What is the responsibility for shooting with an air pistol?

Photo: Kalashnikov concern

There are sports in which not only athletes compete, but also the weapons they use. Shooting sport is one of the oldest forms of competition where technique plays an important role. Sporting shotguns and pistols are distinguished not only by their unusual design. The demands for high precision make sporting guns the most high-tech on the market.

Read about the well-deserved sports pistols that helped our athletes win medals, and about promising models produced by Rostec.

Where and how can you learn pistol shooting in the Russian Federation?

After the Decree came into force in 1918, ordering the population to hand over ammunition and weapons, civilians could only have self-defense weapons for personal use. Another option for pistol shooting training is shooting sports.

Shooting training

Self-defense weapons

Officially, the law on weapons (Article 3) allows traumatic and gas pistols, and flash-noise cartridges. Of these options, only “traumatic weapons,” officially called weapons of limited destruction, are suitable for training at home, so the pistol shooting technique must be honed to perfection.

Traumatic pistol

The algorithm for obtaining permission to purchase, store and use a pistol is as follows:

1. visiting a special school - specialists will cover legal aspects in 4 hours of theory, followed by practice, passing an exam of 10 questions (1 mistake is allowed) and practice shooting, the service costs about 5,000 rubles, a certificate and act are issued;
2. paid medical examination - 4 doctors, 2 of them in a clinic (about 1,500 rubles), a psychiatrist and a narcologist in specialized dispensaries (another about 1,500 rubles);
3. CTI analysis (urine) - separately from the previous paragraph, although the conclusion fits into the narcologist's column;
4. buying a safe is a global practice that ensures the safety of storing weapons and the procedure for their use, the purchase budget starts from 2000 rubles;
5. visit to the local police officer - a representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs checks the safe and issues the corresponding report free of charge;
6. license department - at the time of visiting the user must have an account on the government services portal; after submitting documents, the review period is 4 weeks maximum (in practice 1 - 2 weeks);
7. purchase of weapons - after obtaining a license, you can buy a pistol and ammunition for it.

License for traumatism

These steps allow you to buy a high-quality replica of a military weapon that shoots gas or rubber balls.

MMG Mauser

Attention: There are mass-sized mock-ups of MMGs, from which it is impossible to fire a shot in principle. They do not require permission, but they are an ideal option for home training (grabbing, carrying, snatching, leaving the line of fire, stances, etc.).

Sports shooting

By default, in the Russian Federation, sports shooting is regulated by a set of rules that, in principle, have no age restrictions. In practice, ranks must be periodically confirmed; in free sections, the trainer is reluctant to waste his time on “unpromising” students. However, this is the least labor-intensive way to shoot a military weapon. According to the rules of bullet shooting, there are two types of Olympic sports competition:

• pneumatic pistol – exercises PP1, PP2 and PP3 for all athletes;
• small-caliber pistol - exercises MP-6 and MP-8 for men, MP-5 for women.

Air pistol shooting

Shooting from a small-caliber pistol

In non-Olympic shooting, exercises with a center-fire revolver are added to pneumatics and small-caliber pistols.

Training Nagant

Practical shooting

Since 2006, branches of the Practical Shooting Federation have appeared in most regions of the Russian Federation. This is one of the most expensive sports types, since ammunition and weapons are purchased by the athlete himself after obtaining a permit and obtaining a license.

Practical shooting competitions

Officially, practical pistol shooting is recognized as the most spectacular type of competition, since official exercises here are used exclusively for the qualification of the participant. The competitions themselves are held in a constantly updated target environment with changing performance conditions and sets of obstacles.

Variant of the target environment in practical shooting

Team and individual training in practical pistol shooting is conducted at specially equipped shooting ranges of the branches of the FPSR Federation. To achieve high results, you must have at least a traumatic pistol and an MMG.

In applied types of sports confrontation pentball, airsoft and other airsoft, models of automatic weapons are usually used, not pistols.

Nizhnekamsk roulette: a schoolboy shot his friend with a pneumatic gun

The shot that ultimately led to death was heard five minutes before the end of the math lesson, investigators are finding out where the teenager got the pistol
Aidar N. (name changed), a 10th grade student at Nizhnekamsk School No. 1, died today at the Children's Republican Clinical Hospital. The teenager was shot by a classmate, the bullet hit him in the eye. Doctors tried to save his eyesight and performed two complex operations, but Aidar died in intensive care. The shooter faces imprisonment for up to fifteen years

Training order

The algorithm for obtaining practical skills in using weapons is as follows:

1. getting used to the gun and holding it with one or two hands;
2. studying stances and techniques for quickly drawing weapons;
3. a set of training exercises for aiming and firing;
4. shooting from a combat pistol from racks at various distances;
5. movements and actions to leave the line of fire;
6. firing while moving.

