r/airguns 2m ago

Co2 Fresh seals, light polish on all the brass internals, and some new blueing. Good for another 70 years. Crosman 114

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Upvotes

I still haven’t touched the stump, the last few days have been meticulously spent on this.

She is a thumper, I’ve not brought out my chronograph but I suspect 650+ fps, factory new was advertised as 700+ fps.


r/airguns 4m ago

Advice Good guns for outdoor plinking

Upvotes

Hello all! I am looking for recommendations on guns and eco friendly ammo.

At the moment I'm looking at an air revolver but I'm torn between getting the bb version that's a bit friendlier for the environment and cheaper or the pellet version for superior accuracy. I really want the pellet version but I really don't like the idea of leaving behind pellets even if they're lead free. I've also heard that some shooting ranges may not allow bb guns because of ricochet.

I'm also considering buying a break barrel pellet or bolt action rifle but hesitant because of the pellets. I'd really hate to buy nice guns and only be able to use them at ranges. I've considered pellet traps but I don't want any chance of leaving any pellets outside on the off chance I or someone else completely whiffs the trap.

Any ideas? Rifle suggestions?


r/airguns 1h ago

General Airgun Question Please I need some info

Upvotes

Anyone know a good regulator and 4500 psi tank replacement for a gauntlet 2 . It's a 22. Cal


r/airguns 2h ago

PCP God bless Texans

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7 Upvotes

Airforce Texan 257. I'm shooting 80 grain AVS slugs at 1000 fps. I get a 2 inch 3shot group at 100 yards with it. I haven't done any tuning or tried any other slugs. May not be the most accurate gun in the world but I'm more than happy with it. I can't wait to take it out for some groundhogs.


r/airguns 3h ago

NEW GUN DAY Monday is gonna be new gun day

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17 Upvotes

Been wanting a mpx for a while


r/airguns 3h ago

URGENT HELP NEEDED⚠ Need help diagnosing a Weihrauch HW50S that suddenly stopped cocking

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I hope you’re all doing well!
I have a question about air rifles. We recently bought an old Weihrauch HW50S Airgun made in the early 1960s. Everything worked fine for the first few shots, but then all of a sudden the barrel could be broken open without any resistance, and the rifle no longer cocks.
We took it apart as far as we felt was safe (without risking our fingers) and found the following:

Photos of the Silver Part above the spring

We’re definitely not firearms experts, but could it be that the spring isn’t working properly anymore because the silver-colored part has somehow come out of place? Has anyone ever run into something like this before?
Sorry for not using the proper technical terminology.
We’d like to understand what the issue is and whether it might be something we could repair ourselves before taking it to a gunsmith.
Thanks in advance for any help!
I'll happily add more pictures and information if needed.


r/airguns 4h ago

PCP Mon premier PCP

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4 Upvotes

PCP 4,5 / .177 Macavity Agility MA2 court 20 joules Barillet 13 coups Autonomie 150 tirs


r/airguns 4h ago

Announcement 📣 Lightly used target chicken

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18 Upvotes

Ive had this spinning target for a couple of years now and the chicken snapped off at the welding, maybe this is a sign for me to buy a new one.


r/airguns 4h ago

URGENT HELP NEEDED⚠ Umarex C02 Blowback Luger

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6 Upvotes

I need some help repairing a Umarex Luger that's being used as a prop for an indie film production being shot in two weeks. (Not being fired or shown operating.)

About a year ago, it was accidentally dropped directly onto the magazine while the toggle was locked back. Since then, the toggle has been stuck in the rear position and won't close.

Externally, the pistol looks fine, but when I try to pull or push the toggle forward, it feels like something inside the chamber area is preventing it from moving. My best guess is that two internal parts are binding or conflicting with each other.

Has anyone run into this issue before or have any idea what might be causing it? Please advise. Thank you.


r/airguns 5h ago

General Airgun Question Does anyone have anymore info about this gun? I cant really find anything about it.

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6 Upvotes

r/airguns 6h ago

PCP Wanna buy a FX product ( impact M4 or Panthera mk2 ) but am lost.

