was invented What is rifling? The first rifling Gunpowder leaves dirt in the bore Minie Ball Trapdoor Springfield development Ballard rifling Airgun rifling Nobody knows when rifling was invented I’ve been reading about guns for 56 years ... Read more
A large number of people are buying firearms for the first time. The National Rifle Association puts the number of new gun owners at 10 million, or twice as many as there were active shooters in the United States a decade ago.
The history of airguns This report covers: New blog section — History of airguns! How powerful? Wood was first Iron and steel How fast — Spaltology Velocity of the big bore airguns of antiquity Available air pressure Why this is important New blog section — History of airguns! ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: Accuracy taken for granted Crosman 160 opened my eyes! In the beginning The ball or bullet Smaller calibers Pellet shape Birth of the diabolo A long way to go Accuracy taken for granted I was speaking with a group of very ... Read more
The Girardoni of 1780 was the first successful repeating rifle, and it is an airgun! A history of airguns This report covers: History Girandoni or Girardoni? 1,000-1,500 rifles Equipment Firing the rifle Problems Lewis & Clark Replica Summary Today will be a different sort of report. Much of ... Read more
A punt gun is huge! The man has a conventional shotgun in his other hand for comparison. This report covers: Market hunting What is a punt? What is a punt gun? The nasty part Punt guns in the movies Why the punt gun today? I’m having some fun ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: What is an air cane? What was their purpose? Air cane styles One special air cane Shooting air canes Fascinating hobby This report was requested by several readers after seeing a cased air cane in an earlier history report. In the ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: An airgun from the American Civil War Modernizing the trebouchet Using horsepower for weight Lighter, faster and more powerful President Lincoln Success in the field Steam trebouchet lives on Steam, not air Final thought An airgun from the American Civil War ... Read more
Today we take a look at those iconic items that transcend taste and live in the world where form follows function — those things that just work!
A history of airguns This report covers: From Airgun Revue Wes Powers find! Toy pistol? Powered by rubber bands I had a glitch writing today’s historical blog, so I pulled in this one from the past. Oddly, Edith did the same thing when I was unconscious on a ... Read more
The history of airguns This report covers: The first lead BB Size matters Advantages of air rifle shot The dawn of steel shot How lead shot tubes work How steel shot tubes work This information is worth millions The first lead BB When BB guns were new in ... Read more
The history of airguns Part 2 This report covers: The first BB gun Plymouth Iron Windmill Co. The BB becomes air rifle shot Quality control problems You’ll shoot your eye out World War II After the war The first BB gun This is a comprehensive report of the ... Read more
Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier 1896 New King single shot BB gun. History of airguns This report covers: How this happened Detailed history Pop quiz BB shot and air rifle shot sizes Getting ready Good news! Summary Sometimes we get the rare opportunity to examine something that’s really from the past. Today is such a ... Read more
Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier 1896 New King single shot BB gun. Part 1Part 2 History of airguns This report covers: Straightening the barrel 4.55 mm BBs dropped to bottom It also shoots 4.5 mm balls 4.55 mm lead balls Velocity Muzzle energy Oops! 4.50 mm lead balls Discussion What does today’s test give us? ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: The big question Epic experiments! Shooting Gibraltar Use the best barrels Rotate the barrel Damage the bullets Are bullets balanced? Did Mann learn anything? Chris USA suggested today’s topic last Friday, when he asked my about the tantalizing results I got ... Read more
The Heilprin Columbian Model E BB gun is one few people have seen. A history of airguns This report covers: Heilprin history Today’s gun Sheet metal fabrication Trigger safety BB caliber? Money in the bank What’s next? Sometimes BB finds an airgun that few people have seen. Today ... Read more
Quackenbush Number 7 BB gun. A history of airguns This report covers: What is it? Quackenbush airguns No such luck! Smart Shot Some facts about the Number 7 Adjustable trigger! Push-barrel Sights Summary What is it? What in the world is a Quackenbush Number 7 airgun? Well, for ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier The Bulls Eye pistol (left) came first. Manufacture started in 1924 in Rawlins, Wyoming. The smaller Sharpshooter pistols at the right were made in Rawlins until sometime in World War II and then manufacture moved to La Jolla, California in 1946. Part 1 History of airguns This report covers: ... Read more
Daisy Number 12 model 29 single shot BB gun. A history of airguns This report covers: The gun Hough front sight Loading The BB changed from lead to steel Getting 0.175-inch lead shot Darts, too! Summary Sometimes we like things for reasons that make no sense to others, ... Read more
A history of airguns Crosman 101 multi-pump pneumatic. This report covers: Crosman-101-classic Description Peep sight Cocking knobs Materials History Maintenance Crosman 101CG I was trying to report on rebuilding the Daisy 853 today, but a last-minute change prevented that. One of our readers, Paperweight, sent me Daisy’s very ... Read more
Boy, do I have one for you today! This one is a weekender for sure!
Every airgunner knows that lookalike airguns are popular. Today we will look at some of them are different.
