Features of hunting with pneumatics: what to choose and who you can hunt

Attention! Hunting with air rifles is prohibited on the territory of the Russian Federation; this information is provided for informational purposes only. Follow the hunting rules and laws of your country.

Hunting wild animals is one of the activities that has existed for thousands of years, almost since the advent of humanity itself. To this day, hunting remains effective for obtaining valuable animal skins or meat. Briefly speaking about hunting time, it is autumn. In the spring and summer, hunters prepare equipment, and in the fall they hunt with pneumatics for blackbirds, for example. However, some people are now misled into thinking that hunting is a very expensive activity that requires the purchase of firearms, ammunition, etc. Nowadays, hunting with air rifles is quite common.

Why with pneumatics and not firearms? Because pneumatics will cost much less than firearms and their ammunition. In recent years, hunting crows with air guns has become increasingly common. These animals are very smart, and therefore a hunter with many trophies of these birds is considered successful and knowledgeable in his business. In addition to ravens, pheasants are considered very valuable. Pheasant hunting with pneumatics is considered a highlight of this activity.

Principle of operation

A shot from an air gun is fired by the fact that the bullet leaves the barrel under the influence of strong pressure created by air or some kind of gas. There are two methods for creating such pressure, and therefore there are two types of air rifles.

The operating principle of the first ones - spring-piston ones - is quite simple. The hunter cocks a spring, which hits the piston, which in turn creates pressure in the rifle.

The design of the second - compression rifles - is a little more complicated, but the same piston is present here too. However, there are two pistons, and they are presented in the form of a pump. Using these pistons, the hunter pumps in the required amount of air, which creates the required pressure for a shot. Goose hunting with pneumatics, for example, is carried out with weapons with a caliber of 6.35 or more.

Separation of pneumatics according to operating principle

The ability to use air guns without OLRR permission remains a fundamental factor when choosing a suitable model, but is far from the only one. Therefore, let's look at some types of weapons classification.

The first classification is based on the principle of operation of the device. All blowguns boil down to the fact that the bullet in it acquires energy due to the expansion of the gas. The types of pneumatics are determined by the principle of compression of this gas.

• Compression pneumatics are characterized by the fact that gas is contained in a special tank under pressure; it is supplied through the operation of a lever mechanism or compressor. One pump is enough for dozens of shots. With one shot, a special dispenser releases a portion of gas, which is enough to disperse the bullet in the barrel. The advantage of such a device is that it does not need to be reloaded after each shot. The disadvantage manifests itself when charging (pumping) the tank. Often it is necessary to have special equipment. Some models use muscle force to operate the pump.
• The operation of the spring-piston system is based on the action of the elastic force of a compressed spring. Under the influence of this force, the piston in the cylinder begins to move, pumping air, which subsequently pushes the bullet out. The advantage of this type of weapon is its relative simplicity and low cost. It is thanks to these indicators that spring-piston pneumatics have earned popularity. It can be purchased inexpensively not only at a gun store, but also at a sporting goods store. The disadvantages include large dimensions. Due to the length of the barrel, which in pistols reaches 22 cm, such weapons are inconvenient to use for self-defense. In addition, you have to reload the weapon after each shot. A distinctive feature of the spring-piston system is the bend in the barrel for charging the spring.
• Gas-cylinder devices use carbon dioxide, which is contained in compressed form in special tanks. Such a reservoir is inserted into the pistol handle. At the same time, the capsule breaks through the protective partition and the gas in the cylinder is able to escape, but is retained by the dispenser. Such devices are used to make dummies of real firearms. Its caliber can reach 9 mm, but due to its low energy, such pneumatic weapons can be freely purchased without a license. The disadvantage is that if the partition is broken, the gun can only go on for a limited time without firing, because the gas gradually leaves the cylinder.

What does the legislation say about hunting with air guns?

There is an opinion that it is impossible to engage in this type of activity in Russia with pneumatics. This is an incorrect statement. There is even a separate article allowing the shooting of crows or stray dogs with pneumatic weapons. Hunting with an air rifle is permitted on the territory of the Russian Federation if you have a hunter's license, as well as a weapons permit.

