The airsoft gun market is predicted to reach 2.5 billion by 2025. This number points to the extreme popularity of a rapidly growing sport played by people of all ages.

What exactly is an airsoft gun? These pistols, similar to paintball guns, shoot a small plastic pellet instead of a paintball. Like paintball, the object is to "tag" your opponents.

For those new to the sport, airsoft pistols are not only great fun but easy to use in the outdoor gaming world. Unsure where to begin? Here is an easy and comprehensive airsoft guide for beginners to help you get started:

Airsoft Gun Basics

Airsoft pistols began in Japan, where it was illegal to own and shoot firearms. As a legal option, airsoft guns looked just like the real thing, except for a distinguishing red tip at the end of the barrel. Users could practice tactical maneuvers safely, and soon the sport took off.

Airsoft guns discharge small 6mm plastic pellets designed to hit opposing players. Players divide into different teams and try to take out as many of the "enemy" as they can - similar to paintball.

The game can be played on private property, but is most often enjoyed at indoor and outdoor fields, run by different gaming companies. Some have themes and obstacles that add excitement to the games.

Types of Airsoft Pistols

Once you've decided you're interested in the sport, it's time to talk about the different types of airsoft guns. There are a few different options. How do you know which one is right for you?

Spring Powered Airsoft Guns

This type of gun is the most commonly known and requires you to pump it by cranking a lever. The plastic pellets are fired with a spring mechanism that is released when you pull the trigger.

These are a low-cost option for those with a budget in mind, so you can find one at a good price. The spring-powered gun is good for beginners that just want to try the sport out and upgrade their gun later.

Gas Powered Airsoft Guns

Many airsoft gun enthusiasts like gas-powered guns as they are realistic and powerful. They feel like a real gun and are easy to use.

These types of airsoft guns contain CO2 cartridges that discharge gas when the trigger is pulled. This propels the pellet from the gun. Some types use propane or "green gas." There are different options as well, like blowback or semi-automatic, which mimic a real gun and increase the user experience.

Electric Airsoft Guns

Automatic electric guns, or AEGs, contain a rechargeable battery. These models utilize gears powered by the electrical current of the battery to discharge the pellet from the gun.

These guns can come in both automatic or semi-automatic models, and unlike the gas-powered airsoft guns, you don't have to keep buying cartridges. You can simply recharge the batteries.

Once you see some options that appeal to you, you can look a little deeper and compare each type to see which one might be your best choice.

Important Safety Tips

Are airsoft guns dangerous? The answer is no - as long as proper safety measures are observed. Learning how to stay safe and keep others safe is critical when playing this sport.

Body Protection

Paintball-type eye gear is appropriately effective in keeping eyes safe from injury. Face and ear gear are important as well, as injuries can happen to teeth, face, and ears.

If a plastic pellet hits exposed skin, it can cause a small welt. Protective gear acts as a barrier and prevents this from happening.

Loading and Safety

Only load the airsoft gun while in play. Make sure that everyone is geared up with appropriate eye protection before you load up. Keep the guns unloaded the rest of the time.

Yet, even with the safety is on, consider your gun loaded at all times. Don't assume there will never be an accidental firing. Treat it like a real gun, especially around those without protective gear.

Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure there is no one around that is not fully protected. Keep an eye on hard surfaces that the pellet may ricochet off of.

It's always important to keep safety in mind first when playing combat games with airsoft guns. Remember, keeping these and other important safety tips in mind will help you and your friends stay safe while having a great time.

Maintain Your Equipment

Once you have purchased your equipment, it is important to take care of it. This increases the life of your gun and adds an extra measure of safety.

Keep your airsoft pistol in a sturdy and well-made gearbox. Keeping the gearbox clean and free of debris will help it last a long time.

Clean your gun. A soft cloth should do the trick to rid the gun of dust and debris on the outside. Make sure you clean the inside with your cleaning rod and a soft cloth sprayed with silicone lubricant. This will keep your airsoft handgun working safely and effectively.

Take care of the gun accessories. For the electric, make sure batteries are stored properly and they aren't overcharged. For the gas, check for leaks and if there are any, fix them early.

Check Out the Guns and the Gear

Now that you have a better understanding of the basics of what an airsoft pistol is, purchasing one is the next step. Pick a model that fits your needs - something you'll be happy with and that won't be cost-prohibitive. Remember the extras as well - safety gear, cleaning tools, and protective equipment.

At this venture, it's important to find a trustworthy supplier. Airgun Megastore is a name synonymous with quality and trust. We've been providing our customers with guns, supplies, and more since 2009. And not only are we big on inventory, but we're also big on discounts!

Questions? Contact us today!

Airsoft is not a run-and-gun game.

While you can do this when playing video games, there's a lot at stake with airsoft. Choosing to go with an all-guns-blazing approach will tire you out fast. There's no sense of accomplishment after every match if you don't plan your strategy.

However, playing airsoft is not too hard once you learn a few essential airsoft tips. Doing these tips every time you're in the field will make them second nature.

Here are 13 vital tricks and tactics to up your game:

1. Don't Go Chicken Winging Out

How do you know if you're holding a gun the wrong way?

When you lift your elbows sideways like how a chicken lifts its wings, it's incorrect. Doing it for long periods will tire your shoulder muscles faster, which may lead to bigger problems later on. It will also cause you to have an awful and weak performance.

The proper way is to tuck your elbows with the tip pointing towards your stomach. Keeping your elbows aligned to your body also makes you a smaller target. If you're in a corner and your elbows are out, you'll be an easy target as it can give out your position or get shot right away.

2. Trigger Happy Is Not Funny

This tip is essential if you're holding an AEG (Automatic Electric Replica). You'll want to pull the automatic rifle's trigger fast. However, you don't want to shoot your teammates by accident.

Remember that you'll have plenty of time to move your finger to the trigger. You can do it while you change your stance or find cover.

3. Don't Remain in the Same Stance

Learn how to transition fast between common stances. From standing to kneeling to prone, you need to understand how and when to use them.