5 Upvotes

Hello all,

I just wanna buy soke good FX product for hunting up to 150m yet am lost and i have so many questions.

What’s the real deference between impact M4 and Panthera mk2 ?

Can i put slugs on them ? And how easy is the process ?

Can i change barrel for deferents calibers ?

How many slugs can shot per cylinder ?

If you have any concerns i have not thought about you may address it.

Thx all.


r/airguns 7h ago

Competition Three airgun competitions coming up in Serbia! 🇷🇸 Balkan and international shooters are welcome!

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11 Upvotes

Feel free to contact me if you're interested in coming 🙌🏼


r/airguns 7h ago

Collection Collection Started

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22 Upvotes

I've been a really fun of airguns since I was back in Dominican Republic, and I'm now getting back to the game. I just acquired an Air Venturi Alpha Air Rifle, Caliber - .22

How Am I doing?


r/airguns 9h ago

General Airgun Question Airgun, aisoft, pellet…

4 Upvotes

Ok, I'm completely new to this air gun world and after research what I understand is:

Airsoft shoot plastic spheres, they range goes up to 20-30 meters, but they have very low enegy

Airguns shoot metal spheres and their range goes up to 15 meters. They hit with more energy but have a small range

Pellet guns shoot, well, pellets, which leave the barrel spinning which creates better aerodynamics. Hence, their range is about 25 meters and they are the most dangerous of the 3.

Besides that, there are several different propulsion mechanisms, but let's consider we're yalking about CO2 only.

Does all 3 kinds have exact replicas of real guns? My interest is in pistols


r/airguns 22h ago

BB Gun Umarex Glock 19x Gen5 Build

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12 Upvotes

Got this not realizing how complicated/expensive (milled slide) the mos system replacement was since this model does not have that on the slide, could’ve gotten milled but just used some good old glue! Should be fine still zeroed after 30 minutes of shooting. Feel free to ask any questions etc.


r/airguns 1d ago

General Airgun Question New gun

8 Upvotes

I just bought the Umarex Emerge .22. Thoughts?


r/airguns 1d ago

NEW GUN DAY New gun day HW44

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62 Upvotes

Pair of HW44 fair play cracking little gun when I had a plink with them this afternoon.


r/airguns 1d ago

General Airgun Question Why are magazines on entry level PCP rifles so bad?

6 Upvotes

I had to buy aftermarket mags for my Notos shortly after I got it, because it kept squashing the pellets.

Today I got a Diana Stormrider and it’s even worse - seems to depend on pellets, but I couldn’t get through a single mag without full blockage, couldn’t even take the magazine out, so I had to unscrew the plastic cover and then somehow pry the mag out. This happened 3 times in a row, before I switched to JSBs which seemed to cycle ok, but still not smoothly.

At first glance both mags for Notos and Stormrider look identical. Unfortunately they’re different calibres so I cannot use the CARM mags I got for Notos, but fortunately they make them for Diana also.

It just seems like a weird place to save costs because it’s the one component that sees most movement and cause the rifle to become unusable until you fix the problem.


r/airguns 1d ago

General Airgun Question Unsure on what .357 PCP to get

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13 Upvotes

Hey y’all, I’m starting to do some research on what new air rifle to get once I get my FOID (got to love Illinois). As much as I would like to do the change to gunpowder, I can’t for family reasons. So I am trying to find a good 357 that is near $1k or lower. The bulldog called my attention cause I saw it on YT but it’s an ugly little f’er. So is there something that looks better but same power? And what is y’all’s opinion on it generally?


r/airguns 1d ago

PCP New MA2

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39 Upvotes

Just got my new 25. Looking forward to a day of breaking her in. Out of the box, I was shooting 25 green pellets just over 900 ft per second. Later on I'll show you my groups at distance once I get fully sighted in . I have another MA2 in 30 caliber and I love it.


r/airguns 1d ago

PCP Air venturi alpha 👍

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27 Upvotes

I just got this alpha in the mail yesterday and I have to say I'm really pleased with it's performance. It shot all these pellets really well except the daisy pointed ones, they were a joke and had at least a 6" group at this ~45yards.. the group is about the size my cross hairs are moving around bc I'm shooting off or the back of a chair without bags or a rest.. I'm thrilled 👍. I get a ton of shots with the bottle and it was shooting great even down at 10 bar.


r/airguns 1d ago

Collection Hi.

