Shotgun Cartridges for beginners.

If you are just getting into shotguns, whether it is clay or game it can all be a bit overwhelming. With so many options of shotgun cartridges out there and the choice of shot size, load wad where do you start?

In this blog, I’m going to look at the clay range from Hull Cartridge in particular. I will also explain what all the numbers mean and how you should use them.

Shotgun Cartridges – Let’s learn the lingo

Before we get into looking at the rounds Hull Cartridge produced, it’s important we understand the terms, what they mean and how it affects you. Below I go through the common phrases surrounding shotgun cartridges.

Gauge

The Gauge or ‘bore’ of a shotgun is a measurement of the barrel. It refers to how many lead balls, of equal diameter to the barrel, would equal 1 pound in weight. So 12 Gauge, would mean 12 lead balls with a diameter of 18.5mm would be 1lb in weight. This also means the smaller the number the larger the cartridge. So a 10G is larger than a 12G, a 12G is larger than a 20G and so on.

Wad

A wad is a small, but key component in any shotgun cartridge. The main purpose of the wad is to seal the expanding gases created by the burning of the powder. This prevents the gas from getting past and causing issues such as irregular patterning whilst also propelling the shot. Traditionally plastic wads were used however, in recent years other materials have become popular such as fibre. Fibre is better for the environment as it breaks down quicker than plastic and is now mandatory on a large amount of shooting grounds.

Hull Cartridge Pro One are a fantastic clay cartridge designed for competition

Shot Load

Shot load is a common phrase when discussing cartridges and is a factor you must consider. When it comes to shotgun cartridges, ‘shot load’ refers to the total weight of the pellets in the cartridge. For example, a cartridge with a 28g shot load means it has 28g of pellets in the shot. Although there are many variations out there the key ones for clay are 21g – 28g. One thing to note is that a higher load will contain more pellets whilst a lighter load contains fewer.

Shot Size

The next factor to consider when picking your clay cartridge is the shot size. The term ‘shot size’ refers to the diameter of the pellets in the shot. The thing that catches most beginners out is that shot sizes work opposite to what you would expect. The larger the number, the smaller the pellet diameter, and the smaller the number, the larger the pellet diameter. The smaller shotgun cartridges will also contain more pellets. Let’s look at the hull cartridge pro fibre for example. The 28g 7.5 shot will contain around 394 pellets whilst the 28g 8 shot will contain 448. Obviously, the smaller balls weigh less so to make the shot load the same, you have to put more pellets in.

Chamber Size

Chamber size is another factor you must consider when selecting your shotgun cartridge. Every shotgun will have a different chamber size, but the most modern guns will be either 2 3/4″ (70mm) or 3″ (75mm). It is important you use the right size cartridge for the chamber of your shotgun. Although a 3″ cartridge would fit in a 2 3/4″ chamber it is not safe as the shotgun has not been tested to withstand the pressure it may produce. Also remember the chamber size refers to the cartridge length after it’s been shot, not before.

Shot material

So, we now know the ‘shot’ refers to the pellets inside the cartridge. The next thing to look at is the material these are made of. The most common material used is lead. It’s cheap, flys well and hits hard making it great for Clay or Game shooting. However, once again we find ourselves in a predicament. Lead is extremely toxic and therefore bad for the environment and the creatures within it. Over the years we have seen minor changes such as the banning of lead shots for waterfowl in 1999. The biggest change came in February 2020, when BASC released a joint statement with several rural organisations calling for the manufacturing of lead cartridges to stop within a 5-year time scale. There are alternatives already out there like Bismuth and steel but the issue with these include the cost, and the flight patterns.

Let’s look at Hulls Shotgun Cartridges

Hull cartridge has a rich, family history and is arguably the most popular shotgun cartridge in the UK. Their founder, Sydney Bontoft, started his company in 1924 selling carbide to the industry and to farms. Eventually, he started selling cartridges and as the demand grew, in 1947 Hull cartridge was born.

Although there are around 20 cartridges in Hull’s clay range, I will be looking at a small selection from entry-level, to mid-range and finally their top-end cartridges.

The ideal clay round for beginners

To start us off we have Hull Cartridge Comp X. This entry-level cartridge is designed with beginners in mind. The cartridge offers very low recoil due to its lower speed. When I first started shooting, this cartridge was the first one I use. The low recoil allowed me to spend more time focusing on my lead, and less time worrying about the kick. I would recommend this cartridge for anyone using a shotgun for the first time as it offers a way to ease into clay shooting. The other great thing about Comp X is that it doesn’t break the bank. Coming in as little as £63.99 a slab, or £0.26 a cartridge, it doesn’t matter that much if you miss.