A history of airguns The Sharpshooter catapult pistol was made from the early 1930s until the 1980s by as many as 5 different companies. This one was made in the early 1940s. This report covers: History Operation How much value can be put into an inexpensive gun? What ... Read more
A history of airguns Benjamin 700 repeating BB gun. This report covers: The Benjamin Automatic Model 700 Repeater How many pump strokes? My encounter The gun Takedown Accuracy Price Ammo Getting it fixed Summary And now for something brand new, because it is so old that most of ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: Why we collect Today .12 caliber The box Lead BBs? Fragile Art deco Summary Why we collect Sometimes we collect something because of its performance. A Whiscombe recoilless rifle that’s powerful and accurate might be an example of this. Other times ... Read more
Called a countertop trade stimulator, the Challenger was one of many small shooting galleries that accepted pennies. A history of airguns This report covers: History Money tight Drop Coin into slot The prize The play Shoot Hitler On through the ‘40s Now for something a little different. Instead ... Read more
The FLZ version 2 pistol was made in Germany from 1938 to 1940. A history of airguns Uncommon Description Stock Marks Looks like a rifle Today we start looking at an air pistol that’s uncommon in the U.S., and indeed, around the world — the FLZ Luftpistole version ... Read more
Diana model 5V pellet pistol. A history of airguns This report covers: Guest blog Mine is .177 Rifled Condition Trademark Grip/Stock General description Sights Trigger Summary Today we start looking at a Diana 5V pellet pistol that was made before World War II. While it uses the number ... Read more
Millita air rifle. A history of airguns This report covers: Another find from Findlay It’s a rifle Description Trigger Sights It’s been lubricated What we have Another find from Findlay Today we start looking at an air rifle that I know very little about. I bought it from ... Read more
A history of airguns Daisy Red Ryder. This report covers: How many Red Ryders? Number 111 Model 40 Model 94 carbine Model 1938 The Red Ryder explodes! Today we start looking at an American airgun icon — the Daisy Red Ryder BB gun. With the recent change in ... Read more
A history of airguns Webley Senior straight grip air pistol. This report covers: Design Piston ring Power Sights Trigger Quirky Today we start looking at a Webley Senior straight grip air pistol. This model was made from 1930 to 1935, according to the Blue Book of Airguns, 11th ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: Happy Memorial Day Bucket list Webley Mark I Webley Mark II Service One of the finest ever made Breech Sights Large rifle Stock What now? Happy Memorial Day Today is the day we remember all those who have fallen in defense ... Read more
Daisy’s Targeteer 177 shot BBs. A history of airguns This report covers: Not the first Targeteer Second Targeteer A funny thing happened… Oiled it Description Trigger Sights What is it good for? Today I want to share with you a vintage BB gun that was a part of ... Read more
The history of airguns This report covers: Haenel history Haenel 100 Not a BB pistol? Odd way of cocking Nickel finish Crude sights Shot tube Functioning The future Haenel history Of the many European airgun manufacturers, only a few like Walther, Feinwerkbau and Diana are well-known to American ... Read more
Today we will have some fun for the weekend.
by Tom GaylordZWriting as B.B. Pelletier This military-looking BB gun is large and good-looking! Part 1Part 2Part 3 History of airguns This report covers: One more time Comment 1 — clean the barrel Comment 2 — try Marksman oversized BBs Comment 3 — turn the shot tube to change where the balls impact The test ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier This military-looking BB gun is large and good-looking! Part 1Part 2 History of airguns This report covers: Lead balls only The test 4.4mm copper-plated lead balls Trigger pull 4.4mm Punktkugeln H&N 4.45mm lead ball What we know The last step Summary Today we look at the accuracy of the ... Read more
The Johnson Indoor Target Gun is a catapult BB gun that was made in the late 1940s for youth target practice. A history of airguns This report covers: Who was Johnson? The M16 Airgun The gun in hand Discussion Summary Yes, I’m reviewing a Johnson again. For some ... Read more
A history of airguns A Benjamin 310 multi-pump BB gun from 1952. This report covers: Green box The “hidden” find! Back to the BB gun Finish Model 310 A sweetie Take our time Two months ago I attended a small local gun show where the joke is — ... Read more
Crosman’s 102 is a .22 caliber multi-pump repeater. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 A history of airguns This report covers: Clearing the jam The jam Assembly Accuracy Re-sighting Crosman Premiers Crosman wadcutters 10-shots Discussion Summary You may recall that the Crosman 102 jammed last time I tested ... Read more
Crosman’s 105 is a .177 caliber multi-pump air pistol. Part 1 A history of airguns This report covers: Test 1. How many pumps? Test 2. RWS Hobby pellets Test 3. Sig Match Ballistic Alloy pellets How stable? The pump stroke Pump force Rear sight fix Trigger pull Summary ... Read more
Crosman’s 102 is a .22 caliber multi-pump repeater. Part 1 Part 2 A history of airguns This report covers: More than one shot per fill? How many pumps? The test Sights Pellet feed RWS Meisterkugeln Crosman wadcutters RWS Hobbys Crosman Premiers Now 10 shots Discussion Summary Today we ... Read more
Crosman’s 100 is a .177 caliber variation of the more plentiful model 101. A history of airguns This report covers: Texas Airgun Show Model 100 Refinished and resealed Description Bolt action Sights Reference material What’s next? Today we begin looking at a variation of a multi-pump pneumatic rifle ... Read more
The Crosman Town and Country I tested was a model 108 in .22 caliber. A history of airguns This report covers: Town and Country Was the Supergrade the influence? Description Front sight was a marvel! Short pump lever Velocity Accuracy Summary When I was in the hospital for three ... Read more
BSA Meteor Mark I. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 A history of airguns This report covers: Bear food What about a Weaver/Picatinny mount? Yes, but couldn’t you…? However Wrong again Evaluation Bear food Sometimes the bear eats you! ... Read more
Part 1 A history of airguns This is the completion of our guest blog on the Apache multi-pump air rifle. Today Benji-don shares his experiences with the performance of the rifle, after it was made operable. If you’d like to write a guest post for this blog, please ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: Happy New Year If you see it, buy it Buy it now The gun So far, so good Saving everything for you Seller has more The rest of the report Happy New Year Happy New Year! I promised you that today ... Read more
The BSA Airsporter Mark IV is an all-time classic. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 A history of airguns This report covers: Eley Wasps RWS Hobby JSB Exact RS How is it working? What now? Sometimes the bear eats you. That will be the theme of today’s test ... Read more
The BSA Airsporter Mark I is an all-time classic. A history of airguns This report covers: Sleeper? How to date your BSA Condition The rifle Stock Trigger Wood Rust Firing behavior A few weeks ago I landed several great airguns on the Gun Broken auction website. One was ... Read more
A history of airguns Sheridan model A, also called the Supergrade. This report covers: What is a Supergrade? First sight Only .22 caliber airgun Sheridan made My impressions before owning one Materials Must be cocked to accept a charge Power and accuracy I no longer own a Supergrade ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: Technology Gravity Shot tube is the true barrel The shot tube What keeps the BB from rolling out the barrel? A spring! That’s all, folks Today’s report was suggested by a question from reader 45Bravo, who asked, “How does the shot ... Read more
Part 1 Part 2 A history of airguns Daisy Red Ryder. This report covers: The test Daisy BBs Hornady Black Diamond BBs H&N Smart Shot BBs Baseline Today we look at the accuracy of my vintage Daisy Red Ryder BB gun. I shot the gun with open sights ... Read more
The BSA Airsporter Mark I is an all-time classic. Part 1 Part 2 A history of airguns This report covers: The test Sight-in RWS Superpoints Open sights Is it my eye? Eley Wasps The eyes have it Next? Today is the first accuracy day for my new .22 ... Read more
Sheridan model A, also called the Supergrade. Sheridan Supergrade: Part 1 Sheridan Supergrade: Part 2 A history of airguns This report covers: Crosman Premiers Sheridan Cylindrical pellets Now, for the interesting stuff! Pelletgage Too many variables! Trigger Results I think today will open some eyes. I know it ... Read more
My Sheridan Blue Streak was purchased new in 1978. A history of airguns This report covers: Not a shooter You’ve got mice! The problem grows The rifle Thumb safety Rocker safety Why so different? Twenty caliber Multi-pump Accuracy Trigger Sights Goodbye, Edie Some readers asked me to do ... Read more
Today BB finds out how healthy his new/old Hy Score 807 is. This is going to be a good one!