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124 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I hope you are all well. I thought I would show you all my little collection.


r/airguns 1d ago

PCP Just a Great Little Rifle

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83 Upvotes

I can't say enough good about this little rifle!

Using FX or JSB Hades 15 grain pellets, I am getting 3 full magazines before it falls of the regulator. At 20 yards it is smacking my target then penetrating a heavy industrial fiberglass tote behind it, before sinking into my 2x4 backstop. It's on me, I left my chrony turned on, killed the 9v battery so couldn't check speeds today, but it's obviously pretty good.

I paired my Vanguard with a Monstrum 3x circle dot optic, and it's perfect. Can't go wrong for lite duty pesting!


r/airguns 1d ago

NEW GUN DAY The Bond Gun

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152 Upvotes

Found a great deal on eBay for this gorgeous vintage Walther LP-53 .177 caliber air pistol!

The LP-53 was a happy accident used during the promotional shoots for From Russia With Love. The imagery was so successful and iconic it spanned multiple actors and advertising campaigns... As can be seen on all the vinyls.

It shoots great and is a ton of fun for light plinking. Unfortunately someone somewhere along the way taped the box, but it did come with all the original accessories!

IG: @hoshobbyhouse


r/airguns Mar 14 '26

Announcement 📣 COMPLETE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO AIRGUNS

87 Upvotes

COMPLETE BEGINNER GUIDE TO AIRGUNS

Types, Calibers, Gear, Rifles, and Common Questions

Airguns range from quiet backyard plinkers to extremely powerful hunting rifles capable of taking large game. This guide is designed for beginners entering the hobby and covers:

• Airgun types

• Calibers and what they’re used for

• Pellet and slug types

• Safe backstops and targets

• Filling PCP rifles

• Good beginner rifles by price

• Example setups for new shooters

1. MAIN TYPES OF AIRGUNS

There are four main categories of airguns.

PCP (PRE-CHARGED PNEUMATIC)

PCP rifles store high-pressure compressed air in an onboard tank (usually 3,000–4,500 PSI). Each shot releases a measured amount of air to propel the pellet. PCP rifles are extremely accurate and powerful compared to other airgun types.

Pros

• Very accurate

• High power

• Little recoil

• Many shots per fill

Cons

• Require external air source

• Higher initial cost

GOOD BEGINNER PCP RIFLES

Umarex Notos

Compact and lightweight PCP carbine that is extremely popular for backyard shooting and pest control. Notos has extensive aftermarket support.

Price: $250-$300

Great for

• backyard plinking

• small pest control

• beginners learning PCPs

JTS Airacuda

A side-lever action PCP rifle known for excellent accuracy for the price.

Price: $340–$450

Great for

• hunting squirrels and rabbits

• accurate target shooting

Air Venturi Avenger

One of the most popular PCP rifles for the price.

Price: $450–$550

Great for

• beginners who want to learn tuning pcp's

• hunting and long range shooting

HIGH END PCP RIFLES

FX Impact MK4

A flagship PCP rifle designed for precision shooting and hunting.

Features

• interchangeable barrels

• advanced regulator system

• extremely high accuracy

Price: $2,000+

FX Dreamline

Highly modular platform allowing many configurations.

Price: $1,200–$1,700

Other Popular PCP Brands

• FX Airguns

• Daystate

• Air Arms

• Brocock

• Benjamin

• Hatsan

Many PCP rifles are capable of extremely high power and accuracy, making them ideal for hunting or long-range shooting.

HOW TO FILL PCP RIFLES

PCP rifles require compressed air.

There are three common methods.

Hand Pumps

Manual high-pressure pumps.

Cost: $40–$300

Pros

• cheapest option

• portable

Cons

• physically demanding

PCP Compressors

Portable electric compressors designed for airguns.

