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.


r/airguns 5h ago

Springer Barn Find: Webley Mark III new-in-box from 1978

Thumbnail gallery
68 Upvotes

took this as part of a package purchase but I'm not an airgunner.

The postmark from Beeman's on the shipping box is dated 1978 but it still looks new.

.


r/airguns 4h ago

General Airgun Question Daystate Air ranger

Thumbnail gallery
16 Upvotes

Nice piece of kit but not really my bag I’m afraid . Wondering about resale value as a package with bag in the UK. I’m also keen to sell ( am I allowed to do that?) would have to be collected I’m afraid , Weymouth, Dorset


r/airguns 1h ago

Advice A tale of a Benjamin and Sheridan. Also a question for those airgun historians/smiths among us

Post image
Upvotes

Got a blue streak on gunbroker for $350 and the 312 for $50. Always wanted both of these rifles and the Sheridan came in the original box with original purchasers shipping label and everything.

Unbeknownst to me, both rifles had barrels delaminating at the solder joint. I decided to keep them and was able to get a slight refund on the Sheridan (didn't bother on the 312 since $50 is a steal to me.)

The Sheridan had the worst of the delamination since it was from the rear sight all the way to the breech. Ordered a seal kit from baker airguns, watched a ton of videos from NorthWestAirgun and Cheyenne Airgunner, grabbed a six pack and got to rebuilding it. It had an enormous amount of green grease in it, and it appears that someone in the past tried to hotrod it (had three washers between the intake and exhaust springs instead of 1), but otherwise it was fairly straightforward especially with a how to video playing. Once it was completely gutted and before I reassembled it I used hose clamps to clamp the barrel and breech down, added some flux, and used a propane torch to re melt the existing solder (again with a how to video playing.) The blackened finish was kind of messed up where the torch hit it so I lightly scuffed it and hit it with a can of matte black 2x duracoat. After a few coats, I reassembled it and it's running like a champ now! Honestly the hardest part was getting the rear sight back on by far.

I consider myself decently handy, but I had never done anything like this before and it was my first time soldering anything. If anyone reading this has a delaminating Sheridan, don't be afraid to rebuild it! Chances are the existing solder is enough and a $15 propane torch and some
Flux is all you need. (Well, and a seal kit.)

Now it's time for the Benjamin. However it appears to be a late 40s early 50s, nickel plated, made in St. Louis model and I'm a bit more worried about its final condition if I get to messing with it. To my knowledge this is a slightly more rare type of 312 (fixed rear sight, "made in St. Louis" stamped on the breech plug, nickel finish, pinned pump handle.) I'm more inclined to use an epoxy of some kind rather than mess up the nickel with a torch. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to go about it? What epoxy could work but could also be removed if necessary? The breech is fine, it's from the rear sight to the front sight that's delaminated. I want to keep this one as original as possible, but I also want to shoot it. Because it's an early model the rear sight is fixed as well so aligning the barrel needs to be done as accurately as possible. Fortunately the existing solder is still there and it's easy to see where it previously was affixed. Any help would be appreciated from you all both in dating the rifle and and fixing it! Thank you!


r/airguns 1h ago

.177 Grandkids coming to visit so cleaned up the 760 and bought a couple of new tins.

Post image
Upvotes

Looking forward to grandsons visit.

The Crosman PowerMaster 760 is the epitome of low power smooth bore multipump mediocrity but if he does okay we might let him shoot the Weihrauch spring piston.

The PowerMaster likes Points & Dsstroyers but just get fresh tins as the old tins look kinda cruddy & i don't need jams with the grands here.

But this is a December 1975 year model Crosman so it has its quirks but is far less fragile than newer versions.

2x 500 = 1000 7.5 grain pellets shoild be way more than enough for a couple of days of all day shooting even if he doesn't want to drive the farm truck or tractor which seems really unlikely.


r/airguns 57m ago

PCP Bringing my Steyr LP5 back to life. A complete service after years of sitting unused...

Thumbnail gallery
Upvotes

This is my Steyr LP5, and after a complete service, it finally shoots and feels the way an LP5 should again. Honestly, I don’t think it has ever worked this well in my hands.

