Lightweight, powerful and with virtually no recoil, PCP (pre-pumped) air rifles provide the reliability you're looking for. In addition, one of the main advantages of PCP rifles is shooting accuracy! They are suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters. I will try to help you choose a rifle that suits your specific needs!
Air guns fire bullets or pellets using compressed air or gas. Some models can use both types of ammunition, but most use bullets.
The oldest air gun, produced back in 1580, is kept in the Stockholm museum, and is a spring-piston rifle. Many discoveries have been made since then, and now the air rifles described in this article have a wide range of features, and are priced to suit the typical customer.
Below is my selective list of the best PCP air rifles in terms of quality, functionality and price today.
Ataman (Russia)
Air rifles "Ataman" are known for their high quality, exceptional reliability and the most advanced technologies.
The rifles are offered with five different stock configurations and in a caliber range from 4.5 to 6.35 mm. Combining the most modern production technologies, high-quality materials and the legendary experience of Russian gunsmiths, Ataman creates world-class serial PCP rifles! The Ataman M2R PCP series of rifles is an excellent option for hunting, sports and recreational shooting. Each M2R Series model features a side-cocking mechanism, a free-floating Lothar Walther barrel, a two-stage adjustable trigger, a semi-automatic magazine, an internal bandage barrel and an ergonomic, beautifully crafted double-sided walnut stock.
Ataman M2R lightweight air rifles are built to the highest standards of quality, which you will notice in every aspect of production. So rest assured that you will receive a superbly crafted weapon worthy of being passed on to your descendants!
If you want to buy the M2R Carbine, it comes with a walnut stock and is available in 5.5, 6.35, 7.62 and 9mm calibers. The ergonomic, double-sided stock has checkering on the fore-end and handle, a durable butt plate and a raised butt cheek. The ability to fill up to 300 bar and adjustable pressure ensure shooting accuracy and maximum number of shots. The pressure gauge and filling fitting are conveniently located in the front plug. The Picatinny rail is milled directly onto the receiver.
Available with a walnut stock, the M2R Tactic is reminiscent of sniper rifles. The comfortable buttstock with a pistol grip has a complex shape, suitable for both right-handers and left-handers. The forend is elongated, and the buttstock has an adjustable cheekpiece and butt pad, allowing you to shoot from various positions. It can be purchased in 5.5 and 6.35 mm calibers.
The MR2 Bullpup rifle is offered in two variants. The Type 1 features a soft-touch finish while the Type 2 features a beautiful walnut stock. Both options are available in 5.5mm and 6.35mm calibers and also feature a smaller stock size suitable for people who travel or hunt when a standard size stock is not comfortable. The M2R Bullpup rifle has a Picatinny rail and the receiver, locks and trigger are integrated into the main frame.
The MR2 Ultra-C (Compact) is smaller and lighter than other PCP rifles, but still delivers the same accuracy. The length of the stock is adjustable in several positions, and it also folds to the side, reducing the length of the rifle and making it convenient to carry and store. Due to the use of a telescopic stock, the rifle can be used by shooters of any height. The pistol grip will be comfortable to shoot for both right-handed and left-handed people.
KalibrGun (Russia)
]Kalibr[/anchor] began to produce high-quality PCP rifles in the Czech Republic.
Founded in Russia, this company has a very good technical base and its air rifles are always distinguished by the quality of their workmanship and the high level of technology used. The main model of this company is Cricket. This weapon is manufactured in either a compact bullpup configuration or a classic long version. The stock can be plastic or wooden. Not long ago, Kalibrgun launched a line of smaller rifles called Colibri.
The rifles of this company are famous for their bullpup design, which guarantees ease of handling. All models from this manufacturer are equipped with a pressure regulator that guarantees a constant bullet flight speed.
