I know it’s an old cliché that practice makes perfect, but it really does, especially if you carry a handgun daily, or have one at home for personal protection. But with the cost of ammunition, practice can be expensive. Even law enforcement has to be conscientious these days about training costs. And that is where air pistols come into play.
These are not your father’s (or grandfather’s) Daisy Red Ryder or single-shot, pneumatic BB pistols. They’re live-action air pistols that look, feel and operate just like the real thing right up to the moment you pull the trigger, and even afterward, because the slide cycles, cocks the hammer and loads the next BB into the chamber. All that is missing is recoil and, of course, the cost of ammunition.
Good shooting practice begins with proper carry methods, familiarity with drawing the firearm, learning how to release and load the magazine, operating the slide and any safeties, and getting a perfect sight picture. All of these training regimens can be practiced with a full-feature, live-action (blowback) air pistol right down to pulling the trigger. Gaining familiarity with a cartridge-firing pistol and its operation by using a perfectly matched air pistol is both an affordable and efficient method. This is ideal for youth training, remedial training, and you might even just do it for fun! Most top-quality models retail for a little over $100.
For More Information
Umarex
http://www.umarexusa.com
Crosman
http://www.crosman.com
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This article was originally published in the December 2014 issue of COMBAT HANDGUNS. Subscription is available in print and digital editions below.
