Using Air Guns for Self Defense StopGap (Apologies for What May Be a Totally Idiotic Question)

I read some articles online which stated that some powerful airguns could be used for self defense if you don't have a firearm on hand. One air gun store said this was nonsense. Can I get your opinions? I realize that a firearm is the preferred self defense weapon of choice but will a powerful airgun be effective for self defense if you do not have a firearm at present? Thank you for your input.

 

I agree with BTPost, once you got your shot off they'll be on you like a pack of hyenas.

 

There is surely an argument brewing about this question. Saying that, as always, "it depends." There are some pretty snorty air guns around. For examples, see -
.50 Seneca Dragon Claw 500cc PCP Big Bore Air Rifle
I'm unwilling to argue the practicality of an air powered long arm for defense, and I know of no hand guns that would do the trick in that sort of power range. For sure, 177 or 25 cal will not do unless or even if you poke the muzzle up the perp's nose. 45 or 50 cal will work OK if pushed by enough air pressure with good aim and good hit. Also, as far as I know, ALL of these beasts are single shot. Ed, once again, cal has you by the short hairs. Know your regs. Just because the batfuggers don't classify an air gun as a firearm does NOT mean callinorfia agrees.

 

The trouble with an air gun is leakage. If you have a sealed high pressure tank to recharge your rifle you have to drag it out, hook up a hose, monitor pressure, disconnect hose, load and shoot. It'd be just about as effective as hiding behind the door with a baseball bat. It only works if you're ready and there's only one bad guy that walks into range on cue.

From what I've read of your situation your best solution looks like this.

 

There's 45 and 50 cal air guns that have permanently attached silencers, use a 3,000psi air tank and are federally completely unregulated that will shoot straight through a wild pig and are more quiet than my integrally suppressed 10/22 and are way more powerful.
There's smaller 30 and 35 cal ones that can be repeaters and can hit 22lr muzzel energy.

The biggest air gun I have is a Gamo 25 cal spring gun. It has 22CB power. It can easily kill racoons, cats, ect. It was my dads.

I feel like California would have some stupid air gun regs.

 

I would strongly suggest a revolver in 357 magnum. You can run 38, 38 special, and 357 so it's very versatile, and revolvers are easy to understand. Get some speed loaders and practice using them. Get training and range time.

A semi auto pistol in 9mm would also be a good choice, but has a steeper learning curve.

The 20 gauge semi I previously suggested are for now unobtanium, but https://palmettostatearmory.com/jts-ak-t1-18-12-gauge-shotgun-3-semi-auto-black-m12ak-t1.html is in stock and on sale. Word is they are reliable. Truly, and pump or semi in 12, 16, or 20 gauge is a good choice.

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Air guns are great survival tools for quietly taking small game 177 up to 30s. The 45s and 50s will easily take down a deer. For self defense you would be better off with a club, because that is what a air rifle or a Muzzle Loader is after the first shot.

 

Can people in commiefornia buy black powder weapons easier than common weapons? If so, maybe Ed could get some back powder weapons and practice up. Better than an airgun.

 

Iris Chang used a Ruger Old Army B.P. revolver to commit suicide in 2004 because she lived in Calif and there was no paper work on it.. From all I've read it's surprising they don't control B.P. tightly.

 

I think some of the modern B.P pistols can be converted for modern ammo,I'm not up on the information,But its out there.

 

A precharged penumatic PCP are capable of taking buffalo.
Depending on the caliber, and one's choices, several shots can be achieved.
Check out the reviews on Pyramid Air.

 

Not disagreeing but not until Coronovirus has a vaccine. My 92 year old mother died recently so there's no reason to stay here other than I have great Medical and Dental Care

 

I thought they didn't but to get a real firearm now here is a very long process. Some Ahole tried to attack me in the daylight a month ago for no reason other than he was nuts and honestly if I would have had a gun I would have killed him and then been arrested and convicted in CA. This poor person deliberately took off his face mask and tried to infect me was unarmed. Luckily I didn't catch anything.The police didn't do anything about it. This fool dispersed when I called the Police and got his license plate number.

 

I thought there were some automatic Airguns with over 700 FPE?

 

Louis and Clark carried a air gun on their trek across the west. Was a repeater capable of multiple shots per air tank filling. They used it for taking game and impressing the natives.

 

Another thought for @ED GEiN is a lever gun in 357 Mag to compliment a revolver in the same. This Rossi Carbine looks like it would be pretty handy in an urban environment:

One of the great things about one that loads from the receiver (uses the tube magazine like the one in the picture) is that you can reload on the fly. Say, you shoot a couple of rounds and there is a short break in the action - you can reload by shoving a couple of rounds from your pocket into the loading gate on the side. Now you are back to a full load. You can also get lever guns in 308 and 5.56 NATO if you are thinking military ammo compatibility. Pair one of those up with a 9mm if that is the thought. Don't forget to mild recoiling 30-30 Winchester which you can find almost everywhere. The 30-30 started out as a black powder cartridge, so if needed you could reload it with BP, which you can even make yourself.

 

There are some pretty powerful airguns out there ,, those PCP guns will take down some large game . The smaller , cheaper styles from say Walmart will buy you some time , it's not going to be the ideal weapon for multiple targets needing to be taken out quick ,,, but a well placed round will definitely stop a perp from advancing on you . But if he has any accomplices with him ,, you better be ready to throw in a few butt strokes , jabs and recoveries,,,,,,

 

Your going to shoot some Ahole for removing a mask and was ?? you !!!
Better know, once you make a move like that , if yur old and slow , my melon shot is away ,, then again I wouldn't be wearing a mask or scaring anyone.. but just think of some who are trained.
S
And PCPs are as good , but cost almost twice as much , or mine do.

 

Sorry to hear about your mother. You have my condolences and are in my thoughts and prayers.

Perhaps make a list of all the things you like about the area you are in and also all the things you dislike. That may help you to decide if you want to stay or find a new home that is safer. Obviously your significant other has a say.

Again, my condolences.