Rifle Cricket Carabine 5.5 mm
The Cricket Carabine air rifle is one of the latest models from Kalibr, which can also be purchased at an attractive price. This is a full-size repeating PCP rifle. The reservoir occupies almost the entire length of the weapon and has a pressure gauge at the end. The maximum operating pressure is 300 bar, but it is recommended to use the model with pressures up to 200-230 bar.
The stock has a pistol grip and is suitable for both right-handed and left-handed people. With only one drawback - reloading is made only for right-handed people. The position of the butt cheek is adjustable in height. The entire rear of the stock is cut out for maximum weight reduction. The butt ends with a rubber butt pad, the position of which is also adjustable in height.
The rifle should be equipped with an optical sight, since it does not have classic sighting devices. The barrel is classic, but ends with an effective silencer. The fuse is located in the usual place.
Kalibrgun Cricket Standard 5.5 mm
Cricket Standard 5.5 mm PCP air rifle with a bullpup stock. Such a stock was chosen to reduce the overall length of the weapon, while the length of the barrel remains the same. The compressed air reservoir is located along the entire barrel and is equipped with a pressure gauge at the end.
Refilling is carried out using a Quickfill fitting. The integrated regulator ensures constant pressure with every shot. Maximum operating pressure 300 bar.
You can buy a rifle at the Air-gun store. 2 metal magazines are supplied with it. The magazine is inserted into a special shaft. The butt ends with a rubber butt pad.
Kalibrgun Cricket Standard 6.35 mm
PCP air rifle with a bullpup stock. The 6.35 mm Cricket model is equipped with a long compressed air reservoir located along the entire barrel and equipped with a pressure gauge at the end. The integrated regulator ensures constant pressure with every shot. Maximum operating pressure 300 bar.
The entire stock is made from a single piece of walnut wood. The stock has holes to reduce weight. The butt ends with a rubber butt pad. A very big advantage of this model is the butt cheek, made of wood, which is rare for a bullpup stock. The cheek piece is not included, but can be purchased as an accessory.
Upgraded versions of popular domestic pneumatics
For sports shooting enthusiasts, people who hunt, or if an effective means of self-defense is required, modernized versions of the Magnum class have been developed:
- The IZH-61 air gun is an almost complete copy of the IZH-60 model. The magazine holds five rounds; it moves vertically to the rifle when the mainspring lever is cocked. The clip can accommodate cartridges no longer than 7 mm. Before this, stores were made of metal, today they are plastic. We have also mastered the production of an improved IZH-60M rifle, which can hold 7 rounds in the magazine.
- The MP-512M is a classic spring-piston shotgun with a spring cocked by breaking the barrel. An air rifle is used for shooting practice and for entertainment. The model has an automatic safety that blocks the trigger during cocking. The safety lever is located behind the trigger. The open sighting bar has micrometric adjustment in the vertical and horizontal planes. You can install a collimator or optics. The butt has excellent ergonomics, which ensures comfort during shooting. The stock is made of wood.
- The MP-513M pneumatic gun is the Izhevsk Plant’s response to the need of the arms market for high-power pneumatics that are affordable for many Russian citizens. The scope of use of this model is hunting small animals and birds, as well as (and today it is very popular in the world) shooting in an open area at falling targets (field target). The previously unknown distance to the target, the influence of wind and temperature fluctuations on the effectiveness of the shot - all this made the field target interesting in terms of recreational shooting. High muzzle energy in this sport is required to accurately hit a target that is located at a great distance (in some cases up to 60-70 m). Unlike the MP512M model, which is, by and large, simply an improved MP512 shotgun with limited power capabilities (no more than 16 Joules), the MP-513 air rifle is a completely new development. The increased volume of the cylinder makes it possible to provide power that is close to that permitted by law - 25 Joules. Strengthening the mainspring required changing the operating principle of the trigger mechanism. In this model, it resembles an operation similar to a scheller mechanism. The cocking piston is lowered due to the impact of the “trigger”, which during this releases the piston lock. It also plays the role of a fuse (shooting is possible only after it is manually cocked).