Classes at the shooting range

First, sports exercises are mastered, then the practical direction of handling a pistol. At the last stage, the basics of a tactical nature are mastered. The main differences between combat shooting and sports and practical shooting are:

• bullet shooting competitions require high accuracy of hits;
• for practical shooting competitions, you first need to pass the standards, then the speed of performing the exercises;
• in combat duels, the main task is to survive, so shooting begins with leaving the line of fire, the movement does not stop until the enemy is physically destroyed.

Sports revolver shooting

Practical pistol shooting

Combat shooting on the move

Instructors pay special attention to psychological aspects and teach the student to control the consumption of ammunition. Only in combat shooting is firing from the hip, offhand and in motion, “swinging the pendulum” and other feints used that make it difficult for the enemy to aim fire.

Theory and incomplete disassembly

It is necessary to know the design of a weapon, if only because it needs to be reloaded and regularly cleaned and lubricated. Complete disassembly is used extremely rarely; the correct partial disassembly of a PM pistol is usually mastered. It is not recommended to start shooting practice with submachine guns and modifications with the ability to fire in bursts (Stechkin, Mauser). The design of the pistol looks like this:

• the frame with a hinged trigger guard is the power frame of the weapon;
• all other parts are removable;
• if disassembly is incomplete, remove the magazine, bolt and mainspring;
• the coiling of the spring is not symmetrical, it is put on the barrel from the side of the smaller diameter, as if screwing along a thread;
• When assembling, the shutter is slightly raised with its back side up and placed on the trigger mechanism with an energetic movement.

Incomplete disassembly of PM

All techniques and rules for shooting a pistol directly depend on its design. For example, if the weapon is not self-cocking, when the thumb of your strong hand is removed, the safety is removed, and the second hand moves the bolt to the rear position, chambering the cartridge in the firing position.

Distances for working with a pistol

By default, a pistol in the army is considered a personal weapon, not a small arms weapon. This is the last argument before hand-to-hand combat, and the ammunition is very limited compared to automatic weapons. In other words, in a combat situation, a pistol is part of self-defense, allowing you to survive, but in sports and practical shooting, on the contrary, targeted and high-speed shooting from a pistol is more important.

Hidden Weapon Detection

There are four distances with varying degrees of effectiveness for a fighter armed with a pistol:

• short – perimeter within two steps;
• close – radius 2 – 6 steps;
• medium – zone 6 – 12 steps to the enemy;
• farthest - 9 - 12 meters from the defender.

For short distances the following nuances are characteristic:

• severe stress to the point of stupor;
• there is not enough time to draw the pistol;
• Melee weapons are considered more effective.

Thus, training sessions should reinforce on a subconscious level an increase in distance when an enemy is detected 2 steps away from you.

Close distance is considered no less dangerous for a number of reasons:

• a knife and other bladed weapons remain quite effective at this distance;
• you need to shoot either while moving or after breaking the distance;
• An inexperienced defender is faced with the question of whether to shoot.

At close range, the subconscious often switches to a sports type of thinking. A static stance is adopted, the defender becomes fixated on drawing the weapon, forgetting about movements.

The middle distance is most convenient for a psychologically prepared shooter:

• enough time to determine the hostile intentions of the opponent and draw the weapon;
• no delays in movement, no tunnel vision effect;
• even when shooting from the midline of the body or from the hip, the defender confidently hits the target.

Long range is already a sporting type of bullet shooting; in practice it is rare. Ideal for pendulum techniques and two-gun low acrobatics.

Holding a weapon (grip)

Before developing the correct grip, you should start by practicing getting used to the weapon. Effective combat pistol shooting is only possible with the correct grip. The hand in which the weapon is located is called “strong”, the second, accordingly, “weak”. At the initial stage, it is recommended to train holding with two hands:

1. the weapon fits into the palm of a strong hand;
2. held by two fingers - the thumb from the inside, the middle one from the outside by the handle under the trigger guard;
3. the little finger helps shape the position of the hand, but does not participate in the grip; it lies on the handle freely, without pressure;
4. The ring finger is involved in the grip and lies on the handle.

