The strict control that currently exists in Spain over firearms means that members and security forces of the State are almost the only people who can access them Soft air gun. However, there are other options such as compressed air weapons whose sale is legal for people of legal age. Similar in appearance and weight to traditional firearms, airguns are perfect for shooters, collectors and gun enthusiasts.
These are weapons that use the force of compressed air , compared to conventional firearms, which are based on chemical reactions that produce a large amount of gases when gunpowder burns. They generally incorporate a rifle, carbine or pistol, which has a power chamber in which a piece called a spring is subjected to compression and held there by the trigger mechanism.
As for the calibers used , the most popular are the 4.5 mm (.177 inch) and 5.5 mm (.22 inch). The first is the official one for competition and they are normally made of polomo or alloys of this element. But there are also 6.35 mm (.25 inch), 5.0 mm (.20 inch) and 4.4 mm BB (shot) calibers.
Types of compressed air weapons
Since they were invented in the 18th century, compressed air weapons have undergone significant advances to take on their current appearance. Today, we can find several types: pistols, revolvers, carbines and derivatives that may include the compressed air mechanism . Although the most popular are the pistols, which are divided between spring-loaded and CO2 cylinder pistols.
Spring loaded air guns
This model is the most similar to the originals. Its operation is based on the compression of a spring that is released when the trigger is pulled, that is, when it is fired. This causes a strong air current in the barrel of the gun that propels the previously inserted pellet. The fact that it is necessary to cock the spring to fire again means that generally only one shot can be fired.
Compressed air guns with CO2 cylinder
This is a more advanced model than the spring one. The tank incorporates a small CO2 cylinder that allows up to 50 shots before recharging again. Therefore, it is not necessary to activate the spring. This, added to the absence of vibrations and the recoil of the shot, make it the most popular pistol among buyers. Currently, the most used system is manual pumps which, although they require more effort, have a lower cost than other refilling systems.
How to choose compressed air weapons?
The sale of compressed air weapons has grown considerably in recent years. Thanks to their numerous advantages, many shooters prefer them even over firearms. They are very precise and easy to handle. As for its price, it varies depending on the model, quality, type and manufacturer of the weapon. Some of the main manufacturers of air rifles and pistols are Gamo, Storm, BSA, Croman or Walther.
When buying compressed air weapons , it is essential to know which one we need and, above all, be completely aware that they are items that require certain responsibility when using them. The point is that choosing the best compressed air gun is not an easy task today due to the large number of options that the market offers us.
What use are you going to give it?
If we are looking for a combination of uses, a fairly common option is 50% target shooting and the other 50% for pest control. This must be taken into account since, although to some extent any rifle can be used for any purpose, it is always better to buy a weapon designed for its intended use. Some are designed for general shooting, while others are designed specifically for target shooting competition or hunting.
How far are you going to shoot?
Most airguns fall into the following categories: Light, Medium, High (Magnum), and Super-Magnum. Most of them tend to combine magnum and super-magnum in the same “high power” group or “magnum” category. For example, if it is for hunting, we will need a power of 65 meters, while if it is for pest control, 40 meters is enough.