Types of air rifles and their differences: spring-powered, CO2, PCA, PCP
More than one person would like to buy their first airgun, but does not know which one to opt for, as there are a lot of models on the market that differ in many parameters. Airguns We divide them primarily according to the drive used in them: spring, CO2, PCA and PCP.
From this article, you will learn what types of airguns there are, what their characteristics are and how the different types of propulsion systems differ.
Spring-loaded air rifles - the classic choice for beginners and advanced shooters
Spring-loaded air rifles require the spring to be tensioned in order to fire a shot. By depressing the trigger, the spring is released, which causes the piston placed in the cylinder to move rapidly. As a result, the pressure generated pushes the pellets from the barrel. The advantage of such a propulsion system is the low cost of operation, as these airguns do not require the use of gas to fire a shot - so we do not need to purchase a CO2 cartridges, which are indispensable in other types of airguns.
When firing spring-loaded airguns, the shooter experiences a large recoil. In the case of more powerful windguns, with an initial velocity of the shot above 260 m/s, this can make it difficult to make a precise shot. For some users this is a disadvantage, while others see it as an advantage as it increases the realism of shooting.
Based on the method of tension used, we distinguish between types of airguns:
Classically broken - this is the most popular method of tensioning and by far the easiest to operate. The spring is tensioned by folding the barrel of the airgun. After tensioning, the barrel remains in the broken position, which provides easy access to the place where we place the shot - the barrel's inlet. Once the shot is placed, the barrel is folded and the shot can be fired. Because of the simplicity of this solution, it is particularly recommended for beginner shooters.
With bottom or side tension - the tension is carried out by a special lever placed under the barrel (bottom tension) or on the side of the bed (side tension). In these airguns, breaking the tension lever opens a special chamber in which the shot is placed. Thanks to their fixed barrels, these airguns are characterised by better durability and maintain their accuracy longer than classically broken windcheaters. If you intend to shoot your airgun often and for a long time, this type will be a good choice. The big advantage side-loading air rifles is easy to reload and pull, especially when lying down.
CO2 air rifles - realistic design and handling
So-called gas-powered air rifles are powered by disposable cartridges containing compressed carbon dioxide (CO2). One cartridge is sufficient for approximately 50-70 shots, depending on the model of airgun. There is no recoil when firing, and there is no need to tension the spring. If such an air rifle has the option of a multi-bullet magazine, it can be fired without the need to reload - a quick squeeze of the trigger until the magazine is exhausted is sufficient. Some models of CO2 airguns allow the use of an adapter that allows the use of large 88g cartridges instead of the standard 12g.
CO2 air guns are usually lighter than spring models. They are mainly made of lightweight composites, which perfectly pass the durability test precisely in recoilless airguns. The use of CO2 capsules, however, usually means lower power compared to PCP windguns, which are generally more expensive.
These types of air rifles are often equipped with a so-called blow-back system, i.e. a mechanism that throws the breech back immediately after the shot is fired. It does not affect the precision of the shots, but adds realism and sometimes increases the rate of fire. Shooting such airguns is only slightly different from shooting a firearm!
PCA (Pre Charged Air) air rifles - no recoil and good accuracy
So-called pump-action rifles are another type of airgun. The shot is fired using air, which is compressed before the shot with a few movements of a lever placed under the barrel. This innovative solution combines the advantages of spring-loaded airguns, such as low running costs, with the advantages of CO2 models - no recoil and good accuracy.
So do CO2 airguns, PCA airguns are usually very lightweight and are therefore recommended for beginner shooters. In these models, the power of the shot can be adjusted by the amount of compressed air. When shooting at close range, i.e. 10-15 metres, and you do not care about high penetration, you can fill the tank with a few movements. At longer distances, accurate shooting requires more pumping movements.
PCP (Pre Charged Pneumatics) air rifles - advanced technology
The most technologically advanced windcheaters powered by compressed air, which is stored in a special reservoir, usually located under the barrel. Thanks to this solution, these airguns have no recoil, which increases their accuracy. The large capacity of the tank allows you to enjoy shooting for longer without having to recharge. These are the most modern air guns with high performance: speed, accuracy and durability.
This type of airgun requires the use of optical sights, because mechanical aiming instruments are not sufficient. With PCP models, it is possible to hit the centre of a five-cent coin from up to 70 metres away!
Range of air rifles and accessories at Militaria.pl
Now that you know the types of air rifles, take a look at our range and choose the right model for you! Our range is very wide and includes all kinds of accessories such as sights, cartridges or shooting targets. We also offer protective accessories, which are useful for every shooter.