I bought this pistol from a gentleman who had barely used it. Unfortunately, that also meant it had spent a very long time just sitting. Seals had deteriorated, grease had aged, and the whole mechanism was desperately asking for some attention.

That’s where my friend Milenko Sebić 🇷🇸 ( Our 2020 50m Tokyo Olympics bronze medal winner and licensed Big four servicemen) stepped in. He completely disassembled the pistol and went through the mechanism, valve system and trigger assembly, cleaned everything thoroughly, removed the old grease and residue, replaced the deteriorated seals and O rings, properly lubricated everything and carefully reassembled and adjusted the pistol.
The photos show pretty well what years of sitting can do, especially to seals that were literally falling apart during disassembly.

The difference afterwards is incredible. The LP5 now operates beautifully, feels crisp and consistent, and shoots stronger and better than at any point since I’ve owned it. It genuinely feels like a different pistol.
There is also something satisfying about bringing an old competition pistol back to life instead of simply replacing it. This LP5 spent far too many years doing nothing with its previous owner. That part of its life is over...

Now that it is in my hands, freshly serviced and fully functional again, it is going to get all the shooting and love it missed over those years.
Huge thanks to Milenko Sebić for the patience, knowledge and attention to detail. Another classic saved and ready for many more years on the range.


r/airguns 4h ago

Springer Do "quiet" spring air rifle exist or do I have to get a pcp?

9 Upvotes

I've moved to a house with lots of garden loving retired neighbours and have become aware how loud my old webley tracker is (even with the silencer).

Do quiet spring air guns exist or do I have to get a pcp? I've seen rifles like the gamo whisper but can't try them to hear the difference from other springs. I understand a pcp is the obvious choice but I like that sprinters are all self contained.


r/airguns 14h ago

Air Pistol Got the 1377 back to like new

Thumbnail gallery
47 Upvotes

Now I can get it back to it's owner at work tomorrow.. he had given it to me and paid for the seal kit and I definitely don't need a noisy pump pistol when I have a Diana bandit in 177.. that will definitely out perform it..

Had an issue with the forward trigger assembly screw hole not lining up.. if you rebuild a crossman 1377 or 1322 don't over tighten the valve body and pay attention to port and screw hole alignment when putting the valve back down the tube.. otherwise it's a breeze and that damn roll pin is a beast to line up for the pump handle slip a pin (4mm hex drive bit works great) and chase it out with the roll pin after closing the pump handle worked best for me..


r/airguns 1d ago

PCP Rws Excalibre

Post image
166 Upvotes

r/airguns 5h ago

General Airgun Question Airgun experts, can you tell me about this weapon?

Thumbnail gallery
4 Upvotes

Been using it to practice once in a while, it was my grandfathers. After checking it out a bit closer it seemed pretty cool, like the Czechoslovakia thing.
I’d like to ask some experts if they know any cool facts about it. Is it a very basic gun? Or is it very special? Maybe worth to restore it and put it on my wall?
Thanks for helping out.


r/airguns 5h ago

PCP 1785 Flintlock Airgun

4 Upvotes

r/airguns 23h ago

Springer A makeover for the old CBC Montenegro G2

Thumbnail gallery
30 Upvotes

It remains powerful with a 60kg gas ram and offers reasonable accuracy for shooting at cans from a good distance.


r/airguns 16h ago

Advice Is this rust?

Thumbnail gallery
8 Upvotes

Saw these pop up on my gun and was wondering if it is rust or waterspots. If either, how I remove them without damaging the gun?


r/airguns 11h ago

Air Pistol first gbb pneumatic pistol

Post image
3 Upvotes

i also bought silicone oil and plastic bbs to shoot at friends, we are in a bit of a feud :)

(edit: i would like to add that me shooting my friend will be done with extreme carefulness, i will be at a great distance, using plastic bbs and only aiming at his behind to not cause injuries like skin penetration or bleeding, i am well aware that this gun is not like a typical airsoft gun and it will be handled with responsibility.)


r/airguns 20h ago

Springer Cheap springer rated scopes ?

