Classification by muzzle energy or permitted pneumatics in Russia

Classification of pneumatics by muzzle energy

Muzzle energy is the value by which the characteristics of the propelling element are assessed - range and degree of target destruction. The parameter also determines the power of the weapon. The unit of measurement is Joule (J).

Based on muzzle energy, pneumatic weapons are divided into groups:

1. Not higher than 3 J.
2. More than 3 but less than 7.5 J.
3. More than 7.5 J.

The Federal Law “On Weapons” establishes the procedure for using air pistols and rifles based on the force of the muzzle shot. Devices with shot energy up to 3 J are intended for recreational shooting.

“Air” with a power value ranging from 3 to 7.5 J is legally classified as a sports device. In rare cases, they can be used to hunt rodents and birds.

The Federal Law “On Weapons” classifies pneumatics with a shot energy of over 7.5 J as devices for hunting and professional shooting sports.

Pneumatics for self-defense

As previously mentioned, the use of pneumatics is allowed only for hunting and sports.

The use of this type of weapon for self-defense is not allowed!

This is due to the fact that in some cases, serious harm to the health of a third party can be caused when using equipment.

Such actions will correspond to an excess of permissible measures of self-defense, and will be qualified as an act punishable by criminal law.

Muzzle energy and the law: when you need a license

Pneumatics with a power of no more than 3 J are products that are structurally reminiscent of a weapon, but not related to it. It can be purchased freely by citizens of the Russian Federation: there is no need to obtain a purchase license or permission to store and carry.

To purchase pneumatic weapons with a shot energy of less than 7.5 J, it is enough to provide the seller with a passport to confirm your age.

But for models with a muzzle power value of more than 7.5 J, a license is required. After purchase, the owner registers the device in the prescribed manner at the district police department. Additionally, a hunting license or sports passport is issued.

Does caliber affect the need for a permit?

The caliber of the air gun also determines whether a license will be required. Current legislation does not establish restrictions on barrel diameter for models up to 3 J. Pistols and rifles from 3 to 7.5 J do not require permits if the caliber does not exceed 4.5 mm.

Basically, licensed pneumatic models are presented on the market in 3 calibers:

• 4.5 mm (.177 cal);
• 5.5 mm (.22 cal);
• 6.35 mm (.25 cal).

Sometimes you come across PCP rifles (pre-pumped) with a barrel diameter of 7.62 mm (.30 cal) and 9 mm (.35 cal).

Time to shoot: how to choose an air gun?

The choice of pneumatics must be approached wisely. The first point of the program is to decide on the purpose of the purchased “gun”, so that it does not gather dust in the closet as unnecessary. Air guns are used for:

• entertaining target shooting;
• acquiring skills in handling firearms;
• airsoft;
• small game hunting;
• collecting, etc.

Entertaining target shooting

For “close combat” against targets or aluminum cans, air pistols are suitable

on steel balls or lead bullets.
The range of aimed fire from them is usually up to 15-20 m. For the same purposes, a budget rifle with a barrel break
with a bullet speed of about 150 m/s will do.

For shooting at longer distances (20-50 m and more), it is better to use more powerful rifles with a rifled barrel

so that the bullet flies more stable and is less influenced by external factors, for example, wind. For the sake of saving your budget, you can look towards “fractures” on a coil spring with full equipment - the optical sight included with the rifle is guaranteed to be cheaper than buying it separately.

If the price of the issue is not a priority, but there is a strong desire to “put” a bullet into a five-kopeck coin at a firing distance of up to 50 m, the best choice would be gas rifles and PCP shotguns

. “Barrels” of the first type will require the purchase of consumables similar to CO₂ cylinders, and for PCP rifles you will need to purchase a special pump to pump air into the tank.

Geared PCP rifles are best suited for precision shooting at great distances from the target. The gearbox in their design compensates for the decrease in bullet flight speed as gas is consumed, which is done by supplying equal portions of air to the bullet, regardless of the pressure in the tank. Geared PCP pneumatics can provide higher speeds, power and repeatability of shots.