When kneeling, the knee parallel to the shooting hand should be the one touching the ground. When in a prone position, keep the leg of the shooting side bent. It will allow you to immediately go back to kneeling with the aid of the non-shooting hand.

4. Go Prone if Possible

The prone position is the safest since it takes advantage of an airsoft gun's flat trajectory. This stance is one of the best airsoft tricks specific to this game.

When your opponent shoots at you downward, you can take advantage of how an airsoft gun works.

When the shooter shoots in an angled position, the backspin pushes the BB upwards. Gravity doesn't balance it out. What this means is that the bullets will tend to go flying over instead of hitting the target.

5. Learn Common Ambush Methods

A strategy is at the heart of every airsoft game. What may seem to be a simple cover-to-cover movement leads to a strategic position for an ambush.

While there are many ways to set up an ambush, you need to keep this golden rule in mind, though.

Suppose it takes too much effort to get into your ambush position. In that case, extraction will only be as difficult, if not harder. In cases like this, it's better to find another ambush position.

6. Understand How to Counter-Ambush

If you're on the receiving end of an ambush attack, you need to learn how to counter it fast. However, it's essential to identify the type of ambush first immediately. This strategy is where proper team mechanics and coordination come into play.

For example, a traditional "L-shape" ambush can become ineffective.

The ambushed team can be quick in executing the Australian Center-Peel tactic. It requires proper coordination. You must work with one of the units providing cover fire while the rest retreat.

When the teammate's magazine is empty, he'll fall back as the others provide cover.

You must familiarize yourself with other types of standard ambush methods as well. Some examples are the V-Shape and Dual Linear.

7. It's Not Always Good to Stick to Cover

Unless you're getting peppered with shots, don't try to stick too close to the cover. Stand back a couple of feet behind the covering. It will give you better awareness of your surroundings.

The distance will offer a broader peripheral view, allowing you to react quicker.

8. Understand the Rules of the Game

As with any game, you need to learn the objectives first before playing. Keep your excitement in check and be objective when listening to the mechanics. There's nothing as frustrating as losing a game because you made that perfect shot on a decoy.

9. Become One with the Field Map

No airsoft player, except those who are ex-military, can play well in new maps. It's a fact, but it's easy to overcome if you familiarize yourself with the field map.

It may take time to become one with the map like it's the back of your hand. When you get used to it, your positional awareness will become second nature.

10. Always Empty Your Magazine

It may seem convenient to leave the BBs intact in your magazine for your next session. However, it'll wear out your magazine springs faster. After every play, immediately eject the BBs and load them again on your next field day.

11. Protect Yourself with Proper Clothes

Everyone gets a chance to be on the receiving end of a shot. Even if you're already an expert, you can still get hit with BBs.

How do you protect yourself from the sting? Always wear thick clothes, keeping your arms and legs covered.

12. Use the Right FPS

FPS (Feet per Second) is different when playing outdoors or indoors. Some indoor airsoft tips suggest a 370 setting.

In general, though, it should never go above 350. When outdoors, the setting should be 400 to 450. While higher FPS means faster bullet speed, going too high can hurt other players.

13. Practice Offhand Shooting

Out of most of the airsoft tactics, the ability to shoot offhand is a valuable skill. It gives you the freedom to change your strategy and position on the fly.

Take CQB, for instance. Your opponent will most likely expect you to pop out from the left side. It's because most people are right-handed.

With your ability to shoot offhand, you can position yourself on the opposite side for a free shot.

Dominate the Field with These Big Airsoft Tips

Follow these 13 huge tips to increase your chances of winning every game. As you learn more tricks over time, these tips will never go out of style and purpose.

Pair these airsoft tips with proper equipment. Contact us, and we'll help you pick the suitable airsoft guns and accessories.

No matter how you use an air rifle, with a scope or without, while hunting, target shooting, or plinking, it's going to be fun. But if you want to ensure you hit the target every single time, you need an air rifle scope.

Yes, you can get a scope for air rifles. They aren't only used for true hunting rifles.

With a scope, your air rifle accuracy will dramatically increase, so long as you know how to zero it in. It's a simple process, but you need to know how to do it properly.

Wondering why you need to get an air rifle scope and how to choose the best one? Want to learn how to dial it in? Keep reading to discover how to take your air rifle shooting to the next level.

When You Need an Air Rifle Scope

Adding a scope to your rifle improves accuracy, helping you see small targets from far away. Here are a few reasons you'll need to pick up a scope.

Target Shooting

Most of the time we use air guns, or firearms, in general, is simply to hit targets. It's a fun form of recreation that has many benefits.

Target shooting can range from plinking, such as shooting cans to hear that satisfying "plink" or setting up paper targets to practice your shooting. But we all know it's far more satisfying to actually hit the target.

When you add a scope to your air rifle, you will be able to hit the target more consistently, and from long range, making you a better shooter. Plus, you'll have more fun every time you shoot.

Hunting

Air rifles are used widely for small game hunting (and even some big game). As you may already know, small animals are skittish. They don't want you coming close to them. When hunting squirrels, for example, they are often high up in a tree where they feel safe.

You'll need to place your shot from considerable distances. A scope is the only reliable way to do this. Improving your accuracy also improves the safety of hunting.

Pest Control

Air rifles are one of the most effective, and most enjoyable forms of pest control. Whether you need to stop rabbits, squirrels, moles, or anything other varmints from destroying your yard, you can do so easily using a rifle scope.

It allows you to set up further away, sit tight and allow the animal to come out. Keep your yard pest-free using a scope.

Competition Practice

Looking to become a competitive shooter? Then you need all the help you can get. Using a scope you will be able to shoot much more consistently.

Types of Air Rifle Scopes

When searching for a scope to mount on your air rifle, you'll notice two main types. You can use both a fixed scope or a variable scope, depending on your preferences and goals.

Depending on the type of shooting you plan to do, you might opt for a scope with a larger a smaller field of view, or how wide the magnification is. A hunter who may be searching for a moving target will prefer a scope with a wider field of view.

