We have all been accustomed to pneumatics since childhood. Shooting at a shooting range and homemade “aircraft” will leave any member of the stronger sex interested in weapons for life. Today the market is replete with professionally made pneumatics. You no longer have to limit yourself to a rifle chained to a tabletop at a shooting range. There is no need to force yourself with unattractive crafts - modern store-bought products are both more powerful and more beautiful. Many of them duplicate well-known firearm models in appearance.
Weapons based on gas operation vary greatly in power. Accordingly, it is designed for different purposes. Of course, almost everyone wants a more powerful weapon. But it is important to understand that pneumatics whose energy exceeds 7.5 J are subject to licensing. This means that it is not suitable for everyone.
Theoretically, there are no limits to the power of a weapon powered by the force of the “wind.” A couple of centuries ago, our ancestors seriously considered the issue of switching from firearms to pneumatic guns. Craftsmen are able to modify purchased “toys” to a state that allows them not to be afraid of any punks. The most powerful air weapon at the moment is a rifle, characterized by an energy of more than 600 J. Of course, with such indicators you can fearlessly go after wild boars and bears.
But we live in a rule-of-law state, and therefore it is much more important for us to understand what the most powerful air pistol without a license is. Next are the top 10 most powerful and reliable pneumatics. The list is compiled based on the relationship between power characteristics and reliability.
Trigger
Needed to keep the weapon in a cocked state and to lower it. The convenience and accuracy of shooting directly depends on the smoothness of the trigger mechanism. There are such triggers:
- Single action. Before making the descent, you need to cock the trigger.
- Double action. Shooting is done by self-cocking. That is, when you press the trigger, the hammer is cocked and hits the valve without being placed in an intermediate cocking position.
- With the ability to vary the two above modes.
Crosman
Crosman is a US manufacturer that designs, manufactures and exports air pistols throughout the world. The difference from competitors is that it meets the needs of customers with different budgets. Cheap models are not inferior in quality and shooting performance to expensive models. In addition, Crosman produces bullets, parts, and accessories for weapons.
AirSoft-RUS has several interesting samples - these are C-TT (Tokarev), C11. The latter is a cheap, lightweight (635 g) option, with a declared initial speed of up to 146 m/s. The magazine capacity of the two models is 18 balls.
Gamo (Killer Blowback model)
An improved pistol that replaced the P-85 model. Its difference from its predecessor is in the modified shape of the handle and increased muzzle energy. The manufacturer also decided to equip the Gamo Killer Blowback with a set of 50 bullets, a red dot flashlight, a four-sided rail, a barrel extension and a silencer. The P-98 was sold only with instructions and technical data sheet.
Model features:
- Type of food – bottled;
- Functions with 4.5 caliber bullets;
- Magazine for 16 charges;
- Power – 6.4 J;
- Compatible with lead and steel bullets;
- Weight including muffler and flashlight – 1050 grams;
- The body is made of metal;
- The barrel is rifled;
- Non-automatic fuse.
At the owner's request, the flashlight can be replaced with a laser pointer or sight.
Another difference between the Killer Blowback and the P-98 is that the manufacturer equipped the weapon with a system that simulates the operation of a real combat pistol. This makes it possible to feel the recoil when firing.
The disadvantage of the model is the high price. As soon as it went on sale, its cost exceeded $900. Today you can buy Gamo Killer Blowback for $380-440. There are no stores in Russia that sell this pistol, so those who want to become the owner of a powerful pneumatic gun will have to order it online from abroad. You can replace it with a Hatsan pistol (AT-P2 series) or something more powerful, for example, a pneumatic replica MP-40.
Borner
Borner is an American company of cheap air pistols, characterized by high performance. It quickly gained popularity in its homeland, and in Russia since 2011. The model range is analogues of well-known gas cylinder products from competitors. It is not surprising that users comment on the exact similarities. Borner's main focus is the production of replica firearms.
Pneumatic Makarov, Tula Tokarev - PM49, TT-X deserve attention. Very accurately repeat the originals.
Baikal
Baikal is a brand of the famous Mechanical Plant from Izhevsk, owner of a large line of unique products. The manufacturer has long maintained leadership in the Russian market: coverage of more than 75%. There is good demand for Baikal pneumatics abroad: air enthusiasts from 70 countries have given positive ratings.
It’s worth taking a closer look at the MP-654k, MP-655k models – replicas of the combat PM (Makarov), PYa (Yarygin). The design of compressed gas weapons uses the same parts as in firearms (traumatic, combat). Made from weapon grade steel. Possibility of partial or complete disassembly to replace parts, clean, and lubricate.
By placing an order with delivery of a Baikal air pistol to AirSoft-RUS, the buyer will enjoy shooting and hone his weapon handling skills.
Impact mechanism
It is used in pistols with pumping and the ability to fire several shots. When the trigger is pulled, the hammer strikes the valve, opening it. Triggers can be open or closed. Open allows for manual cocking.
The trigger energy is transferred to the mainspring, through a rod or directly. The spring can be plastic or helical (more common). There may be a hammer between the trigger and the valve stem. Its back part is called the striker. Keeping the spring in the cocked state is possible thanks to such a part as the sear.