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Slavia 618. Part 1 History of airguns This report covers: Before the test RWS Basic How does it shoot? Crosman Premier Light Discussion 1 Re-test with the “new” seal Basic test 2 Premier Light test 2 Discussion 2 Cocking effort and trigger pull Summary Today I test the velocity ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Slavia 618. History of airguns This report covers: History Research Model variations What is the Slavia 618? Comparisons Stock Summary Some of you may have been hoping for Part 2 of the Beeman R10 rifle report today. Well, Part 2 will be the strip-down and installation of the Vortek ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Diana 23. A history of airguns This report covers: A stripper The rifle Two versions of the later rifle Trigger Breech seal and locking detent Sights Cocking What is it good for? Summary This report should be titled, “By any other name” because the airgun I’m writing about doesn’t ... Read more
Diana 35 pellet rifle. A history of airguns This report covers: Older 35 What was the 35? Soup-up The spring isn’t the thing Back to the Diana 35 This Diana 35 Trigger What to do? Summary Today begins a long report on the Diana 35 air rifle. If you ... Read more
Daisy’s model 110 Rocket Command BB gun. A history of airguns This report covers: The deal What is it? Earlier model 26 Blue Book of Airguns Trigger Stock Description Sights Comparison to the 27 Summary Sputnik When I was a kid in the 1950s, western movies where the ... Read more
BSF S54 target rifle. A history of airguns This report covers: BSF The S54 Trigger Three variations of the S54 Two calibers Hang tag Underlever cocking Loading tap Summary I’m starting a report on the BSF S54 target rifle today. I reviewed this rifle 4 years ago, but ... Read more
Michael’s Winchester 427 is a Diana model 27 by another name. The rifle pictured is my Hy Score 807/Diana 27 A history of airguns This report covers: Michael’s Diana 27 Out of the box Flat breech seal No baseline test Onward Through The Fog Remove the action from ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: How powerful is it? Tin cans are not tin! SAFETY! Aluminum cans Hickory tree chronograph Back-door-to-hickory-tree chronograph Leaf chronograph The house silencer Out of BBs We were soldiers once, and young Out of matches No, this isn’t a “how to” piece ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: Another failure! The test 499 Discussion 1 Haenel 310 Discussion 2 CZ75 P-07 Duty accuracy at 10 meters Summary I put today’s report in the historical section because it relates to both the Haenel 310 and the Diana model 30 that ... Read more
A history of airguns Daisy Model 99 Target Special. This report covers: Not what I expected Peep sight Front sight Sling Action Stock and forearm Gravity-feed magazine Forced-feed magazine Three variations of the Model 99 99 accuracy Daisy 299 Comparison to the 499 Summary Welcome to July! Today ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier A history of airguns This report covers: Good for everyone Back to the LG55 Oiling the piston seal How to tell How to oil the piston seal Other maintenance Cleaning the barrel What pellets? Cleaning the outside That’s it I received this question on Tuesday. “I just received an ... Read more
My .22 caliber Crosman 180 is the second variation. A history of airguns This report covers: The acquisition Quick fix 180 variants Trigger The 180 valve Adjustable power Description Sights Summary The acquisition When my wife Edith and I lived in Maryland (1982-2003) we often attended the Columbia Flea Market. ... Read more
My .22 caliber Diana 27 is actually a Hy Score 807. Part 2: The Diana 27 A history of airguns This report covers: Not the pre-war 27 First time Why a 27? Great feeling! Description Sights Seals Breech seal Trigger Overall evaluation What is a classic? One dictionary ... Read more
Diana model 50 underlever. A history of airguns This report covers: History Findlay Fortune smiles! Not the first Taploader — oh oh! Description Evaluation so far Enough about straight razors and coin collections! Let’s get back to vintage airguns. Today we begin a series that looks at the ... Read more
Hakim air rifle trainer. Anschütz made 2800 of these for the Egyptian army in 1954/55. This one has custom-made wood. A history of airguns This report covers: The test Sight in RWS Superpoints Eley Wasps The experience Today’s blog arose from the suggestions of several readers. In the ... Read more
Egyptian Hakim was a “make-do” battle rifle, designed around cheap ammo. A history of airguns This report covers: History Development Innovation Cartridges thrown forward Hakim action Accuracy However… Why is the Hakim the “poor man’s Garand”? Corrosive ammo The airgun Summary You have read about Hakims in this ... Read more
This Diana model 5 air pistol is marked as a Winchester model 353. A history of airguns This report covers: Iconic air pistol History Winchester Gun Broker The gun Grip Sights Trigger Expected performance Iconic air pistol Today we begin looking at one of the most iconic air ... Read more
Crosman 150: Part 2 Crosman’s 150 looks plain and simple, but was a pivotal airgun. A history of airguns Part 1 This report covers: Leave the pipe wrench alone! Different type of inlet valve Velocity test RWS Hobby RWS Superpoint Crosman Premier More on the pistol Test gun ... Read more
Hakim is Egypt’s air rifle trainer for their 8mm battle rifle. A history of airguns Part 1 Part 2 This report covers: Shoot directly off the bag Eley Wasps RWS Superpoints JSB Exact Jumbo RS Summary We will shoot the .22 caliber Hakim trainer today and see what ... Read more
My Swedish Excellent CII rifle is a multi-pump pneumatic. A history of airguns Part 1 This report covers: 6 strokes are minimum Slow or fast? Why just 3 shots? Interesting observation 8 pumps 10 pumps Lobo 6 pumps Lobo 8 pumps Lobo 10 pumps Summary Today we look ... Read more
Hammerli model 100 free pistol. A history of airguns Hammerli or Haemmerli? Hammerli 100 What’s free about it? Martini action The side lever Trigger Special grips Hammerli or Haemmerli? Before we dive in to today’s report, a word about the spelling I have used. It is incorrect. The ... Read more
