What Determines My Air Gun’s Effective Range

Maybe you’re new to air gunning, or maybe you’re looking for more info on the air guns you take out shooting. Regardless of who you are, finding details on your air gun’s range can be a little tricky — especially its effective range, where you can reliably hit a target.

Unlike firearms, air guns use the power of pressurized gas (typically air) instead of gunpowder, and fire pellets instead of bullets. Because of their lower power and smaller projectiles, air guns are great for small game hunting and recreational shooting. Only a small handful of highly-specialized air guns can take down any particularly big game. Although they are less dangerous than firearms, it is still always important to use basic firearm safety practices when using them.

There are different air guns, and the effective range ultimately depends on the style used and the ammunition used with it:

Types of Air Guns

There are five main types of air guns to choose from, all of which provide a unique shooting experience.

1. Precharged Pneumatic (PCP)

One of the best choices if you want high-power, high-accuracy with minimal recoil is the PCP air gun. These unsurpassed air guns use compressed air to propel and fire the pellets. These air guns have virtually no recoil, but they do need to be recharged after a certain number of shots utilizing a dedicated separate pump.

2. Spring-Powered

The spring-powered air guns contain pistons and coiled springs inside the chamber. When the gun is cocked, the spring is then compressed, pulling back the piston to allow air to fill a compression chamber. The spring decompresses when the trigger is pulled, causing the piston to move forward. When this happens, the air in the compression chamber gets compressed, and the force of the pressurized air launches the pellet out of the barrel.

3. Gas Piston

The gas piston air guns operate the same way as the spring-powered guns, except this gun contains a gas-filled cylinder instead of a coiled spring. The springs in spring-powered air guns springs are compressed to around 100% to maximize delivered power, which leads to spring deterioration. However, as gas pistons don’t use springs, they can stay cocked for extended periods and will last longer than the spring powered. On top of all that, gas piston air guns can be designed to use various gasses, such as nitrogen, and can also be lighter and quieter.

Unlike the PCP air gun, which needs to be recharged, the gas in a gas piston air gun never needs to be refilled. The gas inside literally acts the same as a spring would, so in the same way that you don’t need to replace a spring in a spring-powered air gun (unless it breaks, of course), you won’t need to refill the chamber behind the piston in the compression chamber.

4. Variable Pump

The variable pump is distinct from the others because it has a built-in pump consisting of a piston and pressure cylinder inside the chamber. When the gun is cocked, the air is compressed between the piston and cylinder. The cylinder includes a lock valve that keeps the gas in a reservoir until the trigger is pulled. This compact, lightweight air gun provides the user optimal control over the power of each shot.

5. CO₂

CO₂-powered air guns work similarly to PCP air guns, but use CO₂ instead of pressurized air. These air guns are easy to cock and simple to reload, often designed to use swappable compact CO₂ cartridges. They’re also recoilless, making them extremely accurate, and their design makes it the perfect platform for full-auto firing.

Factors That May Affect the Range of Air Guns

Different pellets and the velocity at which those pellets fire can affect the range of an air gun. Other facts that can influence the range include the angle the air gun is being held and the type and power used within that air gun. The power ultimately comes from specific calibers.

Effective Range of Air Guns

Depending on the air gun caliber (the size of the pellet), the effective range can vary. There are three primary calibers used by air guns:

• .177 Caliber — The .177 caliber is the most common caliber for air guns. It can reliably cover a distance of approximately 400 yards, but its effective range is much smaller, at 60-80 yards.

  • .177 pellets are the smallest of these three calibers. This allows it to travel farther distances at faster velocities.

  • This caliber is an excellent choice if you are going target shooting.

• .20 Caliber — The .20 caliber sacrifices the distance of the .177 caliber to have a heavier weight. It has an effective range of 60 years.

  • This caliber can go farther than 60 yards, but that depends on the air gun used.

  • The .20 caliber provides more stopping power than the .177 but not at longer distances.

  • This caliber is a great for both target shooting or close-range varmint hunting.

• .22 Caliber — As a heavier and larger pellet, the .22 caliber accurately provides an average effective range of about 40 yards.

  • .22 air guns are an excellent choice for close-range targets that you’d like to hit with more power, such as when hunting small game.

The caliber of the air gun is a huge determining factor when it comes to the effective range of an air gun, but some accessories can be added to boost the effective range.

Accessories to Enhance Effective Range Shooting

To enhance shooting for a more effective range, accessories such as scopes and grips can help improve precision. Utilizing optics provides magnification of your target and eye relief so that you don’t have to squint and strain your eyes to see your target better. When you have a good grip on your air gun, you have more control over your air gun to more accurately aim, as well as reduce the effects of recoil (if applicable).

In Conclusion: Effective Range Depends on Several Factors

Many factors are involved in determining the effective range using an air gun. Finding the right air gun to suit your needs and the best caliber, along with enhancing accessories, can bring the bullseye into target range. So get out there and start practicing!