An air rifle (“pneumatics”, “air gun”) is a type of throwing weapon that uses the energy of compressed gas to fire. The first examples of air rifles appeared in the 18th century for hunting as a replacement for firearms, and in the 20th century they became widespread as a means of recreational and sport shooting. The relatively low cost and relative noiselessness also make this product an alternative to a conventional gun when hunting small game and birds.
Structure and principle of operation
As the name suggests (“pneumo” from ancient Greek – “air”), this type of weapon fires using compressed air or carbon dioxide. This distinguishes pneumatics from other types of hand-held throwing weapons (for example, bows or crossbows). Main types of air rifles:
- spring-piston
- compression
- multi-compression
- rifles using carbon dioxide (CO2)
- PCP
A spring-piston rifle fires due to the pressure of the air mass driven by a piston (working due to the force of a sharply expanding spring). Platooning occurs when the weapon is broken for reloading. The most common type of pneumatic due to the reliability and durability of the weapon, the low cost of replacing components and the low volume of the shot. The main disadvantage of spring-piston rifles is double recoil, which is an obstacle when using an optical sight and shooting from powerful weapon models (with muzzle energy from 12 J).
The compression mechanism of an air gun is similar to a spring-piston one. The main difference is firing by directly compressing the air located in a cylinder connected to the barrel. Pros: good shooting accuracy and no recoil. Disadvantage: relatively low power.
Multi-compression air rifles require several (2 to 10) movements of the pump lever before firing, which will provide sufficient pressure to fire. A larger amount of compressed air will provide more power to the shot (the force applied by the shooter’s hand to move the lever increases each time). The advantages of multi-compression pneumatics are the absence of recoil and the ability to adjust the initial speed of the bullet. Minus – average shooting accuracy.
Carbon dioxide rifles use compressed carbon dioxide cylinders (disposable or reusable) for shooting. Such models are easy to cock and have no recoil. A significant disadvantage is sensitivity to temperature and weather changes, which affects the accuracy of the hit. It should be noted that air pistols, as a rule, use carbon dioxide for firing.
PCP rifle (English: Pre-Charged Pneumatics) is a type of pneumatics that operates through the dosed release of compressed air or other gases located in a special tank under the barrel of the rifle or inside the butt (it is possible to pump air into the tank from a scuba tank). The gas pressure in the tank of standard models reaches 200 atm, which ensures high firing power and a large number of shots (up to 150). There is no recoil, and the use of pre-compressed air ensures easy cocking of the weapon. Disadvantages: rather high cost, the need to use dry, high-quality air, as well as a decrease in shot accuracy as the tank is emptied (this problem does not exist in models with a gas reducer).
The design of air rifles varies depending on the operating principle. Thus, a spring-piston rifle is equipped with a piston and a spring, which ensures cocking of the weapon. Compression and multi-compression, in turn, are equipped with a cocking lever. PCP rifles and CO2 rifles are equipped with cylinders or reservoirs for compressed gas. Common design elements are the butt, barrel with receiver, trigger mechanism and sights. The body is usually made of wood or plastic.
The history of the Desert Eagle pistol
Desert Eagle Pistol
The Desert Eagle was first introduced in 1983.
The D50 pistol turned out to be large and heavy. The automation was very different from the usual scheme used in a similar class of small arms. At the same time as the pistol, specialized ammunition was released - 50 AE.
According to representatives of the developer company, a bullet fired from it is capable of knocking down large game - a bear, a wild boar, a hippopotamus.
The pistol was positioned as a weapon for self-defense and hunting.
See also the article RPG-7 weapon and its history
The designers succeeded in creating a pocket gun that is dangerous not only with its shot, but also with its recoil, which can twist the wrist of an unwary shooter.
Among professionals and the military, Desert Eagle causes a lot of controversy and claims. The opposite situation prevails in popular culture, where it has gained a reputation as the weapon of the main action hero. In addition, there was a place for “Eagle” in computer games.
Patent
Officially, the patent for the first samples of the pistol was issued to Bernard White, who was an employee of Magnum Research. The company had a long history and was created by enthusiasts who wanted to design a pistol chambered for the 357 Magnum cartridge. This event took place in the 70s of the last century.
Desert Eagle 357 magnum
In 1983, the first experimental pistol chambered for this cartridge was released. Subsequently, the weapon was given the name Eagle 357.
Improved versions
Desert Eagle 44 barrel
For a number of reasons, a company located in Israel - Israel Military Industries - began to refine the pistol. In 1985, a new design was patented under the name “Desert Eagle”.
