Tip 1: The Modern Adult Air Gun.
I received the box containing my brand-new Winchester 1400 air gun. It was heavy, it was long, and when I opened it, the substance and quality of the rifle slapped me right in the face. The deep bluing on the barrel, the synthetic Mossy Oak stock, and the 3-9 X 32 mm scope were all impressive.

Tip 2: The Adult Air Gun Pellet.
We’re not talking a paper tube of BBs. Most .177-caliber pellets have a wasp waist; hollow base; and a flat, rounded, or pointed nose. These pellets weigh much less than a .22 bullet, but come out of the muzzle faster (1,400 fps vs. 1,200 fps), and are easily lethal with an accurate shot on squirrels and rabbits. As with any firearm, know what you are shooting at, and what is behind your target.

Tip 3: Choose Your Ammo.
Three main types of ammunition are easy to find, and a number of other ammo styles are also available. Flat-faced wadcutters are great for punching holes in targets. Domed pellets are designed for hunting, as are pointed or hollow point pellets (with or without polymer tips), which are designed for expansion.

Tip 4: Air Guns Aren’t Silent.
The classic BB gun does not make much noise, but adult air guns are very different. There is a definite report when pulling the trigger, even with the Winchester 1400’s built-in suppressor. OSHA requires hearing protection in the workplace with continuous noise above 85 decibels; many adult air guns produce peak noise in the 80-90 dB range (a .22 comes in at about 140 dB.) I generally do not use hearing protection when using my air gun outside, but do use earplugs when shooting inside, or if I’m at a range with solid walls at the shooting station.

Tip 5: Avoid the Pinch Point.
Like many adult air guns, the Winchester 1400 works by breaking open, loading the pellet in the chamber, and then closing the breech. The first two steps are pretty easy, but closing the breech takes some effort. Be careful! It is very easy to get your hand near the hinge point, and if you close it on any of the skin on your hand, everyone within earshot will hear your entire vocabulary of naughty words! Pay attention and be careful until your loading process is smooth and safe.

Tip 6: Appreciate the Engineers.
The reason the action takes so much effort to close is because it is what’s compressing the air that launches the pellet at supersonic speeds. After I realized this, I came to appreciate the people who designed the system. Things are only moving a couple of inches, but this produces all the energy necessary to make this an efficient, reliable, and very accurate hunting weapon.

Tip 7: Fast and Fun.
While the federal government does not consider adult air guns to be ‘firearms,’ and you can buy them over the counter with no paperwork, don’t assume there are no restrictions on using them. Check your state game regulations before you head to the woods to get the fixin’s for a rabbit or squirrel stew, and check local ordinances before you set up a range in your backyard. The state where I live allows hunting small game (except birds) with an air gun, but I cannot discharge one within the town where I live, eliminating my yard or basement for a practice range.

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