Air Guns

What are Air Guns?

Air guns use compressed air or gas to propel a projectile. Unlike firearms, they do not use gunpowder. Depending on the system, the required energy is supplied by a pre-charged air cylinder, a spring-piston mechanism, a gas ram, a CO₂ cartridge or a multi-pump system. Air guns are widely used for recreational shooting, target shooting, precision shooting, Field Target (FT), Hunter Field Target (HFT), benchrest and, where legally permitted, pest control. With a wide choice of power systems, calibres and performance levels, there is an air gun for almost every shooting discipline. Our range includes air rifles, air pistols, PCP air guns, CO₂ air guns and spring-piston air guns from leading manufacturers.

Types of Air Guns

Choosing the right air gun starts with selecting the power system. Each system offers its own characteristics and advantages.

PCP Air Guns

PCP stands for Pre-Charged Pneumatic. These air guns use a pre-filled compressed air cylinder to deliver consistent power with very little recoil, making them an excellent choice for precision shooting at both short and long distances. PCP air guns are popular with target shooters and competitors and are available in a wide range of calibres. Learn more in our PCP Air Guns category.

Spring-Piston Air Guns

A spring-piston air gun stores energy by compressing a powerful spring before each shot. When fired, the spring drives a piston forward, compressing air behind the projectile. Spring-piston air guns are valued for their simple construction and independence from external air supplies or CO₂ cartridges, making them a reliable choice for recreational shooting.

CO₂ Air Guns

CO₂ air guns use replaceable CO₂ cartridges as their power source. They are easy to operate, generate minimal recoil and are particularly popular for recreational shooting and plinking. Because CO₂ pressure is affected by temperature, performance may vary in colder conditions.

Gas Ram and Multi-Pump Air Guns

In addition to PCP, spring-piston and CO₂ systems, air guns are also available with gas ram and multi-pump power systems.

Gas Ram Air Guns

A gas ram air gun operates on the same principle as a spring-piston air gun but replaces the traditional steel spring with a sealed gas strut. This often results in a smoother firing cycle and reduced spring fatigue when the air gun is left cocked for longer periods.

Multi-Pump Air Guns

Multi-pump air guns generate compressed air through a series of manual pump strokes. The number of pumps determines the available power, making this system well suited to recreational shooting where adjustable power levels are desirable.

Air Rifle or Air Pistol?

Whether an air rifle or an air pistol is the better choice depends on how you intend to use it. An air rifle provides greater stability thanks to its longer barrel and shoulder stock, making it well suited to precision shooting at medium and longer distances. An air pistol is lighter and more compact, making it ideal for shorter shooting distances and a variety of target shooting disciplines.

Choosing the Right Calibre

Air guns are available in several calibres. Your choice affects trajectory, projectile weight, retained energy and the intended shooting application.

4.5 mm (.177)

The most popular calibre for target shooting and competition. Its high velocity produces a flat trajectory and excellent accuracy.

5.5 mm (.22)

A versatile calibre offering a heavier projectile than .177, making it suitable for recreational and precision shooting at medium distances.

6.35 mm (.25)

A larger calibre commonly used in powerful PCP air guns. The heavier projectile retains energy well over longer distances.

7.62 mm (.30)

Primarily found in high-powered PCP air guns, this calibre is designed for shooters who require heavier projectiles and increased energy.

9 mm (.35)

A specialist calibre used in powerful PCP platforms where maximum projectile weight and energy are required, subject to local laws and regulations. We also offer a wide selection of matching pellets and, where appropriate, slugs for these calibres.

Pellets or Slugs?

The type of ammunition you choose has a significant impact on your air gun's performance.

Pellets

Pellets feature the familiar diabolo shape that provides excellent in-flight stability. They remain the standard choice for recreational shooting, target shooting and competition. Browse our extensive range of pellets in various calibres and weights.

Slugs

Slugs are generally heavier and more cylindrical than traditional pellets. They are designed primarily for powerful PCP air guns and can deliver excellent long-range accuracy. Not every air gun is suitable for shooting slugs. Barrel dimensions, twist rate, power output and projectile weight all play an important role. Learn more in our Slugs category.

A quality rifle scope helps you get the most from your air gun. The ideal optic depends on your shooting discipline, target distance and the type of air gun you use.

For recreational shooting, a compact scope is often sufficient. For Field Target, benchrest and long-range precision shooting, many shooters prefer a variable-magnification scope with adjustable parallax.

The performance of an air gun is commonly expressed in joules of muzzle energy. This is determined by the combination of projectile weight and muzzle velocity.

Higher muzzle energy does not automatically result in better accuracy. The best performance is achieved when the air gun, ammunition and setup are properly matched.

The right accessories can significantly improve both performance and shooting comfort.

A suitable rifle scope or red dot sight allows for more precise aiming at different distances.

A bipod or shooting rest provides additional stability for benchrest, precision shooting and long-range applications.

Many PCP air guns can be fitted with a moderator. Always ensure the correct thread or adapter is used for your specific model.

Routine maintenance helps maintain accuracy and prolong the service life of your air gun. Our cleaning equipment includes bore cleaners, cleaning rods, patches and lubricants suitable for air guns.

Our range includes air guns from manufacturers recognised worldwide for their innovation, reliability and performance.

These include:

• FX Airguns

• Air Arms

• AirMaks

• Weihrauch

• Gamo

• Diana

• Hatsan

• Umarex

• Walther

Each manufacturer has its own strengths. FX Airguns is known for advanced PCP platforms with extensive tuning options. Weihrauch has earned an outstanding reputation for premium spring-piston air guns, while Air Arms is renowned for precision engineering and high-quality finishing. Gamo, Hatsan and Umarex offer an extensive range for recreational and sporting shooters.

At SEM Jacht & Schietsport, you'll find a carefully selected range of air guns for beginners, recreational shooters and experienced competitors. We also offer a complete selection of pellets, slugs, optics, moderators, bipods and maintenance products.

Our technical expertise allows us to help you choose the right air gun and accessories for your shooting discipline, experience level and intended application.

An air gun uses compressed air or gas to propel a projectile. Unlike a firearm, it does not use gunpowder.

A PCP air gun uses a pre-filled compressed air cylinder to provide consistent power with minimal recoil. A spring-piston air gun compresses air mechanically with a spring before every shot.

Both .177 (4.5 mm) and .22 (5.5 mm) are excellent choices. The best option depends on your intended use and shooting distance.

Pellets are the standard choice for most air guns. Slugs are designed for powerful PCP air guns and are particularly effective at longer distances.

Cleaning intervals depend on usage, ammunition and shooting conditions. Regular inspection and appropriate maintenance help preserve accuracy and reliability.

No. Slugs perform best in air guns specifically designed or tuned for them. Barrel dimensions, twist rate and power output all influence compatibility.

Many shooters choose a rifle scope, quality mounts, a bipod, a moderator where applicable and suitable maintenance products to get the best performance from their air gun.

Consider the power system, calibre, intended use, available accessories and shooting distance. Choosing the right combination will help you get the most from your air gun.

Why Choose SEM Jacht & Schietsport?

SEM Jacht & Schietsport offers an extensive range of premium air guns, accessories and expert advice. Whether you're buying your first air gun or upgrading an existing setup, we're here to help you find the equipment that best matches your needs.