However, it is worth mentioning that you do not need a permit for pneumatic weapons whose power is below 7.5 Joules, but you will not be able to hunt with such a tool. But from 7.5 Joules to 25 Joules a weapons permit is already required. In addition to these regulations, there is also a rule that hunting with air guns is prohibited at a distance closer than 200 m to the nearest populated area.

Advantages and disadvantages

Many even experienced hunters still prefer to hunt with firearms.

But, for example, duck hunting with pneumatics has its advantages:

1. You do not need a permit to use air guns when hunting ducks.
2. The cost of ammunition for air rifles is much lower than for firearms.
3. If you purchase a silencer, this will make the weapon completely silent. And this is the main rule when hunting.
4. The percentage of hunting success will directly depend not so much on the performance of the weapon, but on the skill of the hunter himself.
5. The use of pneumatic weapons does not harm the environment, like a lead bullet from a firearm.
6. When using air guns, the excitement of hunting is completely preserved.

Of the negative aspects of such a hunt, one can only indirectly highlight that pneumatic guns have a shorter range and it will be more difficult to hit, since when fired from such a weapon, only one bullet flies out, unlike shot from a firearm, for example.

How to choose pneumatics for hunting

When selecting a suitable air gun for hunting, you must first of all pay attention to its power.

Dragoon Career Slayer

One of the most powerful air rifles that can even be used for hunting large animals. The technical characteristics of this rifle were originally designed for small game. The weight of the instrument is 4 kg, and its caliber is 12.7 mm. However, abroad they are increasingly beginning to use this pneumatic even for hunting wild boars or bears. Shooting smaller game is not difficult at all.

RSR pneumatics

Air rifles of this type are considered the most suitable for hunting. They are capable of firing up to 45 shots per pumping. However, a significant disadvantage of such weapons will be their high cost.

Sam Yang Big Bore 909s

This air gun is somewhat weaker than the types mentioned above, however, its power is enough for hunting wolves or foxes. The caliber of this weapon is 11.5 mm, and its bullet speed is 220 m/s. With these parameters, the power of the equipment is 250 Joules.

AirForce Condor

A rifle from the Magnum family, which was produced by American manufacturers, is a sign for the whole world. The power of the weapon is 100 Joules, and the initial speed of the bullet is 380 m/s. With such technical parameters and spectacular appearance, the weapon has become popular among hunters all over the world.

Caliber selection

In order to decide on the caliber, you need to understand what power is and what that caliber has to do with it. The power of a weapon is the totality of the initial energy of the bullet that it picks up in the barrel, and which depends on the caliber and pressure in the barrel. It is this totality that has received the definition of weapon power and is measured in Joules.

Hunters use weapons with the following caliber:

1. The most common, but also the weakest bullets are 4.5 mm caliber. The optimal distance for hunting with such a weapon is from 55 to 60 m, and animals that are suitable as targets are small animals and birds weighing no more than 1.5 kg. The shot power reaches 40 Joules with a bullet weight of 0.48 grams.
2. The next most commonly used caliber is 5.5 mm. The power of a weapon with this caliber reaches 75 Joules with a bullet weight of 0.88 grams. The optimal distance for a shot is up to 70 m. The most suitable is considered to be hunting with pneumatics for a hare or an animal weighing up to 4 kg.
3. A more powerful caliber that is suitable for hunting foxes or wolves is 6.35 mm. The optimal distance for hunting is the same as that of a 5.5 mm caliber, but the power of the weapon reaches 110 Joules.
4. One of the most powerful calibers is 9 mm. The power of a shot from such a weapon and this caliber is 300 Joules. This is enough to hunt game weighing about 80 kg.

Proven models

Fractures

• IZH-27
• TOZ-34

IZH-27 (MR-27). The most common weapon among hunters in Russia at the moment. Used by both amateurs and fishermen. Removable barrels, suitable for firing most types of cartridges with paper, plastic and metal sleeves. Affordable and reliable as a Kalashnikov assault rifle, the technology was developed at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant back in the 70s of the last century. The weight of the gun in various modifications does not exceed 3.6 kg.

