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Air rifles are weapons that operate with compressed air and are often used for recreational activities such as shooting sports and hobbies. They work by using compressed air to propel a projectile out of the barrel.
The air rifle consists of a piston, a spring, and a compressed air chamber. When the trigger is pulled, the shooter pushes a piston into the compressed air chamber, which compresses the air and directs it into the barrel of the rifle. The compression stores the air under high pressure, ready for release to expel the projectile.
When the trigger is pulled further, a valve opens, releasing the pressure in the barrel and expelling the projectile. The speed of the projectile depends on the amount of compressed air released. A higher amount of compressed air means a higher speed and greater range for the projectile.
It is important to note that air rifles, although they can be considered toys or sporting devices, are still weapons and are therefore subject to certain rules and regulations. Before using an air rifle, one should always inform themselves about the applicable laws and safety measures.
Overall, air rifles are an interesting and entertaining way to engage in a hobby or sport. Their operation is based on the simple mechanics of compressed air, making them a relatively safe and reliable weapon.
The projectiles used in air rifles are called diabolos and typically have a diameter of 4.5 mm and weigh approximately 0.45-0.60 grams.
There are various factors that influence the range of rifles and air rifles. The maximum shooting distance for rifles with 7.5 joules of muzzle energy is about 250-300 m, provided that one shoots with a 45° barrel elevation. However, this is not particularly relevant for most shooters, as the effective range is much more interesting.
For freely available air rifles, one can expect an effective range of about 25-30 m. However, there are also stronger models with so-called export springs that can be effective up to 80 m. However, possession of such models requires a firearms ownership card.
In the field of sports shooting, shooting is usually done at a distance of 10 m, as precision is more important than range. However, there are also disciplines such as field shooting, where shooting is done at greater distances.
It is important to note that the range of a weapon depends not only on its muzzle energy but also on other factors such as the type of ammunition, ballistics, and target accuracy. When purchasing a weapon, these factors should be considered to ensure that one acquires a weapon with the desired range and precision.
In Germany, air rifles with a muzzle energy of up to 7.5 joules can be purchased freely without a purchase permit. However, once the muzzle energy is higher, for example, due to a higher projectile acceleration from a stronger spring or other modifications, a purchase permit is required. There are different types of firearms ownership cards, such as the yellow or green firearms ownership card.
Manufacturers often offer so-called "export springs" for air rifles that allow for higher ballistic performance. However, retrofitting such a spring is not allowed, as it would place the weapon under the requirement for a permit.
The strongest air rifles allowed in Germany can have a muzzle energy of over 50 joules, which means a speed of over 300 m/s for the projectile. For comparison: A projectile in the hunting caliber .308 Winchester is about 850 m/s at the muzzle, depending on the load and barrel length.
Air rifles with a muzzle energy of up to 30 joules are available in Germany but require a firearms ownership card. These weapons can be used for hunting or sports shooting and are generally very precise and powerful. When purchasing a weapon that requires a permit, it is important to observe the respective legal regulations and conduct a thorough inspection of the weapon to ensure that it meets the requirements.
Entry-level models for recreational use are available new from about 100 euros, with the upper limit being open, especially for high-tech sports rifles. Air rifles are generally very diverse in price and can cost anywhere from less than 50 euros to several thousand euros. The price depends on various factors, such as the brand, the quality of workmanship, the muzzle energy, and the materials used.
In the lower price segment, there are simple air rifles that are usually made of plastic and have low muzzle energy. These are often suitable for beginners who want to try sports shooting or hunting with an air rifle. Such models can be purchased for under 50 euros.
If one opts for a high-quality air rifle, it is important to spend more money to obtain a reliable and powerful weapon. The more expensive air rifles are often made from high-quality materials such as wood and metal and have higher muzzle energy. They are often more precise and have better shooting behavior than the cheaper models. Such air rifles typically cost between 300 and 1000 euros, depending on the model and brand.
Air rifles and other free weapons can now be easily and conveniently purchased online. Compared to purchasing firearms, there are less strict safety requirements to consider. Generally, only proof of age is required to purchase an air rifle. A firearms ownership card or hunting license is not necessary.