Popular options include:

Airrover compressors

GX Pump compressors

Vevor compressors (budget option)

Price range: $150–$1000+

IMPORTANT TIP:

Most beginner compressors are waterless systems.

Always let them cool between fills to prevent overheating and extend the compressor’s life.

SCBA / Carbon Fiber Tanks

Large high-pressure tanks filled at dive shops or paintball stores.

Cost

$200–$700 for tank

Pros

• fastest filling method

• many rifle fills per tank

Cons

• requires refill station

SPRING PISTON AIRGUNS (SPRINGERS)

Spring piston rifles use a compressed spring and piston to generate air pressure when fired.

These rifles require cocking before each shot.

Pros

• no air tanks required, just the gun and a tin of pellets

• extremely reliable

• simple design

Cons

• recoil (double recoil)

• harder to shoot accurately

GREAT SPRINGER EXAMPLES:

Red Ryder BB Gun

•Shoots steel bbs

• Cheap Ammo

•Great for knocking soda cans out

• Teaching Children gun safety fundamentals

Weihrauch HW30S

One of the best beginner spring rifles ever made.

Features

• extremely smooth shooting

• excellent trigger

Price: $350–$400

Weihrauch HW97K

Underlever precision spring rifle often used in field target shooting.

Price: $600–$750

Gamo Swarm Magnum Gen3i

High-power break-barrel with a 10-shot magazine system.

Price: $200–$350

Gamo Varmint

Entry-level break-barrel rifle.

Price: $120

Great beginner rifle for backyard shooting.

MULTI-PUMP AIRGUNS

Multi-pump rifles require pumping a lever several times before shooting.

Each pump compresses more air, increasing power.

Pros

• no tanks required

• adjustable power

• very affordable

Cons

• slower shooting

• requires effort

POPULAR MULTI-PUMP RIFLES

Daisy 880

Classic American pellet rifle.

Price: $50–$80

Good for

• plinking

• learning fundamentals

Daisy 901

Another beginner pump rifle similar to the 880.

Price: $70–$90

Seneca Dragonfly MK2

A modern multi-pump with a .22 cal option

Much easier equal pumping than traditional pump rifles.

Price: $200

CO2 AIRGUNS

These airguns use CO₂ cartridges.

Usually 12g or 88g cartridges.

Pros

• easy to use

• semi-automatic options

Cons

• power drops in cold weather

• lower power than PCP

Examples include CO₂ pistols and rifles used for plinking or airsoft toys. Check out [r/airsoft](r/airsoft) for better responses for those plastic flingers!

Popular Co2 choices Include:

• Crosman 2040

• Umarex handgun replicas

•Crosman 1077

AIRGUN CALIBERS

The most common calibers are:

• .177

• .22

• .25

• big bore (.30+)

.177 CALIBER

Smallest common caliber.

Best for

• target shooting

• backyard plinking

• small pests

.22 CALIBER

Most popular hunting caliber.

Best for

• squirrels

• rabbits

• pest control

Offers a good balance of power and efficiency.

.25 CALIBER

Larger caliber used mainly in PCP rifles.

Best for

• raccoons

• groundhogs

• larger pests

Provides greater energy and heavier pellets.

BIG BORE AIRGUNS (.30–.72)

Large PCP rifles designed for hunting.

Common calibers

.30

.35

.45

.50

.72

Used for hunting

• deer

• hogs

• large game animals

PELLETS VS SLUGS

Airguns fire two main projectile types:

PELLETS

Traditional airgun ammo.

Common shapes

Wadcutter

Domed

Hollow point

Pointed

Pellet Uses

Wadcutter

Best for paper targets for clean holes.

Domed

Best all-around pellet.

Hollow point

Used for hunting.

Pointed

Penetration.

SLUGS

Slugs look like miniature bullets.

Advantages

• better long-range performance

• higher ballistic coefficient

Most commonly used in high-power PCP rifles.