PCP air rifles (pre-pumping) Ataman M2R Bullpup 4.5 from RUR 5,990 Kral Puncher Maxi 3 6.35 from RUR 28,039 Hatsan AT44-10 from RUR 37,490 Hatsan BT65 RB from RUR 44,990 Hatsan BT65 SB Elite from RUR 57,490 Baikal MP-555K from RUR 19,890 Kral Puncher Maxi 3 Ekinoks 5.5 from RUR 56,695 Kral Puncher Maxi 3 5.5 from RUR 26,330 Hatsan Flashpup W QE 6.35 from RUR 30,990 Hatsan 65 SB from RUR 44,990 Umarex Walther Rotex RM8 from RUR 48,660 Dubrava Lesnik Bullpup V4 5.5 (450 mm) from 39,500 rub. Kral Puncher One PCP from RUR 37,380 Hatsan Flashpup S 6.35 from RUR 34,990 Kral Puncher Breaker 3 5.5 from RUR 24,840 Hatsan BT65 RB Elite from RUR 57,490 Dubrava Lesnik Bullpup V4 6.35 (450 mm) from RUR 39,520 Ataman M2R FT 4.5 from RUR 12,990 Hatsan Bullmaster from RUR 75,490 Hatsan Flash 6.35 from RUR 29,990

Practical shooting

Training shooting involves the use of air “guns” that are as similar as possible to combat prototypes both externally and functionally. A striking example of this is pistols with the Blowback system.

This imitates the automatic operation of a real combat pistol with a characteristic “rebound” of the upper part of the body back and a corresponding shock of the weapon.

The Blowback system allows you to experience firsthand the effects of partial recoil and the reproduction of a full reload cycle, which has a positive effect on the acquisition of skills and reflexes in handling firearms.

Pneumatic guns

Baikal MP-654K from 9,090 rub. Meydan Stalker S92PL from RUR 2,380 Crosman C11 from RUR 3,970 Baikal MP-654K-32 from 9,780 rub. BORNER PM-X from RUR 3,490 Umarex Glock 17 from RUR 14,200 Baikal MP-53M from 4,790 rub. BORNER W119 from RUR 8,890 Umarex Glock 19X from RUR 11,080 Crosman American Classic from RUR 9,990 ASG CZ 75D Compact from RUR 4,490 Gamo PT-85 Blowback from RUR 9,702 Meydan Stalker S17G from RUR 2,950 BORNER PM49 Makarov from RUR 6,890 Sig Sauer P226 from RUR 16,390 ASG Dan Wesson 2.5″ from RUR 11,456 Hatsan Mod 25 Supercharger from RUR 10,990 Galaxy G.15+ from RUR 2,450 Umarex PM Ultra from RUR 7,830 Crosman Vigilante from RUR 7,070

Airsoft pneumatics

Airsoft pneumatics are a separate topic for discussion. itself (from the English strike - strike and ball - ball) is better known as airsoft - this is a game using specially designed soft pneumatics, using plastic balls with a caliber of 6 mm in order to minimize injuries when hitting a player

. The bullets do not have any filling, and the weapons and equipment copy real combat prototypes. Games are held primarily at training grounds or closed areas. Their concept can be either similar to paintball (counter matches), or have a scope for many kilometers of training grounds with the use of armored vehicles, special tactical means and visual similarity to large-scale military exercises.

Pneumatics for this type of leisure are often made in the guise of copies of original firearms prototypes (down to inscriptions and the smallest details), and sometimes have no analogues at all. Depending on their appearance, airsoft “guns” are divided into:

• pistols;
• shotguns;
• submachine guns and machine guns;
• machine guns;
• rifles;
• grenade launchers.

Based on the type of internal structure, airsoft weapons are divided into three more subfamilies:

1. Spring

. The most budget option for “guns”. Due to the low pricing policy, bolt-action rifles and pump-action shotguns are more popular among buyers. They only require the purchase of balls that are used for shooting, and various external accessories in the manner of an optical sight. They are unpretentious to external conditions and are not afraid of moisture, but such devices will need to be cocked each time before firing.

