Air pistols, what are they?
That is an excellent question.
They are cool little guns that shoot bb's. They are replica and life like looking right down to the color and look and shape.
You can get pistols that look like glocks, remingtons, and smith & Wesson pistols. The air pistols have the look and shape of the real thing. I have to warn you though, these guns can be dangerous. They only shoot with a small air blast and it is only a bb but it can still hurt, puncture the skin if close enough range, and can definitely put out an eye.
So caution is the word when using air pistols. Standard gun safety applies. No waving them around at people. And keep the safety on until you're ready to fire.
You must train your son or daughter to use it before turning them loose with it. They can play with it and have fun safely and you can be the Christmas hero. They do make a great gift.
Some of the models are capable of 300 feet per second speed on the bb's. To compare most real guns propel bullets at 1000-2000 feet per second. So obviously, you can see a world of differencein the speeds between the real thing and the 'faux' thing.
Air pistols are not nor ever were intended to be real dangerous guns. They are almost a hybrid operating in between the level of toy water gun (ala supersoaker) and a real gun like a glock .45 caliber or a .357 magnum.
They do have safeties on the air pistols for the sake of caution and avoiding unwanted firing. I had never heard of these before my brother told me about them.
In doing some checking I learned quite a bit about what is a surprisingly large market. Many people use and are enthusiastic about these little air pistols and have lots of fun using them.
Here are some safety tips to start teaching your kid:
As always point away from your own face
Point away from any and all people. NEVER point at anyone
Keep it unloaded at all times except when you are firing it
Keep the safety on at all times except when you are firing it
Keep barrel clear of debris. Never stick in the mud or other obstructing things
Make sure you know what is PAST your target before you fire. If someone is behind your target then don't shoot until they are clear of your line of fire.
Those are some basic tips. You know your kids better than I do so take the basics I've given you and teach them exactly how to use the air pistol safely.
Your child will have crazy fun playing with these safely and love you for giving it to them.
