Expert shot -- and NRA Youth Programs Coordinator -- Chip Lohman took the time to answer our basic questions about Airgun. "Unlike an airgun, firearms use burning propellant in the ammunition," Lohman said. "Firearms are federally regulated for purchase, ownership and transfer by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives."

None of these restrictions apply to airguns, however, making airguns a convenient and safe choice for scholastic programs. Read below to learn a bit about the basics, and contact Chip if you have additional questions! He can be reached at CLohman@nrahq.org.

TERMS

Airgun – generic term for BB guns, air pellet rifles and air pellet pistols.

Air rifles – Broken down into two classes: sporter and precision. 

• Sporter rifles are classified as “training grade” rifles, pneumatic or compressed air. For competition, some additional equipment will include a shooting jacket, kneeling roll, padded glove, sling, and shooting mat. These items aren't completely necessary to be a competitive shooter, but they can help as the shooter improves.
• Precision rifles include compressed air or CO₂ rifles that can be used in local competitions as well as in the Olympics. These rifles are more expensive than the sporter class. As with sporter, more equipment is common and thought to be helpful in competitions, but is not required.

BB guns – Include smaller pump action rifles and pistols that shoot spherical ammo made of lead or steel. Competitive BB gun shooting takes very little equipment, other than the BB gun itself.

AIRGUNS ARE NOT TOYS! Improper handling due to carelessness or ignorance can result in injury.

Proper training in a firearms safety class will assure safe handling and years of enjoyment with an airgun.

NRA rules for safe gun handling:

• ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
• ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
• ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.