#Airguns

Crosman is probably most well known for its fun backyard plinking air rifles and BB guns but now they have released the first airgun specifically designed for newer PCP hunters. The new Crosman Icon PCP bolt-action air rifle is capable of delivering velocities of up to 1,000 fps and will come in .22 and .177 caliber offerings. This new platform is intended to be both simple and affordable so that those curious or new to PCP air rifle shooting can start exploring the benefits of PCP air gun hunting.

Crossman has just announced that in a salute to the flag and our nation’s heroes they will be launching their new Full Auto R1 Fallen Patriots rifle along with 6,000 rounds of BBs for free with each order. The promotion is both a great deal for customers and will also benefit the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation by donating 7.5% of the proceeds to the cause.

Fans of air guns will be happy to hear that Umarex has updated one of its more popular pre-charged pneumatic air rifles – the Gauntlet. The Gauntlet 2 claims to offer many improvements over the first-gen Gauntlet air rifle like a refined look, a larger air tank and increased regulated pressure at the tank. The Gauntlet 2 will be available in both .22 and .25 calibers.

Crossman and Benjamin are two of the most recognizable names in the air rifle industry. Many people often do not realize that both actually belong to the Crossman family name as Crossman bought Benjamin back in 1992 with Crossman dating all the way back to 1924. The Craftsman Collection from Benjamin Air Guns has just been released focusing on hunters’ air gun needs out in the field.

As SIG ramp up their air gun offerings, the US Coast Guard’s official airsoft training pistol is now available commercially. The 6mm ProForce P229 fires biodegradable BBs, using Green Gas, at 295 fps.

Smith & Wesson have agreed to expand their licensing agreement with German airgun and airsoft manufacturer Umarex. Umarex have been a licensed partner of Smith & Wesson for over 20 years, originally partnering back in 1996 to produce replica BB and pellet guns of weapons made by Smith & Wesson. The new license will see the range made by Umarex to include new airsoft weapons and paintball guns.

Rock Island Auctions’ latest Premiere Auction, running from the 30th November to the 2nd December, has some extremely interesting and unusual firearms. Ranging from 18th century air guns to 20th century military prototypes lets take a look at some of the most interesting.

GAMO, maker of precision air rifles, is coming out with a new MACH 1 rifle featuring improved technology. GAMO can trace their roots all the way back to the 1880s, when they were known as Antonio Casas and based out of Barcelona, Spain. In the 20th century the company turned their focus to lead products, with the production of quality air gun pellets being their goal. Air rifle production itself did not begin until midway through the 20th century, but once they were being manufactured their popularity grew and exportation began.

As a (previously) avid 22LR shooter, I have bemoaned the continued lack of (relatively) affordable ammunition, principally CCI Mini Mags. As such, I have searched for a cost-effective replacement and air guns have been a natural fit for the thrifty shooter. It seems that I am not alone in this thinking.

Remington will be expanding their reach with more air guns in 2015 including a new adjustable stock air rifle and 1911 Co2 bb pistol. Air guns fire a metal projectile such as a bb or pellet at high velocities using compressed air or gas and can be used to hunt small game and pests. They are weapons and should be treated as such by observing safety rules, including the golden rule of never point a gun at anything you are not willing to destroy. These guns can be used for sport, pest control, and are also a useful tool to teach children the ropes of gun safety and marksmanship.

The makers of the GMG .22, a fully automatic air gun, are considering open sourcing the design. Sales have not been good and they think there could be more money selling plans, kits and parts than fully assembled guns.

[ This post was written by Dr. Jim and Mary Clary. ]

Since I last wrote about it last year, the GMG (Gas Machine Gun) has come a long way. It no longer resembles a pistol carbine, but instead a large bullpup rifle.

Crosman has entered into a “strategic licensing agreement with the U.S. Marine Corps for the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of U.S. Marine Corps branded airsoft products.” (marketing speak for licensing/endorsement deal). Crosman is no stranger to licensing popular brand names. Remington and Marlin branded air guns are, for example, actually made by Crosman.

Stoeger recently introduced the X20 Suppressor air rifle to the US market. The break-action rifle features an integrated suppressor which utilizes an air regulator and baffle system to keep the gun as quiet as possible.