Today, collectors are hunting for pistols from the 1st batch, which consisted of 1,000 items. Serial production started a little later in America and Israel.
The designers did not stop there. In 1986, a new modification of the pistol was introduced, designed to fire .44 Magnum cartridges. Previously, only revolvers fired with such ammunition.
See also the article Saiga 410k and its characteristics
1 000
this is how many products were included in the first batch of Desert Eagle
The next modification, labeled Mark VII, appeared in the late 80s. A number of changes were made to the design.
1996 gave Desert Eagles connoisseurs a new model. The Mark XIX began firing 50 AE cartridges. What made the weapons in this series the largest caliber pistols in the world.
How to choose an air rifle?
Today you can easily buy air rifles to choose from, because their range and price range is very wide. The modern arms market offers serial air rifles of the following calibers:
- 4.5 mm (with a bullet weight of 0.45 g)
- 5.5 mm (from 1.1 g)
- 6.35 millimeters (1.5 g)
In Russia, the product range of air rifles is very wide and is represented by both domestic (Izh, Ataman) and foreign manufacturers: Hatsan, Evanix, Colibri, Crosman, Diana, SIG Sauer, Cricket, etc. The price of models sold on the Internet varies from 2000 to 400,000 rubles.
It should be noted that in Russia the circulation of pneumatic weapons is regulated by law. According to the Law on Weapons, pneumatic weapons with a muzzle energy not exceeding 7.5 J and a caliber of up to 4.5 mm can be purchased without a license. The products of all the above-mentioned manufacturers that meet these requirements are in the price range of 3,900-135,000 rubles, which will satisfy the needs of the majority of those wishing to purchase this product.
Thus, the choice of air rifles is very diverse, and purchasing a suitable product today is not a problem.
⭐ It’s profitable to buy Air rifles in St. Petersburg in the Steel Gun online store: see the full catalog of 2020 models, competitive prices, photos, reviews and technical characteristics of the products. Delivery across Russia.
50 caliber Desert Eagle design
The design of the pistol is very original and differs from other examples of similar weapons. The case concerns automation made according to the gas exhaust principle. While for the rest the mechanics worked due to the release of the free shutter.
Desert Eagle design
After the shot, part of the powder gases is diverted into a gas tube located above the barrel, from which it acts on the bolt frame.
This design is similar to the 50 caliber Desert Eagle pistol with classic Soviet and Russian AK series assault rifles. A shot is only possible with the barrel locked. Locking occurs due to larvae. This element is reminiscent of the American M16. It is possible to change barrels.
Desert Eagle design
The gas tube located at the top gives the barrel a massive look. In order to increase the space for the bolt frame to retreat, it was necessary to lengthen the barrel. This increased the overall dimensions of the Desert Eagle even further and added additional weight. By the way, the weight of an unloaded “Eagle” is 2 kg.
The bolt group has 4 stops linked to the breech of the barrel. The trigger mechanism is a standard trigger type. For safety reasons, there is a safety lock that blocks the shutter.
Ammunition is supplied by a single-row magazine designed for 7 or 9 rounds (depending on the caliber of the D.Igla). An open sight is installed for aiming. A number of modifications can be equipped with advanced optics.
The pistol frame is made of metal.
Initially, versions made of aluminum alloys were produced, but later they began to produce using high-strength weapons-grade steel. This has increased the real value of all weapons. Some parts are oxidized as protection against rust.
For beauty, the gun is coated with various coatings: silver, bronze and gold. Inserts on the handle can be made of wood, plastic, cobalt, etc.
Models
| Mark I | First production model produced | |
| Mark VII | Improved version. It was distinguished by the ability to adjust the smoothness of the descent and the presence of Weaver rails | |
| Mark XIX | Produced since 1996. Equipped with a mount for different types of sights | |
| Jercho 941 | In fact, it resembles DE in appearance, but in reality it is an ordinary self-loading pistol chambered for 9*19 mm | |
| Micro Desert Eagle | A weapon that has no connection with the original |
Popularity in games and movies
The pistol’s extremely distinctive appearance, as well as its reputation “as the most powerful,” attracted the attention of not only specialized organizations and small arms enthusiasts, but also screenwriters and film directors. Often they were equipped with the main characters of the picture.
Desert Eagle pistol
After all, remembering Arnold Schwarzenegger in his youth, it is difficult to imagine another pistol in his hands. True, situations also arose when they armed the main character of a film with it. For example, in the film “Nikita”.
The creators of computer games didn’t miss “Desert Eagle” either. First of all, the creators of first-person shooters. However, you can also find it in turn-based tactical projects.
