Multi-charge air rifle IZH 61: gas-filled air rifle

Attention. As of 01.07.21, amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (Articles 222 and 223) came into force regarding pneumatic weapons with muzzle energy over 7.5 J. If previously liability, and only administrative responsibility, was provided for carrying, transporting and shooting at borders of populated areas, then from now on criminal prosecution with quite serious sanctions is provided for the sale, as well as illegal production, alteration or repair of such samples (see No matter how tight the string is, or New “anti-pneumatic” laws). So, when reading articles written in a completely different era :)), keep in mind the newly discovered circumstances...

In the production lines of many weapons companies there are samples that are pneumatic copies of real army rifles, pistols and even machine guns.

The level of copying is especially high in the so-called “airsoft” used for playing airsoft. Although it is difficult to classify it as classical pneumatics, the air is still pumped up by a compressor, and energy is supplied from batteries. It's no coincidence that these 3-joule "weapons" that fire 6mm plastic pellets are called "drives."

Let's consider much more traditional options - gas-cylinder (CO2) and spring-piston rifles. The first ones are mainly intended for children and teenagers, in some cases for non-professional collectors. The latter, although not all, can be used even for hunting purposes.

Air rifles

This section of the Popadiv10 online store presents gas-cylinder rifles.
To fire a shot, gas cartridges with carbon dioxide CO2 of 12 and 88 grams are used. A large number of weapons from global manufacturers are supplied to the Russian market. Below are some of the brands available on our website:

• Baikal (Russia);
• ASG (Denmark);
• Umarex (Germany);
• Cadet (Russia);
• Crosman (USA);
• Stalker (China);
• Gletcher (USA) and others.

Gas-type pneumatics are distinguished by improved accuracy and serious shooting speeds. Carbon dioxide CO2 will allow you to fire without loss of power. However, at low temperatures this figure can decrease significantly.

Each gas-cylinder rifle is supplied to the Russian market with a pre-installed safety lock to protect against unintentional discharge.

The main focus of gas-cylinder pneumatics is considered to be shooting at cardboard targets or cans, but with some skill you can shoot a small rodent or bird.

Crosman Classic 2100B

Crosman Classic 2100B is a multi-compression air rifle model that is ideal not only for professional shooters, but also for beginners.
A shot from such a weapon is possible due to the pressure created by manually pumping air into the tank. This pressure is regulated by pumping, the number of which subsequently determines the speed of the bullet and the force of the shot. This unusual rifle mechanism allows you to fire shots not only in an open area, but also indoors. The presented example of the Crosman Classic 2100B pump-action air rifle is not suitable for self-defense, but it is ideal for sports and entertainment purposes. The main advantage of this weapon model is the absence of cylinders that require constant changing. In addition, the price of the Crosman Classic 2100B repeating air rifle varies from 6,500 to 8,500 rubles . In terms of the cost of the model, you can put the Remington air rifle on par with it. An expensive model is the Matador air rifle. Chinese pneumatics also keep up with global brands.

Technical and design features

1. The maximum magazine capacity is 17 rounds.
2. Type of cartridges - copper or lead spherical bullets, explosives.
3. The magazine is filled with 4.5 mm caliber cartridges.
4. The primary speed of the ammunition - with 10 pumping motions - reaches 230.2 meters in 1 second.
5. The energy source is an air reservoir.
6. The weight of the rifle is 2.18 kg.
7. The length of the weapon (total) reaches 1.01 m.
8. The trunk length does not exceed 0.529 m.
9. The barrel is made of high quality weapon steel.
10. The butt and stock are made of reinforced polymer.

Crosman Classic 2100B

Advantages

• there is practically no recoil after shots;
• multi-charge;
• the quality of the product is at a decent level;
• optimal accuracy-power-cost ratio;
• If desired, you can use tempo shooting.

Flaws

• The dovetail is made of brittle polymer;
• weapons are sensitive to changes in air temperature.

Key features of air rifles:

• Similarity to firearms;
• Carbon dioxide acts as the main source of energy;
• Muzzle energy is 7.5 J;
• Classic lead bullets and steel balls with a caliber of 4.5 millimeters;
• No special license required;
• Possibility of firing in semi-automatic and single mode;
• Open sights (front sight and rear sight);
• There are rifling inside the barrel;
• Availability of Dovetail 11 mm and Weaver strips;
• Projectile speed from 70 to 230 m/s.

