How do break barrel air rifles work?

By Published On: 18 March 2022Categories: Break Barrel Air Rifle

Break Barrel Air Rifles use a spring to compress the chamber and are easy to load. Simply break the barrel on the hinge, load the pellet and snap the barrel back into position.

Related FAQs

1) How much power does a break barrel air rifle have?

The answer depends on how precisely you’re measuring ‘power’. Break barrel rifles can have very high FPS scores (feet per second, i.e. how fast the pellet travels after firing). However, this measurement can be made with a very light pellet, artificially making it seem higher. A better measurement is ft/lbs (foot-pounds of energy), which accounts for the mass of the projectile; break barrel rifles could potentially score around 15-20 ft/lbs, which is quite good. The legal limit for air rifles in the UK is 12ft/lbs of muzzle energy, which is what yours would be limited to, unless you have a Firearms Certificate (FAC).

2) How accurate are break barrel air rifles?

They can be quite accurate! But like any gun, the degree of accuracy depends on a number of factors such as pellet weight and shape, the rifling of the barrel, how well the sights are aligned, and your own shooting skills.

3) What should I look for when purchasing a break barrel air rifle?

There are several things you’ll want to consider before buying a break barrel air rifle. Firstly, think about what you’ll be using it for. If you’re interested in target shooting, for example, you’ll want to choose a model with better accuracy. Secondly, take note of the cocking effort required; this is the amount of force needed to break open the barrel and load the pellet.

4) How do I properly care for my break barrel air rifle?

Caring for your break barrel air rifle is important if you want it to last. Firstly, make sure you clean and oil the gun regularly, and never store it without first cleaning and drying it completely. Secondly, take care of the springs: they’re under a lot of tension and can snap if they’re not treated properly. Don’t try to disassemble the spring yourself, and always use a spring compressor when working on it.

5) Can I upgrade my break barrel air rifle?

Yes, you can! There are a number of aftermarket parts and accessories available for break barrel air rifles. For example, you can install a scope, upgrade the sights, or add a suppressor. At The Wolfman, we stock hundreds upon hundreds of different kinds of air rifle accessories that might interest you…

6) What types of pellets can be used in a break barrel air rifle?

The most common type of pellet used in break barrel air rifles is the .177 calibre. However, some models can accommodate .22 calibre pellets.

7) Is it safe to shoot a break barrel air rifle indoors?

As long as you take proper safety precautions, yes, it is! Many air gun clubs have indoor ranges you can shoot at. Don’t shoot your air rifle inside your own home.

8) Can a break barrel air rifle be used for hunting?

Yes, break barrel air rifles can be used for hunting small game animals such as rabbits and squirrels. However, because of their relatively low power, they are not suitable for larger game animals.

9) What is the range of a break barrel air rifle?

The range of a break barrel air rifle will depend on a number of factors, such as the calibre of pellet being used, the weight of the pellet, and the condition of the gun. Generally speaking, however, most break barrel air rifles have an effective range of around 30-50 yards.

10) Are there any dangers associated with using a break barrel air rifle?

As with any air gun, there are certain safety risks associated with break barrel air rifles. Always treat your gun with respect and never point it at anything you’re not willing to shoot. Be sure to read the owner’s manual carefully before handling your gun, and always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines.

About the Author: The Wolfman Store

After over 30 years experience in the Airgun trade, The Wolfman Store are delighted to announce our new website, enabling us to supply direct to the shooting community for the first time. Combining a vast stock of established favourites with exciting products new to the UK, The Wolfman Store will be striving to provide unparalleled service at the most competitive prices.

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