How to choose an air pistol?
Our experts are ready to share the nuances of choosing an air pistol, and you can choose a sports model yourself in the general catalog.
Purpose of pistols depending on the operating principle
There are several types of air pistols, which differ in convenience, efficiency, cocking system and design, which determines their purpose.
Gas
Air pistols with a gas cylinder system are the most popular and convenient. The price range varies depending on materials and functionality, the product range is very large. The ammunition is ejected using carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is kept under pressure in a replaceable cylinder. This type of pistol is favored by the following advantages:
- Compatible with different types of bullets
- A large number of shots per minute
- Ease of maintenance and operation
- Automatic cocking and multi-shot capacity
- Optimal size and weight
- No recoil
The disadvantages include the need to purchase replacement cartridges, although there are models with a built-in one that can be recharged. Most models are not distinguished by high accuracy of fire, with the exception of pistols with a rifled barrel.
Gas air guns are universal: they are suitable for outdoor entertainment, provide an effective and safe first experience in handling weapons, and help scare off aggressive animals.
Spring-powered
Everyone has encountered a spring-powered design at a shooting range when shooting at targets with a rifle. The distinctive feature of this mechanism is reloading by breaking the barrel and single shots. However, modern pistols use a bolt system with the ability to reload. The principle of operation is based on a spring-powered piston, which pushes air into the barrel when the trigger is pulled, setting the bullet in motion. There are very few similar pistols on sale, but they are distinguished by their reliability, low cost and the ability to shoot accurately over short distances. It is worth noting that the piston movement results in a slight recoil, which complicates the process. The main advantage of the spring-powered pistol is the absence of expenses for consumables (except for ammunition). The device is perfect for regular training in the shooting range, as well as for outdoor shooting.
Multi-pump
The multi-pump type design involves the use of a built-in tank that requires to be pre-filled with air. The process is carried out with the help of a built-in pump. The advantage of this type can be considered simplicity and safety of use, affordable cost. Such models usually have a slightly extended rifled barrel to increase the range and accuracy of shooting. From the disadvantages it is worth noting the need to pump up before each shot to create the necessary pressure. Multi-pump pistols are used only for hobbyist recreational shooting.
PCP (Pre Charged Pneumatics)
PCP pistols are not suitable for recreational use and are aimed at professionals. The models are distinguished by their long rifled barrel, large mass and high bullet speed. The main purpose of the PCP is to accurately shoot targets from long distances. The principle of operation is similar to multi-pump ones, but the air tank is much larger, and special equipment will be required to fill it.
Automatic Electric Gun (AEG)
AEG is a highly specialized type of pistol based on an electric drive. It is used exclusively in airsoft sports and is characterized by low power to eliminate the likelihood of injury. A distinctive feature is the ability to conduct semi-automatic or automatic fire.
Barrel type
The barrel of a pistol can be rifled or smooth. In the first case, the internal part is presented in the form of a thread, which helps the bullet spin around its axis to stabilize it in flight. Simply put, a rifled barrel guarantees higher shooting accuracy, just like the cost, which is why this approach is used in weapons for professionals. A lead bullet is usually used as cartridges due to its optimal geometry. The smooth design is consistent with most consumer grade air pistols. This barrel reduces the cost of production and provides all the necessary characteristics for home hobby use. Moreover, the smooth inner part is much easier to maintain and clean.
Types of ammunition and magazine capacity
The choice of ammunition comes down to two options — lead bullets and metal balls. The first is not common and is more relevant for single-shot rifles with a rifled barrel for accurate shooting. There are also multi-shot pistols for bullets, but their cost is much higher. The ammunition is used in target shooting ranges, as well as air rifles and shotguns for hunting. Metal balls are considered universal and convenient ammunition, especially for gas pistols. They provide good initial speed, range, and bullet penetration. Standard caliber — 4.5 mm. All ball pistols are multi-shot, guaranteeing high shooting intensity and ease of magazine reloading. The capacity of the latter can be several dozen bullets. The exception is revolvers, where the drum is limited to 5 – 7 bullets.
