An air gun is a firearm-like weapon that uses compressed gas to fire a projectile. By standard definition, any air-powered gun that shoots projectiles can be considered an airgun. However, legal definitions vary by location and there are even some areas where air guns are regulated just like traditional firearms with age restrictions.
There are two primary types of airguns: pellet guns (also known as BB guns) and airsoft guns. Pellet guns use lead ammunition that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes while BB guns typically utilize spherical, steel-based pellets that are available in only one size. Both are typically cocked by pulling back a piston that compresses the air to propel the BB or pellet forward when the trigger is pulled.
These airguns can be used to practice marksmanship, hunt small game and even control pests. They have a number of advantages over other types of ammunition including lower costs, lower noise levels and year-round shooting that can help prepare for hunting season.
There are many different ways to power an airgun, but the most popular is through a pneumatic system. The gun is pressurized with a built-in pump using a tank that is either filled ahead of time or by filling it from an external source. A valve that is activated by the piston pump can then be opened to release the stored air to propel the projectile when the trigger is pulled. These types of airguns are long-lasting because they don’t need a mechanical spring and because there is less friction between the piston and the cylinder wall. They also don’t require the use of grease to lubricate the piston like mechanical spring guns. airguns