AEG rifles

CYMA FN P90 CM060 from RUR 11,250 CYMA AK-74M from 17,200 rub. CYMA AK47C from RUR 8,925 CYMA AKC-74 from 12,850 rub. CYMA AKC-74y Wood from 16,300 rub. CYMA AK-74 from 20,500 rub. CYMA H&K G36C CM.011 from RUR 10,150 CYMA AKM from 12,400 rub. CYMA Thompson M1A1 from RUR 11,900 CYMA AR47 CM093 from RUR 15,900 CYMA Thompson M1928A1 from RUR 14,900 Umarex Colt M4A1 STD from RUR 26,950 CYMA RK-103 CM077 from RUR 19,500 CYMA AK Beta Spetsnaz Tactical from 9,800 rub. G&G CM16 R8-L from RUR 15,900 CYMA AK105 from RUR 17,200 CYMA CM.518 from RUR 12,412 CYMA M16A3 metal from RUR 15,900 CYMA SVD Tactic from RUR 27,667 Umarex HK416 A5 AEG from RUR 40,800

2. Electropneumatics AEG/AEP

. The most common type of weapon for airsoft games from the middle price segment of pneumatics. Its key advantages over its peers: a longer service life (provided it has high-quality parts) and excellent tuning suitability (moreover, modifications to the weapon can be done in stages, which does not put a big dent in your pocket). Electropneumatics often have an automatic firing mode. And most importantly, it can be used at temperatures around 0 ° C. There are also models with electric Blowback, in which the shutter movement is tied to the shot. However, this feature is more of a decorative nature, since there is no recoil - only movement and the clang of the shutter.

Among the disadvantages of electropneumatics, they note the fear of moisture (like all electronics) and a less sensitive shutter release in the basic models. In addition to purchasing ammunition for “guns” of this type, it is advisable to purchase a good rechargeable battery and charger. The price of electropneumatics depends on the design of the body (plastic or metal) and internal parts (advanced electronics, processors, improved parts that affect compression and service life of the device, etc.). If the priority is to save your budget, it is recommended to look at versions of airsoft weapons in polymer cases.

3. Gas pneumatics (GBB/GNBB) or air (HPA/VVD)

. Expensive entourage barrels, similar to firearm prototypes in terms of disassembly and internal structure. Particularly similar to military weapons are carbines, rifles, etc. They often have a Blowback system with a biting impact, but they are more sensitive to external conditions (dust and temperature). Consumables for these “guns” are firing balls and gas cylinders or refillable air cylinders (HPA/VVD).

Modern airsoft pneumatics are often equipped with a Hop-Up system, which has a positive effect on stabilizing the flight of the ball. By fine-tuning this system and selecting the weight of the bullets (from 0.12 g to 0.48 g), you can achieve shots hitting an A4 sheet at a firing distance of 50 m or more, which is quite enough for airsoft games.

Small Game Hunting

For small game hunting, it is customary to use powerful break-action and multi-shot PCP rifles, especially in the Bullpup configuration.

The first option would suit a true hunting guru, since shotguns with a broken barrel are loud, have a specific recoil and are generally single-shot. It is better to take PCP rifles with a magazine loading system, which allows you to quickly load the next bullet and make adjustments to the shot. It is advisable to find out about permits for the use of such pneumatics for hunting in certain regions in advance.

