How to choose the best air pistol for you
Whether you’re a novice shooter looking to get into airguns as a hobby, a competitor, or a small game hunter, choosing the right airgun is one of the most important factors in enjoying the sport. There are many different airguns on the market today from companies like Crosman, Gamo, and Ruger, and they range in price from $80 to over $400. Knowing what to look for will help you save money and effort, and you’ll get a rifle that It will give you years of fun and functionality.
Plinking, hunting or competition?
Ask yourself first, “What am I going to use this rifle for?” If you’re new to airguns and want something you can shoot in your backyard to give the sport a try, you should probably focus on factors like cost (of the gun and ammo), noise level (to make sure that he won’t win). not disturb your neighbors) and scope (a lower magnification scope is fine unless you have a big backyard). Plan to spend around $100 to $150 on your airgun to get one that is high-quality to last, but won’t break the bank. Caliber-wise, the .177 is much less expensive to shoot than a .22, and less likely to go through your back. Nitrogen piston rifles tend to be much quieter than their spring-loaded brethren, but read reviews first to find out if a particular rifle has a reputation for being ninja quiet or nail gun loud.
Hunters, on the other hand, should look for something light, powerful and precise. Depending on the type of game you’re after, a .22-caliber BB gun might be more appropriate than a .177-caliber. Look for a rifle with a high velocity for its given caliber, for example, 950 feet per second for a .22. A higher magnification scope will serve you well when targeting small game from a distance, so look for a scope/rifle combo with a 3-9x scope or purchase one separately. Portability is extremely important if you are going to be out hiking on your hunting trips, so a lighter rifle that can use a sling would be ideal. Plan to spend at least $150 to $200 on a quality airgun with enough power to kill vermin cleanly and humanely.
For the competitive shooter, accuracy is paramount. Various factors affect the accuracy of it, such as the barrel, trigger, recoil, and sights. If you’re going to be shooting from the bench, a heavy gun won’t be a bother, and the extra weight helps control recoil. A crisp, light trigger is a must, but keep in mind that you can often buy an aftermarket trigger if the one that came with your gun isn’t quite up to the task. Shooting pellets at subsonic speeds (less than around 1000 feet per second) will keep your shots accurate. A quality zero-hold viewfinder is a must, and a solid stock with cheek lifts will help you get the perfect image and alignment.
Choosing your air gun
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to choose the airgun that’s right for you. Do your research online first and check the specifications and prices of each rifle, even if you plan to buy from a store. Major brands to watch out for include Gamo, Crosman and Benjamin. Be sure to read the reviews to find out if a given gun actually meets the specs or if it just looks good on paper.
Setup and shooting
Once you have your rifle home, all that’s left is to mount the scope, set up your aim and backup, and break the gun by sending a few hundred buckshot down. Enjoy your new hobby and rest easy knowing you’ve purchased the perfect airgun for you.
