As promised last week, we are going to do part 2 of our look at airguns. As a reminder, we are considering CO2 powered guns as airguns, for the sake of convenience.
One of the earliest developments in air guns was the pump-up model. As the name implies, you pump the cocking lever to regulate the muzzle velocity of the gun. The more pumps, the higher the velocity. Most have a maximum of nine pumps. The velocity you can achieve is really rather impressive.
Next up are the really fun guns. While I don’t usually plug businesses in the column, I am going to recommend PYRAMYD AIR. Google them. They have an almost unbelievable array of offerings at reasonable prices. I have made a number of purchases from them, and have always been delighted.
Of their line of guns, my favorites are the replicas of classic guns. These are amazingly realistic. I bought a replica MP-40. This machine pistol/rifle was used by the Germans during World War II. The replica allows you to go semi-auto or full-auto. Instead of the 9mm of the originals, this one shoots BBs. It is powered by CO2 and comes with a stick magazine, like the originals. Since they are not firearms, they are totally legal to own and shoot. It is extremely authentic, including the folding stock, which allows it to be used as either a pistol or rifle. The full auto is a lot of fun, although you go through a lot of BBs and CO2 cartridges. It is not cheaply made but is of extremely solid construction. I wonder what it would have been like if we had these as kids. Note: You must use steel, uncoated BBs, as magnets are involved in the feeding of ammo.
Another neat replica is that of the broom handle Mauser pistol. Once again, you can choose between semi-auto or full-auto. On the full auto setting, it is rather hard to be accurate, but it is still a lot of fun.
These are by no means the only authentic replicas available. Other examples include the Mosin-Nagant rifle, the M1 Garand, the Enfield, and the 98 Mauser.
A personal favorite of mine is the replica Schofield revolver. This break-open six-shooter is about as close as you can get to the original. It even has brass cartridges, into which you load the BBs.
As a gift, my son bought me a Beeman single-shot break-action air rifle. This thing achieves great muzzle velocities and is legal for hunting small game in Pennsylvania. Breaking it open cocks it. I must admit that the breaking process is a bit of a challenge for an old geezer like me. Nevertheless, it is an amazing piece of work.
I hope you enjoyed this little look at airguns. They offer a great opportunity to shoot a lot without breaking the bank.
On another front, this is both a good time and a bad time for those who like to fish for panfish in ponds. The fish are biting, but the algae growth is also underway. My dad called it frog feces, although he didn’t say feces. It seems as though you reel in a giant green “salad”. with every cast. It’s worth the effort of cleaning it off, however, as you can get some great meals of fresh fish.
Well, it will soon be officially summer, my favorite season of the year. Get out there and enjoy it.
Chris Henderson email: salmonangler1@gmail.com