Dispensers
Knowing the basic technical characteristics of air pistols, we can conclude that gas dispensers are a very important part of them.
In the classic balloon version, the main elements of the dispenser are the valve and the spring. When the balloon is placed in place and clamped, it is punctured. As a result, gas fills the dispenser chamber in which the valve is installed. When the trigger hits the valve stem, the chamber opens and gas is released. With the help of a spring, the valve returns to its place, sealing the chamber until the next shot. This unit is the weak point of most balloon models. Due to its insufficient tightness, the gas quickly leaves the cylinder, even if you do not shoot from the pistol. Thus, it is not advisable to load the weapon with gas in advance.
Typically, carbon dioxide canisters are located in the pistol's magazine. Piercing a balloon can occur in several ways. The most common scheme is with a clamping screw. When the screw is tightened, the balloon is pressed and pierced. The second option is wedge. In this case, the balloon is pierced only when the magazine is in place. There are also more sophisticated options, for example, in the “Ataman-1” model, piercing occurs when you press the barrel (there is a kind of button) with a hard surface.
In the case of pumped systems, the role of an additional valve is played by the pressure inside the tank. To ensure that it is constant from shot to shot, special control devices are installed.
Or maybe it's a rifle?
When choosing an air gun, you may be in doubt as to whether you should buy a pistol or a rifle. Comparative characteristics show that each option has its own advantages. Pistols only fire pellets, but rifles have a wider range of projectiles to choose from. But the gun must be reloaded before each shot.
Dimensions and weight are in favor of pistols. They can be carried in a small purse, in a holster on a belt, or placed in the glove compartment of a car. The length of a heavy rifle can exceed a meter. Wearing it for self-defense is unlikely to work. Of course, the final choice remains with the buyer's preferences.
Weapons of the Russian Empire
In 1895, a revolver of the Belgian Nagant system was adopted by the Russian army. For decades, these weapons were the most popular in our country. SMG offered Russian customers a replica of the legendary revolver. Gletcher NGT Black (“Gletcher” revolver black) was recognized as the most popular gas weapon in 2012. The pneumatic revolver exactly matches its combat prototype in terms of weight and size parameters. The developers tried to ensure that the external similarity was almost one hundred percent. A copy of a revolver compares favorably with other products of the same brand, for example, Smith & Wesson series revolvers (Chinese blanks had American brand logos attached to them).
Stalker
Stalker is a brand of the well-known CYMA factory in China, which has been producing airsoft and gas short-barreled weapons for more than 20 years. The product is valued by local as well as Russian pneumatic enthusiasts.
Differences from competitors are the similarity of pneumatic analogues with combat ones, among which there are PM, Beretta, Glock, Colt. The models fit well in the hand, have a durable body, and weigh little. Stalker products demonstrate high shooting performance. Working distance – up to 20 meters.
Stalker brands of air pistols are available at amazingly low prices in the AirSoft-RUS online store. Makes a great gift for any gun collector. Hits – Stalker STT, as well as S92PL (favorable price, quality).
Rifled brothers
A type of weapon that uses the kinetic energy of expanding cold gases to fire is a rifled pneumatic revolver. The rifled barrel provides greater accuracy and accuracy of fire. In this niche, Gletcher offers a replica of one of the models of the famous Smith & Wesson revolver. The model is called Gletcher SW R6, in the basic version it is equipped with a rifled barrel made by German Lothar Walther. The owners note a fairly accurate imitation of the execution and the realism of the shooting process. The folding drum completes this effect. The flight speed of a steel bullet is 120 m/s. However, the use is slightly overshadowed by the need for additional equipment for false cartridges: a round steel bullet must be removed and a lead one inserted. Samples with a Umarex barrel have a higher cost.
It should be said that rifled weapons are very expensive. Not all leading brands have similar pneumatic revolvers in their product range. The most powerful representative of this class is the Vigilante from the Crosman weapons company. Model 357-6 does not have a combat prototype, but is vaguely reminiscent of the firearm Stealth Hunter from the same Smith & Wesson company. The manufacturer states that when firing explosive ammunition, the bullet's flight speed is 140 m/s. This revolver is omnivorous: a 10-round drum is designed for firing lead bullets, and a 6-round drum for shooting pellets. True, not the whole drum, but its moving segment. The 6-inch (152 mm) barrel contributes to high shooting accuracy.
Umarex
Umarex is an example of German quality air pistols, a large enterprise in the EU. Granted the right to produce samples using compressed air that exactly replicate firearms. Users will be pleased with the pleasant recoil, which creates a resemblance to shooting from a real weapon.
In the production of short-barreled pneumatics, high-quality materials are used. This made it possible to increase the service life, reliability, accuracy, and power of the models.
Users prefer Umarex PM. An interesting model is with a magazine for 30 balls and rails for installing additional accessories – Umarex Morph.
ASG
ASG is a Danish company that produces pneumatic short barrels to high standards. Each model exactly replicates combat weapons. The manufacturer is young, but already symbolizes quality, practicality, and reliability. ASG received high marks and recognition from pneumatic enthusiasts from all over the world.
