For training and official competitions, various sports pneumatic weapons are used, depending on the preferences of the coach, athlete, as well as the features of the tournament itself. Modern pneumatics is represented in the relevant market in large quantities from domestic and foreign manufacturers. Any model has certain differences, pros and cons. Let's review the most common pistols and rifles, which are used not only in the craft, but also for indirect purposes: shooting at bottles, cans and more.
Pistols from the Soviet period
In domestic sports, sports pneumatic weapons were developed during the Soviet era. At that time, the most popular among the athletes was Margolin's pistol. It was used to hit round targets at a distance of 25 meters. The model was characterized by high accuracy, ease of use and low price. The modification belongs to the class of universal weapons, until the 70s it was used at various levels, it is still used for training novice shooters.
In the 90s, the Yarygin pistol, or Viking, was developed. The clip of the gun is designed for 18 rounds, it is actively used both in domestic sports and in other countries.
Czech pneumatics CZ-75 Tactical Sports went into serial production in the late 70s. This model was actively used by the Czech police, and an improved version is exported around the world. The gun weighs 1.2 kg, is equipped with a magazine for 12 or 16 bullets (caliber 9 * 19).
Izhevsk production
The best pistol sports pneumatic weapons are produced at the Izhevsk plant. Let's consider some modifications:
- IL-35. This is a universal small-caliber pistol, developed in the 70s, was distinguished by high design performance. It was used for various sports tournaments, now it is rarely used. The caliber of cartridges is 5.6 mm, weight - 1.3 kg, magazine capacity - six bullets.
- IL-46. This model is used primarily for hitting stationary targets. Available in standard and advanced versions (high muzzle velocity and compression volume). The gun weighs 1.3 kg, caliber - 4.5 mm, total length - 42 centimeters. There is a brush stop adjuster, an orthopedic handle and trigger adjustment.
- MP-672. This air gun for sports shooting is made on the basis of IZH-46. There is a balloon mechanism that makes shooting more convenient, the weight of the gun is 1.3 kg, caliber - 4.5 mm, length - 42 cm.
Steyer LP Gun
The basic delivery set includes a gun, a pair of air cylinders for air, a charging adapter, two pairs of weights, a technical tool, spare gaskets, a manual and a passport with a shooting card.
Specifications:
- Caliber - 4.5 mm.
- Height / length / thickness (mm) –148/400/50.
- Weight (kg) - 0.96.
- Adjustable sighting distance length (mm) - 315-365.
- Pressure in a spray can (bar) - 200.
Depending on the adjustment, a full-time cylinder lasts at least one and a half hundred shots. Steyr LP is a sports pneumatic weapon recognized as one of the best in its class. In the pistol frame there is a movable compensating counterweight, which during the shot moves in the opposite direction, paying off part of the recoil. The design provides several provisions for adjusting the handle. It can be adjusted by tilting in two planes, as well as by turning.
Features LP-10
The aiming range of the gun can be adjusted in a wide range. To balance the gun, four weights are provided, secured from the sides of the barrel casing. The trigger mechanism of the latest models is equipped with ball bearings.
Return from idle to combat mode is carried out using the shutter. For convenience, the positions are marked with the letters T and F. The weapon is loaded by placing the cartridge directly in the barrel, without further chambering. The receiver has a practical and convenient entry for the remote control, which facilitates the loading process. This is a significant difference from the domestic Izhevsk models. As ammunition, special copper-coated steel balls are used for sports pneumatic weapons.
Model Anschutz
This gun differs from the previous modification in that it does not have a barrel casing and is equipped with a front sight and a cutter of a different design. The remaining basic elements are identical. Affordable price is the main aspect that makes the Anschütz pistol popular.
The gun is great for training young and novice shooters. Among the characteristics of this variation, the following can be noted:
- The presence of a compensator on a freely moving barrel with a matte nickel-plated coating.
- Effective pusher for supplying charge.
- The working chamber has a pressure of 200 bar, has a margin of one hundred shots, is placed almost the entire length.
- The aim for smoothness is adjusted within 295-330 mm.