How to choose an air rifle

Are you thinking about purchasing an Air Rifle? So, in the abstract, have you decided to buy yourself a powerful aerial device, with optics, accurate and inexpensive? Read on - it will be interesting. Our review of air rifles will definitely help you make your choice. We have all seen at the shooting range what is called a classic spring piston (PP) rifle

, it was probably the IZH-38 model, proven by many generations, from the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant. Inexpensive, reliable as a wrench, and practically eternal, this 4.5mm rifle is still popular in shooting ranges and schools. Yes, perhaps this is the most popular model of all rifles produced at Izhmekh. We cock it, breaking the barrel, insert the Diablo or KPehu, slam it shut, aim and hit. For a beginner who is just learning to accurately hit targets at a distance of up to 10 meters, an PP rifle will be the best choice. The operating principle of these rifles is based on the energy of a compressed spring - at the moment the trigger is pressed, pushing the piston, which in turn creates the pressure necessary for firing in the compressor cylinder. This principle has been successfully used for decades in other rifles from both Russian and foreign manufacturers. In Russia, the IZH-38 was further developed in the form of the MP512 rifle, which is distinguished by a more powerful spring, a larger compressor and is equipped with a safety lock that prevents an accidental shot. The trigger mechanism (hereinafter referred to as the trigger) has also been improved.

This rifle is available in 4.5 and 5.5mm caliber, but the latter is sold only under license. From its predecessor, this rifle inherited, first of all, reliability and unpretentiousness to operating conditions. It is easy to maintain, but has some self-removable drawbacks. So the owner can perform a more thorough treatment of the working surfaces of the compressor and piston, trigger, improve the muzzle chamfer and make the piston heavier, and some foreign rifles should also be subjected to these procedures.

So let’s not say that the MP 512 is a rifle that you need to “finish it yourself.” The quality of parts processing may not be up to par with imported rifles either. Among the technical features of PP rifles, it should be noted that the spring can be cocked not only by breaking the barrel, but also using a special lever located under the barrel or on the side. The advantage of such a cocking system is that the barrel remains fixedly fixed, therefore, any play is eliminated. Examples of such rifles are the DIANA48 and the Chinese B-3 Techforce rifle. Spring-piston rifles are universal, you can use them for hunting, training in the field and at an indoor shooting range, and holding competitions. One drawback that in no way detracts from the advantages of this group of rifles is their single-shot nature.

DIANA 350 Magnum - “German quality” The German rifle DIANA 350 Magnum is the top model among spring-piston rifles. High quality and reliability, amazing accuracy - the best qualities are DIANA 350. This “model” is taller than all others, its “height” is 1230 mm, and its barrel length is 495 mm. Excellent balance, perfectly compensates for the weight of the 3.72 kg rifle. The rifle stock is made of wood, high-quality processed from the inside, and has a chic appearance from the outside. The rifle in 5.5mm caliber has all the qualities of a hunting rifle.

The traditional fuse guarantees safe handling of the DIANA 350M. The rifle has a bracket for mounting an optical sight, which makes this rifle even more attractive for fans of precision shooting. DIANA 350 is the rifle that, having bought it, you will not want to exchange for any other. It will serve you and your children well, and perhaps it is from this that your grandchildren will learn to shoot accurately.

Crosman pneumatics A series of high-quality PP rifles from the American company CROSMAN will expand your choice. Thus, the Crosman Phantom 1000 rifle is distinguished by its lightness and modern ergonomic stock design. A high-quality bored muzzle chamfer facilitates accurate shooting both from a rest and from the hands. After a basic upgrade, the rifle is capable of delivering up to 23 J of power.

You will also be interested in the Crosman Quest 500 C5M77 rifle, made according to a traditional PP layout and having a wooden stock. This model has a safety and adjustable sights. Rifle length 1130mm. ; the barrel has a length of 470mm.

Mobility, relatively low cost, simplicity of design and readiness to fire a shot at any time are what we choose PP rifles for. Wide possibilities for upgrades and tuning are also significant advantages of these rifles.

