Air guns
An air gun (often called pellet gun or BB gun depending on the projectile) is any variety of pneumatic weapon that propels projectiles by means of compressed air, spring or other gas, in contrast to firearms, which use a propellant charge. Both the rifle and pistol forms (air rifle and air pistol) typically propel metallic projectiles, either pellets, or BBs. Certain types of air guns, usually rifles, may also propel arrows.
Air gun types
Air gun calibers
The most common air gun calibers are
Suitable for hunting large animals are offered by major manufacturers. These are usually PCP guns. The major calibers available are:
- .177 (4.5 mm): the most common caliber. All official shooting organizations mandate .177 caliber for both pistol and rifle competition. Used in ISSF shooting events at the Olympic Games. It has the flattest trajectory of all the calibers for a given energy level, making accuracy simpler. At suitable energy levels it can be used effectively for hunting.
- .22 (5.5 mm & 5.6 mm): for hunting and general use.
- .20 (5 mm): initially proprietary to the Sheridan multi-pump pneumatic air rifle, later more widely used.
- .25 (6.35 mm): the largest commonly available caliber for most of the 20th century.
Suitable for hunting large animals are offered by major manufacturers. These are usually PCP guns. The major calibers available are:
- .357
- .45 (11.43 mm)
- .50 (12.7 mm)
- .58 (14.5 mm)