And while you can typically mount a firearm scope to your air rifle, it's best not to. Air rifle scopes are designed to handle the heavy recoil that air rifles experience, relieving and protecting your eyes.

Fixed Scopes

A fixed scope is one that has constant magnification. It is always fixed to the same level of magnification and cannot be changed. These are easier to use and very consistent, but you may need multiple scopes if you plan to shoot at varying ranges.

Variable Scopes

The variable scope is just the opposite of a fixed scope. With a variable scope, you can adjust the level of magnification depending on your target and location.

How to Mount and Zero an Air Rifle Scope

Once you purchase your scope, you'll need to mount it and zero it in. Zeroing in your scope is the process of aligning the scope with the position that your pellet strikes. You may hear it referred to as sighting in your scope or dialing in your scope.

Mounting Your Scope

Many scopes will come with the appropriate mounting hardware to connect to your rifle. If it doesn't, you may need to purchase separate hardware.

Your air rifle most likely contains an 11mm dovetail groove on the top. If you're lucky, all you have to do is place your scope mounts onto the groove and fasten the screw. Don't completely tighten until you get the correct scope placement.

Test the scope and adjust for eye relief, which is the distance from the back of the scope to your eye. Find a comfortable position, and tighten the scope mount.

Zero In Your Scope

To get started zeroing in your scope, set up a near-range air gun target, say 10 yards. Ensure a safe backstop is behind the target.

The first step is seeing where your current alignment is. Take a few shots to see where your pellets hit when you aim for the center.

You'll then adjust your windage and elevation dials on your scope. Each marking on the dial typically represents 1/4 inch at 100 yards. So if your shot was 1 inch high at 100 yards, you'd need to adjust by turning your dial 4 times. If it's 1 inch high at 10 yards, you'd need to turn the dial 40 times.

If it sounds complicated, you could just adjust by sight rather than by calculation. Assuming you have plenty of pellets to spare, you can make an adjustment after each shot or two until you are hitting the center of the target at 10 yards.

Once you've zeroed your rifle in at 10 yards, do the same for your ideal shooting distance. Most people choose 30 yards. Simply place your target at 30 yards and repeat the process.

Your rifle and scope will now be accurate at 30 yards. When shooting at a closer target, just adjust your aim a little bit.

Air Rifle Scope Tips

Accurate and reliable air rifle shooting also depends on the type of pellets used. Different pellets will perform differently in your gun.

If you plan to take your gun hunting, it's best to use the same pellets that you practice with. Or if you purchase new pellets, be sure to practice in a safe location before hunting, so you can make scope adjustments if needed.

Making the Most of Your Air Rifle

Sure it's fun to use an air rifle without a scope, particularly in your backyard or in other close range environments. But if you are looking for reliability and improved accuracy, you need an air rifle scope.

This is especially true if you are trying to rid your yard of pests or if you'd like to bring home some dinner. Take your shooting game to the next level by picking up a scope today. 

When you're a kid, there's nothing better than playing outside on a fair-weather day. A soft breeze, a vivid blue sky, and laughing with friends are the thing that mold childhood memories. .

One of the best activities for days like those is shooting air rifles. Air rifles serve many purposes, but most importantly, they serve as objects to bond over. Parents can use them to teach firearm safety and useful skills.

If you or your child want to hone your marksmanship but don't want to use real firearms, a Gamo Wildcat is the perfect place to start. A Gamo air rifle is an excellent tool for training accuracy and varmint shooting.

While there are many air rifles on the market (there's an entire Christmas movie about one), Gamo rifles offer several benefits that make them ideal.

If you're wondering what kind of air rifle to purchase, then you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll examine eight reasons why the Gamo Wildcat rifle should rank high on your list.

1. Excellent Barrel Design

For an old-school design, the Gamo Silent Cat is top-of-the-line. The barrel of the gun is rifled, allowing for superb accuracy. Smoothbore air guns (those without a rifle boor) are often less accurate.

Rifled bores cause the pellet or bb to spin on firing. That spin gives the projectile a bit of energy that helps it fly on a straighter path.

Smooth bores, however, do not produce this energy. As such, their pellets often lose energy early in their flight path and veer off-course. This makes them less reliable. The rifled bore of a Gamo rifle makes it a much better choice.

2. Shooting Velocity and Accuracy

Whenever a group tests the Gamo Wildcat, one of their repeated findings is that its shooting and velocity are top-notch. Every pellet that it test-fires proves accurate.

As such, this rifle is accommodating of many different types of pellets and ammunition.

The maximum velocity that the Gamo Wildcat can hit is 1150 fps, which is an incredible velocity. To give you an idea of just how impressive that is, the speed of sound measured in fps is 1125.

This means the rifle can achieve supersonic velocity! However, bear in mind that not allcompatible ammunition will fire at this velocity.

Only the lightest pellets can achieve this velocity, such as the Gamo Raptor Platinum pellets. Several different pellets tested well in terms of accuracy. However, the most accurate pellet tested was the JBS Exalted Diablo 8.44 Grain.

A vital component to the rifle's accuracy is the Inert Gas Technology (IGT) piston. This crucial air rifle feature allows for close groupings and consistent firing!

3. Cocking and Trigger Pulling

Cocking the air rifle is relatively easy, particularly for an adult. Only about 42 lbs of force are required to cock the rifle. Because this is an air rifle, the ability to cock the gun quickly is critical.

Air rifles are not automatic, unlike other rifles on the market like Gas Airsoft guns. This means you must cock the gun after each shot, like a pump-action shotgun in a Western.

The trigger requires some force to pull; it's not a hair-trigger that will fire if you so much as graze it. However, while it may take a little more strength to pull, tests show it does not hinder its shooting.

4. Built-In Scope

The Gamo Wildcat features a useful add-on; it has a scope that enables sharpshooting out to distances of 40 yards. This scope serves to increase the rifle's already-sharp accuracy.