When choosing your first air gun, you don’t need to chase high muzzle velocity or accuracy, paying unnecessary money for it. It’s worth stopping at the “middle peasant”. Remember that a weapon is just a tool. An advanced shooter with a medium rifle will be able to hit the mark, but a beginner will miss even with an elite rifle.
Air Arms (England)
The ]Air Arms[/anchor] line of air rifles primarily consists of pre-pumped (PCP) models and a couple of spring-powered models.
Air Arms is a modern, progressive company with a history and heritage that it is very proud of!
The history of Air Arms begins in 1983. At that time, neither air rifles themselves nor their production could be called cutting-edge, but change was close, and Air Arms showed the way. In 1988, the decision was made to produce pre-inflated air rifles, and after success, another decision was made to invest in computer numerical control (CNC) machines. They know that it is possible to successfully combine advanced technology and traditional weapons skills because their reputation is based on it.
All rifles are manufactured to the highest quality from the finest materials and using the most advanced technology available. Whether you're a beginner or an established expert, the Air Arms line of air rifles has a model that's right for you!
Air Arms S510 Superlite series rifles
The Air Arms S510 rifle takes the proven 400 series format and takes it to a new level of excellence. The rifle's side-loading mechanism fires each bullet smoothly and effortlessly with just a flick of the wrist. These bullets are then precisely fired from the S510's full-length rifling barrel using a precision trigger mechanism. This model features all the features of the world's best 400 series rifles, but with added elegance you'll find the Air Arms S510.
Air rifle Air Arms S-510 Extra SL RW 4.5 mm (walnut).
Have you already wanted to become the proud owner of this rifle and buy it? Find out what else the S510 series has to offer!
Everything about these sophisticated rifles is designed to ensure silence and precision. The S510 is easy to reload without even taking your eyes off the scope. Accurate shooting has never been so easy or brought so much pleasure.
Precision is the basis of all Air Arms rifles and the S510 meets all standards! You can count on very tight groups at all realistic distances, and on top of that, a lot of potential in reserve. Inside, the S510 has a balanced valving system that provides the stability needed for accurate, completely trouble-free shooting.
Handcrafted with a combination of high-gloss and matte finishes on metal parts, these rifles are designed to deliver the best performance from both themselves and their owners!
Air rifle Air Arms S-510 Extra SL RB 4.5 mm (beech).
EDgun (Russia)
]EDgun[/anchor] was founded in 2005 (although work in the field of air guns began back in 2002) and specializes in the creation and production of air guns of various types, both for recreational shooting and for hunting.
Since the owner of the company is a shooting enthusiast himself, the company knows and satisfies every requirement of real shooters. EDgun brand weapons are well known to air rifle enthusiasts all over the world. Eduard, the founder of EDgun, is a professional shooter and puts great effort into ensuring that his products meet the expectations of amateurs, sportsmen and hunters.
As a result, EDgun products rank among the very best air rifles today.
EDgun Matador
The EDgun Matador is a pre-charged (PCP) repeating rifle in a bullpup configuration with pressure control to ensure consistent velocity with each shot. Unlike other bullpup PCP rifles, this model has a free-floating, solid-drawn barrel, eliminating the impact of cylinder expansion or minor contact on the flight path during loading and use.
The design of the rifle is simple, effective and very reliable. The Matador can be used for both pest control and long-range hunting. The Matador features a Mil-spec Picatinny rail with 20 MOA tilt built into the rail. This will give your scope the higher elevation needed for longer range hits.
With its unique appearance, simple design, and sub-arc-minute accuracy, I think the Matador is one of the best PCP rifles you can buy on the market today.
All Matador rifles come with 2 magazines, a set of spare gaskets, instructions and a filler fitting.
Design features of PCP air rifles
As mentioned earlier, the main driving force is air, previously pumped into a special receiver. Receivers mainly differ in volume.