Hull Cartridge Comp X

I also use these occasionally when I go on simulated game days. These days are great fun however you can easily go through 300 cartridges or more so a cost-effective option like the comp X is always welcome. The Comp X are available in 21g or 28g shot loads and a 7.5 or 9 in shot size. They also come with the choice of plastic or fibre wad.

The one downside I would like to mention about the comp X is the velocity. Most clay shooters will use a 28g load with a 7.5 shot size for general sporting. I am going to use the fibre wad for this example as most clubs and grounds in Norfolk no longer allow plastic. At 30M the pellets are travelling at around 212m/s. Now although that sounds fast when you compare it to some of the other cartridges in Hull’s range which will do 230’s + it’s rather slow. However, if you can learn to lead a little bit more then this is a great cartridge.

Fast & furious

Next, I am going to look at the Hull Cartridge Superfast. Now, these shotgun cartridges I used after Comp X, and although I took a break from now have now started to use them again. As the name would indicate the superfast is one of the fastest clay rounds Hull have to offer. They come in plastic or fibre wad, are 27g loads and 7.5 shot. Now the 1g you lose in the load you make up for in speed. Each cartridge still contains around 356 pellets and is an impressive 230m/s at 30 yards. Coming in at £78 a slab there is a noticeable price difference between this and a budget cartridge such as the Comp X however, I feel it is worth it. The downside to this cartridge is the recoil. A faster cartridge will kick more, and believe me after shooting 100 clays you will feel it.

The other downside to these cartridges is the lack of variation. They only come in a 27G 7.5 shot. Now although this is ideal for most clay shooters doing general sporting, it does not favour those doing a more specialized discipline such as DTL or Skeet.

The best sporting cartridge around?

I couldn’t, not speak about the sporting 100 from Hull cartridge. What is there not to like? Reasonable price, Resonable speed, modest recoil and developed by one of the biggest names in clay shooting. Now I am currently using the sporting 100 and must say I love them. The patterning these cartridges produce, even at the longer ranges, is exceptional. The recoil is between the Comp X and the superfast making them a great choice for clay days. They are a little slower than the superfast coming in at 217m/s at 30 yards but with the right choke and a good swing, this can easily be countered.

The Sporting 100 come in a 28g load, with a choice of either 7.5 or 8 shot. The 7.5 have an average pellet count of 394 whilst the 8’s sit higher at 448. I would also like to point out all of these features come with an attractive price tag of just £72 per slab or £0.29 per cartridge. Another thing I must say with the hull is that their cartridges are very clean. Compared to some other brands I have shot, generally, they leave hardly any deposit.

The performance cartridges.

We are now looking at Hull Cartridges’ high-end range. For this, I wanted to pick a cartridge that is affordable, yet offers more than the budget cartridges. This is why I have chosen Pro Fibre by Hull Cartridge. They are Eco-friendly, offer dense patterns, and offer a wide choice of Shot.

The Hull Cartridge Pro-Fibre come in a 24g or a 28g load, and offer a shot size of 7.5 or 8, making them an ideal competition load. The fibre wad and the card obturator are both biodegradable making them a great cartridge, for those worried about the environment. The pellet count on these is the same as the sporting 100, with the 28g 7.5 having an average count of 394 whilst the 28g 8 shot had a pellet count of 448. I think where these cartridges take the advantage over the sporting 100 is the fact they are cleaner, faster and eco-friendly. The 28g Load has a velocity of 220m/s. The higher pellet count and decent speed, paired with the right choke, make these great for a variety of disciplines from skeet to general sporting.

My Conclusion

All in all, you can’t go wrong with Hull Cartridge. To a degree, the performance will mostly be down to the shooter however, having the right cartridge will make a big difference. Your best bet is to buy a slab, get down to your local club and see how you get on. I will always stick with the Hull cartridge range as I don’t believe there is a better value cartridge out there.

If you are going out shooting don’t forget your accessories which can be found here. We also deliver Shotgun cartridges and Shotguns to your door every week. For more on our delivery system please click here. If you would like to learn more about hull cartridges’ range click here.

In our Scope – AGT Vixen

This month we are setting our crosshairs on the AGT Vixen. Unique, compact, and balanced the Vixen is produced by Czech Manufacturers, AGT, and are imported into the UK by Regael. Released in early 2021 the Vixen soon became one of AGT’s best-selling rifles overtaking the Vulcan & Uragan.

The AGT range has proven very popular here at Pellpax, hence why we thought we would focus on one of their rifles. Airgun Technology was founded in 2013 and is based in the city of Praha (Prague), the capital city of the Czech Republic.