Over the past decades, the vertical double-barreled shotgun has been modernized: the ergonomics of the butt have been improved, a rubber shock absorber has appeared, a ventilated aiming rib has been installed, an automatic safety, interceptors, an extractor have appeared (the MP-27EM is equipped with an ejector), and the shape of the receiver has been improved. The barrels are chrome-plated, the outer surfaces of the gun are anodized or oxidized. The gun is equipped with an inertial disconnector, which completely eliminates the possibility of a double shot.

The IZH-27 competes with another domestic gun, the TOZ-34.

Produced by the Tula Arms Plant for over 50 years. The manufacturer provides a guarantee of 12,000 shots. The bores and chambers are chrome plated. Weighs 200-300 grams. less than IZH-27, not inferior in balance, reliability, or accuracy (from a distance of 35 m to a target with a diameter of 750 mm, accuracy is 60% for the upper, 50% for the lower barrel), comparable by cost. Mainsprings cope well with hard capsules. However, for a number of reasons, it is less popular - almost half as many barrels were produced in Tula as in Izhevsk.

According to experienced hunters, the differences between these two domestic models include the following significant points not in favor of the TOZ-34:

• The figured mainsprings of the TOZ-34 are less reliable and last less than the spiral ones of the IZH-27;
• The connection of the gun block with the stock is an unfinished point. When fired, the wedge hits the stock and because of this, a crack often forms there;
• Firing with powerful cartridges leads to rapid wear and looseness of the barrels;
• The springs in the trigger mechanism periodically warp and break.
• Uneven shot scree.

Because of these untreated “childhood diseases,” TOZ-34 remains in second place in popularity, which, however, does not prevent it from being appreciated and actively used by amateurs and hunting professionals.

Ata Arms SP Camo Max5 12x76 760mm

To compare with domestic hits, let’s take the famous Turkish brand Ata Arms. Despite the relatively short time of existence - only two generations of gunsmiths (since 1967), the brand has already managed to penetrate Europe and the USA. And there, as you know, such serious manufacturers as Benelli, Beretta, Browning, Ithaca, Luigi Franchi Marlin, Mossberg, Perazzi, Remington, Savage, Stevens, Winchester are howling for the consumer, and this is not even a tenth of all the bison that “so They simply won’t give their money to a newcomer. And the fact that the Turkish manufacturer sells 15 thousand guns a year in the USA alone already indicates that it has its own circle of connoisseurs.

The manufacturers themselves call the SP Camo Max5 their most successful and best-selling gun. The best solutions from Beretta and Browning were used here, the result was a classic of the genre with good balance and application. The barrels are made of chrome-molybdenum steel of the highest quality, the internal bores of the barrel have been honed - that is, any roughness up to 1.6 microns has been removed. There is selector switching of barrels. Along with the gun, the manufacturer provides 5 barrel attachments, so SP Camo is rightly rated as universal.

As the experience of Russian hunters shows, the SP Camo shoots shot with high accuracy, its cartridge does not jam during rapid reloading, it is a reliable weapon that will last a long time. The main complaints are that the wood is too soft (dents and scratches appear quickly), and there are also problems with the sensitivity and softness of the trigger. But in general, most users are satisfied with their choice.

Gas recharging mechanism:

• Baikal MP 155-154 12x76 710mm
• Beretta A400 Lite12x76 OCHP kick-off
• Baikal MP 155-154 12x76 710mm

Baikal is produced at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant. The weapon was developed for export - for the European and American markets. Therefore, in addition to its own developments, much was taken and creatively rethought from colleagues from Beretta. In Russia, this is the best-selling semi-automatic machine due to its simplicity, versatility and redundant resource, guaranteeing a long life and a high level of reliability of the weapon. Weight - 3.5 kg, lightweight and shortened receiver significantly reduced recoil after firing, shot accuracy increased. The trigger mechanism was significantly simplified, the chrome-plated barrel and chamber, and the stock made of impact-resistant polymer increased the reliability of the gun. There is a set of replaceable inserts for adjusting the retraction of the butt and a mount for installing sights. You can use a wide range of factory cartridges, up to the powerful Magnum. This allows you to effectively hunt both large animals and game birds.

