actions without blowback operation. These extremely realistic-looking BB spitters are classified as “action air pistols," as they can be employed in close-combat training at home using paper targets, as well as suitably scaled-down, reactive targets. Old-fashioned,
barrel-cocking,
spring-piston pistols are still around. Two of the newest models are also available from Umarex. They are the Browning 800 Mag and the RWS LP8 Magnum. Both of these large, single- shot pellet shooters are quite powerful. The Browning can be had in a
choice of .177 or .22 caliber. In the smaller caliber this brute can pro- duce a muzzle velocity of about 700 fps, while the .22 versions can go to 600 fps. These MV levels are as high as those produced by some air rifles. The 800 Mag,
in addition, incorpo-
rates a sledge-type, recoil-reducing mechanism to tame the unleashing of its beefy spring-piston power plant. At 18" overall and weighing 4 lbs, this model has an 8.25" steel barrel and a fiber-optic rear sight. It retails for ap- proximately $150, while the similarly potent and large RWS LP8 Magnum goes for about $290. Of necessity, this report has only
touched upon some of the most basic points involving airguns, as well as a brief glimpse at some currently avail- able models. It would take a rather large book to cover the entire field in depth. The basic fact is airguns have come of age and are the ideal means of gaining serious proficiency with firearms. One type of airgun that has become all the rage these days is the airsoft
gun. Airsoft guns are arguably the most real looking of all the airguns, as they are intended to be used mostly in combat training by civilians, as well as law enforcement and even military personnel. They also make superb short-range plinkers. Airsoft guns derive their peculiar
name from the fact that they shoot 6mm plastic BBs at relatively mod- est velocities. Most “softie" handguns have muzzle velocities in the 300 to 400 fps range, while rifle models can sometimes approach 500 fps. The vast majority of airsoft handguns are pow- ered by either 12g CO2 cartridges or by “green gas” — a propane-based mixture. Airsoft guns and their green- gas propellant are available through a wide variety of sources. Even do- mestic airgun manufacturers such as Crosman, Daisy and Marksman have begun marketing their own lines of airsoft guns. Some of the more sophisticated
airsoft guns are look-alikes of mod- ern military rifles and feature semi- as well as full-auto operation. Many of those models employ a spring-piston mechanism driven by a battery-pow- ered motor. In terms of pure recre- ation, blazing away with a selective- fire “softie" is the ultimate backyard plinking experience. Selective-fire gas and CO2 softies are also available, by the way. In fact, some of the latest BB- gun models — those firing standard .177 (4.5mm) metal BBs — are also ca- pable of full-auto fire. The traditional lever-action BB guns of our youth have matured into superb adult-grade BB blasters! *
Bull Hide Gun Belts
Made By: THE BELTMAN
Our hand made belts are TWO LAYERS of top qual- ity bull hide (not cow hide) for firmness and durability, and will easily support the weight of a full size firearm and accessories. Suitable for concealed carry, competi- tion, or dress wear. Options include: velcro lining, taper- ing, stiffeners, buckle selec- tion etc. Available in three widths, four colors, and egded to perfection from $69.95. Also offered in horse hide, and genuine elephant.
(919) 387-1997
www.thebeltman.net ®
The RWS Diana LP8 Magnum (top) is a potent barrel-cocking, spring-piston pellet blaster. It can develop 700 fps at the muzzle in .177 caliber. Below is the hefty Browning 800 Mag, another barrel-cocking springer of tre- mendous power. (Both imported by Umarex.)
FOR MORE INFO:
CROSMAN CORPORATION
www.crosman.com (800) 724-7486
GAMO OUTDOOR USA
www.gamousa.com (954) 581-5822
PALCO SPORTS
www.palcosports.com (800) 882-4656
PYRAMYD AIR
Untitled-1.indd 1
www.pyramydair.com (888) 262-4867
UMAREX USA
www.umarexusa.com (479) 646-4210 ext 7
WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 81
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