AIR GUNS: CO2 CARBINES AND PISTOLS
Compressed air guns have become a bestseller in gunsmiths’
thanks mainly to their precision and ease of handling. They are mainly used
in Spain for recreational shooting, however, in some other countries it it
also permitted to use them for hunting. There is a wide variety of rifles
and pistols on the market. Their classification can vary depending on how
powerful the weapon is and its manufacturer, for example BSA, Gamo, Cometa,
Crosman, Walther.... However, the most common classification is related to
the loading system of the rifle or pistol. These are: spring rifle, CO2
rifle or PCP (or pre-compressed air) rifle. In this case, we are going to
take a quick tour of CO2 compressed air rifles.

Co2 air rifle or carbine available in two caliber: 4.5 ó 5.5 mm.
The origins of pistols and rifles of this type date back
to the mid-19th century. In 1959, a French scientist called Paul Giffard
created one of his new inventions. It consisted of a rifle or carbine whose
source of energy came from a gas, more specifically carbon dioxide or
carbonic anhydride. This weapon was capable of taking 300 shots with a
single load and its calibres were 6 and 8 mm. This weapon was so innovative
that those who began to use it were unable to easily source CO2 refills for
their rifles. Throughout the 20th century, various manufacturers such as
Crosman applied Giffard's design to new weapons, thereby extending the CO2
rifle category. During the seventies, carbon dioxide rifles fell into
decline as a result of the unstoppable progress of spring rifles. However,
around the middle of the following decade, CO2 rifles made a comeback,
achieving a privileged position in weaponry. Nowadays, it is a widespread
type of technology used for both rifles and pistols, and an endless variety
of models can be found on the market.

Giffard Design of a compressed air rifle with CO2
CO2 rifles use the gas as a propulsion system. These
weapons have a reservoir to store the compressed gas which is passed to a
valve by means of a loading mechanism. This valve is activated by a trigger
which releases the CO2 to drive the pellet, which is shot out through the
barrel. CO2 weapons require refills which must be changed when they run out
and can be bought from specialised shops.

Charges for Co2 air rifle Co2 by Gamo´s factory
One characteristic of CO2 compressed air guns is that
they are very easy to cock (a process which involves preparing the weapon
for being shot). They also have a much lower recoil than a spring rifle
would have for example, as the latter has a very significant recoil (the
movement that the weapon makes on the shoulder of the shooter when the
pellet is shot). There are marksmen who consider this to be a disadvantage
of the CO2 weapon, as its recoil is quite far removed from that experienced
with a firearm and this results in a loss of realism; whilst others consider
it to be an advantage over other types of guns; it's a question of taste

Crosman 576 model air gun. Power is supplied via Co2 bottles of
12 grams.
Undoubtedly, the fact that the recoil of
CO2 rifles is lower compared to spring rifles contributes to giving the
weapon more precision. If the rifle has less vibration at the moment of
release, the precision of the weapon will be greater. CO2 rifles are
therefore weapons of great precision especially for shots from a short
distance (10 metres).

Walther Co2 gun Nighthawk model. Caliber: 4.5 mm. With capacity
for 8 units of Co2
The properties of the gas (CO2) determine the behaviour
of the pistol or rifle. The most important factor to take into account in
relation to carbon dioxide is the temperature, as depending on the external
temperature the weapon will adopt changes in its behaviour. Hence, if the
external temperature is low (below 10 ºC) the evaporation of CO2 that the
weapon requires to be shot will be slower, thereby lowering the pressure. If,
on the contrary, the external temperature is high (above 25 ºC) the
evaporation of CO2 occurs more quickly. Basically, the pressure or speed of
the shot from the weapon will be faster in warm environments; whilst at
lower temperatures the speed will slow down.
In this respect, it must be taken into account that when CO2 is activated
within the valve and it passes quickly from liquid to gaseous state by
expanding, it cools quickly, whilst also cooling the weapon. Therefore, the
pressure of the gas reduces, taking speed away from the weapon. Some studies
have confirmed that in long series of shots from CO2 weapons the speed of
the shot reduces by up to 30 m/s. To avoid this, it is recommended to leave
a brief interval in time between shots so that the arm regains a normal
temperature, with the recommended time being 15 seconds.

Co2 carbine Gamo Extreme model available in 4,5 y 5,5 mm.
caliber
When using weapons of this type we must take into account
a series of recommendations which will make CO2 rifles easier to handle. CO2
capsules or refills must be handled with care, especially during transport.
This must be done in such a way that they are not hit or dropped on the
ground. It is also important to never leave them out in the sun as the heat
could make them explode. It is recommended to store them in places at normal
temperatures (over 10 ºC and under 25 ºC) and it is also a good idea to
check the valves of CO2 shotguns and pistols to guarantee that the weapon
operates at its maximum efficiency. It is also advised not to store the
weapon with CO2 refills inside it, to prevent the valve from becoming
damaged. In the event of any CO2 leak when the capsule is loosened or due to
any fault in the valve, it is recommended not to touch the affected area as
the capsule will become frozen due to the gas leak and could cause serious
cold contact burns to the marksman's hands. Finally, it is recommended to
shoot CO2 weapons in areas which have good ventilation to avoid intoxication.
Following this easy advice, you can make good use of your CO2 weapon, one of
the compressed air guns offering greatest precision on the market.

CO2 pistol Beretta model M92 FS 4,5 mm. caliber capable of
reaching a speed of 120 meters per second
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