Light, Accurate & Reliable

The AGT Vixen is one of the newest rifles in AGTs’ range. They are available in two variations, the Vixen or the Vixen Long. The Vixen has a barrel length of 250mm, an overall length of 770mm, and a weight of 2.2kg, whilst the Vixen long has a barrel length of 400mm, an overall length of 920mm, and a weight of 2.4kg. These specifications make the AGT Vixen one of the lightest rifles on the market today.

The Vixens’ 250cc carbon bottle

To ensure the high-quality finish is not compromised, the AGT Vixen comes standard with a 250CC carbon fibre bottle which, is fitted with a neoprene sleeve to act as a stock. The butt pad has a height adjustment feature to ensure the rifle fits comfortably in any shooters’ shoulder.

Packed with features

One thing that is worth mentioning is the ability to change the side of which the cocking arm is on. It is as simple as removing two screws, changing the side, and replacing the screws. Taking around 3-5 minutes in total this is a smart move from AGT as it caters for the left-handed market too. The trigger is incredibly smooth and can have the pull weight adjusted. I personally prefer a light pull however, it’s nice to have the option. I must also praise the positioning of the safety switch. Being located just north of the trigger this can easily be engaged and disengaged whilst you are shouldered and looking down the scope. Again, just a small design feature that goes a long way for me. The switch has a red indicator to make it obvious that the safety is either on, or off.

Filling the AGT Vixen

The custom fill gauge

The compact, custom-made pressure gauge is well located. One of my pet hates includes pressure gauges that are located under the end of the barrel, as I feel uncomfortable having a barrel pointed at my face whilst filling the rifle. The block that the pressure gauge is located on houses the regulator, and you can also find both the air discharge port and the filling port here.

AGT Vixen – additional accessories


The magazine holder is sold separately

I really like the AR-Grip on the vixen which, is produced by IMI Defence.  The magazines are easy to load and are 15 shots in .177 or 12 shots in .22. An additional accessory, that many owners choose to buy, is the magazine holder. This polymer housing will hold two magazines and attaches to the rifle via a small weaver rail located in front of the trigger guard.

The features go on…

The Vixen is equipped with a weaver rail measuring 195mm. Traditionally, air rifles use a 9-11mm rail, and Weaver / Picatinny rails are more frequently seen on Rimfire / Centrefire rifles however these are becoming increasingly popular amongst the airgun community.

A few, final thoughts

Simply stunning…

Finally, I would like to mention the shrouded barrel. This again is a feature that is becoming more frequent on airguns these days. The sound moderator is built within this and measures around 90mm. Although there is no option for an additional moderator, I don’t feel the vixen needs one. When I took it out shooting, I was very pleased with the level of noise and wouldn’t feel a moderator would provide much more of an advantage.

The real test

After doing all my research on this gun, I decided to take it out to see what all the fuss was about. I wanted to know whether the Vixen really was worth the £1499.99 price tag and what made this rifle, one of AGT’s most popular. My set-up was kept simple, I used a 3 ltr hydrotec bottle to fill the Vixen, mounted a Hawke Fast mount 6-24×50 AO IR using Hawke Weaver mounts, and set out to see if the Vixen, really lived up to what I had read.

Testing with target shooting pellets

Firstly, I thought I would try a target pellet for those looking to do some casual plinking either at home or down their local gun club. I used the H&N field target trophy .177.  I love H&N as a brand simply because I find their quality is always top-notch and they perform in any rifle I put them through. Weighing 8.64 gr I set my targets up around the 25-yard mark.

The Result

Although I’m not Chris Kyle, I managed to get a 25mm grouping, which for comparison is about the size of a 2p coin. Considering I’m a clay shooter and don’t tend to do much airgun shooting, I was very pleased with this result. I’m confident that a dedicated shooter could get this grouping down to a 20mm grouping, which is around a 1p coin. For those of you, who prefer a larger calibre the H&N field target trophy is also available in .22.

Testing with hunting pellets

Next, I thought I would try a hunting pellet for those of you who carry out pest control. For this, I went for my go-to hunting pellet, the H&N Baracuda Hunter .177. Now as I previously mentioned I’m a clay shooter and only shoot airguns a handful of times outside of work however, even with my lack of practice I still manage to hit rabbits at good distances with these. Weighing slightly heavier than the H&N field target trophy, the Baracuda hunters are advertised at 10.49gr. I like these pellets as the hollow point ensures enough stopping power to counter the higher velocities of the .177 without affecting the flight of the pellet too much.

