Comparison Kral Puncher Breaker 4.5 vs Ataman M2R Bullpup 6.35

The caliber of a rifle — that is, the diameter of the bore and, accordingly, the diameter of the ammunition for which it is designed.

The generally accepted standard for freely sold pneumatics in the post-Soviet space is the 4.5 mm caliber; rifles of a larger caliber (standard values — 5.5 mm and 6.35 mm) in most countries in this region are already equated with full-fledged weapons and are sold under the appropriate permits. However, airsoft models are an exception, primarily AEG electric drives(see "Type") — their standard caliber is 6 mm, larger values \u200b\u200bare also encountered, while such rifles do not require permits. This is due to the fact that airsoft guns are originally sports equipment, not weapons, they are not designed to cause damage to a particular target, but only to indicate hits on a person, and with a minimal risk of injury. For such an application, just light, but relatively large balls are well suited — an increase in caliber in this case reduces penetration and, accordingly, reduces the risk of injury.

The muzzle velocity provided by the rifle - that is, the speed of the bullet as it exits the barrel.

All other things being equal, a higher bullet speed provides greater range and accuracy, and also simplifies aiming at long distances: the bullet flies along a smoother trajectory and requires fewer adjustments in height, and the influence of side winds decreases with increasing speed. On the other hand, this indicator directly affects the price of the rifle; and in some countries, legal restrictions on the ownership of pneumatic weapons are also related to the muzzle velocity of the bullet.

As for specific values, in the weakest modern rifles the initial speed does not exceed 150 m/s, and in the most powerful it can be 300 - 350 m/s or even more(remember, the speed of sound is 330 m/s). In general, for recreational shooting at short distances, this parameter is not particularly important, and detailed recommendations for choosing pneumatics for more specific situations can be found in special sources. Let us only note that in AEG electric drives (see “Type”) the initial speed extremely rarely exceeds 150 m/s, but this is done solely for safety reasons: such “weapons” are intended for military-tactical games and initially involve shooting at people, and the high speed would be unsafe for players even with protective equipment.

It is also wor...th considering that this indicator is not strictly defined. In any type of pneumatic it depends on the weight of the bullet (the lighter the faster); therefore, in the characteristics it is usually customary to indicate a certain average velocity for standard ammunition (usually weighing 0.5 g, in AEG - 0.2 g). In addition, in multi-compression rifles the actual speed of the bullet is determined by the degree of inflation, in gas-cylinder rifles it is determined by the ambient temperature, and in PCP models it is possible to achieve higher speeds than declared by replacing the air with a special gas (for example, helium). Nevertheless, this characteristic makes it possible to evaluate the capabilities of the rifle and compare it with other models, including those that differ in type.

The muzzle energy provided by the rifle.

Muzzle energy is the kinetic energy of the bullet at the exit from the barrel. This energy, in turn, depends on two factors: the mass and the muzzle velocity of the bullet. Thus, this indicator directly describes the overall power of the rifle: higher muzzle energy allows you to effectively fire at longer distances and/or heavier ammunition. On the other hand, an increase in power accordingly affects the cost of weapons.

Note that muzzle energy can be grounds for legal restrictions on the purchase/use of pneumatics. So, in some countries in the post-Soviet space, the maximum value allowed for freely sold rifles is 7.5 J — a special permit will be required to purchase more powerful weapons. And most freely sold rifles in such regions have a power of the order of 3 – 5 J. Such legal restrictions should be clarified separately. Lower rates are found mainly among “soft” pneumatics for airsoft (airsoft), using 6 mm plastic balls. For such models, a value of more than 2 J is already considered very solid, and in games such rifles are used with a minimum distance limit — for example, 15 m or 20 m (so that a shot from too close a distance does not injure the player).

It is also worth saying that the claimed characteristics of air rifles may, at first glance, not correspond to physical calculations. For example, for a model for the same 7.5 J..., the initial speed of 250 m/s can be claimed in the characteristics; for a 4.5 mm bullet weighing 0.5 g (the average, most popular weight), this would correspond to an energy of as much as 15.6 J. However, there are no inconsistencies here: such characteristics mean that the muzzle velocity was measured for a lighter bullet (for example, 0 .2 g), which accelerates more strongly at the outlet of the barrel. Accordingly, with heavier ammunition, the speed will be lower; it can be determined using special formulas or online calculators.

The type of cocking system provided in the design of the rifle.

The cocking system is responsible for placing the trigger mechanism on the combat cocking (in the position of readiness for firing), and with a multi-shot design, it is also responsible for sending the next bullet into the chamber. Such systems are usually divided according to the method of control. Variants found in modern times include but are not limited to barrel fracture, lever ( side or underbarrel), pump action, bolt action (including varieties such as biathlon and bolt action), and autococking. Here are the main features of each of these systems:

— Fracture of the trunk. In rifles with this type of cocking, the barrel is fixed on a rotary axis, and folds down with each reload. In this case, not only the trigger is cocked, but the chamber is also opened, allowing you to load the next bullet. This option is found exclusively in spring models — conventional and with a gas spring (see "Type"), it is with such rifles that a barrel break is best compatible. One of the key advantages of such systems is their low cost. In addition, breaks are very easy to use, do not require special skills and are suitable even for inexper...ienced shooters. So such pneumatics are extremely popular nowadays. At the same time, it is usually made single-shot (with very rare exceptions), constant folding and unfolding of the barrel can be quite tedious, and the barrel mount tends to become loose as it wears, which reduces accuracy and power.