Hakim is Egypt’s air rifle trainer for their 8mm battle rifle. A history of airguns Part 1 This report covers: My first Hakim Navy Arms Power Little Rock You won’t believe this one! More Hakims Parts and pogosticks Even more Hakims One last rifle Today we look at ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: History Air rifle A lead sled Sights We’ll get dirty! Today we start looking at the famous Egyptian Hakim underlever spring-piston air rifle trainer. It is a pellet rifle trainer for the 8mm Hakim battle rifle the Egyptians used for several ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: European military trainers K31 Trainer Caliber A major purchase! Where we stand I’m out at Media Day at the Range today. So tomorrow I’ll start showing you new stuff from the SHOT Show. About three weeks ago I was cruising the ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: I started out young My first new BB gun A real BB gun Fanner 50 Old blue and white First pellet gun Second pellet gun I started out young Little boys in the 1950s wanted to be cowboys or astronauts. We ... Read more
Today we test the velocity of the FWB 110 recoiling target rifle, and I think Frank Balistreri, the reader who sold it to me, is in for a surprise.
Today I test the Daisy VL rifle at 50 yards. Stick around, kids. This is going to be fun!
Today we take a closer look at the .22 caliber breechloading black powder rifle once made by Rocky Mountain Arms Corporation (RMAC) of Utah.
Today I get to do something I have wondered about for more than half a century. Today I shoot the Daisy VL rifle.
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Winchester’s 422 is another lower-powered breakbarrel from the 1960s and ’70s. Part 1Part 2Part 3 History of airguns This report covers: Told you! The test RWS Hobby RWS Meisterkugeln Rifle RWS Superpoint RWS R10 Match Heavy RWS R10 Match Pistol RWS Superdomes What to do? H&N Baracuda Match with ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Walther LP2 single stroke pneumatic target pistol. Part 1Part 2 History of airguns This report covers: The test H&N Finale Match Light Adjusted the rear sight Second Finale Match Light group The trigger Gamo Match H&N Match Green Sig Match Ballistic Alloy RWS R10 Match Pistol Discussion Summary Today ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Walther LP2 single stroke pneumatic target pistol. Part 1 History of airguns This report covers: LP2 valve weak? Differences between the LP2 and LP3 Velocity RWS Hobby Gamo Match H&N Finale Match Light Trigger Pumping effort LP3 velocity Accuracy Summary As you learned in Part 1, my new/old Walther ... Read more
Today’s report is a guest blog from reader Ian McKee who writes as 45 Bravo. He’s going to tell us about the Crosman Mark I pistol he recently acquired and what he did to fix the leak it came with. If you’d like to write a guest post ... Read more
Walther’s LGV Olympia is one of the last recoiling spring piston target rifles. A history of airguns This report covers: Background Several versions Heavy Locking barrel Tight breech Light cocking Top Olympia Sights The plan Background During the 1960s, spring-piston target air rifles reached their high water mark. ... Read more
Michael’s Winchester 427 is a Diana model 27 by another name. The rifle pictured is my Hy Score 807/Diana 27 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 A history of airguns This report covers: SHOT Show Today and Monday New parts Scragging? Lubricating the mainspring Rust removal ... Read more
Crosman Mark I target pistol. A history of airguns This report covers: History Mark II The pistol Two power levels Grips Sights The trigger Power The pinnacle of its time Ergonomics Modified guns How long do they hold? Summary I wanted to write about the Crosman Mark I ... Read more
A history of airguns FWB 110 target rifle. I’m the one who cut off both ends of the gun in this photo. This report covers: FWB target rifles First target rifle How rare and what is it worth? What’s it like? Sliding compression chamber Same as a 300 Trigger ... Read more
My .22 caliber Diana 27 is actually a Hy Score 807. Part 1 A history of airguns This report covers: RWS Superpoint RWS Superdomes Crosman Premier Am I satisfied? Cocking effort Trigger pull The ball bearing trigger How to adjust the ball bearing trigger Summary Today we look ... Read more
Crosman V-300 BB pistol. A history of airguns This report covers: For those who care History M1 Carbine Enter the V-300 The model name Oiling, loading and cocking Sights General specifications Summary Sometimes I write these historical reports about airguns that many of us know and have either ... Read more
Crosman M1 Carbine BB gun is a classic lookalike airgun. A history of airguns This report covers: History Tom the doofus Modern Quackenbush The danger A classic based on an icon! Different valve Repeater Sights More to come Daisy may have given lookalike airguns the name “Spittin’ Image” ... Read more
BSF S70 rifle is the father of several famous Weirauch models. Part 1 Part 2 A history of airguns This report covers: The test Shoots low Hobbys Premier lites The sights and my new eye RWS Superdomes JSB Exact RS Conclusion In Part 2 we learned that this ... Read more
This Diana model 5 air pistol is marked as a Winchester model 353. Part 1 Part 2 A history of airguns This report covers: The test Hobbys A couple observations Air Arms Falcon Crosman Premier lites Qiang Yuan Training pellets Summary Today is accuracy day for the Diana ... Read more
BSF S70 rifle is the father of several famous Weirauch models. Part 1 A history of airguns This report covers: Today’s the day Oiled the piston seal RWS Hobby Crosman Premier 7.9-grain What’s up? Cocking effort Trigger pull Summary Today’s the day Today we find out how honest ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: The Spittin’ Image What is it? Catapult gun A kinetic gun? Very low power Cowboys are cool Four variations The Holy Grail The pistol That’s all for today The Spittin’ Image In 1960, Daisy Manufacturing Company embarked on a marketing campaign ... Read more