In addition, the convenient handle looks stylish without niches for the fingers, which does not require adjustment under the palm of a particular person.
Rifles
Airguns by Steyr Sportwaffen and Anschutz are the most popular German rifles around the world. Consider their characteristics.
The manufacturer "Steyr" declared itself on the arms market back in 1864. Joseph Werndl continued his family business and created Steyr Mannlicher GmbH in Steyr. Modern pneumatics Steyr is developed by experienced designers, taking into account the requirements and wishes of sports shooters. Such a scrupulous approach has allowed us to repeatedly see the rifle of the tournament winners of this particular brand. Along with excellent shooting and technical indicators, the gun is distinguished by excellent ergonomics and design.
Premium system 09003 (Anschutz)
This model of a rifle of a famous manufacturer is one of the best in the modern market. It carefully designed the security system, which is cocked only when the shutter is completely closed. The design of the fuse has also been modernized. It can be switched exclusively when the weapon is cocked, after the trigger is pulled by the lever method, discharge is no longer possible. Besides the fact that this system provides maximum security, it still does not allow zero ratings in tournaments.
This sports pneumatic weapon is protected from functional failures thanks to the innovative development of a new filter element that protects the valve and pressure regulator as much as possible from pollution. The supporting part of the product has also been modified. An original patented recoil pad and pad adjuster appeared, as well as the ability to adjust the angle and height of the forearm. Reliable grip and grip guarantee a plastic bed with an engraved surface.
Sports pneumatic weapons used in competitions in Russia
All rifles and pistols used in domestic sports and training should have a muzzle energy of up to 7.5 joules. Weapons that exceed this figure require special permission. Regarding modifications and brands, sports pneumatics of all popular brands are allowed in Russia.
Among domestic rifles can be noted a copy of IzhMekh, namely the updated model MP-532. The gun works on the principle of pre-pumping, the bullets are manually charged, have an initial speed of 160 meters per second.
Characteristics:
- The barrel with 12 rifling, has a length of 400 mm, made of durable steel.
- The mechanical type of sight is adjusted using metric screws.
- The trigger mechanism is adjustable in force.
- It is permissible to change the position of the trigger, its stroke is at least 0.2 mm.
- Butt and fore-end - from glued birch. The recoil pad is adjustable in three positions (angle, vertical and length).
- The full length of the gun is 1117 mm, weight - 5 kg.
- Power indicator - up to 7.5 J.
This rifle, like many others, uses bullets for sports pneumatic weapons such as Match.
How to choose the right pneumatics
There are several criteria for choosing a pneumatic gun. Knowing and observing them, even a novice will be able to pick up a copy for themselves. These aspects include:
- Weight. For short-barreled weapons, it should not exceed 1500 grams. As a rule, modern modifications weigh much less, which facilitates the task of choosing this parameter.
- The shape of the handle is very important. It should not slip, fit well in the hand. Experts advise giving preference to wood rather than plastic, especially for beginners.
- Design features. A bullet from a sports pistol has a rather high initial velocity. Therefore, it is important that the structure dampens shocks, ensuring good accuracy.
In addition, you should choose a model with an adjustable sight and front sight. You also need to pay attention to the trigger, which on many brands of weapons requires fine tuning.
Sports Airguns: Resolution
Citizens of the Russian Federation who have a special certificate confirming their sports qualifications have the right to purchase air rifles and pistols of a sports type. The list of people entitled to store pneumatics is approved by law at the federal and regional levels.
For most beginner athletes, the procedure for obtaining permission looks similar. Until a certain skill is confirmed, they cannot own it, but have the right to use models that are in the dash, unless otherwise provided by applicable law. Many modern shooting clubs practice pinning certain weapons to a specific athlete.
Conclusion
In sports shooting, pneumatic tools occupy a high level of use and are produced in various variations. It is worth noting that sports pneumatic weapons with muzzle energy of more than 7.5 J require a special permit for its use (according to the law of the Russian Federation). The leaders in this market are German companies, as well as a domestic manufacturer known as the Izhevsk Gun Factory.