— Autoplatoon. Systems that do not require the shooter to take any additional actions to cock the weapon; found in PCP pneumatics (see "Type"), gas models, as well as AEGs (the latter, by definition, are made only by auto-cocking). In accordance with the name, a platoon in such weapons is carried out automatically before each shot — usually, with sending the next bullet into the chamber (although there are also single-shot models where the bullet must be inserted manually). Anyway, auto-cocking is extremely simple and easy to use. In addition, on the basis of such mechanisms, even fully automatic weapons can be created (see "Automatic mode"), although most rifles with this feature still work in the single-fire format. Among the disadvantages of such systems, one can note the complexity of the design and rather high cost, as well as the fact that air / gas is additionally consumed for the operation of the auto-cocking. This reduces the number of shots per charge, and can also reduce the initial speed compared to similar models with manual reloading (however, the latter is predominantly characteristic of gas-balloon rifles).

— Underbarrel lever. Systems that use a lever under the barrel, which must be pressed down with each cock. Like the barrel fracture described above, this method is used mainly with spring-piston mechanisms and gas springs. It is more convenient and reliable, since the barrel of the rifle constantly remains motionless, there are no fasteners in its design that can loosen up and fail. On the other hand, the lever design is noticeably more complicated and more expensive than the tipping one, and therefore is quite rare.
Note that the inflation lever in multi-compression models (see "Type") is usually not responsible for cocking the weapon, so a different cocking method is indicated for such rifles (although there are exceptions). And in gas-balloon models there is a special kind of underbarrel lever — the so-called Henry brace, as in classic cowboy hard drives (in fact, such pneumatics usually just copies this weapon).

— Side lever. Systems using a lever on the side of the rifle — usually on the right. They are found mainly in models with a spring-piston mechanism or a gas spring. As in the case of the underbarrel lever, the main advantage of this method can be called the immobility of the barrel, which contributes to accuracy and reliability. On the other hand, such a cocking system is usually made for right-handers and can be uncomfortable when firing from the left shoulder; in addition, the side lever is somewhat more difficult to fit into the design than the underbarrel. Therefore, this option is not widely used.

— Shutter. Systems using a classic type bolt handle — sliding back and forth. This cocking does not provide air pumping, and therefore is used only in gas-balloon type rifles, PCP, and some multi-compression models (see "Type"). Pneumatics with shutters are mainly made multi-charged — this is the very idea of \u200b\u200bsuch systems (feeding the next bullet from the magazine); however, there are exceptions. In general, this is a fairly simple, practical and reliable method of cocking, however, nowadays, more specific types of shutters are increasingly being used — biathlon and bolt; they are listed separately in our catalog and described below.

— Biathlon shutter. A variety of bolts (see above), copied from small-caliber biathlon rifles. In such systems, as in traditional bolt mechanisms, the cocking handle is located on the side and moves back and forth. The key difference is that this handle is mounted on a swivel mount and, when reloading, does not slide along the guides, but swings on the axis. The biathlon bolt differs from the side lever of a similar design (see above) in its location (in the rear of the rifle), the shorter lever length, and also in that it does not provide air pumping. Many shooters find this shutter more convenient than the classic one — in particular, it has a very small operating force, so you can move the lever without looking up from the sight. And in some models, for cocking, you don’t even need to remove the “shooting” hand from the handle — just hook the lever with your index finger, pull it towards you with a slight movement of your wrist, and then, if necessary, move it forward with your thumb. The biathlon action is used almost exclusively in PCP rifles (see "Type").

— Bolt lock. A kind of bolt (see above), which, when reloading, not only moves back and forth, but also rotates around its axis — similar to how it happens in many classic firearms like the Mosin rifle or Remington 700. Actually, the similarity with a real weapon this is precisely one of the key advantages of such systems: they are appreciated by fans of traditional rifles, and can also be good simulators for developing basic shooting skills from more serious "bolt" weapons. Most pneumatics with such cocking systems are PCP or gas-balloon, only a few models use the multi-compression principle (see "Type").

— Pump mechanism. Systems that use a movable handguard for cocking — like pump-action shotguns, hence the name. The main convenience of such systems is that cocking can be carried out without removing the hands from the weapon. On the other hand, the constant movement of the forearm knocks down the sight and adversely affects accuracy, so this method of cocking is not very popular in air rifles.