The Result

Once again, I set my target out at the 25-yard mark, and the results were the same. This time I got a 28mm grouping however, this could be down to the hollow point creating drag or could be down to the absents of my skills with an airgun. Like I mentioned previous I’m confident when I say a more experience airgun shooter could lower this group, but even at 28mm, it’s accurate enough to headshot a rabbit and/or rat. Once again for those of you who prefer the larger calibre, these pellets are available in a .22 calibre here.

My conclusion of the AGT Vixen

Overall, the Vixen is packed with many attractive features that any airgun enthusiast would be looking for when purchasing a rifle. Ok, the price for one is £1499.99 but this is really an investment as the rifle will last you years to come, and the quality of the AGT Vixen easily warrants the price tag.  As standard AGT provides 2 magazines, a filling station, spare O-rings, a user manual, some souvenirs, and a soft case.  If you would like to check out the Vixen and the Vixens’ accessories, please click here.

BB Guns & Airsoft: A Guide

daisy
Daisy was the very first BB Gun brand

BB guns have been around since the 1900s, with Daisy being one of the first companies to manufacture them. Although the term “BB Guns” has become a very broad term, it was originally used to refer to 4.5mm ball bearings.

What is a BB Gun?

BB Guns are a type of air gun that shoots small ball bearings. The majority of the BB guns are CO2 powered and the ball bearings are often zinc or copper, or gold plated. This type of ammunition is often referred to as 4.5mm BBs. The term ‘BB gun’ was used to specifically describe air guns that fired ball bearings, but is usually misused to describe pellet guns. Some models like the Heckler & Koch P30 (see below) fire both BBs and pellets, giving you the best of both worlds, while others are strictly 4.5mm, like the Beretta Elite.

Daisy Guns

Daisy started in 1882 in Plymouth, Michigan as a windmill company. In 1886 they started to give away BB guns with each Windmill, but the gun became so popular they packed up the windmill business and sold just BB guns instead. One of their most famous BB guns was the Red Ryder Model. This was named after a comic strip and followed the design of lever action rifles. Even to this day the Red Ryder is still available to buy.

The U.S army trained recruits in safe firearms handling using the Daisy Model 99. This helped the soldiers learn to use, handle and quickly draw their weapons. The sights were removed from the BB gun during training and the technique’s name changed from Quick kill to Quick fire.

Competitive Shooting

There are many competitions for 4.5mm BB guns around the world. Daisy hold their own one each year. Their competition is a 5m target shooting contest and sees teams from all around America compete. To qualify for the daisy competition your team must place within the top 3 in a state championship.

Competitions like this exist in the UK as well and follow a similar structure. There are restrictions on power, BB grain etc. to ensure a fun, fair shoot for everyone.

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The GHK GK74 Blowback, a great airsoft rifle

The Law on BB Guns

A 4.5mm BB gun must be less than 6 ft/lbs (8.1 J) by law. If a BB gun is more powerful than this they count as a firearm and are illegal in the UK. Any BB gun under 0.737 ft/lbs (1 J) is not included in the firearms regulation but are included in the VCR Act.

In Scotland you must have an air weapons certificate to own a 4.5mm BB gun no matter the power form the 1st of January 2017.

The last few important things to note about the law is that due to the 2006 Violent Crime Reduction Act all sales of new air guns must be done face to face either at a gun shop, or delivered to your door by us here at Pellpax, where we conduct the face to face transaction at your door, by delivering to you in person.

To buy either a 4.5mm or 6mm BB gun you must be at least 18 years of age and have ID to prove so. When transporting these guns you must do the following or it counts as an offence;

  • – The BB gun must not be loaded with ammunition or propellant
  • – They must be in a non-easy to reach area such as a boot
  • – Must be kept inside a bag or case

The Japanese airsoft craze

snipers
Airsoft Snipers on a Milsim patrol

In the early 1980s, airsoft guns were sold in Japan. They were known as soft-air which referred to the green gas they use. The main reason this craze took off was down to the fact you could hit humans without injury and they closely resembled real guns. Airsoft now has a variety of game modes such as C.Q.B (Close quarter Combat), Field, MilSim and historical reenactments. Airsoft has also been used by modern military and police organisations for training purposes.

Although BB guns used to refer to the 4.5mm made by Daisy Guns, the term has broadened in recent years and started to include airsoft guns as well.