Any ASG device is suitable for entertaining, practical shooting, and collecting. Users are in demand for a budget smoothbore model - CZ SP-01 shadow. Initial speed up to 130 m/s in combination with a spacious magazine (21 balls). Equipped with an under-barrel rail, which allows you to install add-ons (flashlight, laser pointer).
How to choose an air gun
To buy an air pistol without a license, choose models with a muzzle energy of up to 7.5 J of a sports and entertainment type. When choosing, pay attention to the type of ammunition, the principle of operation of the bolt, the presence of a blowback, the degree of copyability, caliber, weight, size. The speed, realism and economy of the shot depend on the blowback and shutter. A pistol up to 500 g is suitable for professionals. It is harder to aim with it due to hand shake and recoil. In this case, you should choose a model with a muffler.
The VyborExperta.ru team has identified a number of parameters by which a pistol is selected.
Purpose
According to their intended purpose, pistols are divided into sports, recreational and training. For recreational shooting, accuracy and muzzle energy less than 3 J are not required. In sports shooting, accurate and powerful models are selected. Balancing on the axle near the trigger is important. They are often distinguished by their high price and quality of material.
Air pistols are unsuitable for self-defense for two reasons: insufficient power and depressurization of the gas compartment. There may simply not be gas at the right moment, and if the enemy is also wearing winter clothes... There is also a legal side that states that pneumatics are intended only for entertainment, competitions and the army.
But for a drive, a model with automatic shooting is perfect. In recreational weapons, a metal rifled barrel is important, which increases the accuracy of the shot. In sports, the size and design of the handle are evaluated. It should fit snugly in one hand.
Lead bullets are given priority. Due to their weight, they brake longer and penetrate denser surfaces.
Ammunition type
There are several types of ammunition: flat, hemispherical, conical, hollow point, ogive, spherical, flash-noise, armor-piercing, cap, dart bullets.
Most often, spherical, conical, flash-noise and cap bullets are used in pneumatics. Stun lights are made of plastic and have a high price, but they are less dangerous. The most common shape is spherical, or BB balls.
Soft lead bullets are used for rifled pneumatics. Bullets come in different weights. Usually they use light ones of 0.25-0.35 g of matcha type, or in the form of diabolo.
Shooting pellets from a rifled barrel will eventually lead to damage to the rifling and poor accuracy of the weapon, so we do not recommend shooting them from a rifled barrel.
Operating principle
According to the operating principle, there are four types of guns: spring-piston, PCP, compression and pneumatic.
Pneumatic ones use a system of gas cylinders. This is the main type of pistol used in sport and recreational shooting due to its high safety and the fact that it does not require a license.
Blowback
A blowback is a mechanism that simulates the movement of the bolt of a firearm. The shutter moves first backward, then forward and consumes the energy of the shot. This makes the shot less powerful and accurate, and reduces speed. But it looks very realistic.
Blowback pistols are recommended for professionals who can handle recoil.
Copy number
Replicability is the degree of similarity to the prototype according to which the weapon was designed. It not only copies the design of the original, but is also created from the same materials, in the same factory, as the original.
Caliber
By caliber, pneumatics come in 4.5, 5.5, 6.35, 9, 12.7 mm. The larger the caliber, the more powerful and weighty the weapon. The last two calibers are found in rifles in the USA. The 4.5 mm caliber is common in Russia, as it is often associated with the maximum muzzle energy allowed without a license in sports and recreational shooting.
The best body armor
Gletcher Parabellum
Gletcher Parabellum first appeared on the airgun market in 2014. It is a complete copy of the German Luger P08 Parabellum. Today there are several versions of the combat pistol. One is from Win Gun and the Gletcher Parabellum is from KWC. Both models are no different from each other, except for price and equipment.
Characteristics of Gletcher Parabellum from KWC:
- Compatible with 4.5 caliber;
- Muzzle energy – 2.5 J;
- Magazine capacity – 21 bullets;
- Weight – less than 900 grams.
The body of the pistol is made of light metal alloy, and the decorative elements are made of plastic. The original Parabellum was brown, while the modern copy is black. This gives it elegance and removes hints of antiquity. According to fans of pneumatic guns, the appearance of the weapon is spoiled by the inscriptions on its body.
Another minor difference with the Gletcher Parabellum replica is the full-size 21-bullet magazine. Previously it was a pencil type. The air cylinder is installed in the magazine. The disadvantage of the pneumatic gun was that the manufacturer did not equip it with a lock. Therefore, the owner will have to constantly charge the gun while holding the spring.
Gletcher Parabellum single trigger magazine. This means that before each shot you need to cock the trigger, which is no different from the original one. The author's addition was the presence of a bolt stop, which significantly increased the effectiveness of the weapon.
The price of Gletcher Parabellum from the KWC company is 9,000-10,000 rubles. Along with it, the kit includes a tool for pressing the cylinder and a registration certificate. All this is packed in a cardboard box with an explosion diagram.
