What is Airgun?

An airgun is any gun with compressed air that is stored in the gun until the time of firing. At that time, the gas is released behind the projectile which propels it down the barrel. Any gun that launches projectiles using compressed gas rather than producing gases burning propellant is considered to be an airgun. This can be achieved by various means, with some of the most common types of airguns being powered by:

• co2 cartridges,
• manual pumping systems,
• attached high-pressure tanks,
• powerful springs,
• and even gas pistons.

Airguns have been in use since the late 1500s, starting in Europe as large game hunting rifles, but were even used in certain militaries as well. The American air gun started production in the late 1800s and popular figures such as Lewis and Clark were known to use airguns on their trek across America. Designs such as the multi-pump, break action (also known as the break barrel) or even PCP (pre-charged pneumatic) have grown out of these early designs.

Air guns have grown to include a multitude of designs and calibers that can be paired together. Designs ranging from full-scale replicas of firearms to fully adjustable target shooters are used to give each air gun a standout feature. While designs have grown and evolved as the air gun has gained popularity and available uses so have the calibers they come in. Featuring popular small bore calibers such as .177 and .22 caliber, which are perfect for small game hunting and plinking. You can even go all the way up to big-bore .45 and .50 calibers. These larger calibers are designed to deliver more energy to whatever target you are shooting at. Having all these different choices lets you pick the perfect air gun to tackle whatever situation you may face.

Airguns are a useful tool that can be used for anything from small game hunting and pest control to recreational target shooting. Competitive sports based around air guns like Olympic 10 meter events and Field Target competitions also have sprung up and continued the growth of air guns. These events and uses have helped have allowed the air gun to push new technologies and ideas as well as teach proper safety techniques.

Pushing pellets out at the speeds air guns produce, does make them dangerous. Able to penetrate the skin of an animal, an airgun is painful and could potentially be lethal if not used safely and with caution.