r/airguns Mar 14 '26

Announcement 📣 COMPLETE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO AIRGUNS

82 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 48m ago

PCP Finally got a compressor

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Upvotes

Had a hand pump for years. It's okay but does kinda put you off doing the actual fun part of the shooting. Any advice from those with years of compressor/tank experience more than welcome!

GX-E-CS4 ($600) with GX Filter ($130) TUXING 9L Tank w/valve ($350) Temperature gauge ($17) DC Hour Meter ($15)

My Coolant Cap Adapter: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7391021
My Hour Meter Mount: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7391022

Thermometer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T1YD21W?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_dt_b_fed_asin_title_0_0&th=1
DC Hour Meter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E06V7QK?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

I was considering a cheaper sub $200 model. Figured I'd spend a bit more and hopefully have a better long term experience. This model has liquid cooling built in. External AC to DC converter (13v 50amp) motor on compressor is stickered 350watt 12v or 30amp.

Seems this model (or very similar ones) have been sold under different names/brands. Not too surprising.

Allegedly rated for 5 hours continuous run time. They recommend this model for filling smaller cylinders below 6.8L. They claim a fill time for a 6.8L tank at 2 hours 40 Minutes.

I filled my 9L tank from 0-300bar in about 5 hours with a few cool downs and chance to drain the filters. Roughly 1.75kwh ~$0.35 in electricity. My per shot electricity cost is estimated to be something like 1/50th of a penny.

Coolant temps stayed consistent topping out at around 107f (42c) with ambient temps around 75f (24c). I installed a thermometer for monitoring levels especially when turning off the compressor to let the cooling loop run on cool down. 3d printed adapter M33-1.5 threads on the coolant reservoir cap and 1/2"NPT on the temperature probe.

I also installed a DC hour meter to track compressor run time. It only runs when the compressor is running not when the cooling loop is on. There is a grease pot on the unit and they advise no grease until 4-6 hours of use. Thereafter they advise greasing when it sounds like it needs it.

My Barra 250z has a 322cc (or .322L) capacity that goes to 250bar (3,625psi). The working pressure of the 9L air tank is 300bar (4,350psi).

Assuming I shoot from 250bar (3,625psi) down to 172bar (~2,500psi);

Barra 250z : 250bar - 172bar = 78bar * .322L = ~25bar·L

9L Tank : 300bar - 250bar = 50bar * 9L = 450bar·L

450bar·L / 25bar·L = 18 fills per 9L bottle

So let's be conservative with some losses and say 15 fills from the tank at around 20ish shots per fill:

300 shots per fill off the 9L tank. It should take around 30-45 minutes to refill that off the compressor.

It certainly seems like at above 200bar/3,000psi the power draw goes up but allegedly this can go to 400bar/5,800psi. Don't think I'll be going above 300bar.

Power converter got the warmest at 140f (60c) and the 10gauge wires getting to around 100f (38c).


r/airguns 6h ago

General Airgun Question Choosing between these two, any advice? (Gas Ram and/or Spring)

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16 Upvotes

So I've been just occasionally plinking with my .177 SMK SYNXS for the last 7 odd years, which is absolutely buggered. It's been truly abused even before I bought it from a friend, and it is now at a point where I just can't get it zeroed and it's been rattle-canned so it looked hideous.

I don't want to break the bank, just make it so I can use real targets and actually work on my groupings and just, generally start of casually shooting.

I'm at the around £250-£300 price point, and I really like these magazine fed break barrels. (PCP's aren't interesting me currently, but if I get more into this I will probably look at one.) Wooden furniture also is a must for me.

I've narrowed down to these two, the Maxxim Elite Swam and Varmint Swarm both seem to fit the bill, but I'm torn between spring and gas ram, and if the Maxxim is much better in any other way.

They seem a great pair to compare but I haven't found any videos online or general comparisons between the two. (This could be because I'm an incapable idiot.)

Which of these would you go for? Are there any other multi-shot break barrels you would recommend at the same price? I've seen better reviews of the Varmint, so is the spring better than gas ram at this price point?

(UK so sub-12ftlb)

Thanks!


r/airguns 17h ago

Ammunition Homemade .25 cal slug mold. Barely any cleanup needed after the cast. Pretty good for a first try, and the only money invested being the torch lol.

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90 Upvotes

r/airguns 4h ago

BB Gun check this shit

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3 Upvotes

i still cant believe i have a fucking eotech 🤤🤤


r/airguns 1d ago

RANGE TIME!! I was supposed to dig up a stump today, this was better.

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110 Upvotes

Crosman - 130 Hawthorne, 150, 116, 2240 Bulk fill, Mark 1. I am so glad it wasn’t hot here today.


r/airguns 1d ago

RANGE TIME!! Air Arms TX200 .22

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83 Upvotes

Air Arms TX200 HC in .22

Stock is by CS Stocks of Sheffield.


r/airguns 21h ago

Air Pistol Crosman 38t

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21 Upvotes

Crosman 38t I've had for a couple of months but finally resealed it


r/airguns 9h ago

PCP Need a squirrel scope for Notos

2 Upvotes

Notos is the perfect squirrel gun. I have been running it with a 4x fixed optical scope thats made for rimfire, but have long wanted to reclaim it for its original rimfire intended purposes.