5. Gamo Wildcat Whisper Technology

Gamo Wildcats feature whisper technology that helps muffle the sound of the gunshot. This silencer is a useful tool in keeping your shooting quiet.

It also helps conceal your presence from animals. However, keep in mind that if you use the lightest pellet and produce shots that break the sound barrier, it will be loud regardless of the silencer.

If you are trying to shoot in silence or quiet, it may be better to sacrifice speed and use heavier pellets.

6. A Tool for Varmint Shooting

Air rifles are wonderful tools for training your marksmanship and improving your accuracy. However, they do not have tobe solely practice tools.

The Gamo Wildcat's scope, accuracy, and silencer make it great for varmint shooting. If you keep a garden that gets invaded regularly by small critters, this air gun can help to keep them away.

Even if you're not interested in killing the animal, you can change tactics. By firing a booming shot, you can scare the animals off.

7. Synthetic Stocks

Stocks are a crucial component of rifles. They are the part of the rifle that you hold and press into your shoulder to aim. Whenever you consider a rifle purchase, air rifle or not, you must pay attention to the stock.

The Gamo Wildcat has a sleek, smooth synthetic stock. Its design makes it resistant to all weather conditions (within reason. Don't leave it outside during a blizzard). It also has a recoil pad of ventilated rubber to help absorb recoil.

8. Affordability

One reason why the Gamo Silent Cat is such a good purchase is that it's affordable. The average price for one of these is about $150. That's a fair price for an air rifle, and it's particularly suitable for this model.

When you consider the various assets of this rifle, the gun is well worth its cost. Many of the products that go into it would cost far more if bought separately.

Its make, weight, and shooting material make it a competitive option in a market where products can sometimes cost $500 or more. If you're on a budget, this rifle is a great place to start.

If you're interested in the Gamo Wildcat, take the first step! Visit our website today to see if this gun is right for you!

Whether you want to be a serious competitive shooter or a casual target shooter, you'll need to put in the work to improve your airgun accuracy.

It certainly helps to have the best airguns and equipment, but that's not the end of the story. There are plenty of things you can practice to become a more consistent shooter and to improve your shooting accuracy.

1. Use Better Pellets

This is a tricky issue as not all pellets, brands, price points, or airguns are the same. Shooting accuracy can often rely on just the right combination of these things. Well-known brands and higher-priced pellets are likely to be more consistent, beyond that, you'll need to run some tests.

Your airgun will perform differently than any other gun. It will react poorly to some types and brands of pellets and well to others. The only way to know what works for you and your gun is to try them out. When you find a pellet that works, don't stray from it.

As an extra note here, if you align your sights with one type of pellet and move to a new pellet (even a new brand), you will need to resight your scope. Never expect different pellets to fire in exactly the same way.

2. Use a Better Scope

It is important to note that scopes built for regular firearms will not work for your airgun. They have different specs and are built for different purposes.

With that in mind, make sure you choose a good airgun scope. If you are going to stick to target shooting, get a target scope. Hunting scopes are not nearly as accurate. The finer the reticles and the higher the magnification on your target scope, the better.

Quality doesn't stop at your optics themselves. Make sure you buy a high-quality scope mount as well. When you ensure that all of your equipment meets a high standard, you can move on to improving your practice.

3. Less Power

When you shoot a rifle with a lower FPS, not only will the gun be lighter and easier to manipulate, the kick will be softer, as well.

Until you are an experienced airgun shooter, stick with the less powerful options to help hone in your accuracy without having to fight the gun along the way.

4. Tighten Everything

Over time and through lots of use, the screws on the sight mounts and on the gun itself can loosen. Even just a little wiggle due to these loose screws can throw everything out of whack.

Make sure every screw you can see is snug to ensure the equipment is working properly. Of course, don't overtighten as this can damage your gun, snug is enough to keep everything in place.

5. Slow and Steady

From your breath to your trigger finger, everything should move slowly and steadily. If you take a sharp inhale or a quick pull of the trigger, you will disrupt your mount and shift your aim. Even small shifts can throw aim off wildly over distance.

6. Stable Body Position

When you find the most stable-body shooting position possible, you increase the likelihood of accurate shooting. Stable positioning follows this order:

• Laying down
• Kneeling
• Standing against a wall (or tree)
• Freestanding

The more stable you are, the less movement your gun barrel will have as you fire.

7. Clean Your Gun

A clean gun will always operate better than one full of dust, dirt, and debris. You should regularly clean your gun to make sure it works properly and stays in working order for as long as possible.

It is worth noting that after you clean your barrel, the first few shots are likely to be inaccurate. This is to be expected, but it will pass. After cleaning, take a few shots before lining up your target again and you'll be fine.

8. Check Your Crown

The end of your barrel is called the crown. As it is the only part of the barrel exposed, it can sometimes get damaged. If you see any knicks, grooves, or scratches in your crown, it may be affecting your accuracy.

Be careful to keep from bumping or banging the end of your barrel against the ground, trees, or anything else while carrying it to avoid these problems in the future. Even if you're careful, it's worth a check every time you prepare to shoot.

9. BRASS

The U.S. military has long ascribed to the use of this acronym to teach the shooting process. If you create a habit out of these steps, you'll increase your accuracy shot after shot.

• B - Breathe - Take a few normal breaths before holding it for no more than 5 seconds.
• R - Relax
• A - Aim
• S - Slack - Squeeze the slack out of the trigger in preparation for the shot.
• S - Squeeze - Don't pull or jerk the trigger, but squeeze it to fire.

10. Contact Point Consistency

When you hold your gun at exactly the same contact point shot after shot, you not only build a good grip habit, but you take away another variable that could cause your shot to be unexpectedly inaccurate.

11. Hold Your Gun

Newer shooters are tempted to rest the barrel of their rifles on tree branches, windowsills, or other stationary platforms. Ignore this urge. Always use your non-trigger hand to steady your rifle.

If you must, you can rest your hand on a platform to steady your aim, but do not put the gun directly onto anything other than your open palm.