Airsoft uses spring, gas, electric or co2 and come in a variety of powers. The WE 999k is a mid-range rifle firing at around 330fps and comes in either Gas or Electric. A higher end gas rifle is the GHK GK74 (pictured, above) which shoots at around 380fps and starts at £509.99.

hk-p30
The Heckler & Koch P30, a great example of an airsoft sidearm

The biggest factor that separates an airsoft gun from a BB gun, is the ball bearing it shoots. Where airsoft uses plastic BBs that measure 6mm, BB Guns use 4.5mm made of copper or zinc. Although the terms use to be separate the definition of BB Guns has changed and now includes a variety of different guns. To get started in airsoft, you can pick a decent tub of 0.20g BBs up for £7.99 here. The 4.5mm BB comes in tubes of 1500 and are available here for £5.89.

Type of airsoft

Airsoft guns are often referred to as BB guns as they shoot 6mm plastic ball bearings.  Today airsoft is bigger than ever with over 200 venues in the UK all offering a variety of game modes. Most venues offer basic game modes such as Capture the Flag, TDM, hostage rescue and more. Some venues offer more specialised game modes like planting the bomb, hostage rescue, president etc.

One type of airsoft that is growing in popularity is MilSim. This is an abbreviation for Military Simulation and is focused on providing the most realistic experience to players.  These are often done over the weekend and last 1-3 days. Some of the most popular venues in the UK are Warzone and Airborne which offer events all year round.

To learn more check out our MilSim blog here. The official War Zone site is here. The official Airborne site is here. 

5 Of The Best Airsoft Blogs Online

When it comes to airsoft blogs, a good one can be hard to find. The main things we look for in in good airsoft and airgunning blogs are attention to detail, photos and connection to the reader. These are Ross Mitchell’s top 5 airsoft blogs that offer an eye-catching and in-depth read….

Number 5: Airsoft Odyssey

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Yosser’s Airsoft Odyssey

Coming in at number 5 is Airsoft Odyssey. This website has a variety of areas ranging from videos, kits and helpful blogs. The blog I read in particular was the WE Makarov Test and Review. In this blog, we see them take the iconic Makarov pistol and break it down talking about the whole process from unboxing the pistol to shooting it. A section of the blog that I found really interesting was where he put it through a Chronograph test.

Now, I won’t spoil it for you but he first tests the Makarov without the barrel extension on but once attached the results were very interesting. Overall I like this blog as he goes into great detail about the bb’s and gas he uses, tests and talks about all the little features of the gun and he’s got some pictures showing the guns iconic design!

Number 4: Airsoft International Magazine

Meanwhile, for Number 4 we have a blog aimed at beginners in the airsoft world. This blog is from http://www.ai-mag.com and is very neat and well presented. Within this medium sized blog we can see him starting off by talking about the laws on airsoft rifles. Now, the UK is known for being nervous around anything that looks like a gun, and to prevent Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIF) being misused there are licenses and regulations you have to comply with.

This is one of the reasons I found this blog a good read. They break each part down to explain firstly why the law and licenses exist, and then continue to talk about how this affects you when buying a RIF.  Finally they finish by going into detail on how you can obtain one. Whether you’re new to airsoft or more experienced, I recommend this read as it goes into good detail but portrays it in a short, simple way.

Number 3: Airsoft & Milsim New Blog

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Airsoft & Milsim News Blog

Number 3 in our airsoft blogs we have a gun review. Now, when it comes to blogs there is nothing I like more than a well written, detailed gun review. Not only do I find them the most interesting to read about, I like to see others opinions on certain rifles and pistols and see if they agree / disagree with my thoughts. In this review from www.airsoft-military-news.com they take the Modify XTC-G1 Carbine and provide a thorough review. The blog is fairly long but they break it down into small paragraphs to make it an easier read.

These paragraphs are put under subtitles which include: Externals; The Frontset; The Receiver; The Stock; Hop-Up/Inner Barrel; Gearbox and then is finished with a conclusion. Within this blog I like that they put pictures for nearly every paragraph so you can see the step by step process they go through. This includes sights, stock, magazines, disassembly of the rifle and more.

The amount of detail they go into for each part is why this blog is number 3 on my list. They show you every spring, wire and bearing even include the manufacturing processes they went through making this a very interesting read for both new and experienced players. If you’re not one for long reads then the conclusion is a nice extra as it has a few paragraphs which sums ups the highlights and lowlights of the rifle. It’s then finished off by having the gallery with all the pictures used in the blog.

Number 2: Black Rams Airsoft

For our airsoft blog list Number 2 is another gun review but has a big difference to number 3. This blog from http://www.blackrams.co.uk they review 3 different AEG rifles and compare them together at the same time. I like their choice of rifles as they’re similar to each other making the review more relevant but still have differences allowing them to be compared. They start off with the Bolt B4 AEG blow back.

