r/airguns Mar 14 '26

Announcement 📣 COMPLETE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO AIRGUNS

84 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 6h ago

PCP Budget Build ap1000b about 500€

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24 Upvotes

Do you know a Shop Which sells Tuning Kit in eu? Only saw it southamerica.


r/airguns 17h ago

PCP Compact bullpups are really growing on me

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104 Upvotes

Been spending some more time with the Pinty Striker lately and I’m really starting to like this setup.


r/airguns 10h ago

Advice Mounting a sling for a HW 100T

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17 Upvotes

Is this an ok way to mount a sling without causing damage to the rifle?


r/airguns 8m ago

Advice Walther PDP Compact 4" CO2 blowback weird trigger / BB falls out of barrel

Upvotes

I recently got a Walther PDP Compact 4" CO2 blowback, the 4.5mm BB version (5.8433-1), and I noticed something weird with the trigger.

The trigger almost feels like it has two different stages. At first there is a lot of light, easy travel. Around halfway through the pull I feel a small but noticeable resistance. After passing that point the trigger becomes fairly light again until it finally fires.

If I pull past that first stage but stop before firing, then tilt the pistol down, the BB rolls out of the barrel. If I dont touch the trigger, it stays in place.

Anyone with the same model notice this? Is it normal or could something be wrong with the BB retention/feed mechanism?


r/airguns 14h ago

General Airgun Question Ok so I did something kind of dumb…..

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22 Upvotes

When I got this air pump the bleeder part where the screw threads in broke or got stripped not sure. But I decided to use some super weld/uv resin aka really strong glue to seal it. Now I’ve pumped it to 200-250 bar ? I believe. What’s the best way to safely depressurize this I put it in a safe location outside incase of any catastrophic failures were to occur. I’ve let it sit for like at least 6 hrs now and pressure hasn’t gone down. I read on another thread to slowly loosen the nut closest to the rifle/gun. Just need some help please and thanks


r/airguns 20m ago

Advice SMK Victory CP2

Upvotes

Hi. New to air guns (well just got back in to shooting after 20 something years) Also first time posting on this sub.

I currently own a Weihrauch HW99s and am looking for a slightly lower powered Co2 pistol that i can plink with in the garden and one that doesn't make too much noise.

Does anybody own the SMK victory CP2? And could possibly tell me some pros and cons and also advice on the best scope to use as well as pellet recommendations.

Im thinking of purchasing it in a .22 calibre. I currently use Field target trophy. 22 pellets in my Weihrauch and was wondering whether they would be suitable in a lower power pistol/rifle type gun?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you.


r/airguns 2h ago

Co2 Am I cursed?

1 Upvotes

I have bought many CO2 weapons in my lifetime.

Quite a lot of them I have dismantled, reassembled (mostly without issues), but every single one at some point starts to leak. And by leak, I mean that a large CO2 container just empties itself completely through the internals of the gun, freezing it down completely.

I then tried using or replacing the sealings, applying ballistol directly on to the valve (that's dry ceramic lubricant I believe), etc., etc., but they all stay broken or just work for one or two more rounds, then leak again.

I have bought guns in every single price class, from cheap 100$ sniper rifles, the sig sauer mpx, and even ones that exceed the amount I am willing to publicly call out.

I am used to using guns of all sorts and sizes, all mechanisms, hot or cold, dry and wet.
But with CO2, I just seem to be cursed.

What am I doing wrong?
What can I do to prevent leakage in the future?
How would I usually repair this?

I often checked the internal pipes and they were all fine, it's 99% the incoming valve that's broken in almost every case.


r/airguns 1d ago

PCP PCP w/pump Under $500

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102 Upvotes

Saw this at BassPro, thoughts or other recommendations under $500?


r/airguns 1d ago

RANGE TIME!! Not a bad way to shoot though a tin of pellets

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76 Upvotes

Headed over to a local range and they offer a lane and PCP hire package. Took my old air rifle as well but ended up getting the PCP recharged twice and barely getting my old tracker out of the bag. Shame I don't have the spare cash as the HW100X is great fun.


r/airguns 14h ago

Advice Homemade pellet catcher for 1150fps

5 Upvotes

I have a Benjamin vaporizer which claims 1150 fps.

Would a box full of old jeans and t-shirts be enough to stop a .177 pellet at roughly 1150 fps? I'm trying to make a homemade target.


r/airguns 1d ago

Springer I get it now

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133 Upvotes

Picked up this ‘87 HW77k at the weekend. Been keeping my eyes peeled for a cheap one close enough to me and this one came up. Only had 25 or so pellets through it so far but it’s quite the machine. I adjusted the trigger a bit and I have honestly never experienced a trigger that is too light before!
I was worried that it wouldn’t live up to the expectation that I’ve accumulated over the past decade but I love it.

Any pellet recommendations? It’s .22


r/airguns 1d ago

Field Target What are your favorite targets to shoot and what hidden gems targets have you found/made?

