Air gun facts for kids

An air gun is a special type of gun that uses compressed gas to shoot a small object, called a projectile. Unlike regular guns that use burning gunpowder, air guns use air or other gases to create the force needed to fire.

The very first air guns used a part called a bellows. This bellows would squeeze air into a tube. When the gun was fired, the air was quickly let out. The only way for this air to escape was by pushing the pellet out of the barrel.

Later, a new design called the spring piston came along. These guns use a spring that you compress. When you pull the trigger, the spring quickly expands, pushing air forward to fire the pellet. These guns can usually only fire one shot before you need to reset the spring.

More modern air guns often use air or another gas stored in a small cartridge. These types of guns can fire many shots before the cartridge needs to be changed or refilled. This makes them very convenient for target practice or hunting.

The small objects that air guns shoot are usually called pellets. An air gun that shoots these is often known as a pellet gun. Some air guns fire tiny round pellets that are called "BBs." Some people think "BB" stands for "ball bearing," but it actually came from a specific size of shot used in old shotgun cartridges.

What are the common pellet sizes?

The most common sizes for air gun pellets are 4.5 mm (also known as .177 caliber) and 5.5 mm (also known as .22 caliber). These numbers refer to the diameter of the pellet.

In many countries, there are strict rules about who can buy and own air guns. These rules help make sure that air guns are used safely and responsibly.

Are air guns dangerous?

Even though air guns are not as powerful as other types of firearms, they can still cause serious harm. It is very important to always handle air guns with care and follow all safety rules. Always treat an air gun as if it were loaded and never point it at anyone.

What are air guns used for?

Many people enjoy air rifle and pistol shooting. It can be a fun hobby or a sport. Some people also use air guns for hunting small animals, following local laws and regulations.

Air pistols are even used in major sports events like the Olympics. In the Olympics and other target shooting competitions, athletes use air pistols in events like the 10-meter air pistol competition. This shows that air gun shooting is a recognized and challenging sport.

Images for kids

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  A collection of spring-piston air rifles

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  Break-barrel air rifles

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  Under Lever Spring Piston Air Rifles

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  Kunitomo air gun developed by the Japanese inventor Kunitomo Ikkansai, c. 1820–1830

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  Kunitomo air gun trigger mechanism

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  Variety of different types & models of spring piston & gas ram air guns

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  An example of a Benelli Kite pre-charged pneumatic air pistol, as used in 10 metre air pistol ISSF shooting events

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  Airforce Condor, one of the most powerful PCP air rifles on the market

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  CO2 pistol and disposable Powerlet cylinders

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  A Pure Energy N2 tank with a remote line attached

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  Walther CP 88 CO2 pistol with adapted silencer

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  Wadcutter or Flathead pellets

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  A .177 (4.5mm) caliber "Wadcutter" pellet next to a stick of chewing gum

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  Steel BBs coated with copper and nickel

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  Darts for an air gun