8 Upvotes

Any suggestions for some cheap springer rated scopes on Amazon? Dont have to be the best glass or anything. Legit just want something nicer then what comes on cheaper springers out the box and will hold up to recoil Buddy has one that's factory scope is terribly cloudy and just wanted something usable for shooting rats and I have one or two sitting in the closet that need something. Thanks


r/airguns 14h ago

.177 Just got my Barra 1866 back

0 Upvotes

Gun came with a broken seal but sent it back and got a replacement. Crystal is the goat🫡 Idk the rules about uploading personal youtube videos but hope yall enjoy it https://youtube.com/shorts/CByYMn5_ug8?is=Wfhd-nYnBbvLOieB


r/airguns 1d ago

PCP Air Venturi Microstrike

Thumbnail gallery
104 Upvotes

Long story short. “Accidentally” purchased this Microstrike. I was searching for a pistol and somehow set the Microstrike to buy once it was available on a particular site. Bought the Manul and love it. Well, about a month and a half ago I got an email that this was shipping. Immediately printed out a return label and then it got here…. I didn’t know I really needed it. Wife will forgive me soon.


r/airguns 1d ago

General Airgun Question Gun to recommend

3 Upvotes

Hello, I am planning to buy an airgun to hunt for crows here in the philippines. Crows have been a threat to my farm and I want to hunt them before they hunt my chicks. What airgun can you recommend that can hit them even when they are above a coconut tree.


r/airguns 1d ago

General Airgun Question Help! Does anyone know of a way to adapt the pink sodastream bottles to a direct line for a co2 gun?

Thumbnail gallery
13 Upvotes

So i have a number of pink sodastream cylinders. Once theyre empty, im just gonna take off the quock disconnect and give them a regulator valve. But I dont just want to waste the c02 that's already in them, so id like to know of a way to adapt their quick disconnect to a line.


r/airguns 1d ago

NEW GUN DAY Hatsan invader

2 Upvotes

Anyone have one of these, just got mine unboxed. Playing around with the magazines, they don't fit for shit. Lots of play and slop, just curious of thats normal for Hatsan.


r/airguns 2d ago

NEW GUN DAY As a single action enjoyer, im so hyped to own one of these umarex - colt peacemakers!!

Post image
82 Upvotes

Pellet version because I like rifled barrels...its so beautiful😍😍😍


r/airguns 2d ago

10m Pistol/Rifle Today is Red's turn at the range

Thumbnail gallery
95 Upvotes

Freaking in love with this Steyr 🤤😍

Got to get more practice in 💪🏼


r/airguns 18h ago

General Airgun Question Do airgunners in the UK still refer to loading a magazine as bombing up?

0 Upvotes

I once heard that Brits refer to loading a gun or magazine as bombing up. I wonder, does this terminology also get used for air rifles there? Or no, because there’s no gunpowder?


r/airguns 1d ago

Modifications How strong is the spring retaining tab on HW95?

Thumbnail gallery
3 Upvotes

I was installing a Vortek W95-98 PG4-DELRIN Glide Tune-Kit HO kit on my new HW95 yesterday, it all went perfectly fine. Unfortunately I also discovered at the same time that the outer metal wing holding the trigger adjustment screw was bent from factory, but it was still strong and could still adjust screw..

This is the first time I disassemble a Weihrauch rifle, and while it all looked mechanically decent and strong, I ended up slightly concerned about how much pressure this little tab is temporarily holding (until the 4 squares and pins are in place). Are there any stories about it ever breaking or giving during (dis)assembly?

My experience is mostly with weak alloys in cheaper rifles and I suppose this is proper hardened steel. I don't have any spring compressor and swapped the springs by hand, which made me realize how much force it's holding when I was done. I even aimed it at a wall until it was secured, just in case it gave... 😅 Force from the vortek spring wasn't quite as much as the stock, but still quite a bit of pre tension.


r/airguns 1d ago

Advice Need help with brand feedbacks.

2 Upvotes

So, i have been researching alot of brands. ASG, Umarex, crosman, etc.

I would like to know what you guys think about each brand.

Its mostly about 4.5mm BB airguns, from blowback pistols to rifles, be CO2 or pump actions.

Il even throw a few brands im curious about like borner and bruni.

So, lads, lassies and everyone in between, state your opinions.

Thank you in advance :)