Page 2 of 3 - Spring Piston Air Rifle

What is a Spring Piston Air Rifle?

A spring piston air rifle is a rifle that contains a coiled spring that, when compressed, stores energy that will later propel a projectile out of the barrel. Spring piston rifles, often called "spingers," are some of the most traditional and widely used power plants in the air gun world. These self-contained guns offer a unique shooting experience that combines simplicity, power, and challenge.

How Does a Spring Piston Air Rifle Work?

When the gun is cocked, the mainspring is compressed by the piston, which is held in the rearward position by the sear. Upon pulling the trigger, the sear releases, allowing the compressed spring to drive the piston forward.

As the piston moves forward, it compresses the air in front of it to extremely high pressure in a small compression chamber. This compressed air then propels the pellet down the barrel. The entire process happens in milliseconds with the pistons' movement.

Spring piston air rifles have a unique recoil pattern. When fired, a spring piston experiences a two-stage recoil; first, you feel the backward push as the air and pellet move through the barrel, then a forward push as the spring relaxes. During the recoil, you'll often hear a metallic twang and feel the vibration of the spring as it moves inside the piston.