Co2, Pump, Break Barrel, PCP…
There are several varieties of airguns to choose from. To name a few; Co2 bb pistols and rifles like the Barra 1866, pump pellet pistols and rifles like the Seneca Dragonfly, break barrel pistols and rifles like the Weihrauch HW50S, and small bore and big bore PCPs like the Benjamin Bulldog Magnum Series. They can even be broken down into different types and applications but we’ll not go there at this time!
Some platforms are more suitable for certain situations, or airgunners just have a preference they hold to more than another. On social media, there are groups for break barrel airgunners only, as well as pre-charged pneumatic airgunners. In many conversations there’s a lack of understanding why airgunners prefer what they prefer. Why is that and why a break barrel?
Who Are You Reasoning With?
Airgunners have different reasons why they prefer a breakbarrel over a pre-charged pneumatic. Here are a few that we are certain of.
- Simple is appealing, they are easy to understand and operate.
- They require less equipment.
- Reliability and low maintenance.
- Versatility, useful for many applications.
- Enjoy the shooting experience.
- Accuracy.
- Affordability.
You Don’t Do Complicated!
Even though the world around us can tend to make things complicated and high tech, there are some that prefer the simple things in airgunning. A break barrel is easy to understand how it functions and even easier to operate. To operate the Weihrauch HW50S, break the barrel, load the pellet, return the barrel to the starting position, aim at the desired target, disengage the safety, and squeeze the trigger.
This one could fall right in line with the “Simple Is Appealing” topic. Think about it! All you need is the air rifle, the ammo and you! It doesn’t get much simpler than that! No tanks and no fill probes!
Reliable Is What It Is
This one could vary depending on the breakbarrel, some are more reliable than others, as it is with anything! When you have one like the Weihrauch HW50S, as long as you do your part to maintain it, it will be reliable.
Applications! Of Course!
Generally the manufacturers make them available in .177 and .22 calibers, but the Gamo Magnum GR is available in .25 caliber and the Hatsan Mod 135 Vortex QE is available in up to .30 caliber. The wide variety of calibers as well as accuracy and energy, proves a platform with multiple applications from backyard plinking, pesting, and small to medium game hunting!
Therapeutic
Some airgunners find the action of breaking the barrel and the complete follow through of the shot from such a platform to be therapeutic. Many airgunners testify of the time they go to the bench with their favorite break barrel airgun and send lead for hours, that’s how they unwind.
Accuracy
Though many airguns from this variety are short range airguns. There are some that have proved long range capabilities above and beyond what some might consider is even possible. The Gamo Swarm Magnum is known to be extremely accurate out to 100 yards, that’s impressive! Add accuracy to the list of answers to, “Why A Break Barrel?”
Affordability
The last reason we’ll discuss here is affordability! If you do your research, not only the platform tends to be more affordable, but the lack of accessories needed to operate them makes them more affordable.
We won’t go into the logical reasons like, some things are better accomplished with a break barrel. A couple small examples are when helping with iguanas in Florida or prairie dogs in Colorado. All you need is the airgun, ammo, and you!