12. Break In Your Gun

Every airgun on the market, despite its price tag, has a breaking-in period. This is all the more true if your chosen gun uses springs. These springers often take thousands of rounds to break in before they find a level of consistency.

When the springs in your gun lose some of their initial tension, they'll settle into themselves. Only then can you start to count on your gun's aim to be true time and time again.

Work at Your Airgun Accuracy

As with any skill, the more you practice, the more you work at your accuracy, the better you'll get. Use these tips in your airgun target practice to start improving today and keep at it until you're ready to hit the bullseye every time.

If you're ready to start the serious work of improving your airgun accuracy, visit our website now to get the right gear.

Are you looking to pick up a new hobby? These days everyone searches for something to occupy their free time in safe, socially distanced ways.

Maybe you're an avid hunter and you're looking for a way to practice your marksmanship close to home.

Maybe you're looking for a way to get your kids out of the house and into the outdoors. This has you thinking about the possibilities, but when it comes to a pellet gun vs BB gun, you don't know which one is right.

To learn more about the key differences between these two popular air guns, keep reading.

What Is a Pellet Gun?

A pellet gun is a firearm that shoots metal pellets using compressed air. These pellets are non-spherical diabolo shaped, and designed to be less aerodynamic than a slug or bullet from a traditional rifle.

They feature a rifled barrel and a variety of different pellet sizes from .177 caliber to .50 caliber. These calibers have different uses. Smaller pellets are great for target shooting or pest control, while the larger pellets can be used for game hunting.

There are two different types of air compression these guns use to shoot pellets. These are pneumatic and CO2 air guns.

Pneumatic

All of these types of pellet guns use compressed air to shoot pellets. The difference is how do they compress the air they need.

Pneumatic is the most common pellet gun form. These are where the user has to take physical action to compress the air. For break-barrel guns, the hinged barrel compresses the air and cocks the gun.

Fixed-barrel pneumatic air guns, often called multi-pump, require the shooter to pump an underlever beneath the barrel to compress the air needed to fire the gun.

CO2

These air guns use carbon dioxide to shoot the pellets. Because they used tanked and compressed gas, pellets fired from these guns do not decelerate like pneumatic pellets.

Since carbon dioxide is a refrigerant gas, these guns cool when fired. For maximum pellet acceleration, these guns require shots at 15 to 20-second intervals.

If you see a pellet gun in the form of a pistol, it is most likely CO2 powered.

What Is a BB Gun?

A BB gun is an air gun. Like a pellet gun, BB guns use compressed air to fire a projectile. They work the same way. The difference is in what they shoot.

Pellet guns shoot diabolo shaped caliber pellets through a rifled barrel. BB guns shoot small, metallic balls the size of birdshot out of a smoothbore barrel.

Invented in 1886, these guns still feature multi-pump pneumatic powerplants as the most common type of air compression. In recent years, CO2 BB pistols grew in popularity.

Though these firearms can be used for some small game hunting, BB guns are often used for plinking. Plinking is a type of informal target practice where people shoot at empty bottles or cans.

Pros and Cons of a Pellet Gun

The pros and cons of a pellet gun often depend on who you're buying one for. If you're buying one for your children to use, you'll find that many of the pros may end up being cons.

If you're buying a firearm for someone underage, you should teach them responsible gun use and supervise them as much as possible.

Pros

One of the biggest pros of any high-powered pellet gun is its unlimited power supply. If you buy a pneumatic pellet gun, you don't have to worry about gun powder. As of right now, the earth isn't in imminent danger of running out of air.

Another great aspect of pellet guns is their increased accuracy. Since they shoot diabolo or non-spherical pellets from a rifled barrel, they provide a more accurate shooting experience.

Since the pellets can be large, they make great guns for small game hunting. Some hunters with sublime stalking skills even use them for deer hunting.

The ammunition for most pellet guns remains cheap, and in many states, you don't need a license to use one.

With proper supervision, you can use a pellet gun as an introduction to high-powered rifles and other firearms. Teach your children how to target and shoot with one of these before putting a hunting rifle in their hands.

Cons

Since pellet guns shoot through a rifled barrel and the pellets do not decelerate as rapidly as a BB, they can be much more dangerous. Your children should not use a pellet gun unsupervised.

Since these pellets range in size, larger pellets make a huge con. They move slower. Large pellets are not a great option for hunting fast-moving game or target practice.

If you invest in a large caliber pellet gun, you may find you have a harder time finding the proper ammunition. Large pellets are not as common as smaller ones. Though they're still cheaper than bullets, you might have to special order them online.

Pros and Cons of a BB Gun

When it comes to the pros and cons of a BB gun, you have to consider pellets vs. BBs. BBs are much smaller than pellets, and BB guns are designed for a backyard shooting experience.

Pros

BB guns are often much cheaper than pellet guns. Buying one for yourself or for a child to learn about shooting is a much less expensive option.

Like the guns themselves, the ammunition is plentiful and cheap. Steel BBs can be found at almost any sporting goods store or outdoors shop.

Another great pro is that you can buy Airsoft guns rather than a metal shooting BB gun. Airsoft ammunitions are non-lethal plastic spheres meant to mimic traditional steel BBs.

Cons

If you intend on hunting game larger than pests or squirrels, a BB gun is not a great option. The spherical BB shape decelerates the projectile. These guns aren't lethal to larger game.

Since the ammunition decelerates, they are not accurate for long-range shooting. If you intend on doing any longer-range target shooting other than casual plinking, you will be better off with a different type of air gun.

Pellet Gun vs BB Gun: What's Right for You?

Which one is right for you? It depends on your intentions and who you're buying for.

Pellet guns make great small and mid-range hunting weapons depending on your skill. They're also fantastic for teaching children about guns and gun safety.

BB guns work great as recreational guns for some backyard plinking fun and pest removal.

Pellet gun vs BB gun? Both are great options for outdoor fun.

If you're in the market for any type of air gun, you can't beat our inventory. Check out our online store today.