Despite many advantages, the weapon requires careful care and some “finishing with a file.” The weak point is the reloading mechanism. It is necessary to fire a couple of hundred shots on the stand for the gun to start working reliably. Another disadvantage is the lack of anti-corrosion coating for metal parts. Otherwise, easy to operate and repair, this weapon lasts for decades.

Beretta A400 Lite12x76 OCHP kick-off

Beretta A 400 Lite is a versatile shotgun, the latest development of the Beretta A400 semi-automatic series. Corrosion-resistant coating, excellent drilling that ensures uniform shot distribution over the area, and the ability to adjust the length of the stock to suit the shooter. A number of breakthrough technologies are used:

• Steelium: unique Beretta trilegato steel with additions of nickel, chromium and molybdenum, cold forged, vacuum drawn.
• Blink reloading system - the manufacturer guarantees that reloading is 40% faster than competitors' shotguns.
• The Kick-Off Plus recoil damping system in the front of the stock increases comfort, shooting stability and quick acquisition of a new target.
• The Micro Core technopolymer butt pad increases the contact surface with the hunter's shoulder and at the same time provides shock absorption.

Inertial reloading system:

• Benelli Raffaello BE-DIAMOND 12x76 710mm
• Huglu Renova Black Wood 12x76 760mm
• Benelli Raffaello BE-DIAMOND 12x76 710mm

“The only thing better than a Benelli is the new Benelli,” say fans of this brand. Is the three-kilogram Italian “diamond” that the manufacturer positioned as the flagship model of 2018 really that good?

DIAMOND is used in the name for a reason. To protect weapons from abrasive and corrosive effects, special reinforcing films of diamond-like carbon coating (DLC/ADLC) are sprayed.

Other innovations:

• Elastic and durable shock-absorbing buttstock “Comfortech 3”, which significantly reduces recoil and allows you to adjust its length to the hunter;
• Protection of the shooter's cheekbone with a comb from shock and vibration loads occurring at the moment of the shot;
• Transparent window on the forend to control the number of cartridges in the magazine.

Here is a functional carbine, certified for shooting steel shot. A feature of all Benelli carbines is the reduction of the coefficient of thermal expansion and vibration of the barrel due to deep cryogenic treatment. The result is increased wear resistance and excellent combat.

Huglu Renova Black Wood 12x76 760mm

Huglu is another Turkish brand (named after a place in Turkey where traditions of metallurgy and weapons production have developed over the past 600 years). The founder of the company, like Kalashnikov, went through the World War and this left a strong imprint on his views related to weapons and their creation. The brand appeared around the same time as Ata - the 70s of the 20th century. Today, 40-50 thousand guns are produced per year for export to 50 countries.

The Turkish manufacturer is actively borrowing advanced European technologies, focusing more on Benelli solutions. At the same time, compared to more expensive competitors, Turkish weapons win in terms of price-quality ratio.

Structurally, the Huglu Renova Black Wood is close to the Benelli Montefeltro Super 90 with a solid receiver and is adapted for firing a wide range of sporting and hunting cartridges, with shot weights from 24 to 50 gr.. 5 interchangeable choke tubes. The barrels are made using the deep drilling method, their channels are made using our own Ex-Bore technology. This ensures accurate and accurate shooting with standard cartridges at a distance of 30-40 meters - (with a choke of 50-60%, with a full choke of 80-85%).

Quite a worthy version of the first gun.

Gate

Saiga-12 Spanish 30 in 12/76 caliber was developed based on AK and RPK technologies. The unpretentiousness and reliability of solutions have been inherited from their warring brothers - both Vepr and Saiga can easily withstand unfavorable conditions with extreme weather, temperatures from -50 to +50 degrees. Carbines with excellent optics, good for shooting offhand, and last for decades. Therefore, the question is: “Which is better: Vepr or Saiga?” periodically “breaks up” forums. But when it comes to duck hunting, even a Saiga in 12 gauge will be too lethal in many cases.

With few exceptions, Saiga 12 is still the same good old AKM. Performance characteristics: weight – 3.4-3.8 kg. Barrel length – 430-680 mm. The length of the gun is up to 1160 mm, height 190 mm. Control units, assembly and maintenance are completely typical for any weapon based on the AK platform.