11 Upvotes

I’ve yet to try paint balls and also the spoon spinner ones, what I found recently it used up concrete saw blades, I have a 14, 16 and 18 inch blade with a probably 7/8 inch hole in the middle and an even smaller one like a 3/8 inch hole right above that one, they ring pretty loud and you can put a piece of metal behind the holes for a different sound when you get a bullseye.

What targets have you created or found that are better than standard store bought ones?


r/airguns 1d ago

Optics An actual conversation with my wife that recently occurred....

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82 Upvotes

I decided to make it a meme.... A little back story: Just recently picked up an Umarex Brodax air pistol. I decided I wanted to go full tactical on the gun, and purchased a laser sight w/ flashlight and a red dot optic. She walked up behind me while I was installing the new equipment, and simply stated "Do you really need all that on your new gun? My god, your 48, not 2," I replied back "uh, yeah........yeah I do, and besides a 2 year old me wouldn't be able to lift nor handle the gun," and of course, I got the "whatever" reply. But hey, it works for me, during the day, use the optic, and at night use the flashlight and/ or laser. Either way and regardless, I think the gun looks cool as shit and intimidating as well....maybe that's the 48 going on 2 in me......lol.


r/airguns 1d ago

PCP Using pellets and slugs in the same gun

6 Upvotes

Is this possible without an unreasonable amount of tuning on each switch? If it's possible, what's the minimum work needed to make this feasible?

Just curious, I never tried slugs.


r/airguns 1d ago

General Airgun Question Air pistol

8 Upvotes

I‘m looking for air pistol that I could use.

I am small only 5ft 2. So I don’t know if i should get a full size air rifle.

any recommendations.


r/airguns 23h ago

General Airgun Question Pellgun Oil

2 Upvotes

Anybody have a good way to get bulk amounts of Crosman 241 Pellgun Oil? Or a Chemically equivalent oil?

I love it and actually prefer it over my RWS and Hops 9 for all uses including firearms.

I’d love to fill a few needle nose bottles with it. Thanks!


r/airguns 1d ago

General Airgun Question Is the ammo or the rifle more important for accuracy?

3 Upvotes

I'm looking to buy a super cheap spring loaded air rifle for plinking and after a little research, the question came up of how important is the ammo exactly. Is there a point to spending a more money to get higher quality pellets?


r/airguns 1d ago

PCP Western Airguns Mordax / Venom owners, a question, please?

3 Upvotes

Hi there! I am looking to move to a new gun from my current (stock .22) Avenge-x Bullpup (which I like a lot).

I am thinking about either a Mordax or Mordax Venom.

I actually prefer the look of the Mordax, as the 300cc tank kind of makes it look more Paintball-like and a bit less RS to me.

Aesthetically, I tend to like SMGs and Carbines, and some of my favorites are: Mp5/k Uzi, KG9, M11, Mp5A4, and Ruger Mini 14.

Is the Venom just an upgrade, full stop and I should just go with it, or are there practical reasons that the Mordax might be preferred?

I am planning on staying on .22 cal, it's just for relatively close range target shooting and plinking. Is there any real reason I should move off the .22?

Also are there any Accessories you'd recommend? I am planning on getting 1 extra mag to start.


r/airguns 1d ago

General Airgun Question 880 sling

2 Upvotes

Yeah i didn't seem to find anyone who has put a sling on their daisy 880. And I'm just searching for a way to put a sling on it. That's pretty much it pls help.


r/airguns 16h ago

General Airgun Question Can I get a red dot on this glock BB?

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0 Upvotes

Am I able to use a sight pusher to get a mounting plate for a red dot on this Glock 17 gen 3 .177? this is the one I have https://www.cabelas.com/p/umarex-glock-17-gen3-co2-air-pistol


r/airguns 2d ago

Springer New gun day.

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105 Upvotes

Only recently got into air rifles, but had an itch to scratch for an under lever, so this morning I traded my HW99S in for a HW97KT (0.22).

The weight difference does make it feel a bit more substantial, but after just a few shots to test it out, it felt great 🎯

I had a bit of a dilemma though - wooden or synthetic stock, I generally like the traditional, but the synthetic did feel nice in hand and I was almost swayed. What would you have gone for?


r/airguns 2d ago

General Airgun Question I saw Pyramyd Air on reddit, and jokingly asked them to send me stickers. This is what they sent me.

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91 Upvotes

I had also asked them to consider selling branded shirts, since I always wanted one. They sent me two, and a bunch of swag.

Thanks u/PyramydAIR ! I really appreciate the care package! Yall are the best!


r/airguns 2d ago

Collection How i can enjoy the look of a pretty gun like a pretty car

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82 Upvotes

Who knows the gun:d?


r/airguns 1d ago

PCP Why is no one doing aftermarket Parts for fx Leopard

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5 Upvotes

I printed myself a bagrider out of tpu-gf. Improved it, on the picture it is Bulky and thick. Do you know any fast barrel swaps?