BB Guns and What Makes Them Work

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The basic idea behind almost any firearm, from a pistol to a cannon, is to create a small explosion just behind a projectile positioned in a cylinder. When the explosion tries to expand in a gun, it can go only in one direction. If a projectile is in the way, the expanding matter from the explosion will push the projectile forward as it makes its way down the barrel.
The principle behind BB guns is pretty much the same as in firearms, except there is no explosion. The expanding matter is ordinary air, carbon dioxide or some other gas. Before you fire the gun, the gas is compressed so that it has a greater density, and consequently a greater pressure than the air in the atmosphere outside the gun. The compressed gas is stored in an airtight container until you pull the trigger. This opens up the gas container so the gas can flow out into the barrel, just behind the BB. Since it is more compressed, the gas behind the BB pushes out with greater force than the air in the atmosphere pushes in, and the BB is propelled forward at great speed. This is the idea behind all gas-powered guns, including high-powered air rifles and paintball markers.
There are several different air-gun designs, which differ mainly in the source of the compressed air. Some air guns don't have any sort of pump action. The gas is pre-compressed and stored in cylinders, like the air in a scuba tank. To shoot the BB, the gun mechanism just has to open the pathway between this gas source and the chamber behind the BB.

Air-gun designs differ mainly due to the compressed air. Some use a pumping action to build up pressure and some use pre-compressed air which is stored in cylinders. These cylinders fit on the gun and release short bursts of air to propel the BB. Before each shot, most BB guns have to be cocked. A BB gun most likely cannot accidentally fire without being cocked first.  This makes them safer than other guns. But no gun, bb or otherwise, should be left where young children can get to them.
Most BB guns are quite safe in that they have to be cocked before they can be fired. This usually prevents them from accidentally going off. Young children should never be allowed to play with or near any type of gun. Never store a gun loaded and it is recommended that you always utilize a trigger lock when storing your weapon. It is best to keep them locked in a gun case.
With so many bb's to load and unload, who wants to mess with that? Well, you do. You should always unload your gun before storage. Removing the bb's reduces the risk of someone accidentally shooting another person or animal. Also, never point the gun at anything but the ground until you are ready to shoot it. Being care and observing all the safety precautions will help prevent you from hurting yourself or someone else.
Bebe Pistle

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