There’s a reason why the global airsoft gun market is valued at $1.5 billion. The exciting hobby appeals to many different users — both young and old. If you’re new to airsoft, then it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the different terminology out there. This is especially true if you’re in the process of buying your first gun.

Which type should you go with: spring, electric, or gas airsoft guns? If you’re curious about the difference between these types of air guns, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll be diving into each type of firing mechanism, as well as the pros and cons that come with them. That way, you’ll know for sure which one is right for you. Let’s get started!

How Do Spring Airsoft Guns Work?

Spring airsoft guns don’t run on batteries or CO2. Instead, they use a manual spring mechanism to fire the pellets. The spring inside the gun is compressed each time with a lever. When you pull the trigger, it causes the spring to release. This causes the plunger to drive compressed air in a forward direction.

This air travels through the barrel and causes the pellet to launch. Because you need to compress this lever manually each time, it means that spring airsoft guns can only be in a semi-automatic mode that requires cocking each time.

Pros and Cons of Spring Airsoft Guns

The biggest pro that comes with spring airsoft guns is their price. They’re some of the most affordable ones available. This makes them great for beginners or younger airsoft players. You also don’t need to worry about keeping up with batteries or extra CO2 cartridges. Finally, you can use them in all types of weather without worrying about breaking them.

Unfortunately, there are not automatic fire features. Instead, you need to manually cock each shot, which can significantly affect your shooting. Many spring guns also tend to be on the cheaper side, but this varies from model to model.

How Do Gas Airsoft Guns Work?

Gas airsoft guns use CO2 cartridges to operate the spring mechanism inside of them. Typically, these CO2 cartridges fit in the magazine of the airsoft gun. Whenever you pull the trigger a small amount of compressed air is released. The compressed air is controlled by the pressure nozzle which leads the air into the air pellet.

The flow of the gas through the barrel then causes momentum. This momentum causes the pellet to fire from the gun. Some gas-powered airsoft guns are just semiautomatic, while others have full-auto modes. Many gas airsoft guns also feature realistic blowback capabilities — just like a real gun.

Pros and Cons of Gas Airsoft Guns?

If you want realism, then you can’t do much better than gas airsoft guns. The blowback on many of the models makes them feel like a real firearm when you shoot them. There’s also some recoil on the gun. This may affect your shooting, but it certainly adds to the realism. As such, they’re great for training purposes.

Gas airsoft guns are also pretty powerful since they use compressed air to fire. They are also capable of full-auto capabilities depending on the model. However, there are some downsides as well.

For one thing, you need a constant supply of gas canisters. This can get expensive to replace, especially since CO2 can go bad eventually. The recoil on CO2 guns also affects their accuracy. As such, they’re not the most accurate airsoft guns on the market.

How Do Electric Airsoft Guns Work?

As their name suggests, electric airsoft guns run on batteries. This battery connects to a small motor inside the airsoft gun. The motor activates gears within the gun which causes the bolt to compress against the spring.

This results in a huge burst of air pressure as the bolt is repeatedly turned by the electrically powered gears. As a result, it typically gives electric airsoft guns the ability to shoot in both automatic and semiautomatic firing modes.

Pros and Cons of Electric Airsoft Guns

The best part about electric airsoft guns is that they almost all have full auto capabilities. Depending on the type you get they can also be fairly affordable. However, some more expensive models can shoot faster and harder.

The downside is that you need to constantly charge the batteries on them. Also, they require a lot of maintenance, especially if you’re using a more expensive version.

Is It Alright For Kids to Play With Airsoft Guns?

At a minimum, we generally recommend for kids to be at least twelve years old before they start playing with airsoft. That’s because airsoft and BB guns can cause serious eye injuries if they aren’t used correctly. It’s important to remember that when done correctly, airsoft can be an exciting and fulfilling game — one that teaches young people important lessons.

However, if you’re a parent, then it’s important to teach your child the safe way to use airsoft guns. If you want some tips, then make sure to check out our guide on everything parents should know about this type of equipment.

Interested in Airsoft Guns? Look No Further Than the Airgun Megastore

We hope this article helped you learn the difference between spring, electric, and gas airsoft guns. Ultimately, the right airsoft gun for you depends on what you’re using it for and your budget. Once you decide on the right type, it’s time to find a specific product. Unfortunately, there are many manufacturers out there that make inferior guns that perform poorly and break easily.

So, how do you find a supplier that offers quality airsoft guns? Simple: by shopping at the Airgun Megastore. Since 2009, we’ve been offering customers a huge variety in selection when it comes to airsoft and BB guns. Best of all, we provide this large inventory at massive discount prices. If you have any questions about our selections, then make sure to contact us today. 

Have you ever thought about buying your child a BB gun for Christmas? Many parents can be wary of the responsibility associated with a weapon, even one that is not as powerful. However, a BB gun can get your children outdoor and teach them valuable life lessons.

Anyone struggling to decide need to look no further. Below, we give you 5 reasons a BB gun is a great Christmas gift for your children.

They Get Children Moving

It can be hard to find presents that get children out and about. As the world turns to screens as the main form of entertainment, so does the gift market. Even presents that do not involve gaming or a screen seem to want to lock kids indoors.

Enter the BB gun. It is definitely not for use in the house and forces children to go out into the wider world. That could be the back yard, or it may be on a trip camping in the woods.

A BB gun is a piece of responsibility. You are telling your child that you trust them with a weapon. You are also letting them know you trust them in the bigger, wider world with something important.

BB guns can also be a great gateway to bigger outdoor pursuits for a child. Many of them have added features, with some even including compasses and sundials built into the gun's body. If you are on a hunting trip, even a small one, your child can feel included with the addition of a BB gun if they are not yet old enough to fire a real one.

A BB Gun Will Reduce Screen Time

Suddenly, with a BB gun, all the video games they have been playing come to life. It may not exactly be Fortnite, but they can at least get hands-on experience of one realistic aspect.

If you live in a rural area, it is a great way to get your child to appreciate the environment they live in. It can push them away from the television and out into the wilderness surrounding them.