The BSF S20 pistol looks like a breakbarrel rifle that’s been cut down to fit into a pistol grip. A history of airguns This report covers: BSF S20 Finding the gun Some faults Not so simple Description What to do next? BSF S20 I saw my first BSF ... Read more
Crosman 600 CO2 pellet pistol. A history of airguns Part 1 This report covers: Feeding problems? Crosman Premiers JSB Exact RS RWS Hobbys Shot count What we have Today is the day we discover the health of my new/old Crosman 600. Since I first filled it I have ... Read more
BSA Meteor Mark I. A history of airguns This report covers: You outta try… Off the bat A scope! What to expect Back in 2013/14 I wrote a 9-part review of the BSA Super Meteor Mark IV that I bought at what turned out to be the last ... Read more
Crosman 600 CO2 pellet pistol. A history of airguns This report covers: Update on the Brice scope mount base for the Daisy Red Ryder A true semiautomatic .22 caliber Power and gas use Ultimate ergonomics Gas caps Sights Safety Modification This pistol Could Crosman do it today? Update ... Read more
Haenel 310 is a different kind of trainer. A history of airguns This report covers: History — Haenel 33 and 33 Junior Haenel model 49 and 49a Haenel 310 Magazine Cocking BB gun action Accuracy I’m starting this report to address a question from one of our readers. ... Read more
Today is a day many of you have been waiting for -- the day we pit the FWB 600 against the FWB 300S.
Today I hope to test the velocity of the RMAC .22 caliber breechloading black powder rifle. I say I hope because last time I couldn't get a buckshot out the barrel.
Today we start loading and shooting the RMAC .22-caliber black powder breech loader.
Today's report will be a very important one. We test the velocity of the .22-caliber Marksman model 70 after I cut off the bent part of the mainspring.
Today we disassemble the Marksman model 70 rifle that we learned is a combination of BSF and Weihrauch parts. You are going to be surprised today!
Today we continue to acquaint ourselves with this unusual breakbarrel spring-piston air rifle that touches four airgun companies — Weihrauch, BSF, Beeman and Marksman.
45Bravo stumbled into this treasure! A like-new S&W 79G in the box with everything — and more! Merry Christmas everyone! History of airguns Today’s report is another guest blog from reader Ian McKee who writes as 45 Bravo. Today he shows us his latest acquisition — which is ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier The Beeman 900 pistol is another form of Diana’s model 10. Part 1Part 2Part 3 History of airguns This report covers: The test RWS Meisterkugeln Rifle RWS R10 Pistol Qiang Yuan Match Grade pellets H&N Finale Match Light No crazy person here! …or? Summary Today I’m going back to ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier This report covers: Really want Think as the world thinks Do whatcha shouldn’t For sale in shop Scruples Something else Winchester 427 Too much money! Two hours later Summary I’m going to cover a topic today that I never thought I would write. You can read the title, and ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier The Beeman 900 pistol is another form of Diana’s model 10. Part 1 History of airguns This report covers: Crosman model 84 Challenger Ragnar Skannaker So what? Trigger adjustments Trigger pull Velocity RWS R10 Match Pistol H&N Match Green JSB Match Heavy Weight Discussion Barrel weight Cocking effort Front ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier History of airguns This report covers: The beginning Walther LGR HOWEVER! Diana model 10 What is a Diana 10? The grips The top spacer Sights Trigger Power Summary Today is a special treat. We are going to go back into my distant past and see something that was pivotal ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Walther LGR. Part 1Part 2 History of airguns This report covers: Off the track RWS Hobby Qiang Yuan Match Grade RWS R10 Pistol Could I do it again? RWS Meisterkugeln Rifle Shooting behavior Summary Today we test the Walther LGR for accuracy. The test I shot the rifle from ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Walther LGR. Part 1 History of airguns This report covers: LGR Universal Velocity RWS R10 Pistol pellets Velocity Gamo Match pellets Velocity RWS Meisterkugeln Rifle What I didn’t tell you Oh phooey! Pumping effort Trigger Summary Today we look at the velocity and other performance of the Walther LGR ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Walther LGR. History of airguns This report covers: Rothenburg ob der Tauber History Stock Sights Fatal flaw? Loading port Trigger Summary Yes we are starting yet another 10-meter air rifle report. This blog has covered a lot of 10-meter target rifles from the 1960s and ’70s, the time when ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier History of airguns This report covers: A break The real story Fell into it Oh, no! The real story Back to the future The lesson More The point Summary A break I need a break from punching holes in paper. Been doing a lot of that this week. Today ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier 02-A very early S&W 78G air pistol. Though the picture looks matte because of the cloud lighting, this one has glossy paint. It’s like new! A history of airguns This report covers: Behind the curtain This pistol How early is it? Refinished? Let’s look So what? Trigger Interests? Summary ... Read more
Diana 27S. A history of airguns This report covers: Carel Diana 27S Anti-beartrap Description Dimensions Sights Ball bearing sear History Parts interchange Summary This report is one I wanted to write months ago, but after all I wrote about reader Michael’s Winchester 427 and my own Diana 26 ... Read more
Daisy 22SG. Part 1 Part 2 A history of airguns This report covers: The test Check sight-in RWS Hobbys Beeman Kodiaks RWS Superpoint JSB Exact RS RWS Superdome JSB Hades Discussion Summary Today we learn how accurate the Daisy 22SG is. The rifle was already scoped so I ... Read more