There are now a variety of online shops and marketplaces that offer air rifles, air pistols, and CO2 weapons. Some of the most popular are eGun, the VDB weapons market, auctronia, and 4komma5. Here, one can choose from a wide range of models and conveniently order them from home.
Another option for comparing online offers for air rifles is Gunfinder. This platform allows all offers to be displayed in a bundled manner and sorted by various criteria. This way, everyone can customize their search for the right air rifle according to their wishes and preferences.
The most popular manufacturers in Germany are Weihrauch, Diana, and Walther. All three manufacturers produce high-quality and durable compressed air weapons, which are, however, also positioned in the higher price segment.
Air rifle enthusiasts have different opinions when it comes to the choice of materials and design of the various manufacturers. Some fans of Weihrauch criticize that Diana has produced many parts from plastics early on. Diana fans argue that the high-quality plastics they use remain in like-new condition for a long time and thus represent a good alternative to metal parts.
In contrast, most air rifles from Walther already visually differ from the products of Weihrauch and Diana. They are designed to be futuristic-functional and are characterized by their high-performance features. In particular, Walther's match air rifles are known for their high precision and performance, which is also reflected in the price. Some models cost just over 3,000 euros.
It is important to note that the choice of air rifle ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. While some shooters prefer the classic look and materials of Weihrauch and Diana, others prefer the modern design and high-performance features of Walther. Therefore, it is advisable to try out different models to find the air rifle that is best suited for oneself.
The following models are the most popular among Gunfinder users:
The most common ammunition for air rifles and air pistols are diabolos. Sports shooters use diabolos with a diameter of 4.5 mm (4.48–4.52 mm), which corresponds to caliber .177; in the field of air or CO2 weapons, one can also refer to it as caliber 4.5. However, there are also larger diabolos, which are rather rare: 5 mm (.20 cal), 5.5 mm (.22 cal), 6.35 mm (.25 cal), 7.62 mm (.30 cal), 9 mm (.35 cal)[2] or 12.7 mm (.50 cal).
Depending on the area of application, diabolos with differently shaped tips are used: For pest control, hollow-point projectiles and pointed diabolos are used. This is prohibited and punishable in Germany for vertebrates without a permit. Sports shooters mainly use diabolos with round heads or flat heads.
A typical diabolo with a diameter of 4.5 mm weighs between 0.4 and 0.6 g. Important manufacturers of diabolos include H&N, RWS, and Umarex.
Most recreational models are shot using the simplest sighting device: rear sight and front sight. However, rear sight and front sight have the disadvantage that three points must be seen "sharply", namely the rear sight, the front sight at the muzzle, and finally the target. Additionally, rear sight and front sight visually obscure part of the target, which can be a problem with small targets. Another sighting device, which is also used in sports shooting, consists of a diopter and a post or ring front sight.
A diopter is a height- and side-adjustable plate with a very small opening for looking through. It provides a view of the front sight, a post front sight, or a ring front sight. An advantage of this device is that aiming is easier, and less of the target is obscured than with rear sight and front sight.
Furthermore, telescopic sights are also partially used on air rifles, but the requirements for their performance are significantly lower than for firearms that operate at much greater distances.
Air rifles (like air pistols) are freely available in Germany to persons over 18 years of age with a muzzle energy of up to 7.5 joules. These weapons are marked with an F in a pentagon. However, they may only be carried in public if a firearms permit is present. On private property, they may be freely carried and used. If the muzzle energy exceeds 7.5 joules, registration in a firearms ownership card is necessary, unless the respective air rifle was manufactured and brought to market before January 1, 1970, or before April 2, 1991, in the territory of the former GDR (Weapons Act, Annex 2, Section 2, Subsection 2, No. 1.2).
The legal situation allows for the use of air rifles even within settled areas. Although the ammunition poses significantly less danger than rifle or shotgun ammunition, attention must also be paid to the danger area. For air rifles with up to 7.5 joules of muzzle energy, one should cautiously expect a dangerous range of 250-300 meters. In principle, the projectile must not leave one's own property, and even when shooting with an air rifle, a safe backstop is a prerequisite for a shot.
Theoretically, the effect of an air rifle would be sufficient to hunt birds or pests such as rats. However, this is prohibited in Germany for animal welfare reasons, even if the shooter is authorized to hunt by their hunting license.