The following is a small table with comparative characteristics of the most popular PP rifles:

It would be right if your first serious acquaintance with air rifles begins with spring piston ones. So, you will have your first experience, you will get acquainted with the material part of an air gun, learn how to shoot and hit targets, you will be able to successfully hunt small game and perhaps you will never exchange such a rifle for another type of air gun.

Multicompression rifles (MK)

A class of air rifles in which the operating pressure is created sequentially by manually pumping the reservoir. The system functions like a bicycle pump, equipped with a valve that blocks the air from escaping. The shooter, using a special lever, forces the piston to pump pressure into the tank where the air is stored to fire the shot. The pressure is maintained using a valve that opens only at the moment of firing. A number of models allow you to adjust the release pressure, thereby changing the speed of the bullet, i.e. allows you to adjust the rifle to a specific ammunition.

Rifles of this class can also be multi-shot, such as the DAISY 953 4.5mm caliber. equipped with a 5-round magazine. The Model 2100 rifle from Crossman generally allows shooting with steel balls of 4.45mm caliber, of which up to 200 pieces can be placed in its magazine-hopper.

Multi-compression rifles

have some advantage over PP; the latter have a rather heavy (up to 200g) piston, the sudden movement of which, at the moment of firing, can negatively affect shooting. However, on the other hand, the procedure itself for loading a rifle, pumping air immediately before firing, may not suit you. It is also natural that the MK rifle is more difficult to operate and repair.

Multi-compression rifles

- very neat instruments, equipped with appropriate sighting devices, we get high-precision small-caliber weapons capable of confidently hitting game birds and rodents. It’s a pity that the domestic industry has nothing to oppose to foreign MK rifles, except perhaps a rare example of the VKP-16 rifle, which is not widely used.

CO2 air rifles (gas)

An interesting principle that allows you to increase the rate of fire, reduce the weight and size of the rifle is used in this type of pneumatics.
A can of CO2, weighing 8 or 12 grams, is inserted into the rifle's filling port. The needle pierces the membrane of the can, as in a siphon for gas-water, the weapon is loaded with bullets and becomes ready to fire. At the moment of the shot, the firing pin acts on the combat valve rod, which in turn allows gas access to the expansion chamber, where the pressure necessary for the shot is created. The bullet leaves the barrel, while the automation may be ready to fire the next shot. CO2 rifles and carbines can fire 4.5 and 5.5 caliber lead bullets, but some of them are designed to fire steel balls. A well-known representative of the class of gas-cylinder rifles is the DAISY 2001. The magazine of this rifle holds 35 diablo bullets.

And the pressure developed by carbon dioxide can give the bullet an initial acceleration of 150 m/s. The canister weighs 12 grams and is designed for 50-60 shots. The rifle is equipped with a safety lock and the sight is adjustable. You can install an optical sight. It is also worth mentioning the CROSSMAN 1077 rifle

Very light, only 1.3 kg, it looks like a RUGER 10-22 self-loading firearm. Caliber 4.5 mm. Its 12-round radial drum is mounted on a special holder, which, like in a real RUGER carbine, is inserted into the receiving port from below. The long 512mm barrel accelerates the Diablo bullet to a speed of 189 m/s. Automatic self-cocking ensures a high rate of fire. This successful model was declared the best rifle of 1994 by the British gun press.

Russia can be proud of the successful conversion of the Kalashnikov AK-74M assault rifle, which has been reborn into the pneumatic, gas-cylinder "Junker" rifle.

Having borrowed the gas cylinder mechanism from the IZH-671 pistol, this rifle retained all the elements of its combat “grandfather”. The magazine holds 25 copper-plated steel balls of 4.45 caliber. The rifle will make your leisure time more varied, allowing you to conduct various paramilitary games and competitions. This is also a great souvenir that will decorate the collection of any gun collector. With a muzzle energy of only 3J. this rifle does not require a license or any permits to purchase it.

A common drawback of this family of rifles is the negative effect of low temperatures on shot power. An important point worth noting is the gradual evaporation of gas when the can is punctured. That is, having inserted a can and fired just a few shots, a week later you may find that it is empty. This may be due to insufficient tightness of the seals or a manufacturing defect in the design. These disadvantages are offset by the breadth of advantages of gas-balloon rifles: Lightness, compactness of some models, the widest possible settings, rate of fire and accuracy - properties inherent only to gas-balloon rifles.