Initially, the weapon comes with reduced power. The muzzle energy does not exceed 7.5 joules, and the speed is 125-130 m/s. However, by suffocation, the power increases and the speed reaches 390 meters per second.
This will be enough to shoot a medium-sized animal. Every outdoor enthusiast will undoubtedly appreciate this.
A distinctive feature of each PSP pneumatic is the serious strength of all elements. This is primarily due to the material used.
Weapon-grade steel is used in the manufacture of the barrel and internal elements. Some modifications are entirely made of aluminum alloy. With its help, the weight of the structure is reduced and resistance to corrosion is achieved.
As additional materials, preference is given to natural wood and ABS plastic. The polymer is considered impact-resistant and can withstand numerous damages.
Elements such as the stock stock and pistol grip are made from the materials presented. For lovers of a refined and expensive appearance, natural wood coated with a special varnish is suitable.
Plastic is best suited for professional hunters, since weapons with polymer elements are much lighter and will allow you to travel a long distance while hunting an animal.
Evanix (South Korea)
If you are looking to buy a PCP (pre-pumped) air rifle for hunting or self-defense, look no further than Evanix. The Evanix Company brand is well known for its powerful PCP air rifles and pistols. Evanix's production is located in South Korea, where the rules limiting the power of air guns are a little looser. This power is more than enough for hunting medium game!
All Evanix models are multi-shot , so you can always shoot again. Which is ideal for both hunting and self-defense. This is exactly the shot that we sometimes lack. When hunting or in a self-defense situation, you never know when you'll need another shot.
Evanix's popular lines of guns such as Speed, Rain Storm, Giant, Max, AR6, Conquest, Max Bullpup and Black Leopard have revolutionized the world of air rifles and pistols, setting the performance bar high for their competitors.
And no matter what model of rifle or powerful Evanix air pistol you buy, you will get a great weapon anyway!
Evanix Speed
Delight! That's what you'll feel the first time you fire this semi-automatic rifle! With a beautiful stock, a smooth loading mechanism and pinpoint accuracy... this rifle will impress you, your friends, and even your dog!
The Evanix Speed PCP air rifle has virtually no competitors. She occupies the summit alone. Hunting, pests, spinners, paper targets - you name it. And, with constant success!
The wooden walnut stock and reservoir look and feel excellent, and are also very comfortable. It is also quite lightweight and can be easily removed with just one screw. The powerful 6.35 caliber version averages 49 FPE. The mechanism is automatic. The magazine is made with high quality and is easy to reload. Seizures are very rare.
The trigger pull is different, but it's easy to get used to. In any case, the trigger reduces the chances of a toss.
Without a doubt, Evanix is one of the best value for money options you can buy.
- Evanix Speed Air Rifle
- Pre-pumping mechanism
- Semi-automatic
- Built-in pressure gauge (device indicating pressure)
- Tank volume 290 cubic meters. cm
- Rifled barrel
- Trigger force 1.17 kg
- Includes battery that powers the trigger (supplied with a DISCHARGED battery)
- 11mm dovetail sight mount (no iron sights)
- Skeletal bed, Monte Carlo type
- Butt cheek with two height positions for right-handers and left-handers
- Pistol grip and handguard with unique checkering
- Manual safety
- Rubber shock-absorbing butt pad
- Battery capacity – maximum 150 shots, depending on temperature
- The kit includes: 8.6 V battery, charger, 2 magazines and capacity indicator.
RSR pneumatics
PCP (pronounced PCP or PSP) pneumatics (Pre Charget Pneumatics) are pneumatic weapons that operate on compressed air under a pressure of 200-300 atmospheres.
The weapon is filled with compressed air using a pump or cylinder into a reusable PCP-pneumatic tank. In this case, the pressure is controlled by the readings of a pressure gauge, which is located near the tank (or on it). From 30 to 120 shots can be fired from one full air tank.