Many BB guns can be found in the toy aisle of your local supermarket. Daisy BB guns are one of the easiest to access and most popular brands. However, you can go more high end and get some that are even more realistic with added features, encouraging your child to develop confidence outdoors.

Some BB guns are so lifelike and realistic that once your child is old enough, they will be able to make the change to a real gun quickly and safely. With features such as front and rear sights and ramps, children can learn the basics of shooting. Safety features such as locks and cases can teach them the etiquette and keeping safe aspects of gun handling.

They Are Safe

BB guns do not have the power an air rifle may have. Therefore, they are less likely to cause serious damage to people, animals, and property. This does not mean they should be taken lightly, as they can, of course, still cause harm if misused.

One of the most useful aspects of a BB gun is actually teaching your child about gun safety. Not only does this set them up to move into larger weapons, later on, it also gives them responsibility.

Daisy BB Guns are a great starting point as they have safety at their core. Their website has ten commandment style safety rules for several weapons to educate children on safety importance. Spend some time with your child going over these to ensure they know how to act when operating a gun.

When you are target practicing, always make sure you have a sufficient backstop. BB gun ammunition is known for ricocheting and can cause accidental damage if you have steel and lead shots.

They Are Good For Boys And Girls

Why should boys get all the fun? If you buy a BB gun for your daughter, it gives you a very unique way to bond. Not many fathers get to teach their daughters gun safety and how to shoot.

In fact, father and daughter shooters Jerry and Lena Miculek have even helped design their own guns, such as the Mossberg 940 JM Pro shotgun. Some brands even have guns aimed specifically at the female market, coloring them pink.

They Can Be Used For Pest Control

Unfortunately, living in the city or on the farm means rats are never far away. You have two options when this occurs. Either get an expensive exterminator company in, with no guarantee that the critters will not return, or get rid of them yourself.

If you choose the latter, can you think of a more fun way to do it than with a BB gun? A BB gun is actually a far more humane way of exterminating pests. Poisons and traps will torture animals for a long period of time, where a shot from a BB gun will be quick and generally painless.

BB guns are also extremely quiet, so will not scare away pest on your property. While they have a limited range, it means children are unlikely to overshoot and hit other targets in the surrounding areas, which your neighbors will surely be thankful for.

Making a Purchase

Once you decide on a BB gun as a gift, all you need to do is find the right one. BB guns can go from $13 supermarket buys up to the high end, $3000 professional shooters. Set a budget, and make sure you shop around.

Your first shopping stop should be Air Gun Megastore. We have a huge selection of air and BB guns, with some great prices and discounts. Click here to view our catalog and make sure you are on target with your Christmas gifts this season!

For some people, there's nothing better than target shooting. If you're an experienced gun owner or hunter, this means going to the range and using live ammunition. If you enjoy archery, this means shooting a bow.

But what if you want to practice your marksmanship with something a little less lethal? Alternatively, what if you have kids who want to learn how to shoot but aren't' ready for real firearms yet?

We recommend buying a BB or pellet air rifle. These firearms are much safer and easier to handle. Practicing with them can help people of all ages improve their accuracy and firearm control.

However, as with all firearms, you need to implement safety rules and regulations while handling air rifles. Just because they're less lethal, it doesn't mean they can't be dangerous or deadly.

Keep reading for an expert's guide on shooting an air rifle responsibly.

Keep the Safety On Until You're Ready to Fire

One of the most important principles of gun safety is learning to consistently engage the firearm's safety mechanism. The only time the safety should be off is while you're firing the weapon.

Regardless of if you have an air rifle or pistol, activating the safety can prevent serious accidents. This is especially important for kids learning how to shoot.

Both kids and adults who are new to guns, however, can improperly handle a weapon, leading to an accidental discharge. If the safety is engaged, this is less likely to happen.

Practice Trigger Finger Discipline

People who have spent time in the military or have experience working in law enforcement go crazy watching action movies full of gun mistakes. These include unrealistic shootouts, infinite magazines, and actors who clearly have no idea how to handle a firearm.

The most common issue? No trigger finger discipline.

People who aren't familiar with firearms immediately put their finger on the trigger when handling a rifle, pistol, shotgun, or any other type of gun. This can be incredibly unsafe. If the handler trips, sneezes, or gets startled, they can easily pull the trigger and cause an accident.

Instead keep your trigger finger straight and off the trigger at all times, unless you're actively shooting.

Practice Muzzle Awareness

Another major safety concern with air rifles and other firearms is muzzle control. When handling a weapon, you must always be aware of where the firearm is pointed.

Unless you're engaging a target, if you have an air rifle in your hands, the muzzle needs to be pointing down and away from your feet. A high power air rifle accidentally discharged while pointed at someone can have severe consequences.

This is one of the most important aspects of gun safety and tactical training. Candidates get kicked out of Navy Seal training, Swat training, and other tactical schools if they can't learn muzzle awareness. Not controlling where your weapon is pointing could lead to accidentally shooting yourself or someone else.

Use the Appropriate Personal Protective Gear

When using firearms, you need to wear the appropriate clothing and gear to protect yourself. While the standards are much higher with real firearms, shooting an air rifle is no exception.

At the very least, all participants should wear eye protection. Safety glasses will protect your eyes and vision in the event of a misfire or ricochet. BBs and pellets are infamous for bouncing off of hard surfaces.

Children Should Only Use Air Rifles and Other Firearms Under Adult Supervision

In today's age, it's important for kids to learn how to be independent. Because of technology and social media, kids are going outside less, spending more time on screens, and growing up in a more sheltered lifestyle.

Getting your children started in outdoor, physical activities like shooting can help them break free from too much screen time or dependence on electronics. However, that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be supervised while handling air rifles.

Until you know your child is 100% aware of the danger of firearms and can demonstrate proper gun safety, you shouldn't leave their side while target shooting.

If they have friends over, this is even more important. Kids tend to show off for their friends and make unwise decisions. Additionally, if another person's child is hurt in your care, they can hold you legally and financially responsible.