They dive straight into the review by talking about the internal V2 gearbox. After explaining the gearbox system they move on to the recoil and sound. I really like how they compare the recoil, the sound produced by the rifle and more characteristic to inform you how realistic the rifle is which I haven’t seen in many other blogs. They then move onto the WE M4 and use a similar structure to compare it by starting off talking about the trigger and internal mechanism, then move on to recoil and realism.

Their 3rd rifle is the Tippmann M4, which is Co2 powered and gives them a bit more to talk about as they go into detail on what Co2 cartridges you can use before following the structure. The whole blog is then finished off by a summary stating what the most realistic rifle is, then the easiest to use and so on. Overall, this is a good read for anyone interested in airsoft and is very informative, without being long and drawn out.

Number 1: Femme Fatale Airsoft

Now Rated Number 1 on my list is a well-known group in the airsoft community. The blog I read was G&G Custom CM16 SRL by http://www.femmefataleairsoft.co.uk. Now this blog is interesting for many different reasons. First of all it is a gun review which I love but it’s based on a custom gun where there was only one in the world. In this blog, airsoft enthusiast and expert Kelly Hardwick expresses her love for a custom CM16 SRL known as “The Black Rose Version 2”. She starts off by talking about where she first found it and why she fell in love with it. Then one day she got a package from G&G and it was her very own one! She gives a very accurate and in depth review of the rifle ranging from its build quality to its power and fps.

She included some great pictures in the blog showing the rifles best features off and then shows her using it. From reading on in the blog she starts to compare it to the first Black Rose and explains how G&G stepped up from it. Overall I found this one of the most interesting airsoft blogs around and really like the story behind it as well as the great pictures. The main feature that kept me hooked was where she talked about her opinions on it for example she says “I have always held G&G in high regards to their quality, reliability, affordability and performance”. This blog is definitely worth a read even if you’re not a fan of G&G!

To check out our extensive and growing range of airsoft rifles and airsoft pistols by the big manufacturers like Tokyo Marui, Ares, KWC, WE and many more, head to the store. 

Cleaning And Maintaining Your Air Rifle

So you’ve bought an air rifle, now how do you take care of it? Have you got a gun cleaning kit and know how to use it? Care and maintenance is a vital part of the process of owning and using an airgun, and here Ross Mitchell of the Pellpax team explains what you need to know to keep your pride and joy in the best condition.

Air rifles contain many internal mechanisms which correspond together and allow us to shoot. Therefore it’s very important to know how to clean and maintain your rifle in order to keep it working at a high quality. There are many parts which make up an air rifle and most of them need some form of cleaning and maintaining. Here, I’m going to go through each part in detail discussing how to clean and maintain these various component parts, without damaging them.

An air rifle barrel can be cleaned by firing a cleaning pellet, or using a cleaning rod.

The Barrel (Internal)

Airgun barrels do get dirty but don’t need cleaning 24/7.  The main problem that occurs with barrels is a build up of oil or deposits of metal from firing pellets. Oil is common in a spring rifle and often gets in the barrel from firing pellets. The one rule of thumb to bear in mind is that y0u should never oil your barrel. If you oil your barrel it can get inside and damage the mechanisms. Another problem that could occur if you oil your barrel is dieseling. This is where the oil combusts as you fire a pellet through the gun, and over time, this process can damage your seals and result in loss of air in your rifle.

Summary:

Never oil the barrel and don’t clean it too much or you risk damaging it. Ideally clean after you finish a tin of pellets, by either firing a cleaning pellet though it or using a cleaning rod.  One cleaning pellet after every tin of pellets will be enough to help maintain the barrel.

Barrel (External)

Just like the inner barrel, the outer barrel needs to be maintained. The metal is prone to rust and wear, so it is important that you look after this, to help keep your gun looking and performing to a high standard. Whenever your barrel is exposed to water it is important to get a cloth and dry it. Water can damage and rot wood and metal work so it is important to do this. You can also purchase rust protection spray or silicon gun oil. Either apply a light coat of spray over the metal work, or get a cloth and apply a thin layer of silicon gun oil after every use. By doing these regularly, your barrel will be protected against rust and wear and remain looking brand new. 

Summary:

Wipe water or oil off the gun, whenever it comes in contact with it. Apply a light coat with the spray or a thin layer of oil on a cloth and wipe down after every use.