Operating principle: by cocking the bolt (lever), the mainspring of the firing pin is cocked. After pressing the release hook, the hammer strikes the valve stem and a strictly defined amount of compressed air is released. Air under high pressure enters the barrel, where it pushes the bullet out, resulting in a shot.
To ensure accurate dosing of portions of liquefied air for each shot, pneumatics use special storage devices called gearboxes. They are used, as a rule, in weapons for sports competitions and require special skills from the shooter, as well as ideal conditions, like in a shooting range.
The classification of various models of PSP pneumatics is carried out according to a number of criteria:
- By charge: single-charge (CZ 200) and multi-charge (Sam Yang Sumatra, Evanix and others).
- By weight: light and heavy. The first is the Sumatra 2500 Carbine with a weight of 2.7 kg, versus the widespread 3.6 kg or more.
- Dimensions: compact and full-size. Compact carbines, as a rule, include carbines with a selected air tank and barrel length, such as Weihrauch HW100 SK, TK, Sumatra 2500 Carbine. And bullpups, the size of which is reduced due to the design, for example, Evanix Rainstorm Bullpup, Evanix Max Bullpup, Evanix Ar6 Bullpup.
- Application: sports, hunting and leisure. Hunting - pneumatics with a fast reload speed, for example, with a Henry brace as in the Sumatra 2500. Sports - pneumatics with a high-precision barrel, without even micro-oscillations that affect the deviation of the bullet from the flight path - as in the Weihrauch HW100. Entertaining - reliable and functional pneumatics from the middle and low price categories.
- In terms of rate of fire, automatic PCP pneumatics stand out, having the ability to shoot in bursts, which is why they are convenient to use for hunting and entertainment, such as Evanix Speed, Evanix full auto and Evanix Giant X2.
- According to the method of delivering air to the tank: gearbox and direct-flow.
Gearboxes are the leaders in the number of shots per charge (at a constant bullet flight speed (+-2m/s), and in the potential for increasing power. They have choked barrels and shoot light bullets (shuttlecocks). Excellent for fun, training shooting. And also for serious hunting and extermination of crows, magpies, rats, jackdaws.
Direct-flow guns have the potential to accelerate a bullet; they have polygonal barrels that allow them to shoot full-bodied bullets. They fire a small number of shots at the same speed. Depending on the speed and weight of the ammunition, such a device can be used to hunt small and large game.
FX (Sweden)
The brand's air rifles are 100% Swedish-made and are considered by many to be some of the best pre-pumped (PCP) air rifles on the market today.
FX rifles are assembled from hand-crafted parts, feature custom-made stocks, and feature the latest PCP technology. Another great product from Swedish airgun friends, which can also be purchased at a reasonable price!
The adjustable power available on some FX models makes them safe, quiet and very effective against rats and pigeons at close range, after which the rifles can easily be reconfigured for small game hunting at longer ranges.
Few, if any, hunting rifles offer as much flexibility as the FX Airguns brand's sporting models.
These virtually recoil-free rifles can easily hit a 20mm circle from 50 meters away, and the automatic reload capability allows for the next shot to be fired in less than a second, with semi-automatic models even faster. Install a suppressor using the existing threads on the barrel and you will add stealth to your hunting arsenal. Modern air rifles open up a huge new world of sporting applications.
FX Gladiator MK2
The FX Gladiator MK2 Sporting Rifle has all the features of the Verminator MK2, plus a forward-facing reservoir that allows for a huge number of rounds at any of three power levels. The best in power and accuracy, the MK2 is ideal for hunting.
A pressure gauge and multi-round magazine come standard on this quiet sniper air rifle. The match trigger guarantees sporting precision, while the efficient valve system ensures consistent velocity with every shot. To get more shots per fill, you can add a regulator. And like all FX rifles, the Gladiator is recoil-free.
