Since it was introduced in 1900 the BB gun is part of Americana, long the dream toy of little boys and girls. The Red Ryder BB gun which was introduced in 1938 is perhaps the most famous BB gun ever made and it was the gift that was Ralphie’s focus in the movie “Christmas Story”. Traditionally BB guns fire a steel pellet and have been used for target shooting and bird hunting. Today there is also Airsoft BB guns which fire a plastic pellet. The pellets used in Airsoft guns are significantly larger than those used in BB guns. These Airsoft pellets are considerably safer and would be unlikely to break a person’s skin or even a window. Airsoft BB guns are used for target shooting but are also used in gaming during military simulations and enactments.
The BB pellets are propelled from the guns using one of 3 principal methods; spring power, gas pressure or electric battery power. Electric BB guns are called AEG (automatic electric guns) and they use rechargeable batteries to power a piston which creates a blast of air to fire the pellet. Electric BB guns are capable of a semi-automatic or fully automatic operation. When set to fully automatic and electric BB gun can achieve a rate of fire between 600 and 900 rounds per minute.
An electric BB gun will fire its pellet at approximately 240 – 285 FPS. That is not fast enough to penetrate skin or a soda can. They are designed this way for the safety of the user, however precaution should be taken. Metal BB’s are known to ricochet and protective eyewear should always be used.
There are many varieties of electric BB guns that can be found. Models can be chosen in a variety of styles including hand guns, sniper rifles, assault weapons and even shot guns. Electric BB guns are available at a variety of price ranges and performance capabilities. Higher end models are typically made of metal and are capable of higher velocity and rates of fire. Cheaper models are mode of plastic and have lesser capability but can still be enjoyable.
Many collectors purchase electric BB guns. Many manufacturers have licensed exact replicas of their actual weapons to be created as BB guns or Airsoft versions. Popular models of rifles include the Colt series which includes a model of the M16 and M4 Carbine, the AK47 and the Heckler and Koch MP5 series. Popular electric BB gun pistol models include the Glock 18C and Berretta 93R.
Electric BB guns are available from many manufacturers. Perhaps the most famous manufacturer of BB guns is Daisy, whose guns are considered the most collectible. Daisy still manufactures a copy of the iconic 1938 Red Ryder, but they also have a full line of BB guns and Airsoft guns. Other top manufacturers include Crosman, Marksman and Walther.
There are a number of accessories that can be used with electric BB guns. Laser sights can be added to help a beginner improve their target shooting. Bi-pod stands are available to hold you rifle still while aiming. There are various types of targets a shooter can use for practice including metal silhouettes, paper targets, shattering targets, spinning targets, traps and galleries with resetting targets. Of course many shooters choose to stick to the tradition of plinking cans.
With the proper care and precautions, an electric BB gun can be a fun and safe shooting hobby.