Scope

It is just as important to maintain the scope as it is to maintain as the rifle itself. A neglected scope can cause problems when trying to line up your shot. Scopes are very easy to maintain and care should be taken if your hands, the rain, oil,. etc. come into contact with it. Dust can be removed with a soft cloth or compressed air and this can be done whenever it is needed. The two things to check for is that the cloth is smooth, and will not scratch the lens and, secondly, to check it has no oil or grease on it first. Water, finger or oil marks on the scope can be eliminated by simply wiping with a microfibre cloth.

Summary:

Scopes can be cleaned as often as needed. For dust use soft cloth, soft brush or compressed air. For marks use a soft microfibre cloth and rub in a circular motion.

Woodwork

Wooden stocks are striking and pleasing to look at, but require maintenance

One thing that attracts people to air rifles is the beautiful woodwork that usually distinguishes their exterior appearance. Rifle stocks come in many varieties of wood including beech, walnut, hardwood and many more. Although varnished, over time the wood can show the effects of ageing, such as wear, tear, dullness, etc. You will wish to guard against this, particularly if you have an expensive rifle, such as a Daystate or an Air Arms. The good news is that woodwork is very easy to maintain, if you’re willing to put the time in. It’s as simple as wiping your gun down when it’s been exposed to rain because water can cause damage and rot, if parts of the woodwork aren’t varnished. Also you can varnish your woodwork with a stick finish. This will give it a high quality sheen finish whilst also protecting it from mild impacts.

Summary:

Wipe wood dry after it’s been in contact with water to prevent rot/damage. Use stock finish to varnish and protect against knocks.

Action

The stock offers a comfortable yet firm support when firing your rifle. It allows you to get a steady aim but also acts as casing for the internal mechanisms. Although wiping the stock will protect it, people don’t realise water can get inside the stock and cause all the mechanisms to rust and seize. To prevent this problem simply remove the stock casing using the appropriate tool and put a tiny amount of oil inside the action. Use a gun oil and not motor oil! Motor oil is too thick and can slow/seize the internal mechanism, as well as soak and soften the wood.

Summary:

Apply a small amount of gun oil to the action. Never use car oil as it is too thick.

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Use degreaser spray on the trigger mechanism. For the best results, consult a gunsmith.

Trigger

The trigger mechanism is very important to a rifle. Most people prefer to take their rifle to a gunsmith to do maintenance work on this part, since if done wrong, it could prevent the gun cocking. If you want to do anything, you can take the casing off to reveal the internal mechanisms. After this you can use a degreaser spray on the trigger mechanism and then re-oil the appropriate areas. If you don’t feel confident doing this or you want additional work to be done on the trigger, it’s best to take it to an experienced gunsmith.

Summary:

Take the side of the gun using appropriate tools. Either oil the mechanism or use degreaser spray and re-oil the mechanism.

General Advice

There are a few general things you can do alongside these tips to prolong your air rifle’s life and appearance. When storing your rifle it should be in a dry place that has no risk of water or other chemicals coming into contact with it. A wipe down after every use to remove grease, finger marks etc., will help to keep your weapon in good condition. Transporting and securing your rifle in a gun bag will protect it from knocks and general wear. If you stand your rifle upright it should be stood on the stock and not the barrel.   

My final bit of advice would be to regularly get your gun serviced. Taking this step will ensure it continues performing at a high rate and prolong the overall life of your rifle. The frequency with which you should get your air rifle serviced depends upon how often you use it. If you’re like me and go shooting once or less a week, then a service every two years will be enough.

However, if you use it more regularly then you will need to get it serviced once a year.  If at any point you feel your gun is not performing like it should, or you think something might be wrong, then you should consult a professional. It’s better to be safe than sorry, because if there is a problem, and it isn’t addressed, it could get a lot worse.

To check out our range of air rifle cleaning products and kits, head over to the store.

Have you got any airgun maintenance tips of your own? Let us know in the comments below. 

Adventures In Airsoft: What Is MilSim?

A Milsim squad out in action

One of the keys to practicing Airsoft is MilSim – the highly realistic military simulations that make for a typical weekend of airsofting. Here we explain the terminology, gear, and what you can expect….

Before we go straight into talking about MilSim we need to determine what it is and why it takes place. MilSim is an abbreviation for Military Simulation and it comes in 2 types: entertainment / war games or re-enactment. Out of the two, war games tend to be the more popular because they don’t require lots of expensive equipment or experience.

MilSim is becoming increasing popular in America and Europe with hundreds of people turning up to take part in the games. I’m not a professional myself, although I do have a love for airsoft, so I’ve decided to share the basics with you about what you need to know, if you decide to participate in any of these milsim uk events.

Time to Gear up!