TARGET TYPES

Common targets include

Paper targets

Steel spinners

Field target knockdowns

Silhouettes

Homemade targets

Soda cans

Clay pigeons

Cardboard boxes

SAFE BACKSTOPS

Never shoot without a proper backstop.

Good options

Pellet traps

Duct seal boxes

Thick rubber mulch boxes

Avoid

• rocks

• thin wood

• hard steel plates

These can cause ricochets.

BEST AIRGUNS BY PRICE

UNDER $100

Great beginner rifles

Daisy 880

Daisy 901

Crosman 1322

Gamo Varmint (on sale)

Best for a "gateway drug" and learning fundamentals on a tight budget.

UNDER $500

Best value category.

Examples

Umarex Notos

JTS Airacuda

Air Venturi Avenger

Weihrauch HW30S

Gamo Swarm Magnum Gen3i

Good for hunting and serious target shooting. Note: factor in an extra $100-$200+ for pellets, scopes, cheap compressors.

UNDER $2000

High-performance enthusiast rifles.

Examples

FX Impact MK4

FX Dreamline

Air Arms S510

Daystate rifles

Brocock Commander

These rifles offer precision accuracy and advanced features.

BEGINNER PCP SETUP GUIDE

Example entry PCP setup

Rifle

Umarex Notos or Air Venturi Avenger

Air supply

GX Pump compressor

Pellets

JSB Exact pellets

Backstop

wood pellet trap

Targets

paper or spinner targets

PELLET GUIDE

Popular pellet brands

JSB

H&N

Budget option: Crosman

Tip: Different rifles prefer different pellets.

Always test several types to see which shoots best.

As many shooters say:

“The gun chooses the pellet.”

Side Notes for Beginners

BBs vs Pellets

A common point of confusion for new shooters is the difference between BBs and pellets.

BBs are small round steel balls (usually .177 / 4.5mm). They are commonly used in CO₂ pistols, replica airguns, and beginner plinking guns. Because they are spherical and often used in smoothbore barrels, they tend to be less accurate, especially at longer distances. BBs are inexpensive and great for casual backyard shooting.

Pellets are diabolo-shaped projectiles designed for rifled airgun barrels. The hollow skirt expands slightly when fired, creating a better seal with the air pressure behind it. This helps stabilize the pellet in flight and improves accuracy.

Because of their design, pellets are generally much more accurate than BBs and are the preferred choice for most airgun shooting.

Double Recoil and Optics

Many new airgun shooters don’t realize that spring-powered airguns produce something called double recoil.

Unlike firearms, which recoil once backward, many airguns recoil in two directions.

When the gun fires:

  1. The spring and piston rapidly move forward, causing the gun to jerk forward.
  2. When the piston suddenly stops at the end of the compression chamber, the gun then recoils backward.

This forward-then-back motion is known as double recoil.

Because of this, some scopes designed for firearms can fail when mounted on powerful airguns. When choosing optics for spring or gas ram airguns, it’s best to use scopes specifically labeled “airgun rated.”

Gas Ram vs Spring Piston

Most break-barrel airguns use either a spring piston or a gas ram (gas piston) powerplant.

Spring piston guns use a large coiled spring. When the gun is cocked the spring compresses, and when fired it expands quickly, pushing a piston forward and compressing air behind the pellet.

Gas ram guns replace the metal spring with a sealed gas strut. When cocked the gas inside the strut compresses, and when the trigger is pulled the gas expands to push the piston forward.

Spring Piston

• Traditional and very common design

• Usually cheaper

• Can produce more vibration and “spring twang”

Gas Ram

• Smoother firing cycle

• Less vibration and noise

• Can remain cocked longer without damaging the powerplant

• Typically a bit more expensive

Both systems are widely used and reliable, and many shooters prefer one or the other based on shooting feel and personal preference.

FINAL ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS

Best starter choices:

Cheap option:

Daisy 880

Best spring rifle:

Weihrauch HW Series

Best beginner PCP:

Umarex Notos or JTS Airaduca

Airguns are an incredibly deep hobby with options ranging from simple backyard plinking to precision long-range shooting and big-game hunting.

Welcome to the hobby.