Air guns are powerful guns which have different styles of operation. These guns are also classified or known as pneumatic guns. Air guns are not very new as they have been around for quite some time now. These guns have been in use since 1400s. The guns were very famous as compared to other firearms because they were not as loud as the others; they had a low visibility and were much quieter. In the olden days these guns had more rate of fire than many contemporary guns. It was difficult to detect the guns as they did not produce any cloud of smoke or a bang. But this does not mean that they were less powerful then the other guns. They had more or equal power and this is what made these guns a favorite.

There are three main types:-
1. Gas arm
2. Spring piston
3. Pneumatic

In the spring piston gun, a barrel is cocked. The force with which the gun is cocked is proportional directly to the power produced by the gun to fire the pellet. The speed that is normally attained by a pellet fired form spring piston gun is equal to the speed of sound. There are different types of multi shot and single shot spring piston air guns available in the market.

Gas arm guns employ gas to do the job of the spring. Behind the pellet, in the chamber, some gas is present. When you cock the gun the gas is pressurized. The pressure of the air is sufficient enough to push the pellet forward when the trigger is pressed. These guns are considered to be much more reliable and efficient as compared to the spring piston guns.

Last in the list are pneumatic guns. They are further sub divided into different types:-
1. Gas operated
2. Pre-charged (PCP)

The first category is similar in function to the gas arm, though it isn’t the same. It has two types which are the single stroke and multi stroke. The multi stroke guns are to date the most liked and famous air guns. They are also very cheap.

PCP guns have a hand pump to fill air. Air is filled only once and then there is no requirement of filling it again and again.

The air gun is an all time favorite choice of small game hunters as it can kill small animals. These guns are also being used in Olympic Games for undertaking marksmanship events. This certifies the credibility and popularity of these guns.