A blowgun is a type of firearm that uses air pressure to fire through a tube. The term “blowgun” may lead one to believe that they are simple, but the reality is that they are quite sophisticated. Modern blowguns use an electronic trigger mechanism that fires when you pull the trigger rather than using an external hammer.
They can be used for hunting purposes or as a weapon in the hands of someone with training. A skilled user will aim and fire within seconds. Because of this, they have become popular in the last few years among those who specialize in rapid shooting. The best blowgun depends on your needs and preferences. If you plan to use it primarily for target practice, then you’ll want to consider something that has a smaller bore size and less recoil. On the other hand, if you need to fire repeatedly without pausing to reload, then you’ll want to opt for something with a larger bore and more recoil.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Blowgun
When shopping for a new blowgun, there are several factors worth considering. The following section looks at some of the most important features that can help you find the best blowgun for your needs.
Intended Use
Before deciding on which type of blowgun is right for you, think about how and where you intend to use it. If it’s a simple backyard fun day with friends and family, then a plastic or rubber gun might work fine. However, if you’re looking for a tool for self-defense or hunting, then a metal one might be better suited to your purposes.
- Plastic guns are inexpensive, lightweight, and very durable. They’re great for target practice and practicing with different shooting techniques. However, they don’t have the same weight as metal weapons and tend to break down over time.
- Rubber guns feel more natural in hand and are less likely to cause blisters. These guns also absorb shock from firing, making them safer over long periods of use.
- Metal guns are typically made out of steel or aluminum. This heavier material gives these guns heft and durability. They’re built to last and designed not to bend or dent easily.
Material
Reeds and bamboo were utilized to construct the old-style blowguns. Better construction materials, like aluminum, carbon fiber, and plastic, have been developed by manufacturers thanks to modernity. The longest-lasting blowguns are made of aluminum, and they can fire powerful darts across great distances. To deliver heavy darts, this material requires some additional weight.
Some expensive blowguns use carbon fiber because it is more aesthetically pleasing. Although they are lighter than aluminum, they are also incredibly resilient. They are only effective up to a specific distance due to this feature. The final material is plastic, which is a cost-effective option for recreational use.
Portability
How portable the blowgun is will depend on its length. Look for blowguns that can be disassembled into smaller pieces if you intend to take your blowgun on the road. This makes it possible to carry the blowgun in a backpack.
Safety
Safety must be considered because blowguns are quite powerful. Make sure no one is in the area of the target.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the blaster itself isn’t much of a concern since you’ll probably wear it on your belt or rest it against your leg when not in use. But the length and diameter of the barrel determines whether it will fit comfortably in tight spaces or get caught up on obstacles while being fired.
A longer barrel means a larger hole through which to shoot pellets, but it does add extra weight to the weapon. Shorter barrels are easier to manage, though they sacrifice power. Also consider how heavy the blaster will be without the attached magazine or ammo. A full-size Nerf gun with a 200 round drum weighs just under 3 pounds, whereas an empty plastic version would weigh only 1 pound.
Power Source
Most Nerf blasters run off batteries, but some come equipped with a charging base that plugs into the wall. Battery life varies among models, so make sure to read the product specs carefully. Some Nerf blasters plug into a charger via USB cable, which greatly increases battery life. Keep in mind that this requires having a spare charged battery handy, and it wont work with every outlet.
Accessories
Due to innovation, accessories in the market never cease to fascinate. Everyone can find something they enjoy, from little figures that double as collections to glow-in-the-dark variations that appear to have daylight beaming through them. But when it comes to quality, not all products are made equal. By employing inferior materials or producing at a lesser cost, several brands try to save money. Buyers should take precautions because cheap parts may cause premature failure, even if some benefit substantially from these sales.
Price
Blowing things up is fun, but it’s also expensive. Prices vary widely depending on brand recognition, marketing strategy, and overall quality. In general, Blowguns range anywhere between $20 and $100.
Types Of Blowguns
Blowguns come in many different sizes, shapes and styles. Each has its place in the right situation, but you need to know what you’re getting into before making a purchase.
Miniature
Smaller is better when it comes to blasters because they are typically more accurate and have lower ammo capacities. Mini blasters also tend to be lighter and more compact than their full-sized counterparts.
The downside of choosing a miniature blazer is that most blasters on today’s market aren’t designed with mini blasters in mind. Blasters intended for this size class will often feature smaller cocking mechanisms, narrower barrels, and shorter ammunition clips (usually two or four rounds). These blasters may also be single-shot blasters rather than semi-automatic blasters like most blasters on today’s market. Single-shot blasters are great for situations where every round matters or if you want absolute accuracy without reloading.
Full-size
Most blasters fall under one of two categories based on size: pistol blasters or rifle blasters. Blasters designed as handguns will almost always be larger and heavier due to the fact that blasters firing bullets require much greater force and effort than blasters firing blisters. Hand blasters can also use blip shields to protect against blipper attacks.
Rifle blasters, on the other hand, are usually equipped with a scope so that the user can make fine adjustments while shooting. This allows them to compensate for things such as wind call and bullet drop which would otherwise result in inaccurate shots.
Shotgun blasters
Shotgun blasters are blasters that were originally meant to shoot blisters, small projectiles filled with gunpowder. They are very inexpensive blasters that are easy to carry around and use in close combat situations. However, these blasters don’t hold up well against blipper attacks. Blippers strike at speeds reaching 70 feet per second and knock down targets easily.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We began by looking for the top-rated and most well-liked choices on Amazon, specialized journals, and other online merchants. Instead of looking for accessories or items to fit any type of rifle, we focused our search on items made expressly for use with blow guns.
We then focused our search on the pricing range. Finally, we did not include products that were only offered in one size or in an unfinished state. This is because we are not interested in purchasing partial kits that need us to purchase each component separately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blowguns
What is the best caliber for a blow gun?
The answer to this question depends entirely on what you plan to use it for. If you’re looking for something that can knock down an animal or two at close range, then go with one of the higher-powered options available (e.g., .50cal sniper rifle cartridge).
How do I clean my blowgun?
It depends on how much dirt and grime there is. Generally speaking, if it’s made using high quality materials and/or manufacturing practices, it will be easier to clean.
Can you have a blowgun in your house?
In most states, yes. However, some jurisdictions may pose minor restrictions.
Do longer blowguns have better accuracy?
Longer blowguns can be more powerful and accurate, but they also require longer air bursts. While shorter blowguns are lighter and easier to shoot, accuracy and power are reduced. Although lighter darts are easier to aim, they are also less forceful and accurate.
Are Blowguns Used for Targets, Hunting, or Both?
Blowguns may be used for shooting targets and/or hunting. Before pulling out your blowgun to play a shooting game, be careful to check your local rules about legal kill devices or firearms.
What are the downsides to hunting with a Blowgun?
There are quite a few downsides if we compare it to normal hunting with a rifle or a bow: You can’t actually shoot far, it’s easy to miss and it’s unreliable. In order for it to be reliable, your own performance must be good. In other words, if you have enough practice, it is accurate.