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Concept
Air gun
Résumé
An air gun or airgun is a gun that using energy from compressed air or other gases that are mechanically pressurized and released as propellant for the chosen projectiles based on the principle of the primitive blowgun . This is in contrast to a firearm, which fires projectiles using energy by burning combustible propellants, most often gunpowder.
Air guns come in both long gun (air rifle) and handgun (air pistol) forms. Both types typically propel metallic projectiles that are either diabolo-shaped pellets or spherical shots called BBs, although in recent years Minié ball-shaped cylindro-conoidal projectiles called slugs are gaining more popularity. Certain types of air guns (usually air rifles) may also launch fin-stabilized projectile such as darts (e.g., tranquilizer guns) or hollow-shaft arrows (so-called "airbows").
The first air guns were developed as early as the 16th century, and have since been used in hunting, shooting sport and even in warfare. There are three different power sources for modern air guns, depending on the design: spring-piston, pneumatic, or bottled compressed gas (most commonly carbon dioxide).
Air guns represent the oldest pneumatic technology. The oldest existing mechanical air gun, dates back to about 1580, and is in the Livrustkammaren Museum in Stockholm. This is approximately when most historians recognize as the beginning of the modern air gun.
Throughout 17th to 19th century, air guns in .30 to .51 calibers were used to hunt big-game, deer and wild boar. These air rifles were charged using a pump to fill an air reservoir and gave velocities from . They were also used in warfare, the most recognized example being the Girandoni air rifle.
At that time, they had compelling advantages over the primitive firearms of the day. For example, air guns could be discharged in wet weather and rain (unlike both matchlock and flintlock muskets), and discharged much faster than muzzle-loading guns. Moreover, they were quieter than a firearm of a similar caliber, had no muzzle flash, and were smokeless.
Source officielle
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