Single-Pump Air Guns

Daisy 953 image from Daisy.com 

I've been writing about the different types of air guns and almost left out this single-pump category.  Some shooters would be unhappy with me if I did that. This group of air guns could however be the least useful for hunters.

• These guns have an air tank which is similar but smaller than the multi-pump guns. Both pump-ups being considerably smaller than the pre-charged gun's air tanks.
• The single-pump gun's tank is designed to be filled with one pump or cocking stroke of a lever on the gun.
• The power level is more limited than that of the other pneumatic guns. Power is similar to a typical CO2 gun or around 400-550 fps in .177 caliber. I've never seen a larger caliber single-pump air gun.
• The power level limits these guns to very small pest at close range only.
• These guns, in the most basic inexpensive form, have somewhat replaced the spring air BB guns of previous generations.  They both require similar effort and give similar results.
• There are some mid-level pellet rifles and pistols which offer easy cocking, excellent accuracy, and appear to be great for low cost practice.
• There are also very high grade single-pump target rifles and pistols.  These guns are super accurate and often used to compete at the highest levels.

I've only owned one single-stroke pneumatic gun similar to the one pictured at the top of this page.  I used it a few times on very small pest, but generally found my CO2 guns to have some advantages  for those little jobs; easier and less movement required for repeated shots. I see this style of gun as a kids gun or a good choice for some target shooters.