Airguns

Airguns, including air rifles and air pistols, differ from traditional firearms as they don't use explosive substances to propel projectiles. They operate on a similar principle to blowguns, using compressed air to expel pellets.

Unlike firearms that fire bullets from a case, airguns use lead pellets that are "blown out" of the barrel by compressed air. This compression is achieved through a coiled spring or a gas cylinder, such as CO2.

Early air weapons relied on reservoirs of compressed air. When released by a trigger, this air would propel a shot, though with limited accuracy and range. In the 16th century, springs were introduced to replace air reservoirs. The trigger would release the spring, which moved a piston to compress air and force the shot through the barrel.

Many modern airguns still use this spring-powered principle. Additionally, some use compressed gas cylinders, either by filling a reservoir or using disposable CO2 cylinders.

The National Small-Bore Rifle Association (NSRA) governs airgun shooting in the UK.

Air weapons are exempt from Firearms Certification but are subject to power limits. Air pistols cannot exceed 6 foot-pounds, while other airguns have a 12 foot-pound limit. Air rifles exceeding this limit require a Firearms Certificate.