Keep a watchful eye on your kids while they're using air rifles and try to be as hands-on as possible. Finally, do a little research to find the best BB guns for kids.

Learn How to Set Up Targets to Maximize Safety

Another important aspect of firearm safety is learning how to set up targets appropriately. This applies to both what you're using as a target and where you're placing it.

As noted above, BBs and pellets have a tendency to ricochet off hard surfaces. This can lead to minor and major injuries. Make sure the targets you're using are appropriate for this type of ammunition.

Just as importantly, make sure the backdrop of the target is clear and safe. For example, don't set a target up against a chainlink fence you share with your neighbor. You or your kids could accidentally damage their property, hurt one of their pets, or worse.

Take a look at the best air rifle targets and airsoft targets on the market. Then, choose a location where you can safely set them up.

Treat the Air Rifle Like It's Loaded at All Times

Lastly, regardless of if you're looking for BB guns for sale, pellet guns for sale, or real firearms, you need to treat every weapon as if it were loaded at all times. There are countless firearm accidents that result because people are playing around with the weapon, assuming it's unloaded.

This can lead to property damage, injuries, and fatalities. Be smart with your air rifle. Don't point it at people, pets, yourself, or anything else aside from a designated target.

Looking for an Air Rifle?

Now that you know a little more about air rifle safety, it's time to start shooting! If you don't have a gun yet, we can help.

Check out our selection of BB and pellet air rifles. And for more tips on shooting, safety, and gun maintenance, check out some of our other articles before you go. Stay safe out there!

According to statistical data, the holiday season is reportedly the busiest time for gun sales. Not surprisingly, this same spike is also seen in sales of BB guns, air rifles, and pellet guns; as these are often purchased as first-time firearms for beginners. Some may link this increase in BB gun and air rifle sales to the iconic A Christmas Story film of 1983, while many families simply consider gifting a first time BB gun at Christmas to be a nostalgic pastime.

In either case, if you're shopping for someone special this year or if you're looking to treat yourself, our buying guide will tell you everything you need to look for in the best BB guns!

First Things First

Perhaps the first factor to consider when mulling over a BB gun purchase is the intended purpose of your BB gun. Will you be introducing a young shooter to their first experience with a BB gun or possibly a pellet gun? Most often, BB guns are used as a means of target practice or training for proper form and technique.

Are you looking to chase off pests or hunt small game? With so many varieties of these guns available, identifying your intentions for the BB gun will certainly help you on your quest to choosing the best fit.

BB Guns For Beginners

If you're planning to gift a first time BB gun or air gun this season, you'll want to make sure you're taking home a high-quality gun.

Young shooters and also adult beginners will feel much more comfortable shooting a reliable and easy to use piece of equipment. Similarly, size and weight will also be important factors to consider; especially if you're looking into BB guns for kids. A BB gun that is too heavy or too long for your child to handle comfortably could make mastering the basics much more difficult.

Also, high quality doesn't always mean high price. When it comes to high quality, you'll want to consider craftsmanship and the credibility of a knowledgeable retailer.

Size Matters

As mentioned previously, the size of the BB gun is an important factor to consider, and this is due to more than just safe handling and comfort. In fact, modern day BB guns have been crafted in almost every style you could imagine from the smallest pistols to the largest rifles.

That said, other factors to consider in terms of size of the BB gun will be whether you plan to shoot for long-range target practice, in a competition setting, or possibly something for a more advanced shooter such as air rifle hunting.

Ammo Check

The type of ammunition your BB gun uses will also be an important consideration for you.

BB sizes range from 0.777" to 0.50" for the round balls and pellets have a similar range though they offer more variances in size. Naturally, appropriate pellet or ball size will change depending on the intended use for your air rifles or BB guns so these factors will also need to be considered.

Similarly, the material of the ammunition itself will also make a difference for you. For instance, the lead or steel BB's will withstand wind and other elements better than a light plastic variety; so it's all in user-preference and skill level when it comes to choosing the best BB gun.

BB Guns & Matching Accessories

Another important feature to consider when it comes to buying the best BB gun for you comes down to accessories. Any gun enthusiast will understand the thinking behind customizing a BB gun, air rifle, or pellet gun to fit his or her own unique style and preferences.

Maybe your preference lends itself to applying a top-of-the-line air rifle scope, or maybe you're drawn to the look of a full metal airsoft gun. Whatever the case may be, you will want to consider the availability of add-ons and accessories as your skill in the sport advances and develops.

What's All That Racket?

One feature your neighbors are likely to notice relates to the noise-level your BB gun puts forth due to the release of compressed air. However, even if you're in a relatively secluded environment for target practice, someone new to shooting, (particularly those younger shooters), will typically respond better to a BB gun or air rifle that doesn't make too loud of a pop.

Certainly, the type of gun along with the type of ammunition will affect the noise level of the gun. If noise is at all a concern for you, you will want to consult the experts on which BB gun or air rifle might be the best fit for your needs.

When In Season

Let's talk about using BB guns for hunting.

Notably, BB guns are widespread in the world of hunting; particularly after small prey for sport and also pest control. However, when it comes to hunting, not any old BB gun will do. According to the experts, the accuracy of shots fired and the use of pure lead pellets are essential for both satisfying and responsible hunting.

Interestingly, more and more people are deciding to add BB guns and other pellet guns or high power air rifles to their survival arsenals for a myriad of reasons. In case you're curious, some of these reasons include:

• Ease of purchase
• Low cost of ammunition which is also light-weight and easy to store
• BB guns can be handled more safely than actual firearms

In other words, BB guns and air rifles can offer you so much more than just target practice.

A Few Parting Words

From those who have never held a gun previously all the way to the most advanced shooters, there is a perfect BB gun waiting for you. Considering purpose, skill level, size, ammunition, accessories, noise, and hunting capabilities are all crucial factors to take into account when shopping for the best BB guns.

Are you left with more questions about airsoft and BB guns? If so, why don't you visit our blog page? We have a ton of great reads on there that can help answer any of your air gun needs!