Initial velocity
There is no point in paying special attention to the velocity of bullet Air pistols are designed for sports and recreational shooting, so this indicator is fairly standard to avoid injury. Moreover, the weapon is designed for a short distance within 10 – 20 meters, which does not require high velocity. For effective shooting, 80 – 120 m / s is enough. Such models have the power to go through several cans and even break a glass bottle with thin walls. It is relevant to consider the higher velocity of the ammunition in conjunction with a rifled extended barrel for practicing the accuracy of shooting at a target at a distance of 20 – 50 meters. The index of less than 80 m/s is found in AEG airguns for strikeball and other competitions. It should be taken into account that in gas cylinder systems higher velocity leads to a reduction in the number of shots per load, as the portion of gas released will be increased.
Features to improve efficiency, safety and realism
The use of an air pistol can be more convenient and safer if it provides functionality in the form of additional modules and systems.
Safety lock
The safety lock is standard in all models and is an integral part of safe transportation, use and storage. The safety can be of different design, and should be selected solely on the basis of the convenience of holding and using the pistol in general.
Blowback system
The Blowback system, which provides bolt rebound when fired and recoil, imitating the operation of a combat pistol, can significantly increase the realism of design and use. This feature is also suitable for honing your skills before switching to firearms. Models with Blowback are compatible with gas cylinder type only and require more CO₂ consumption, reducing the total number of shots per load.
Mounts
Additional mounts in the form of Weaver or Picatinny rails can be located on top of slide and under the barrel. They are designed for mounting sights, laser pointers, and flashlights, which increase shooting efficiency in different conditions.
Shooting settings
The ability to adjust idle speed, trigger, and shot power applies to spring-powered and PCP pistols. The function is designed to adapt to sporting events, adjusting the accuracy and firing range. The complexity of the design significantly increases the cost of the weapon.
Materials and design
Materials affect more than just the appearance of the gun. They affect impact resistance, wear resistance and even operating efficiency. Most often manufacturers resort to a combination of materials to create individual parts.
The body is made of plastic or metal. Polymer compounds are cheaper and more fragile. Such pistols can be damaged if dropped and have a shorter service life. If price is not an issue, then you should take a closer look at the metal housing, which will withstand testing in any conditions. The handle is often made of plastic, which provides optimal tactile sensations, ease of holding and anti-slip properties due to its porous structure. In rare cases, wood or rubber may be used.
It is important to understand that the total weight of the pistol depends on the materials of manufacture. Professionals recommend choosing metal models weighing from 0.7 kg to 1 kg. With plastic analogues, the optimal figure would be 0.5 kg. Weight must be taken into account in operating mode (with a cylinder, cartridges, modules) to ensure normal load distribution, minimal shooting error and to avoid rapid hand fatigue.
Weapon design is a matter of taste. It can be completely different, but manufacturers offer copies of combat pistols, which can not only enhance the image, but also help in case of a dangerous situation. Most often, replicas are created from the most popular firearms — Colt, Smith and Wesson, Beretta, Makarov, Glock, Tokarev.
Rules for use, storage and maintenance
Despite the low level of injury, air pistols can lead to serious consequences in the form of administrative and criminal liability. Therefore, it is necessary to adhere to certain safety rules during use:
- It is forbidden to point weapons at people!
- Shooting is allowed in the open air or in specially equipped places
Air guns should also be stored unloaded (without cartridges in the magazine, cylinder connected, air pumped into the air tank) in special lock boxes or furniture with a lock.
To extend the service life of the pistol, avoid getting inside abrasive materials, water, and do not reuse ammunition.
You can learn more about the legality of purchasing, using, storing and servicing air guns in the corresponding article.
An air pistol can significantly diversify everyday life, make trips to nature exciting, and awaken the sporting spirit of competition. For a specific target application, there is a suitable type of air guns with the appropriate characteristics. You just need to make the right choice.
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