Probably the most important thing about MilSim is the equipment. Although a lot of people go and spend hundreds of pounds on equipment, it is not necessary for your first time. The best way to approach it is to buy the basics first, and after each event decide what was good, and what held you back during the games. Once you’ve identified these areas of improvement, then you can buy the accessories accordingly and prevent these problems re-occurring.

With that sorted, let’s talk about the basic equipment. Before assembling your loadout, you need to sort out your uniform and one important thing to note are restrictions. You won’t get told off for not polishing your shoes or wearing the wrong belt, but the organizers often put restrictions on the type of camouflage each team can wear. This helps each team identify friend or foe, and generally adds realism to the game. Some events go even further and ask you to match your gun according to the teams, but for lower grade MilSim this is rare.

You Need Good Footwear for Milsim

Don’t underestimate the importance of good footwear. The boots are as important as your BB pellets. I would not recommend wearing uncomfortable boots, or new boots to a MilSim, since blisters are a sure way to halt your fun. Make sure you have a pair you’re familiar with, and happy to wear for long periods of time. Two pairs of good quality walking socks are also something I’d recommend and should see you though the Games.     

What you choose to carry is purely down to what military role you want to play. If we’re talking about an average rifleman, you will be carrying around 5-7 magazines (including the one in your gun), an easily accessible radio and water. Most players like to wield a sidearm, typically a pistol but this is entirely up to you. Most MilSim games don’t allow you to reload your mags until you’re at a respawn point so carrying spare BBs is pointless. Finally, grenades are used by a number of players, and generally are fun to use. Again, there is a restriction on how many you carry, which is normally around six, but it’s always best to check with the organizers first.

Your gun is your trusty companion during these few days. There are three types of airsoft guns which include electric (often known as AEG), gas and spring. Spring isn’t used as often since they tend to be weaker and therefore can’t get the range required. Electric and gas are used the most due to their range and power, so if you plan to use these, ensure you have spare batteries or gas cans packed.

How to survive the next few days

Since these events last a few days, you will be required to take all your equipment with you. This includes sleeping bags, roll mats, clothes, grenades, guns, maps/intel etc.

Survival In The Elements: With Essential Nutrients like Milsim Food

An accessory that I would call a very smart investment is a patrol pack. This is a smaller bag that you can take with you when advancing, resupplying or guarding areas. Within these you typically put the essentials such as water, food and cooking equipment. You can also pack some form of thermals in case of a sudden temperature change.

Water is absolutely essential in these events. It doesn’t matter if the weather is like an Australian summer or a Russian winter you will be using plenty of this stuff, so take it! You will need it for drinking, cooking meals, washing up and cooling off. I would highly recommend refilling your canteens / water bottle at any chance you get and make sure everyone in your squad takes some to reduce the load.

When you take part in Milsim your will be burning a lot of calories and will get hungry quicker than usual. The running around and carrying of equipment soon takes its toll, so it’s best to be prepared. Small cookers are very handy whether they are gas or fuel. It would be wise to find a compact one and take it with you on your MilSim experience. I also pack a mess tin and use it for eating, cooking and washing up. Most people tend to take food packs with them although other alternatives are available.

What to expect on your first MilSim

When you first go to a MilSim event a lot of things will go through your head beside adrenaline. You will be getting briefs, being put into squads (expect to be bossed around a lot by the pros), assignments/missions will be handed out and loads more. This is all part of the fun and realism of MilSim and when all combined it aids the excitement of the event, no matter if you’re a MilSim veteran or a private. Even though these events are very tactical and physically straining, everyone is friendly and there for the same reason – to have a good time! The war games will be played in different areas depending on their location and organizer. Some are based outdoors on large areas of land, some are indoors with built scene and the best sort, in my opinion, are the ones based in abandoned facilities. The main thing to expect is lots of fun, excitement and a whole new experience of war games.

When you first go you will be trying new things, trying to find your role, play style and figuring out what’s going on. This is completely normal for a first timer and isn’t anything to worry about. The more you play the more you’ll learn and find out about yourself. I soon discovered my love for sniping, playing that support / cover role and making key decisions for my team.

The more MilSim events you attend your more people you’ll get to know, more gear you’ll acquire and you’ll start to get a feel for what sort of player you are. The biggest thing I notice is the different paces of these war games. Sometimes you will be stealthy and tactical like a spec ops group or you may just go in all guns blazing. The main things to remember is to have fun, play fair and enjoy this experience of a whole new level of airsoft.     

To find a registered airsoft game site near you, check out this list published by UKARA, the British body in charge of the sport.

To check out our range of airsoft gear including accessories, simply head to our Airsoft store, where you can grab airsoft guns, glasses, batteries, silencers, targets, and much more.