Air guns are a cheap, quiet way to learn marksmanship, plink in the backyard and control pests where it is legal. This page links every air gun guide on HowToTactical, from a first BB gun to PCP air rifles.
Short answer: Start with a spring or multi-pump air gun from a reputable brand, use quality pellets or BBs matched to your gun, always wear eye protection and shoot into a proper trap or backstop. Steel BB guns and pellet guns must never be pointed at people.
1. BB Guns
- The 6 Best BB Guns for the Money (2026)
- The 4 Best BB Guns for Kids (2026)
- How Does a BB Gun Work? Basics and Maintenance
- How to Unjam a BB Gun or Airsoft Gun Safely
- Airsoft vs BB Gun: What's the Difference?
2. Air Pistols
- The 5 Best Air Pistols for Target Shooting (2026)
- Can You Use an Air Pistol for Self-Defense? Honest Answer (2026)
- Crosman 1322 Review (2026): Still Worth Buying?
- Daisy Powerline 426 Review (2026): Good Beginner BB Pistol?
- Is It Safe to Leave CO2 in an Airgun?
3. Air Rifles and PCPs
- The 4 Best Air Rifles for Squirrel Hunting (2026)
- What Is a PCP Air Rifle? Pros, Cons and How It Works
- How to Adjust a Scope on an Air Rifle
- How to Clean an Air Rifle or Air Pistol Barrel
4. Pellets and Ammo
- The 5 Best .177 Pellets for Accuracy (2026)
- The 4 Best .22 Pellets for Accuracy (2026)
- The 5 Best .177 Pellets for Hunting (2026)
- The 4 Best .177 Pellets for Squirrel Hunting (2026)
- The 5 Best Slingshot Ammo Picks (2026)
- The 4 Best Paintballs for Woodsball (2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best first air gun?
For kids, a spring BB gun like the Daisy Red Ryder with adult supervision. For adults, an accurate pellet pistol or a quality spring air rifle.
Are BB guns and pellet guns the same?
No. BB guns fire steel balls from smooth barrels. Pellet guns fire lead or alloy pellets from rifled barrels and are much more accurate.
What caliber air rifle should I get?
.177 shoots flatter and is great for targets. .22 hits harder and is popular for pest control.
Do I need a license for an air gun?
It depends on where you live. Some countries and cities regulate air guns, so check local laws.