Proper weapon holding

The butt plate of the pistol should be firmly seated in the groove of the hand between the thumb and index finger in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Grip strength is developed by exercise with the ball.

Fitting the butt plate into the fork

Then the same exercises are repeated for the weak arm. After this, the weak hand is connected to the “Two-handed” grip:

• she hugs the hand of a strong hand with a weapon;
• the thumb is located in front of the thumb of the strong hand in a similar position;
• the bent index finger supports the trigger guard from below.

Grab with both hands

Since delays in pistol shooting most often occur due to correcting incorrect holding, you should consolidate the last exercise with a partner and develop the technique.

Drawing a weapon

The easiest way to start drawing a pistol correctly is to master the exercise from behind the belt:

1. the hand of a strong hand is formed into a “fork”;
2. lightly hits the buttplate of the pistol;
3. simultaneously grabbed with the middle and thumb;
4. pulled out from under the belt.

Capturing the buttplate in the fork

Putting you in the line of fire

After a week of daily exercise, a speed type of draw is formed from a waist holster, then, if necessary, from an underarm holster. When following commands when firing a pistol, the draw is the initial movement.

The correct trajectory for drawing a weapon

Since in combat conditions you will have to fire from a Makarov pistol from different positions, the technique should include drawing the weapon while sitting on a chair, lying on your back, stomach and side.

Wrist workout

By default, the muscles of the hand and wrist form a “corset”, the strength of which determines the spatial position of the weapon at the time of the shot. It is necessary for the trainee to perform the following exercises to improve wrist strength:

• writing out figures or letters of the alphabet with the end of a long stick held in the hand;
• holding the weight in an outstretched strong, then weak hand;
• winding a rope with a suspended load alternately in different directions with the hands;
• push-ups on wrists and fists.

A set of exercises for the wrist muscles

Since in combat conditions they shoot not from a static stance, but in motion, and the weak hand is often occupied with other things, the wrists must be trained, and their muscle tone must be maintained by regular exercise.

Trigger processing

It’s easier to spend a week of time (half an hour of practice every day without breaks) than to burn cartridges trying to correct mistakes when performing shooting. For this purpose, an educational and developmental device is used:

• a paper cone 7–10 cm long is placed on the index finger placed on the trigger of the pistol;
• it is necessary to achieve smooth movement of the sharp end of the cone when selecting a free stroke and firing a shot.

Smooth descent training

The main mistake of shooting cadets is “waiting for a shot.” The finger tenses too much, pulls the trigger, the bullet has an unpredictable trajectory.

Racks

The most convenient position is a frontal stance when shooting a pistol with two hands. However, in real conditions it is necessary to conduct a duel with one hand or fire from two pistols, so the sequence of studying all types is discussed below.

Options for pistol shooting positions

For two-handed shooting

One stance is suitable for more effective performance of combat missions - the front one:

1. the student stands facing the target;
2. slightly bends the legs to absorb recoil and allow free movement in any direction;
3. hands with weapons rise to shoulder level;
4. the elbow of the strong arm is directed straight down, slightly bent;
5. the elbow of the weak arm is slightly turned inward;
6. the body leans forward to move the center of gravity closer to the tips of the toes.

Front stand

The basic rule is that in the projection of the shooter from above onto the ground, the arms and torso form a triangle.

For one-handed shooting

Take a stance for firing with one hand as follows:

1. you need to stand sideways to the target, with a strong hand towards it;
2. the toes of the feet are slightly spread in a natural, most comfortable position;
3. both hands are raised to shoulder level, their position is selected to be as comfortable as possible for the shooter;
4. then the weak hand lowers, and the strong one turns towards the target.

One-handed firing position

In this stance, called dueling, the silhouette is reduced by 50% compared to the frontal position. It is more difficult for the enemy to hit the cadet; the most important organ - the heart - is protected by the body by default.

For shooting with two pistols

Due to anatomical features, a person is not able to simultaneously aim from two pistols, therefore the classic frontal stance for firing with two hands with minor additions is considered the most effective:

• the weak hand does not support the strong hand, but provides a grip on the second weapon;
• The rigidity of the two pistols is ensured by pressing the thumbs against each other.

Grip two pistols for two-handed shooting

Thus, firing two barrels doubles the firepower. However, as an exception, there are options for firing from two pistols that solve a specific tactical problem.

