What Is an Air Rifle?

What Is an Air Rifle?

An air rifle or air gun is a type of gun that uses compressed air or gas to fire pellets or BBs, rather than using explosive gunpowder like traditional firearms. While they’re considered to be less powerful, they're popularly used for target shooting, hunting small game, and even pest control. Want to know more? This guide covers everything you need to know about air rifles.


The History of Air Guns

 

little girl holding air rifle and aiming
Credit: Envato Element/ altanaka

Air guns have been around way longer than most people think. They date back to at least the 1500s. The early air guns were known as windbüchse (or “wind rifles” in German) and were mainly made in Europe. They were used in hunting and even in warfare.

During the late 18th century, the Austrian army had an entire regiment equipped with air rifles called the Girardoni rifles. These were capable of firing about 20 shots before needing a recharge, which was a big deal back then. Napoleon’s army feared these weapons because they didn’t create the loud bang of a regular firearm, meaning troops could get closer before being detected.

Over time, these guns fell out of favor for military use as more powerful firearms developed, but they continued to evolve in other ways. By the 1800s, they were popular for sport and hunting in Europe and the U.S., especially for shooting competitions. The technology kept improving, and by the 20th century, they were more affordable and accessible to everyone. Today, modern air guns are mainly used for sport shooting, pest control, and recreational shooting. They're also very commonly used as a “starter gun.”


What Exactly Are Air Rifles?


So what makes an air rifle an air rifle?

Unlike traditional firearms that rely on explosive gunpowder to fire a bullet, modern air rifles use compressed air or gas to propel a small pellet or BB down the barrel. This setup makes them quieter, generally safer, and often less powerful than regular guns.


Types of Air Rifles

 

hands holding air rifle
Credit: Envato Element/ FabrikaPhoto

When it comes to air rifles, there's actually a decent variety out there. Here’s a breakdown of the main types you’ll come across:


Spring-Piston/ Break Barrel or Spring Air Rifle

Spring-piston air rifles, or “springers,” are probably the most common type. They work with a coiled spring inside that gets compressed when you cock the gun. When you pull the trigger, the spring releases, and the air pressure fires the pellet. They’re popular since they're powerful, and don’t require any extra power source like air tanks, CO₂ cartridges, etc to store compressed air. The only downside is that they have a bit more recoil, and it takes some practice to master their “spring jump” when shooting.


Gas-Piston (or Gas Ram) Air Rifles

Gas ram air guns are similar to springers but instead of a spring, they use a gas-filled cylinder that compresses when cocked. When you fire, the gas expands to push the pellet out. This setup makes them smoother and a bit quieter than spring-piston ones, with less recoil and no “spring fatigue” over time. They also work better in cold weather.


Pre-Charged Pneumatic or PCP Air Rifles

The PCP air rifle uses pre-compressed gas stored in a tank, which you refill with a hand pump, scuba tank, or a specialized compressor. They are known for their high power and impressive accuracy, making them popular for serious target shooting and even hunting. They have almost zero recoil and are quiet, but they do need regular refills of compressed air. You can get multiple shots from one fill-up, depending on the gun's tank size and power settings. They’re a bit of an investment but worth it if you’re into high-performance shooting.


CO₂-Powered Air Rifles

CO₂ air rifles are powered by CO₂ cartridges or tanks. They’re easy to use and usually semi-automatic, meaning you can fire multiple shots without needing to cock the gun each time. They're great for casual plinking and are typically more affordable and lightweight. However, they’re less powerful than spring-piston or PCP rifles, and their performance can drop in colder weather because CO₂ pressure decreases with the temperature.


Multi-Pump Pneumatic Air Rifles

Multi-pump air rifles are pretty unique because you can control the power of each shot. These rifles require you to pump the gun a few times (usually 2 to 10) to build up air pressure. The more pumps, the stronger the shot. They’re versatile, as you can use fewer pumps for lighter shooting or add more for extra power when needed. They don’t need CO₂ or other tanks, which makes them convenient, but some people find the pumping process a bit tiring if you’re taking a lot of shots.


Air Rifle Safety Tips

  • Never point an air pistol at anything you don’t intend to shoot, even if you believe it’s unloaded.
  • Pellets can ricochet or cause debris to fly. Protect your eyes whenever you’re shooting.
  • Only use pellets or BBs designed for your air rifle’s caliber to avoid damaging the gun or causing injury.
  • Regulations on air pistols and rifles vary by region, so be sure to check any restrictions in your area regarding use, transport, or ownership.
  • When not in use, keep your air rifle secured in a safe or a locked case to prevent unauthorized access.

Summary


Air rifles have a long history and come in all shapes and sizes. From spring-piston to PCP air guns, there’s an air rifle for just about any shooting need.

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