How to choose a pneumatic gun

Modern air pistols are not the toys with which we played in childhood. Appearance, indistinguishable from military weapons, significant weight, power of the shot - these parameters make the “pneumatic” an excellent means for self-defense, and also allow great fun to diversify leisure during outdoor recreation. In order to make the right purchase - deal with the main types of such weapons and choose the appropriate model.

choose an air gun

The best manufacturers of airguns. Which to choose?

Currently, you can find on sale a variety of types of pneumatic weapons, starting with copies made in China and ending with full-fledged replicas of the original military weapons produced at the same factories. Demand is the products of the above brands:

Umarex;
Aniks;
Smersh;
Gletcher;
Borner;

The design of the weapons of these brands is simple and reliable, without requiring excessive efforts for care and maintenance. Reviews of certain models are presented on the Internet, in the same place there is a large number of video reviews, in which the weapon is shown in real conditions.

What types of airguns are there?

Taking into account the fact that all pneumatic weapons represent a replica of military weapons, there is no point in dividing pneumatics into types according to appearance (pistol, submachine gun, rifle). Much more differences in such "trunks" in technical terms.

Spring piston guns

The most simple type of weapon. By juggling the bolt in a special tank, the pressure of the necessary force is injected, which, when the trigger is pressed, releases the piston, with which the shot is carried out. Such pistols require cocking before each shot, and the most striking example of such a weapon is “vozdushka”, known since Soviet times.

Virtues

Low cost;

Do not require cans with gas;

Structural reliability;

Decent shot energy;

Realistic appearance;

disadvantages

Low shooting efficiency;

The shutter must be distorted before each shot;

Low rate of fire;

Gas cylinder pistols

This type of pneumatic involves the use of a special carbon dioxide cylinder as an energy source. Carbon dioxide is an excellent source of energy, and in order to shoot, you need a minimum amount of it. As a result, a compact gas cylinder lasts a long time. In addition, such a weapon in its functionality is reminiscent of combat - the bullets are stored in the store, and one juggling of the shutter is enough to perform a series of 10-12 shots or empty the store.

Virtues

Realism;

The source of energy is compact carbon dioxide cylinders;

Roomy store;

Big kinetic energy of a bullet;

Rate of fire;

disadvantages

Roads;

Requires regular cleaning and lubrication;

Top picks for air pistols

air gun selection criteria

Regardless of how this or that air pistol looks, there are a number of criteria that should be taken into account when choosing it.

Gun barrel design

From the design of the barrel of a pneumatic pistol, the range and accuracy of the weapon entirely depends. In this regard, all pneumatics are divided into two conditional categories:

Smooth-bore weapons. The barrel of such a pistol has the form of a tube of a cylindrical or conical shape with smooth and even inner walls. This type of barrel is light and easy to manufacture, but it is characterized by several disadvantages. In particular, the speed of a bullet and the accuracy of its shot cannot be called maximum;
The rifle is analogous to combat. During production, the inside of the barrel acquires a special thread, thanks to which the bullet receives rotational energy during a shot. This has an extremely positive effect on the strength of the shot, and also makes it accurate;

Ammunition Type

Almost all air pistols shoot compact bullets, differing characteristics and structure of the materials used:

Galvanized metal balls or their analogues, coated with a copper sheath - the most commonly used type of ammunition. Provide high speed shooting and charging, but not always accurate;
Lead bullets for pneumatics have a conical shape and are distinguished by accuracy. The disadvantages of such bullets include severe deformation and, as a result, their disposability;

Amount of muzzle energy

The indicator directly characterizes the strength of a pistol shot and its penetrating ability.

Models with a muzzle energy of 3 to 7.5 Joules are currently the most popular. They are quite powerful, accurate and long-range, but do not require any action on registration and legalization by the owner. It is precisely such muzzle energy that traditional pneumatic pistols possess, as well as paintball guns and airsoft drives;
Devices with kinetic energy of more than 7.5 Joules are referred to as hunting and sporting weapons under Russian law, and therefore require mandatory registration. Models over 25 Joules - registration, registration and obtaining a license. These are powerful and long-range pistols that can cause serious damage.