Compressed air weapons

Air guns – technology, ammunition, and legal framework

Air guns have long since moved beyond being purely recreational products. With calibers of 4.5 mm (.177) and 5.5 mm (.22), we are entering a technically demanding area in which the choice of system, ammunition, and setup have a direct influence on precision, range, and energy output. Anyone who takes a serious interest in the subject will quickly realize that it is not about appearance or feel, but about mechanics, pressure ratios, and ballistics.

We stock compressed air weapons for training, sport shooting, and realistic applications. Each design has its own strengths, but also clear limitations. This is precisely where toys differ from tools.

Types of compressed air weapons – a comparison of systems

Spring-powered weapons

Spring pressure is the oldest and mechanically simplest design. When cocked, a spring is compressed, which drives a piston when fired. The resulting air compresses the projectile and propels it through the barrel.

Technical characteristics:

• No gas or air supply required
• Constant performance regardless of temperature
• Noticeable recoil due to piston movement

Spring-powered weapons are robust and durable, but require clean shooting technique. The recoil affects the point of impact, especially with light weapons. They are suitable for calm target shooting, but are less suitable for rapid follow-up shots or realistic operation.

CO₂ weapons

CO₂ systems work with 12 g capsules or larger cartridges. The gas expands when the shot is fired and propels the bullet. CO₂ is particularly common in pistols and replicas.

Technical characteristics:

• Multi-shot, some semi-automatic
• Low mechanical recoil
• Performance dependent on temperature

CO₂ offers comfort and realistic operation, but loses pressure significantly at low temperatures. Seals and valves are subjected to greater stress than with spring pressure. CO₂ is useful for training with magazine changes or moving slides, but not so much for maximum consistency.

PCP – Pre-Charged Pneumatic

PCP weapons work with pre-charged compressed air (usually 200–300 bar). The air is dispensed in measured doses from a cartridge or cylinder.

Technical characteristics:

• Very consistent shot energy
• Hardly any recoil, high intrinsic accuracy
• High technical complexity

PCP is technically the most accurate system. Regulators ensure constant pressure delivery, and trigger groups are finely adjustable. This requires accessories such as a hand pump or compressed air cylinder. Maintenance and seal care are mandatory, not optional.

Types of weapons – from air rifles to pistols

Air rifles

Air rifles offer greater efficiency thanks to their longer barrel. PCP systems in particular make clean use of the available energy. Depending on the caliber and system, accurate shots at 10 to 50 meters are realistic.

Typical areas of application:

• Target shooting
• Training in shooting stance and breathing technique
• Precision disciplines

Weight, stock shape, and trigger play a greater role here than with handguns.

Air pistols

Air pistols require significantly more control. A short barrel, lower sight line, and less mass do not forgive mistakes.

Typical areas of application:

• Technique training
• Replica training
• Short distances

CO₂ is common here, PCP in sports. Spring pressure is rare because the cocking process and design are impractical.

Ammunition – underestimated and often chosen incorrectly

Ammunition is a decisive factor in precision, energy transfer, and barrel stress. Differences are apparent not only at a distance, but even at a few meters.

Diabolos

Diabolos are the most precise choice. Their shape ensures stabilization in the barrel and clean guidance.

• 4.5 mm: light diabolos = high speed, flat trajectory
• 5.5 mm: heavier diabolos = more energy, more stable hits

Not every diabolo is suitable for every barrel. Head size, material, and weight must harmonize.

Steel and round pellets

Steel pellets offer greater penetrating power, but are less accurate and put more strain on the barrel. They should not be used in rifled barrels without approval.

Use only if:

• The manufacturer expressly permits it
• A suitable barrel is available

They are not the first choice for accurate shooting.

Ballistics & energy – numbers instead of gut feeling

More joules does not automatically mean better accuracy. The decisive factors are how consistently the energy is delivered and how stable the projectile flies.

• 4.5 mm: higher velocity, sensitive to wind
• 5.5 mm: slower, but more stable and with greater energy

A clean coordination of system, ammunition, and distance is crucial. If you change, you always have to re-shoot.

Legal basis in Germany

Air guns are subject to clear legal regulations:

• Up to 7.5 joules: freely available to persons aged 18 and over, marked with “F in a pentagon”
• Over 7.5 joules: subject to authorization, firearms license required

Shooting is only permitted on private property or at approved shooting ranges. Public areas are off-limits – regardless of the joule rating.

Transport must be unloaded, locked, and separated from ammunition. Visible carrying is not permitted.

Safety – not a matter for negotiation

Even below 7.5 joules, dangerous ricochets can occur. Safety glasses are mandatory, especially with steel ammunition. Targets must be suitable and allow for through-shots.

Air guns are not toys. Anyone who treats them as such endangers themselves and others.

Maintenance & care

Performance only remains consistent if the technology is maintained:

• Check seals regularly
• Do not store CO₂ systems empty
• Do not keep PCP pressure at maximum permanently

Neglected maintenance leads to dispersion, loss of performance, and defects.

Mini summary

4.5 and 5.5 mm caliber air guns require technical understanding. Spring pressure is simple and honest, CO₂ is convenient with limitations, PCP is precise with effort. Ammunition is not an accessory, but a component in the system.

When the gun, ammunition, and handling are all right, air guns deliver reproducible results – not spectacular, but clean. That's what it's all about.