Many people believe that bb guns are just toys or beginner firearms, but the truth is, these are serious weapons capable of producing significant damage when used incorrectly. It is important for shooters of all levels to understand proper use and handling, as well as safe shooting practices. By following these tips, BB gun owners can avoid potential injury or even death.
BB guns are air-powered rifles and pistols that use either spring, pump, or CO2 power plants to propel metal pellets down range. They fire when the coiled spring, or nitrogen-gas-filled chamber is decompressed. This allows for a controlled explosion, which then launches the steel BB down the barrel and towards the target. Often, these guns are replicas of handgun models that allow users to practice their drawing and firing in the comfort of their own backyard. This saves them time and money from having to drive to the range or purchase expensive live-fire cartridges for their training sessions.
Because of their lower power output and affordability to operate, BB guns are a popular choice for teaching gun safety and fundamentals to young or new shooters. They are also used in many plinking and recreational target shooting applications. You can find BB gun versions of classic firearms from WWI and WWII, as well as Old West revolvers, all of which make excellent collector's pieces or functional firearm training aids.
In addition, BB guns are popular for pest control around the home. With their higher accuracy and power, BB guns can be effective at humanely dispatching small animals like rodents and birds. There is a growing community of BB gun enthusiasts who participate in organized games and tournaments, such as MilSim or Speedsoft, that emphasize teamwork and strategy.