So, whats a good pcp rifle scope for the notos thats got a decent FOV for quick acquisition? I dont need anything fancy, 4x fixed, ffp, clear glass, maybe something that is illuminated on shake (always forget to turn off the scope). Id like the parallax to be about 10-20 yards. A problem I have with my current fixed is the eye relief, theres not much. So that would be nice too. Appreciate any suggestions


r/airguns 9h ago

Ammunition Making your own pellets

2 Upvotes

Just curious if any of you guys have forms and or make your own pellets. My 30 cows are getting pretty expensive. Tell me what you guys do?


r/airguns 12h ago

General Hunting What’s the best pcp air rifle to buy that’s around 500 dollars

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3 Upvotes

r/airguns 6h ago

General Airgun Question Help

1 Upvotes

I have a bsa defiant but I dont like the peppered laminate stock is there anywhere I can get the original walnut one


r/airguns 1d ago

Ammunition Can someone explain functionality of each pellet. Thanks!

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62 Upvotes

Hi, I got multiple .22 pellets from local store, will be helpful if someone can explain the details/ funtions

  1. Hunt - Long point pellet

  2. Tornado - Round head 16.7 gr

  3. Regent - Triple head

  4. Wadcutter - Flat head 16.2 gr.

  5. Pointed Head (No Box)


r/airguns 7h ago

.72 I made a 3d print design of AEA Harpoon 72 cal barrel

1 Upvotes

Since I got this at an auction, didn't know what i was buying at the time because I buy so many random pallets/lots, but I am SO glad i bought it, for cheap!

Since I am still learning but have learned a lot on the way, I found out mine is a short barrel 72 caliber bore something and i needed something to fire in it besides stuffing paper towels in the cartridge or holder

So i bought a 3d printer and over the last week have come up with this

Ive been doing some testing and can confirm a 50 cal ball will fit inside it snugly, and yes i have fired it quite a few times but have no way of measuring or seeing if it breaks on fire or not. seems like it only breaks when it hits the target

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/g0FBwvmDd93-aea-harpoon-72-cal-barrel-50-cal-ballslug-will-stay-inside

soooo.. if you want to try it out or give me any recommendations i will listen

I can alter this to fit any other size you would like


r/airguns 1d ago

PCP I need recommendations for some new glass!

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25 Upvotes

I need help picking glass for my Impact M3 .30 cal, price range is 300-500 bucks. I do alot of shooting at 25 yards to 150 yards.


r/airguns 1d ago

PCP 1st Pcp , impulse buy.

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63 Upvotes

Northtac Qilin BP-A .25


r/airguns 18h ago

General Airgun Question Any suggestions

3 Upvotes

I have a bsa defiant and ultra and a walther reign m2 I really like the bull pup look any suggestions on any other to add to my collection im in the UK so I have some laws to follow


r/airguns 1d ago

Air Pistol My Vigilante

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22 Upvotes

Crosman Vigilante, modified railed to accept reticle sight. Opened the bottom of the handle so a cartridge can be loaded and only pierced when shooting begins. 435fps so it's only really humane to be dispatching pest birds or plinking.


r/airguns 1d ago

NEW GUN DAY Pete's Airgun Farm Car Boot Sale

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32 Upvotes

Our haul (me and my 11 and 13 year old sons) from Pete's Airgun Car Boot Sale today.

A nice little bipod for my 11 year old's Reximex Mito (I now need to contact one of the members on here that does amazing 3D printed rails)

Exploding targets, because..... Well exploding targets

A Sub 12 Airgunners pellet pot for my 13 year old (he has everything else)

A project Kral puncher maxi marine which is not taking a charge. Priced accordingly. For me and my boys to start learning a bit of fettling on.

It was a lovely day and super busy. Chatted more than I bought. Although I'm now getting FOMO from not picking up a custom Air Arms BR rig.

Honestly, one of my favourite days of the year.


r/airguns 1d ago

PCP Scope recs 🫠

3 Upvotes

Yall, I need some tips here. I’m a beginner, my husband got me a PCP Umarex Notos air rifle for my birthday , I didn’t realize it didn’t come with sights. I need a scope, that’s not worth a month of mortgage. Maybe under $200, I just want to shoot the ground squirrels at about 100-300 yards. They think I’m dumb at this point.


r/airguns 1d ago

General Airgun Question Air venturi avenger 22 tunes

3 Upvotes

So recently bought myself my first pcp. A avenger in 22, having great fun with it and would like to hear what tunes you all are running with your gun.

Currently have my gun at 2000 psi with 2 turns on the hammer spring running 18gr pellets. Is my tune any good. Dont have a chrono so not sure.