BullPup air rifles

Ataman M2R Bullpup 4.5 from RUR 5,990 Kral Puncher Maxi 3 Ekinoks 5.5 from RUR 56,695 Hatsan Flashpup W QE 6.35 from RUR 30,990 Dubrava Lesnik Bullpup V4 5.5 (450 mm) from RUR 39,500 Hatsan Flashpup S 6.35 from RUR 34,990 Kral Puncher Breaker 3 5.5 from RUR 24,840 Dubrava Lesnik Bullpup V4 6.35 (450 mm) from RUR 39,520 Hatsan Bullmaster from RUR 75,490 Kral Puncher Breaker 3W 6.35 from RUR 35,500 Kuzey K30/K300 BullPup 5.5 from RUR 35,590 Dubrava Chekan Karabin V4 6.35 (580 mm) from RUR 39,520 Hatsan Flashpup S 5.5 from RUR 34,990 Hatsan Flashpup W 6.35 from RUR 29,990 Ataman ML15 B26 Bullpup RB-SL 6.35 from RUR 61,990 RAR VL-12 iBon 700 5.5 from RUR 47,790 Kral Puncher Maxi 3 Ekinoks 6.35 from RUR 56,700 RAR VL-12 GeBon 700 6.35 from 55,790 rub. Kral Puncher Breaker 3W 5.5 from RUR 37,400 Dubrava Anchutka Bullpup V4 5.5 (250 mm) from 39,000 rub. Dubrava Lesnik Bullpup V4 7.62 Magnum (550 mm) from 61,030 rub.

Collecting

Collectors usually hunt for replicas of various historical models of revolvers, rifles or pistols and futuristic models with unique engravings, precious metal finishes, etc.

The purpose of such a purchase is more “for the soul” and a home stand for display to friends, rather than for the practical use of weapons.

Accessory park

It is advisable to take pneumatics in a “set” with optics, a pump and tactical accessories included.

At least for the first time. Then the equipment for the barrel can be purchased separately, depending on the shooter’s preferences. It would also be useful to pay attention to pneumatics with installed mounting strips, which provide the possibility of tuning.

Safety must also be a priority. You immediately need to buy at least goggles to protect your eyes and a case for transporting your weapon, along with equipment and consumables. With this minimal set, feel free to start shooting.

Setting up a shooting range

No matter where you can’t shoot with a pneumatic gun. Unless in a dense forest, where a stray bullet is guaranteed not to hit anyone. Therefore, an important point in the program if you want to acquire a pneumatic “gun” and use it on an ongoing basis is the arrangement of a shooting range.

A place for a shooting range can be found, for example, in the backyard of a country house or cottage. For firing from an air pistol or simple rifles, a distance of 5-10 m will be sufficient. The main thing is that no one runs either behind or in front of the targets. Line control is reinforced by obstacles behind the target, such as a blank wall, a bullet trap, or an embankment.

For more powerful rifles, larger distances are needed, and a place with a “clean” distance to the target, and the mandatory presence of a protective barrier (walls, boards, bullet catcher, etc.). Plus, follow the rules for safe handling of pneumatic weapons - neglecting them can harm bystanders and bring a lot of unpleasant problems to the owner of the pneumatic weapon.

Finally, many pneumatic “guns” are specially set to minimum characteristics so as not to violate the law and can be safely sold to adults. However, with simple manipulations, the rifle can be modified to the required bullet flight characteristics by adjusting the air supply, replacing springs, etc. Some shops will happily customize a rifle to the customer's specifications for an additional fee.

The most powerful "aircraft" in the world

When fans of air guns on forums mention the companies Hatsan or Diana, they immediately have the association that we are talking about magnum class rifles. Yes, the Turks and Germans make good pistols and rifles that pierce through galvanized buckets (with a reinforced spring). However, these are not the most powerful samples.

The Hammer model from Umarex is the most powerful air gun in the world. Curiously, the German manufacturer did not prioritize the extreme “overclocking” of its products.

The presentation of the new “BigBore” class product took place in January 2018. Barrel diameter – 12.7 mm (.50 cal). The energy of the fired bullet reaches 1000 J, which is comparable to the characteristics of the AK-74M ammunition. Today, Umarex Hammer shotguns help hunters take down big game. Unfortunately, it did not fit into the permitted power of air guns in Russia

What types of airbags are there?

There are several main categories: PPP, PCP, gas and multi-compression.