My new Beeman C1 is a .177. Part 1 A history of airguns This report covers: Baseline H&N Baracuda Match 4.50mm RWS Superdome RWS Hobby Discussion 1 Trigger pull Cocking effort Discussion 2 Summary The Beeman C1 I am testing is the airgun I acquired at the Texas ... Read more
My Sheridan Blue Streak dates back to 1978 when I bought it new. Part 1 A history of airguns This report covers: Lots of pellets Test plan Crosman Premiers Huh? Consistency Last test — Benjamin Cylindricals Pump effort Discussion Summary Today I test my Sheridan Blue Streak’s velocity. ... Read more
My S&W model 77A rifle. The black paint is flaking off the aluminum receiver, but the steel and wood parts are both in good condition. A history of airguns This report covers: S&W 77A History Blue Book Back to the history The price Description Sights Scope base? The ... Read more
My S&W 78G pistol. A history of airguns Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Today’s report is written by reader 45Bravo. This is his report to us on resealing the S&W 78G and 79G. If you’d like to write a guest post for this blog, please ... Read more
Diana 35 pellet rifle. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 A history of airguns This report covers: Basic velocity test background Today with Hobbys Firing behavior Cocking effort Trigger pull Qiang Yuan Training pellets Falcons Discussion Summary Today we see how the lube tune and cleaning ... Read more
My S&W 78G pistol. A history of airguns This report covers: History Physical description CO2 Fit Loading Adjustable power My observation Before I get into today’s report I have a surprise for you. I had a conversation with Val Gamerman on Friday about the TR-5 and together we ... Read more
Michael’s Winchester 427 is a Diana model 27 by another name. The rifle pictured is my Hy Score 807/Diana 27. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 A history of airguns This report covers: New breech seal The breech test Second tune with a ... Read more
Diana model 30 gallery gun. A history of airguns This report covers: Description Caliber 4.4mm The fix Power was intermittent Rifled Discussion Summary Apparently there have been three Dianas model 30. Blue Book of Airguns calls them out and tells us the differences. Last week there was some ... Read more
The B3 underlever from China A history of airguns Chinese B3 The B3 The rifle How can you tell? Who cares? The Compasseco connection Next Today was supposed to be Part 2 of the FLZ Luftpistole. However, as sometimes happens, fate had a different plan. I started to ... Read more
HW 55SF. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 A history of airguns This report covers: Rob velocity? H&N Finale Match Light Sig Match Ballistic Alloy Qiang Yuan Olympic RWS R10 Match Pistol Discussion So, what? Cocking effort Firing cycle Summary Today we look at ... Read more
My .22 caliber Diana 27 is actually a Hy Score 807. Part 1 Part 2 A history of airguns This report covers: The test Eye report RWS Superdomes Some questions arise RWS Superpoints The artillery hold Summary MP40 Second time was the trick Before I begin, someone asked ... Read more
This FWB 124 Deluxe is not the exact gun I’m writing about, but it is the same model. A history of airguns This report covers: The motivation What did I get? Now what? Why??? The lesson History Long stroke piston Summary I had planned to tear into the ... Read more
This Diana model 5 air pistol is marked as a Winchester model 353. Part 1 A history of airguns This report covers: A valuable report! RWS Hobby pellets Oil Crosman Premier lites The oiling Experience pays off Qiang Yuan Training pellets Back to Hobbys How is it doing? ... Read more
BSF S70 rifle is the father of several famous Weirauch models. A history of airguns This report covers: It’s here! History Related models Whadda we got? Trigger Sights Summary It’s here! I told you about this BSF S70 rifle a couple weeks ago. I thought I didn’t win it ... Read more
The BSA Airsporter Mark IV. Part 1 A history of airguns This report covers: My mistake RWS Hobby pellets Eley Wasps RWS Superpoints Cocking effort Trigger pull Summary Airsporter Mark IV? I thought this was a Mark I, B.B. What gives? My mistake Apparently B.B. Pelletier is the ... Read more
The BSF S20 pistol looks like a rifle that’s been cut down to fit into a pistol grip. Part 1 A history of airguns This report covers: Chinese copy? An HW70 copy? Velocity test Premier 7.9-grain RWS Hobbys Crosman Silver Eagle hollowpoints Breech seal? Trigger pull Cocking effort ... Read more
Pioneer BB76 BB gun. A history of airguns This report covers: 1976 Getting ready to shoot This is a big gun! The firearm And the key! Look for them new in the box Broken Summary I’ve got a strange one for you today. It’s a copy of a ... Read more
Today we look at the power and velocity of the new/old .177-caliber Diana 45 that I got last year at the Malvern, Arkansas airgun show.
I've got a strange one for you today. This is the day we shoot the Makarov BB pistol for accuracy. This is the one that was made from firearm parts.
It has been quite a journey, but I believe I have finally gotten the genuine FWB rear target sight mounted correctly on the FWB 600 single stroke pneumatic target rifle.
Folks, today I have a special report that taught me many different things. Are you ready to learn with me?
I'm certainly getting some mileage out of this airgun! I was going to tune her next, but reader Roamin Greco asked me to test the accuracy of the latest tune and I agreed.
Today we do the last experiment of increasing the preload in the Marksman model 70 air rifle.
Today we add shims to the Marksman model 70 mainspring, to see what that does.
Marksman model 70 breakbarrel rifle. Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 5Part 6Part 7Part 8 History of airguns This report covers: The test Sight in Predator Polymag Baracuda Match 5.53mm head RWS Meisterkugeln H&N Baracuda 18 The Baracuda 18 Summary Today we look at the accuracy of the Marksman model 70 breakbarrel whose mainspring has now ... Read more
Today we remove the rest of the mainspring of the Marksman model 70 breakbarrel air rifle so no preload remains.