FX Monsoon
The FX Monsoon is a semi-automatic model similar to the Revolution, which uses waste air to reload the bolt and feed bullets from a 12-round magazine, and due to the efficiency of the semi-automatic system, this model is very quiet even without the use of additional components. The bolt handle guarantees safe reloading and refueling without the risk of accidental shooting.
If you choose to purchase the Monsoon, it will guarantee the fun of automatic shooting combined with the precision of single shot rifles! The skeleton stock is made of plastic and has an adjustable butt pad. An air rifle has no recoil.
FX T12
The FX T12 is a lightweight rifle with few moving parts that will give you years of trouble-free use. The detachable spring-loaded magazine is made of anodized aluminum. All stocks are double sided/same on both sides and will fit most shooters. Shutter with safe cocking mode. There is no recoil. You can buy it to order.
Pros and cons of PCP rifles
Compared to PP pneumatics, PCP pneumatics have a number of advantages. The four main ones are the following: the ability to purchase weapons for hunting without registration in the Ministry of Internal Affairs register, multiple charges, high combat characteristics and a constant level of pressure under which the air in the cylinder is located.
pros
- Sale without the need to obtain a license from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. PCP pneumatics fit the definition of a civilian weapon (CA) (caliber 4.5 mm, muzzle energy 3-7.5 J), a license for the use of which is not required. However, most manufacturers have to modify the original characteristics of the weapon, weakening it to the parameters permitted by law. Such products are marked in the form of a sign: a pentagon with the Latin letter F enclosed inside. To restore the original design of such products, knowledge of technology (technology) and certain equipment will be required. And although the procedure is illegal, many resort to it, and also adjust the characteristics of the combat force for certain hunting devices. Fortunately, the basic package contains parts for both the first and second procedures.
- Multi-shot shooting. Among the many samples of PSP rifles, there are both single-shot and multi-shot, capable of firing 5-14 times without the need to reload. One full pumping of the cylinder involves firing 50-65 shots. The tank should then be filled again.
- Pressure stability right up to the final shots. The pressure to fire a shot is built up without the participation of human muscles (automatically), this is the advantage of the obturation (tightness) system of PCP weapons. The reservoir maintains its pressure level because the block valve does not allow air to leave it. New models of equipment have added a clutch that helps regulate the pressure of incoming air. The design features of the air-injection system maintain a constant power of combat force even after a dozen shots. To refuel air, 3 or 9 liter cylinders with a pressure of 3200 atm are used, connecting it to the PSP reservoir of the pneumatic weapon using an adapter.
- High power of shots and their accuracy. PCP pneumatics are superior in power and accuracy to weapon models with a PP mechanism - these are the results of most device tests. Even rifles with a caliber of 4.5 mm are suitable for hunting game because they hit targets very accurately.
- Weapon reliability. The rifles have a simple design with a small number of moving parts, so they rarely fail. Cylinders and reservoirs last a long time, and the barrels have a solid durability and, if necessary, can be replaced with barrels of a different caliber or newer ones.
Minuses
The disadvantages of PSP pneumatics include:
- High prices. Purchasing models for precision shooting will cost from 50 thousand rubles to 100 thousand rubles. Moreover, prices for the same gun from different sellers will differ by 10-15 thousand. Branded optics included in a weapon kit from a warehouse will cost more than with a stripped-down kit.
- Difficulties with air injection. With regular and frequent shooting, the air injection tank will require replenishment. It can be obtained from the branches of the Ministry of Emergency Situations or from submarine clubs. If there are no such places nearby, you will need to spend money on an air tank or pump. With a pump, at least 100 pumping movements will be required to fill the tank once.
- Features of weapon storage. It is strictly forbidden to store a rifle with a cylinder (full of air) together due to the possibility of condensation forming and the tendency of the compression tube to collapse over time.