Recommended pump pumps:

Shotgun MOSSBERG 590 Special Purpose 12x76 510mm

One of the most popular and best-selling rifles in the USA. Initially, military weapons were modified for sport shooting and hunting. Weight – 3.3 kg. The manufacturer declares the high reliability of the product and its readiness to work in almost any climatic conditions. High-quality anti-corrosion coating, reliable fastening of the trigger mechanism, aluminum receiver, the safety is optimally located for both right-handed and left-handed people, and cartridge cut-off is also convenient. The weapon has a minimum of parts and is easy to assemble and disassemble, clean and repair in the field. Hunters value the carbine's precise and sharp action, unpretentiousness, reliability, and low level of weapon breakdowns and failures.

Among the weak points - the mechanism that “rattles” when moving and walking complicates hunting, the magazine spring is not coated with an anti-corrosion compound, it needs additional care.

Remington Model 870 Marine Magnum

This is the most famous and best-selling competitor of MOSSBERG. The Remington pump-action shotgun is highly regarded in the USA - it has been in service with the Marine Corps and Coast Guard since 1966, and is popular with the police and intelligence agencies. In total, more than 11 million pump-action shotguns were sold. One of the reasons is the company’s demonstrative refusal to reduce the cost of weapons by using waste materials and composites, as well as transferring production from the United States to another country. This advertising move found a response in the hearts of customers. Unfortunately, the last 10 years have changed everything, and the company has joined the general trend of optimization.

The weight of the Marine line gun is 3.6 kg, it is intended for use in combat conditions - therefore, the inner part of the barrel is chrome-plated, the outer part is nickel-plated, the butt of this line is made only of high-strength plastic. The metal elements are additionally coated with an anti-reflective compound, which at the same time allows the weapon to be transferred into sea water. The hunting rifle's magazine holds 4 rounds, but the plug can be easily removed and increased to 10. Weak recoil, picky about the quality of the cartridges, but thanks to the thickness of the barrel, you can make almost any amount of gunpowder. The service life is not inferior to Russian guns - the manufacturer guarantees 15,000 shots, in reality 2-3 times more. Since the late 80s of the 20th century, the pump gun has become a station wagon - replaceable choke constrictions have appeared.

Despite the high price and excellent reputation, it has a number of disadvantages: rapid wear resistance of the protective coating, lack of swivels, fragile magazine plug and lack of cut-off. As a result, the discharge of the gun turns into “twitching of the fore-end” for civilian models. Therefore, only you can decide whether this carbine is worth the money paid for it or not.

Bullet selection

When choosing a bullet for an air gun, you need to be extremely careful and understand that in addition to high power, you need high accuracy of the shot, since there is only one shot. Due to this condition, it is best to purchase heavier bullets for hunting. On the territory of the Russian Federation you can freely buy 4.5, 5.5 and 6.35mm bullets. However, 5.5 and 6.35 mm bullets are considered the most suitable for hunting.

Another important factor in choosing a bullet is its shape. Pointed bullets fly inaccurately, and the firing range from such a bullet is no more than 20 m. The shape of a bullet with a flat tip is also not suitable, since the stability is too low due to high air resistance during flight.

Among domestic manufacturers, “Shmel” and “Gamo” are considered bad bullets. They have low hit accuracy.

The best bullets with a large radius are Beemen, RWS, H&h.

Features of hunting with air guns

Hunting ducks with air rifles requires one very important quality - accuracy. It is this feature that is very important when hunting these birds and in general when hunting with pneumatics. It is very important to hit the prey directly in the head in order to kill it with the first shot, and not wound it. It is believed that it is best to shoot a flying duck at a distance of 30-35 m between the hunter and the prey.

To improve your shooting accuracy, it is recommended to regularly train your accuracy at the shooting range. Hunting for males of this species is permitted both in spring and autumn. But females can only be shot in the fall, since they hatch eggs in the spring.

How to correctly calculate lead when shooting

Any novice hunter should know how to calculate lead when shooting ducks. This exercise can be calculated using the formula.