Oh, boy, have I got one for you today! Thank the Lord that BB is a flawed as he is, because he can tell you the first time and them come back and tell it all over again — the right way!
Today’s report is another guest blog from reader Ian McKee who writes as 45 Bravo. Today and tomorrow he will tell us of his experience in resealing a Daisy model 41 pellet pistol. If you’d like to write a guest post for this blog, please email me at blogger@pyramydair.com. ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Beeman R10. Part 1Part 2 History of airguns This report covers: Recap The initial test Today’s test — the firing cycle JSB Exact 8.44-grain How I set up the Vortek kit Air Arms Falcon RWS Superdome Cocking effort Summary Today is the day we find out what the Vortek ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Beeman R10. Part 1 History of airguns This report covers: Start Scope base off Tip 1 Mainspring Remove piston Sleeved piston Threaded spring tube Breech seal Cleaning Piston seal Tuning strategy Trigger Insert the piston with the new Vortek seal — tip 2 Last thing — the trigger box! ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Beeman R10. History of airguns This report covers: This R10 History of the Beeman R9 and R10 Success! Tap the cap What about this R10? The R10 came in both standard and deluxe versions Thin spring tube Trigger Cocking shoe Performance Velocity with JSB 8.44-grain Summary I wrote a ... Read more
Daisy 22SG. Part 1 A history of airguns This report covers: Old 22SG Warmup First 10-pump shot string Oh, oh! What happened? Did it need more oil? Variable pumps Help! Fixed Second 10-pump shot string Variable pumps again Heavy pellet Trigger pull Pump effort Summary Well! If the ... Read more
IZH 46M single stroke target pistol. A history of airguns This report covers: New in the box Comparisons Single stroke pneumatic The IZH advantage Difference between the IZH 46 and 46M Power Accuracy Trigger Sights Grips Weight Can it be scoped? The tests Value Importation Not weapons! Scarcity ... Read more
IZH MP532 single stroke target rifle. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 A history of airguns This report covers: Got it! Adjusted the butt Fixed the rear sight Windage adjustment Sight adjustment The test Discussion 1 Discussion2 Discussion 3 Summary Got it! Sometimes BB gets it ... Read more
My new Beeman C1 is a .177. A history of airguns This report covers: Take this gun History Artillery hold A compromise Smoother with use Use a mainspring compressor! The test rifle Description The breech Barrel pivot This C1 has The plan Goal Sometimes you buy airguns because ... Read more
My S&W 78G pistol. A history of airguns Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Today’s report is written by reader 45Bravo. This is his report to us on the Daisy air pistols that followed the S&W 78G and 79G. If you’d like to write a guest post for ... Read more
The Diana 26 air rifle. A history of airguns This report covers: The deal What is it? Earlier model 26 Blue Book of Airguns Trigger Stock Description Sights Comparison to the 27 Summary I have written a lot about Diana air rifles over the course of this blog. ... Read more
Weihrauch HW 85. Part 1 A history of airguns This report covers: Crosman Premiers RWS Superdomes H&N Baracuda Match with 5.51mm heads Top speed? Hobbys Firing cycle Cocking Trigger pull Evaluation so far Today we learn how powerful this smooth-shooting .22-caliber HW85 is. You may remember from Part ... Read more
by B.B. Pelletier Part 1 A history of airguns This is an oldie from 2009 that I recycled because I was out of town, attending to my sister last week. Today we look at Part 2. Despite the size of this photo, the C1 is a small rifle. The western look was unique in its ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: The beginning What is a lube tune? The rifle Initial impressions The plan History Summary When talking about guns that become favorites, they say the airgun picks the shooter. Actually they say that about a lot of hobbies. This R8 certainly ... Read more
Sharp Ace Target Standard is a sidelever multi-pump 10 meter target rifle. Part 1 Part 2 A history of airguns This report covers: This rifle is not an Ace Pan Target Today’s test What happened Finale Match Light Sig Sauer Match Ballistic Alloy Qiang Yuan training pellets RWS ... Read more
Sharp Ace Pan Target is a sidelever multi-pump 10 meter target rifle. A history of airguns This report covers: Sharp Ace Beyond the Ace? Two versions Description Trigger How the Ace works Power Never a serious contender How I found this airgun I’ve been hyping this report on ... Read more
Mauser 300SL. There are three finger scallops along the cocking lever. A history of airguns This report covers: Description Sights Taploader Trigger Not much information Summary Here we go! I told you I would be reporting on those airguns I acquired from the Gun Broker website. This is ... Read more
Daisy 853. A history of airguns This report covers: Before the 853 Daisy and the NRA The 853 Specs Lothar Walther barrel Peep sight Front sight Single-stroke pneumatic Trigger Overall evaluation Wait a minute, B.B.! This is supposed to be an historical article. How can you write about ... Read more
IZH 46M single stroke target pistol. Part 1 Part 2 A history of airguns This report covers: The test RWS Meisterkugeln Rifle JSB Match Light Sights? Other pellets and holds The new hold RWS Hobby RWS R10 Match Light Best for last Discussion Summary Today I test the ... Read more
IZH MP532 single stroke target rifle. A history of airguns This report covers: What is it? Two rifles? Why so impressed? Sights Finishes changed over time Dimensions Not a true target rifle? Adjustable weights Weight Summary It’s been quite a while since I did an historical report and ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: “What they oughta do…” “They” did! Sounds nice! How did it shoot? History Summary This week reader Yogi asked me if I could write a blog about the Air Arms Pro Elite — a breakbarrel rifle that was built to the same quality ... Read more
by B.B. Pelletier This is an oldie from 2009 that I’m recycling because I’m still out of town with my family emergency. As you will soon learn, the Beeman C1 is the rifle that gave me the idea for the artillery hold. A history of airguns Despite the size of this photo, the C1 ... Read more