Despite the presence of a number of inconveniences with the operation of PSP pneumatics, it is confidently replacing PP guns. This is due to the high quality of shooting, the latest technologies, and the low weight of the devices. Not only amateurs, but also experienced hunters began to give preference to PSP air rifles, which claim that the products are worth the money spent on them. Given the wide range of gun prices, everyone can afford a high-quality, highly effective gun.
Horhe Jager (Russia)
Horhe Jager is a domestic brand of air guns.
For the first time it was presented to fans of sports shooting and hunting at the annual Moscow exhibition “Arms & Hunting 2010”. The weapon is manufactured by the Klimovsky Specialized Cartridge Plant. The company is the successor to the plant established in the city of Klimovsk, Moscow region in 1936. Until 1993, it was a defense company and produced 7.62 mm caliber cartridges; it was revived in 2006.
KSPZ produces service and hunting cartridges, as well as affordable pneumatic ammunition. Since 2010, the production of air rifles and the Horhe traumatic pistol has been launched.
Horhe Jager rifles belong to the class of pre-pumped airguns (PCP) and are designed for sport shooting and hunting at distances up to 100 meters.
The use of barrels from the German arms company Lothar Walther put them on par with such a famous brand as Air Arms. The trigger is adjustable and has a very nice setting straight from the factory. In terms of price, quality, accuracy and firing range, they are also similar. The barrels have polygonal rifling and muzzle constrictions. Rifles can be purchased in 4.5, 5.5 and 6.35 mm calibers. Each of them has different power:
- Index SP – power up to 3 J;
- MP index – power 7.5 J;
- XP index – power 25 J.
In the Horhe Jager lineup, there is only one rifle with a bullpup stock that you can buy - the Horhe Jager SP. Its caliber is 5.5 mm. It has the SP index and is intended for amateur shooting. The stock is walnut, polished, with a non-adjustable rubber butt pad. The barrel is long (552 mm), equipped with a sound moderator, occupying half of its length. Bolt-type trigger mechanism with a so-called biathlon cocking lever. The rifle is multi-charged and uses a drum-type magazine with a capacity of 10 bullets. The fuse is of a mechanical type, the flag is located under the cocking lever.
A special feature of the rifle is that it has two rails for optics. Before the charging chamber - a short one, like a Weaver, and a long one, on a high bracket, like a Picatinny, after it. The weight of the Horhe Jager SP Bullpup 5.5 rifle is 3.2 kilograms.
This is a wonderful, very powerful, lightweight and accurate Russian air rifle with a LW barrel that you can buy!
When do you need a license for pneumatics?
Many inexperienced hunters and sports shooting enthusiasts think that you don’t need to have any documents to carry an air rifle. This knowledge is only superficial, since the law on the circulation of any weapons in the Russian Federation (No. 150-FZ) states that if pneumatics use bullets with a caliber of more than 4.5 millimeters or have a power above 7.5 J, then it must be registered with the relevant authorities. Moreover, it does not matter at all for what purpose the owner intends to use the rifle - be it hunting or recreational shooting.
It should also be noted that the circulation of weapons whose power exceeds 7.5 J is strictly limited. In ordinary stores you will be able to find a maximum of 3-4 such copies, and they will cost much higher than ordinary pneumatics. However, even if you purchase a rifle that does not require a license, the owner must still follow certain rules for wearing it:
- do not take out weapons in crowded places and, if possible, carry them in a special case;
- carry a weapon in the city only in an unloaded state (do not send a bullet into the barrel);
- have a weapons passport with you - it is required to be included with the rifle;
- have a hunter's license - if the weapon will be used for hunting;
- carry a sporting order with you if the rifle will be used for competition.
It is important to remember that for failure to comply with the general rules, the owner bears administrative liability in the form of a fine from 1 to 5 thousand rubles. If the violation was too severe, the weapon may also be confiscated and criminal penalties may be imposed. Therefore, even if you purchase a rifle from the category of those that do not require a specific license, this does not mean that you can handle it as you please.