What Are Airguns?

An airgun is a gun that uses compressed gases to shoot projectiles, such as pellets or BBs. It can also fire darts or arrows. Unlike firearms, which use energy from the chemical ignition of gunpowder, an airgun generates mechanically pressurized gases by using a spring-piston or pneumatic mechanism. Airguns can be powered by a variety of sources, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), or pre-charged pneumatic air, but the term is normally applied to guns that use CO2.

While most people think of airguns as recreational or target shooting weapons, they are actually versatile tools that have been used for hunting, pest control, and other purposes since the 1500s. Airguns can be used to take small game animals like rabbits, hares, squirrels, and pheasants, as well as larger big game such as antelope and deer. They are also used in target shooting competitions, including the Olympic 10 meter air rifle and pistol events.

While many people think of an air gun as a toy, they can be dangerous and cause serious injury when mistreated. Because of this, they must be handled with great care and consideration. airguns