A history of airguns Part 1 Part 2 This report covers: Up to this point What came next? Head size Enter the Pelletgage High-performance expanding pellets Solid “pellets” Lead-free pellets Conclusion I bet some of you didn’t realize there was so much to making pellets accurate, did you? ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Walther’s LGV Challenger breakbarrel was a short-run success in 2013. Part 1Part 2 History of airguns This report covers: The test Firing behavior Sight in Air Arms Falcon JSB Exact RS RWS Superdomes Discussion Today we start looking at the accuracy of the Walther LGV pellet rifle. We know ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Crosman Challenger PCP. Edge Part 1Edge Part 2Edge Part 3Edge Part 4Edge Part 5AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 1AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 2AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 3AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 4AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 5Airforce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Crosman Challenger PCP. History of airguns Edge Part 1Edge Part 2Edge Part 3Edge Part 4Edge Part 5AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 1AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 2AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 3AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 4AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 5AirForce Edge 10-meter ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier The MAR177 from Crosman. Part 1 History of airguns This report covers: Why muzzleloading pneumatics and gas guns are extremely dangerous AR with a reservoir Premium quality Receiver difference National Match trigger AR firearm Summary Why muzzleloading pneumatics and gas guns are extremely dangerous I am answering this discussion ... Read more
The Lov 21 is a CO2 target pistol; made in the Czech Republic. It doesn’t look like much, but people speak well of it in Canada and Europe. Part 1 A history of airguns This report covers: Learned a lot! The CO2 cap Velocity — H&N Finale Match ... Read more
The Benjamin 392 pump assist is an interesting side street in the hobby. Part 1 Part 2 A history of airguns This report covers: Crosman Premier RWS Superpoint JSB Exact Jumbo Whadja get? Today we look at the accuracy of the .22-caliber Benjamin 392 with pump-assist. I tested ... Read more
The Benjamin 392 pump assist is an interesting side street in the hobby. Part 1 A history of airguns This report covers: Pump-assist pump effort Sheridan Blue Streak pump effort How it feels Velocity test 1 Velocity test 2 Velocity test 3 Velocity test 4 Velocity test 5 ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: I started out young My first new BB gun A real BB gun Fanner 50 Old blue and white First pellet gun Second pellet gun I started out young Little boys in the 1950s wanted to be cowboys or astronauts. We ... Read more
A history of airguns Haenel 100: Part 1 Daisy number 12 model 29: Part 1 Daisy number 12 model 29: Part 2 The Haenel 100 BB pistol is a pre-war 50-shot repeater. Daisy Number 12 Model 20 is a vintage BB gun. This report covers: Haenel 100 first Precision ... Read more
IZH MP532 single stroke target rifle. Part 1 A history of airguns This report covers: Rough-looking stock Haemmerli free pistol Who is the rifle made for? Also in the box Bringing them back ATF Sealant on the seals Part two of the seal fix I bought a second ... Read more
The Benjamin 392 pump assist modification is an interesting side street in the hobby. A history of airguns This report covers: How is this historical? What is it? How does it work? The inventor How much? The butterfly hand pump What are they worth? What comes next? This ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Crosman Challenger PCP. Edge Part 1Edge Part 2Edge Part 3Edge Part 4Edge Part 5AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 1AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 2AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 3AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 4AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 5Airforce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Crosman Challenger PCP. History of airguns Edge Part 1Edge Part 2Edge Part 3Edge Part 4Edge Part 5AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 1AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 2AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 3AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 4AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 5AirForce Edge 10-meter ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier AirForce Edge. Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 5AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 1AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 2AirForce Edge 10-meter target rifle: Part 3 A history of airguns This report covers: What happened to BB? First I’ll tell you what happened to me. My new electric bike ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier AirForce Edge. Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 5 A history of airguns This report covers: Daisy? Daisy 599 Some history NRA defines the youth target rifle The deal Back to the Edge Specifications Regulator Barrel Trigger Stock adjustments Weights Velocity Summary I have already written a lot about the ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier The MAR177 from Crosman. Part 1 History of airguns This report covers: Why muzzleloading pneumatics and gas guns are extremely dangerous AR with a reservoir Premium quality Receiver difference National Match trigger AR firearm Summary Why muzzleloading pneumatics and gas guns are extremely dangerous I am answering this discussion ... Read more
by Tom GaylordWriting as B.B. Pelletier Walther’s LGV Challenger breakbarrel was a short-run success in 2013. Part 1Part 2 History of airguns This report covers: The test Firing behavior Sight in Air Arms Falcon JSB Exact RS RWS Superdomes Discussion Today we start looking at the accuracy of the Walther LGV pellet rifle. We know ... Read more
A history of airguns This report covers: Are old airgun parts really that simple to make? It’s a simple plastic part The question Are old airgun parts really that simple to make? It’s a simple plastic part A fork in the road Hold on! Okay — stop! But ... Read more
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Don’t forget Napoleon’s Air Gun Corps. 1787 to 1791 give or take.
Tacklebury,
From the movie Tacklebury the Cadet with the gun fetish in Police Academy?
Some historical NEWS for you: Napoleon never disbanded an airgun corps he actually disbanded his powder rifle corps. He believed that it was ungentlemanly to shoot Officers, even the enemy’s, with accurate rifled weapons. The Girardoni air rifles were in the service of the Austrian Emperor/King of Hungary’s army. That entire Habsburg Hungarian Kings dynasty thing is really a complex story all by itself. But the Girardoni airguns were never historically linked with any Napoleonic army.
shootski
You’re correct, Austrian not Napoleonic. I had my wires crossed with his slingers.
“the Girandoni air rifle was adopted for use in the Austrian army, where it was called a Windbuchse (literally meaning “wind rifle” in German). The rifle was in use by the Austrian military until around 1815 and was used against in battles against the Turks.”
“During Austria’s 1788-89 war against Turkey and a 1790 fight with Prussia, the Girandoni air rifle was used extensively and proved itself in combat, offering a high rate, reasonable accuracy, and lethality, without generating gun smoke or muzzle blast. One Tyrolean sharpshooter report noted, “These weapons were really accurate and effective.”
Source: J. Plaster, History of Sniping and Sharpshooting