If you are now more consciously thinking about choosing an air rifle, then first compare the characteristics of the most popular models, decide on the tasks for shooting: sports training, crowdhunting, varminting, plinking, hardball, precision shooting, amateur hunting - because all these types of active recreation will be available to you from now on. After reading this review, also take into account the following condition: Having correctly chosen the air rifle, you will not regret the money spent.

Functional features of air gas rifles

Modern modifications of gas cylinders are distinguished by excellent ergonomics and the presence of special devices for installing equipment.

High accuracy at the moment of firing can be achieved by installing an optical or collimator sight. For this purpose, each modification is equipped with a special Dovetail or Weaver type bar.

For example, the Umarex SG9000 (Walther) pneumatic shotgun is equipped with four Weaver-type mounting strips. One strap is located on the top, the second is installed under the barrel and two more on the sides.

The top bar is suitable for installing optics or a collimator. With their help, the accuracy of hitting the target will increase significantly. Of course, it is better to install a collimator on this model, since shooting is carried out at close range.

The bottom rail will be an excellent place to mount a tactical grip. The remaining two side rails are suitable for equipping the weapon with a laser target designator and a tactical flashlight. After which shooting in the dark will not become a problem.

The ideal distance for making an aimed shot is considered to be 30-40 meters.

With all the undeniable advantages, the price of air gas rifles will please the eye of every buyer.

A significant margin of safety and the reliability of gas-cylinder pneumatics will have a positive effect during operation.

Design features of air gas rifles

Gas-cylinder pneumatics have relatively low power, but this is enough not only for target shooting, but also for hunting small rodents and birds.

In this case, the buyer will not need to obtain a special license, since the muzzle energy does not exceed 7.5 joules, and for some modifications it is 3 Joules.

A distinctive feature of gas-cylinder pneumatics is considered to be a serious margin of safety. This is facilitated by the materials used in the production process. The basis is weapon metal, coated with a special solution to protect against corrosion.

The weapon barrel, internal mechanisms and stock (in some models) are made from it.

Auxiliary materials are natural wood and impact-resistant ABS plastic. With their help, stocks, pistol grips and butts are made.

Plastic, unlike natural wood, is lighter in weight and is suitable for professional athletes. Wood modifications will appeal to lovers of sophisticated appearance and collectors.

IZH-61

The world-famous brainchild of domestic production, the IZH 61 multi-charge air gun, has a high-strength barrel made of weapons-grade steel, decorated with rifling.
A mainspring of this type can be cocked by putting into operation an autonomous lever. Therefore, it is very easy to shoot from such a rifle. In addition, the presented weapon model is extremely practical. This is facilitated by a longitudinally sliding rammer. Diana air rifles also receive special attention. It is also worth mentioning the Ataman pneumatic weapon. A distinctive feature of the sample is that, if desired, you can install optics on the IZH-61 air rifle . Tuning also involves installing a collimator version of the sighting device, which allows you to hit the target even at large distances from the shooter. All this is facilitated by the already existing standard fasteners.

The presented model is characterized by a closed type of front sight, but if desired, it can be demonstrated. The shooter can also independently regulate the stroke and force of the trigger, adjusting the weapon to suit himself. More details about tuning in the video:

Design and technical aspects

1. For shooting from this sample, only 4.5 mm caliber lead bullets are used.
2. The maximum speed of the cartridge reaches 150 meters per second.
3. The largest amount of ammunition that is simultaneously contained in the magazine does not exceed 5 bullets.
4. The energy source is a spring.
5. The overall size of the presented model is only 77.5 cm.
6. The shot power is 7.5 J.
7. The barrel material is made of high-strength weapon steel with rifling.
8. The minimum cost of such weapons is from 7,700 rubles.

IZH-61

Advantages of the model

• there is practically no recoil after shots;
• multi-charge;
• the weapon sample belongs to the low price segment;
• the quality of the product is at a decent level;
• optimal accuracy-power-cost ratio;
• the possibility of modernizing the IZH-61 air rifle;
• great potential for upgrade.

Flaws

• the initial speed of the shot of cartridges leaves the best yellow;
• The spring needs to be changed periodically.

Pneumatic weapons from the Izhevsk plant are considered to be quite affordable in cost, in contrast to their foreign analogues.

See prices for the Hatsan air rifle here.

Watch the video of the Crosman 2100 B air rifle at: