CO₂ rifles | Precision and Autonomy for Sports Shooting

CO₂ air rifles operate with 12g or 88g disposable cartridges, and range varies depending on model, caliber and ambient temperature.

12g cartridges: Provide between 40 and 80 shots, depending on the rifle and the power adjusted.
88 g cartridges: They offer greater autonomy, reaching 200-300 shots in models optimized for this type of load.
Temperature and consumption: At cold temperatures, CO₂ expands less, reducing efficiency and the number of shots. In warm climates, the performance is higher.
For optimal autonomy, it is advisable to use high quality CO₂ cartridges and keep the rifle at room temperature before shooting.

Maintaining a CO₂ rifle is simple, but key to its longevity and accuracy. Essential recommendations:

Lubricating valves and seals: Apply a few drops of CO₂-specific silicone oil to the cartridge seal every 500 shots to prevent gas leaks.
Barrel Cleaning: Use cleaning pellets every 1000 shots to remove lead residue or dirt.
Do not store with cartridges inserted: If you leave a CO₂ cartridge inside the rifle for long periods, the joints may dry out or become deformed.
Avoid extreme temperatures: Do not expose the rifle to very low or very high temperatures, as this affects the CO₂ pressure and internal sealing.
By following these steps, a CO₂ rifle can function perfectly for years without losing precision or efficiency.

CO₂ and PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) rifles use compressed air to shoot, but with key differences:

CO₂ rifles:

They work with disposable gas cartridges.
They are cheaper and easier to use, ideal for recreational shooting and plinking.
They do not require pumps or compressors to recharge.
They have less power and autonomy than a PCP.
PCP Carbines:

They are recharged with scuba tanks, compressors or hand pumps.
They offer greater power and precision for small game and long-distance shooting.
They are more expensive and require additional equipment for air charging.
If you are looking for a rifle for recreational shooting, training or fun, the CO₂ is the best option for its ease of use and low maintenance. If, on the other hand, you are looking for maximum precision, power and autonomy, a PCP will be more suitable.

What pellets are the most recommended for a CO₂ rifle?
The choice of pellets for a CO₂ rifle depends on the model, caliber and use that will be given to it. In general, CO₂ rifles do not have as much power as PCP or spring rifles, so the type of ammunition influences the accuracy, speed and performance of the shot.

1. For low power CO₂ rifles: better steel BBs or light pellets
Low-power CO₂ rifles (especially semi-automatic ones and those that use rotary or high-capacity magazines) are usually designed to fire 4.5 mm steel BBs or lightweight lead or lead-free alloy pellets.

4.5 mm steel BBs: They are spherical, offer less friction in the barrel and allow a higher rate of fire in replica-type CO₂ carbines. However, they are less accurate at long distances and can bounce more easily upon impact on hard surfaces.

Example: Umarex Beretta CX4 Storm, Crosman DPMS SBR, Sig Sauer MPX.
Lightweight lead or lead-free alloy pellets: Reduce velocity loss in low-power rifles and are more accurate than BBs in rifled barrels.

Recommended: H&N Excite Econ II, JSB Exact RS, Gamo Match Light.
If your carbine is semi-automatic or with a real firearm replica magazine, it will most commonly use steel BBs, while models with a rifled barrel will work better with light pellets.