S =vt, where:

v is the speed at which the bird flies;

t is the time during which the shot will fly.

For example, the average flight speed of a duck is 18-27 m per second. The time it takes for the shot to fly depends on the shot number and the distance between the hunter and the bird.

This formula is necessary in order to know how to properly aim a gun at a duck.

So for example, if the distance between the hunter and the bird is 20 m, if you shoot with shot number 1, then the speed at which the shot will fly and hit the duck will be 0.06 m per second.

• Shot number 3 will fly at a speed of 0.06 m per second.
• The speed of shot number 5 will be the same - 0.06 m per second.
• Fraction number 7 - the speed will be slightly higher than 0.07 m per second.
• And fraction number 9 will fly at a speed of 0.07 m per second.

If the distance between the hunter and the duck is about 30 m, then the average speed will be 0.10 m per second. In this case, the speed will be characteristic of any fraction.

If the distance between the prey and the hunter is about 40 m, then the average speed at which the shot reaches the bird will be 0.14 m per second.

If the distance is 50 m, then the average speed at which the shot reaches the duck will be 0.18 m per second. Thanks to this, it will be possible to easily and simply calculate the lead when shooting.

To do this, just know the shot number and the distance to the duck

With pneumatics on a duck

Hunting tactics

You can use rubber ducks by placing them along the edges of rivers or canals and wait for the real life to react to them. But, as practice shows, few people do this. Most often, it is enough to simply walk around all the banks of rivers, large puddles or canals. It is best to do this in the spring, since at this time the mating games of ducks begin. At this time, birds allow people closer than usual.

In addition, you need to remember the places where ducks were last seen and return to these places several times in one day. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the thick horizontal branches of trees that grow right next to a lake or river. Ducks are quite capable of sitting on fairly wide branches of these trees.

How to properly aim at a swimming duck

It would seem that hitting a slowly swimming duck would be easy, but it is not. In this position, a large number of feathers form a dense layer, which is quite difficult to penetrate with an air gun.

A few rules for those who hunt a swimming duck for the first time:

1. In order to hit the animal with the first shot, you need to aim slightly below the game.
2. If the object of the hunt is sitting quietly on the shore, then you need to aim exactly at the middle of the body.
3. If a duck swims with its head towards the hunter, under no circumstances should you shoot in the chest. These animals have very dense skin, down and feathers.
4. The best place to shoot a swimming duck is from the back or side.

How to properly aim at a flying duck

To hit a flying duck you will need a lot more experience, because this object is in motion. In order to increase your chances of hitting the animal, you need to shoot a little further than the body of the duck itself. This is explained by the same movement and the fact that several seconds will pass between the shot and the moment when the bullet reaches its destination.

For a more accurate shot, it is necessary to take into account the flight speed of the bird, the speed of the bullet and the distance between the hunter and the prey. It is recommended to aim at the animal's head.

How to make hunting more effective

The first thing you need to do to increase the amount of game you receive is to discover its location. This will help you accurately choose a place for an ambush from where it will be convenient to fire. It is worth considering that the ambush site should be downwind relative to the location of the ducks.

If you plan to hunt not from the shore, but from a boat, then it is necessary to firmly settle the boat or drive it into the reeds so that it does not wobble when fired. In order to achieve an even greater effect, you can pre-build a small shelter on the shore that will blend into the surrounding landscape. Firing from such cover will greatly increase the amount of loot.

Shooting with leashes

How to aim at a duck in years? Many novice hunters often ask this question.

In order to catch a duck in summer, you need to be able to quickly make decisions about when to shoot. As a rule, about 0.02 seconds pass between the hunter’s decision to shoot and the shot itself. During this time the bird manages to cover about 48 cm.

It turns out that the charge can slip past if you aim clearly at the bird. Therefore, in order to avoid this situation, hunters very often use aiming.

That is, the gun does not stop at the moment of firing, but continues to move after its target. In this case, the trigger is not pressed sharply, but smoothly, without any jerk and without stopping the weapon. In addition, it is also necessary to make the correct calculation, which is called lead when shooting. This calculation largely depends on the range of the target, the number of the shot, the speed and direction of its flight.