An air gun, or pneumatic air rifle or pistol, is a weapon that uses compressed air to propel projectiles (powder pellets and darts) from the barrel. The earliest known air guns used a bellows system similar to those used to stoke fire. These early weapons were able to fire only one projectile at a time and had limited accuracy and range.
Most modern airguns use a spring or gas system to actuate a piston that quickly compresses the volume of pressurized air. When the trigger is pulled, this air drives a projectile out of the gun’s barrel and into the target.
The popularity of airguns has increased in recent years. This is due in part to the affordability of these guns and the variety of power levels available to enthusiasts. These guns can be used for many activities, including hunting and pest control. They are also commonly used for recreational shooting, known as plinking. Some people even compete in Field Target (FT) shooting competitions, which are similar to traditional archery competitions.
Most countries treat airguns in the same way as traditional firearms, requiring a license and age restrictions to own. However, there are some areas that only regulate airguns for hunting. Some states are considering introducing an Airgun Conservation Stamp modeled after stamps required for other types of hunting methods. airguns