The Basics of Air Guns

Air guns are a versatile hunting and pest control tool. They can be quiet, accurate and affordable, making them a great option for beginners or for those who are unsure about purchasing a full-size firearm. The only real limitation is that they must be stored properly to prevent a loss of pressure which could cause the piston to break or even worse, the cylinder to rupture and explode. This can be done easily by placing the gun in a PVC pipe a couple of inches longer than the rifle and sealing it with 2 end caps. This can then be stored in one of your hiding places along with a few tins of pellets and a cleaning kit.

Originally, most air rifles were spring powered and used opposing-piston recoil elimination systems. However, the sport of target shooting and Olympic airgun competitions quickly grew in popularity and in the 1980s guns powered by compressed carbon dioxide or compressed nitrogen (also known as nitro piston) began to dominate.

The modern PCP rifles are essentially pre-charged pneumatic guns which use an internal reservoir of pressurized air that is filled from external sources such as diving cylinders, air compressors or manually by pumping. When the hammer is cocked, the release valve opens allowing a pre-determined volume of the pressurized air to escape from the reservoir and propel the projectile.

This type of rifle has become popular among hunters for its increased accuracy and power compared to traditional spring powered rifles, as well as the ability to maintain consistent shot-to-shot performance. These newer, more powerful PCPs are also capable of delivering sub-12ft/lb velocities which can make them very effective at small game or for discreet pest control in certain locations. However, it should be noted that high-powered air rifles require a different set of skills to be utilised effectively.