What are the differences between pneumatics and combat firearms?

Today we will analyze the frequently asked questions that arise when the conversation turns to pneumatic firearms. Such as “how does pneumatic firearms differ from combat firearms?”, “What types of pneumatics exist?”, “Which pneumatics is better?”, “Differences between pneumatic and military firearms” and others.

We will tell you about the main differences between pneumatic and military firearms, about the types of cartridges, we will superficially go over the characteristics of pistols and rifles, about their pros and cons, and you will understand how air firearms differ from combat firearms.

The first thing that comes to mind when someone asks about the differences between airguns and combat firearms is their power. After all, if a firearm is capable of injuring and even killing a person, then pneumatics cannot do much harm. It is much safer, and in many ways even more practical than its counterpart. And let's see why:

1 - The principle of operation.

The main difference between pneumatic and military firearms is that firearms operate mainly on flammable mixtures and explosion energy, while at the same time all existing pneumatics are in air. Compressed air is the main principle behind it. PPP firearms, firearms with PCP, gas-balloon and compression - 4 types of pneumatics that interact with compressed air in different ways and we will talk about them a little later.

2 - Power.

The firearm's power is called "Muzzle Energy" and is measured in Joules. This is the force that a bullet has at the exit from the muzzle of a firearm, and if in military firearms it usually starts from 100 J, then in the case of pneumatics, the optimal energy is 3 J, and this, for a minute, is 30 times weaker. It is power that is first on the list, how pneumatic firearms differ from combat firearms.

3 - Purpose

There can be no talk of any combat mission of pneumatic firearms. They can hurt, but cause serious injury is almost impossible.

All pneumatics are divided into 4 types, and if you have a question which type is better, then let's figure it out:

Spring-piston pneumatic firearm.

Spring-piston - a type of pneumatics that uses a special metal spring. When it is cocked, the air compresses sharply. And when the trigger is released, the spring decompresses, releasing air, and he pushes the cartridge with great force. In this case, the platoon is carried out by "breaking" the firearm, or the lever (as a rule, the lever is located on the side or below).

Advantages: survivability, unpretentiousness, high power, accuracy and rate of fire, good maintainability. It is not very difficult to upgrade it - increase the weight and stroke of the piston, install a more powerful spring, etc.

Disadvantage: due to the design, it is impossible to clean the barrel from the breech, and when cleaning from the end of the barrel, the frame will inevitably slide along its cut, which will lead to a deterioration in accuracy over time. This, by the way, fully applies to gas, compression and PCP firearms.

PCP preloaded firearm.

A PCP pre-charged firearm is a type of airgun that is fired by compressed air in a special reservoir. In simple terms: you fill the rifle's reservoir with air, and then use it in batches, creating a strong pressure for each bullet. This allows you to create a multiply charged firearm capable of firing up to 70 rounds on one cylinder.

Benefits: More power than compression m/s up to 290 with 5.5mm caliber. You can always be ready to shoot.

Disadvantages: the high cost of the rifle. Terrible portability - after all, taking a rifle with you, you still have to take a balloon or a pump - all this is very heavy and large. Very sensitive to temperatures from +5°C and below.

Gas-balloon pneumatic firearm.

Gas-cylinder pneumatic firearms are a type of pneumatics that works with the help of CO2 - carbon dioxide. The principle of operation - the needle pierces the gas cylinder, after which it pushes the bullet out. Cylinders are made 12g and are inserted into the handle, but if it is a rifle, an option of 88g is possible, or a compartment for two cylinders of 12 each. This type of pneumatic has less muzzle energy, but greatly outperforms others in ease of reloading.

Advantages: high rate of fire.

Disadvantages: at an ambient temperature of 0 ° C and below, the gas liquefies and the power of the shot drops. The cylinder inserted into the firearm must be worked out within 4-5 hours, otherwise the gas will leave by itself, regardless of whether you shot or not - the valves are not tight.

The disadvantages include the low power of such firearms - mainly pistols and revolvers of 4.5 mm caliber, which provide an initial bullet speed of 120-125 m / s. Heavy 5.5 mm bullets on this firearm simply will not pull.

Compression air gun.

Such firearms always have a non-removable hand pump and a reservoir where air is compressed. For one shot, one pump of air is enough, but there are also multi-compression pneumatics that need to be pumped up to ten times. This type of firearm is not very popular, but it can be extremely powerful and there is no need to purchase consumable items for it, such as a pump or gas tanks.

Advantages: the firearm is more powerful than a gas cylinder. Some rifles that work this way are 4.5mm 240m/s and 180-200m/s 5.5mm caliber.

You can always keep it charged and inflated without fear that the spring will sit down - it simply isn’t there. If the rifle is in this state, then it must be on guard.

Disadvantages: low rate of fire - no more than two shots per minute. After all, after the shot, you need to open the shutter, insert a bullet and perform 8-10 steps with your forearm. Rolling, by the way, is accompanied by a characteristic sound that is heard at 40-50 m. It is also susceptible to temperature, like a gas cylinder.

Muzzle energy.

It is no secret that the power of a firearm is the number one difference between pneumatic and military firearms, but still let's figure out what kind of power it is and why it is necessary to measure it. For starters, the power of an airgun is called "muzzle energy" and is considered to be the kinetic energy that the bullet has at the moment it exits the muzzle.

How does the muzzle energy of a pneumatic firearm differ from a combat one?

It is here that you will find the answer to the question, what is the main difference between pneumatics and military firearms. The optimal threshold for pneumatic firearms is 3 Joules, since only such firearms are completely harmless to humans. Of course, there are pneumatics with a large muzzle energy, but you may need permission for it.

And at the same time, the muzzle energy of a military firearm starts from 100 J and can reach several thousand. I think there is no need to add anything here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, let's summarize how, nevertheless, pneumatic firearms differ from combat firearms and highlight the main differences between pneumatic and combat firearms.

1 - Security. Of course, pneumatic firearms differ from combat firearms in their safety, and so much so that some models can be given to children with peace of mind.

2 - Purpose. In fact, this follows from the first. Pneumatics are more suitable for recreational purposes only, although some options with higher muzzle energy will be just as good for hunting and self-defense.

3 - Cost and availability. Of course, the cost of pneumatic firearms differs from combat ones in their cost. The price of pneumatics is several times lower, and buying it will not be a big problem!