When training, it is necessary to observe safety measures - the barrel of the pistol should always be pointed towards the target, when turning, the weapon tilts towards the ground and moves along the body.

Basic Gun Safety Rules

When handling any firearm, the following basic rules must be strictly observed:

1. The weapon is considered always loaded until it is possible to verify the opposite personally.
2. You should always hold the weapon in the safest direction - the barrel should only be pointed at the target you are going to shoot at.
3. The index finger should be outside the trigger guard. Exception: when the shooter looks at the target through the sighting device.
4. Before you pick up a weapon, you need to study its technical characteristics and features.
5. The weapon must be stored in a safe place that will prevent its unauthorized use by others. Weapons and ammunition are stored separately.
6. Only pick up a weapon when sober.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid accidents that can result in injury or even death when handling firearms.

Combat shooting

After studying the sports course, you need to consider the following factors:

• It is better to exercise in casual clothes, using a minimum of special equipment, devices and ammunition;
• combat shooting from a pistol with a “weak” hand increases the effectiveness of wielding a weapon with a “strong” hand by at least 30%;
• Each shot should be analyzed after practice.

Life depends entirely on movement, so movements must be smooth, but continuous, with a trajectory unpredictable for the enemy.

Summary

Today there are traumatic pistols that look like real ones, but shoot a third as hard as normal combat pistols. This is quite enough to increase your sense of security and self-confidence. But it will not always help you cope with a real threat.

The psychological effect of traumatic weapons on experienced attackers is not so great. But they may be surprised by the pain they receive during a collision with you. But try not to kill him or cause him serious injuries - in this case, you will spend a long time proving that you yourself are not a criminal.

Tactical shooting

In practical shooting classes, there are ready-made schemes and procedures for hitting several targets. For a combat training course in shooting rules, this approach is unacceptable for a number of reasons:

• The diagrams include the static position of the athlete, that is, in a real combat situation, this is a direct stand for the enemy’s shot;
• targets in competitions are stationary, real opponents can move every second using pistols as a team.

Scheme of hitting targets from an ambush

Tactical shooting uses a different principle of analyzing targets and the order of their destruction - the closest enemy is most dangerous. Combat tactical movement training should be carried out after sports shooting training, when the standards have already been passed. In order for shooting training to be guaranteed to bring results, it is necessary to pay attention to the psychological preparation of the fighter.

Thus, you can learn pistol shooting in several ways, depending on the tasks being solved. Sports and practical shooting competitions are regularly held. Combat shooting is available to citizens of the Russian Federation only from a traumatic pistol for self-defense.

Power of traumatic pistols

According to Russian legislation, the muzzle energy when fired from a civilian traumatic pistol should not exceed 91 J. For service injuries, the limit is different - 150 J. For comparison, the Makarov pistol has a muzzle energy of about 300 J. Thus, if a person with a traumatic pistol is drawn in into a shootout with an attacker armed with a combat pistol - his chances are slim.

There are homemade ways to increase the power of traumatic weapons, but their use does not give one hundred percent results. In addition, there is a high risk that this could lead to unpredictable consequences.

But don’t forget: even the existing power of a traumatic pistol is enough to cause serious bodily injury or even kill a person. Be careful!

What does it shoot with?

For pistols, "BB" type bullets are usually used; they are small spherical balls made of steel or lead. The weight of each ball is 0.34 g. The caliber of the bullets is 4.5 mm. Bullets measuring 0.17 inches are designated “B,” 0.18 inches are designated “BB,” and 0.19 inches are designated “BBV.”

Different types of bullets are produced for an air pistol:

• Flat. Used for sports - paper shooting. Because of their flat head shape, they are well suited for scoring. Recommended for precision weapons for shooting at a distance of up to 10 m.
• Hemispherical. They have optimal penetrating ability and accuracy.
• Conical. Good penetration, but not the best accuracy and accuracy.
• Expansive. Typically used for hunting, used at medium and long distances.
• Ogivals. Used with powerful weapons, they are characterized by high accuracy and lethality.
• Spherical. Used for recreational shooting at tanks or bottles from a distance of 3 to 10 m.
• Half-cap. Average quality and low accuracy even at short distances, but cheap.
• Darts. Used in single-shot weapons, when shooting at a target, hunting. They have poor accuracy.

Of all types of bullets, hemispherical ones are the most common and are used for shooting over long distances.