1. PPP - spring-piston rifles. Simplicity and reliability. They are also cheap. The only thing that can scare off a buyer is the frankly weak shot power. The famous “Murka” MP-512 belongs specifically to this class.
2. PCP - pre-inflated air vents. Well suited for long distance shooting. They have high power, are quite accurate and are prohibitively expensive. Almost impossible to find in Russia. But if you live in Moscow or St. Petersburg, most likely, you can buy good and high-quality goods at your arms markets.
3. Gas (carbon dioxide) rifles. A canister of carbon dioxide must be placed in the weapon to fire. There are many good examples in this category. Many users believe that this is the “golden mean” in terms of price/quality ratio.
4. Multi-compression. Such pneumatics must be pre-pumped with air before firing. You can increase or decrease the force of the shot at your discretion - from 1 to 25 J. These rifles are good in many respects, but do not forget about the shortcomings. Multi-compression air is expensive, weighs a lot, and is difficult to maintain. The shot can be very powerful - but why would a person who is going to shoot at paper targets need it?

Table with approximate muzzle energy calculations

If the owner does not understand the power classification of an air gun, the value of J should be calculated. To make the calculation, it is enough to know 2 variables - the initial speed and the mass of the ammunition. Then plug the data into the formula:

Designations:

• E – desired value;
• m – projectile mass;
• v – bullet speed.

Example.

In his hands is a .177 caliber gas-cylinder pneumatic pistol - an MP-654K pistol. Shooting will be carried out with copper-plated BB-type bullets weighing 0.50 g. The initial speed declared by the manufacturer is 125 m/s.

It's time to determine the approximate shot energy:

E = (0.50 × (125 × 125)/2000 = 3.91 J.

Below is a summary table with approximate calculations of the power of air guns.
The basis is taken from common 4.5 mm lead bullets. Calculation of muzzle energy (J)

Two conclusions follow from the table data:

1. The greater the mass of the projectile, the higher the energy of the shot.
2. Increasing the initial speed of a bullet of the same weight by 2 times gives an increase in power by 4 times (the square of the initial speed is taken into account).

Calculation formula

The inside of the barrel is measured:

• millimeters;
• inches.

A millimeter is 3.937 calibers. 1 cal. equal to 0.254 mm. To convert the internal size of the barrel, it is enough to know the value in millimeters. For example, if the owner determined that he had a “papal” rifle, the calculations would be: 5.5 * 3.937 = 21.65.

Important note.

In the international format, 5.5 is designated as .22, which corresponds to 5.6 mm.

Also in the opposite direction: 22 * ​​0.254 = 5.6.

The channel size can be determined differently. The basis is 1 inch - this is 25.4 mm. The international designation is “inch”. The number 0 is not placed before the period.

Example 1: The owner knows that he is holding an air rifle with a barrel diameter of 4.5 mm. He wants to determine MK. The formula will help:

Designations:

• K – cal.;
• D – diameter.

The data is substituted: K = 4.5 / 25.4 * 100 = 17.72, or MK .177.

You can use a slightly modified formula:

The result will be the same: K = 4.5 * 100 / 25.4 = 17.72.

Calculation of the “papal” device: K = 5.5 / 25.4 * 100 = 21.65, or K = 5.5 * 100 / 25.4 = 21.65.

Example 2.

The owner knows the international caliber of the airgun, but wants to convert the internal diameter of the barrel to millimeters.

It remains to substitute the value into the variable “D”. The formula has changed slightly:

Calculations for MK .22: K = 22 / 100 * 25.4 = 5.6, or K = 22 * ​​25.4 / 100 = 5.6.

Recommendations

It is worth following the example of Umarex and not striving to achieve the maximum power of the device. We must not forget about the permitted muzzle energy of pneumatic weapons, so that there are no problems with the law. The main thing is targeted shooting. Every little detail is important: the tactical and technical characteristics (TTX) of the weapon, the weight and shape of the ammunition. For example, for magnum class rifles you need to choose heavy bullets, and for weakened models - light ones.

Russian air gun fans should familiarize themselves with the changes in the Federal Law “On Weapons” and the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
Repairs must be carried out carefully. For unsuccessfully “accelerating” a rifle to values ​​above 7.5 J, the owner risks losing his freedom, as well as his weapon. How to proceed? You should return the previous technical specifications, or go to the police department at your place of registration to obtain a permit. October 27, 2022