And in models like AEG (see “Type”) and other airsoft weapons, the capacity is indicated for the standard magazine supplied in the kit; in this case, the magazine, as a rule, is removable, and if desired, it can be replaced with another one that differs in capacity. It is worth noting here that airsoft magazines are usually divided into “bunkers” (high capacity) and “mechanics” (low capacity). Mechanas typically hold up to 150 pellets, and some of these magazines have the same capacity as real weapons. This variety is appreciated by lovers of realism and experienced players. In “bunkers,” in turn, the capacity is already hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of bullets. They are convenient for beginners and undemanding airsoft players, but a serious drawback of such magazines is noise - the balls, hanging in the main compartment of the “bunker”, turn it into a rattle, making it difficult to move covertly.

The number of shots that a PCP type rifle (see "Type") can fire on one full tank, and a gas-cylinder model — from one regular cartridge.

The larger this number, the less often you will have to be distracted by reloading a rifle or replacing a cartridge. On the other hand, an increase in the number of shots per charge has its downsides. So, in the case of PCP, for more shots on a charge, either a larger tank is needed (which affects weight, dimensions and cost), or a higher pressure in the tank (which can make refueling difficult and, again, affects cost). In LPG models using standard cartridges, more shots usually means less gas per shot and, as a result, less muzzle energy and muzzle velocity.

It is also worth noting that on the last shots of one refueling, the gas pressure and the effectiveness of the weapon are noticeably reduced; this effect is most pronounced on gas-ballooned rifles, least pronounced on PCP-models with air supply by a gearbox (see below). So the number of effective shots from one gas station will inevitably be less than the total number of shots.

The highest internal gas pressure that a PCP-type rifle cylinder can withstand without consequences (see "Type"). The maximum pressure in the cylinder does not fundamentally affect the characteristics of the rifle — models with the same value can differ significantly in muzzle energy, muzzle velocity, the number of shots at a gas station, etc. This parameter is indicated solely for safety purposes — in particular, so that the user does not “overdo it” when refueling: for example, in scuba cylinders used for this, the pressure can vary from 180 to 300 bar, while in most modern pneumatics the tanks are designed for 200 bar , and connecting more pressure is fraught with unpleasant consequences.

For comparison: the working pressure in a bicycle tyre is on average about 3-4 bar.

Volume of the compressed air tank installed in the PCP rifle (see “Type”); if there are two tanks (see below), their total capacity is usually indicated.

A large tank allows for a greater number of shots per fill, but there is no strict dependence here: this number will also depend on the pressure in the tank, muzzle energy and some other specific factors. So in this sense, the tank capacity is purely for reference. But what it directly affects is the dimensions and weight of the weapon: a larger container will inevitably weigh more and take up more space. However, the latter drawback is often compensated for by the large length and small diameter of the reservoir - such a detail fits well into the proportions of the rifle.

As for specific volumes, they can vary up to 60 – 100 cm3 in relatively simple and inexpensive rifles up to 500 cm3 in high-end models; and if there are two tanks, their capacity can exceed 800 cm3.

The type of mount for mounting sights provided in the design of the rifle. Most often in such cases we are talking about an optical or collimator sight; and the most popular mounting options are Weaver/Picatinny rail and dovetail. Here are their features:

— "Dovetail". This type of mount has a cross-sectional view of an inverted trapezoid (expanding upwards); the clamp on the sight covers this trapezoid from two sides, and the transverse cutouts, unlike the Weaver / Picatinny rails, are not provided for in the design — fixing in place is carried out in other ways. Dovetail mounts were originally used in civilian hunting rifles, as well as in Soviet-style military weapons. Nowadays, due to their simplicity, low cost and versatility, they are extremely common in air rifles. In addition, we note that you can even install a Weaver / Picatinny rail on a dovetail (such rails are available separately) and use a sight with the appropriate type of mount.

— Weaver / Picatinny rail. Fastening in the form of a bar with a T-shaped profile and characteristic transverse slots — they serve to rigidly fix the installed accessories in one place. Technically, Weaver and Picatinny rails are different types of mounts, they differ in the size of the slots; these differences are such that the sights and other “body kit” for the Weaver rails easily get on the Picatinny rail, but the opposite option is far fro...m always possible. However, in the civilian market, most weapon accessories for such slats are made specifically for the weaver, so this nuance, most often, is not fundamental, and both types of slats are combined into one category.
In general, for a number of reasons, such straps are much less common in air rifles than the dovetail. At the same time, classic pneumatics are most often equipped with Weaver mounts, but in airsoft copies of real weapons, Picatinny rails (or compatible NATO STANAG 4694 rails, also known as RIS 22 mm) can also be used.

— Is absent. The absence of any standard mounts for the sight in the design of the rifle. Most often, this designation means that the rifle is equipped with a classic front sight with a whole and does not require the installation of additional sights. However, there is also a more specific option — pneumatics, in which original mounts are used to install optics or a collimator, which are not related to the standards described above. Such rifles can be supplied with or without scopes; there are even models with non-removable optics, although extremely rare.