Air rifle

LONG AIR RIFLES

They are designed for more demanding shooters who insist on precise target shooting. Why are long air rifles more accurate than short ones? The answer is simple. The longer the barrel, the higher the accuracy. This is due to the fact that the longer the pellet leaves the barrel, the more stable and precise flight path it acquires. Air rifles should be selected according to the purpose for which they are intended.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE?

First of all, you need to determine in what price range you want to move. There are very many air rifles on the market, ranging in price from a few dozen to several hundred Euros. Then you have to decide if you are looking for a classic break barrel air rifle, an air rifle powered by CO2, a pump air rifle or a PCP air rifle with an air reservoir.

The main advantage of break barrel air rifles is their simplicity. They are not structurally complex and therefore even after-warranty service is not expensive. Energy is usually supplied by a spring or a piston filled with nitrogen. Nowadays, especially those with a nitrogen piston are very popular. Each manufacturer designates this technology differently, e.g. IGT (GAMO), NPS (Crosman), and N-TEC (DIANA). Air rifles equipped with this technology have a longer lifetime and generate lower noise when firing. The spring or piston is usually tensioned by the barrel itself, by a separate lever located below the barrel or sideways. This type of air rifle is mostly available in 4.5 mm, 5.5 mm and 6.35 mm calibers. There are also shorter models of rifles with lower power, of which the length of the stock and their shape is designed more for younger shooters.  In 2017, GAMO launched a new product in the form a multi-shot break barrel air rifle, refuting the rule that break barrel air rifles are always single-shot only. Among the most popular manufacturers of break barrel air rifles are GAMO and Česká Zbrojovka which manufactures the legendary Slavia.

Air rifles powered by carbon dioxide (CO₂) are quieter compared to conventional break barrel air rifles and most of them are multi-shot with a magazine. Carbon dioxide is usually pressurized in a CO₂ cartridge. The most widespread are cartridges containing 12 g or 88 g of CO₂.  Depending on the air rifle performance and the size of the CO₂ cartridge, it is possible to perform several tens to hundreds of rounds until the content of the CO₂ cartridge is emptied.  The most popular manufacturers of CO₂ air rifles include Crosman and Umarex.

Pump air rifles have their own mechanism by which you can press the air into the pressure container. A typical example is pumping manually using the forend. The advantage of such air rifles is the possibility of power regulation. The more you pump the air rifle, the higher the shot energy will be.

PCP air rifles are of a more expensive price range and are designed for demanding and sports shooters. They are characterized by maximum possible accuracy, quality and precise workmanship. Most of them are multi-shot and have a magazine. Some do not have fixed sights, as it is assumed that they will be used with a riflescope. They are powered by compressed air placed in a pressure container which is filled with a manual pump or pressure vessel. Then you have several tens to a hundred rounds. Some models have adjustable power and are also available in larger 7.62 (.30) or 9 mm (.35) calibers. Popular manufacturers of PCP rifles are Česká Zbrojovka, Crosman and Air Arms.

WHAT WILL YOU NEED FOR AN AIR RIFLE?

First, it is necessary to choose the appropriate ammunitions. Air rifles should be cleaned and lubricated, so it is good to choose a suitable cleaning kit and oils. If you want to improve your shooting performance, buy some interesting targets, shooting ranges or pellet traps. To keep your weapon looking new as long as possible, we recommend storing it in a carrying case or suitcase.