Has the popularity of airguns fallen off from years past?

[Goldwing]

It seems just 4 years ago the interest in airguns was massive and now it seems to have cooled off substantially, with the crack down on moderators and airguns in general, not to mention the higher cost of airgun over real guns seems to caused a cooling off towards the sport too.
Even selling off old gear seems to be slower also, I've had one of my rifles for sale at a reasonable price for over a years and no interest
What do you think?

 

[Goldwing]

I’ve been fortunate to have a good job, but I understand the misinformation and also the misuse of Airguns that make it harder on people that abide by the law

 

[Mitch260]

I think the Economy is definitely part of it, but overall I think technologically airguns have some hurdles that still need to be overcome. I was really excited about them, but having used a few now, I find I just keep going back to my .22 LR because it is so much easier and straightforward. So if .22 LR is an option where you live, its hard to justify air rifles except for very specific applications.

 

[Bngen3]

Looks like you just renewed the add for the first time since posted ?

 

[Goldwing]

Looks like you just renewed the add for the first time since posted ?

Wow you have some work to do selling all those, hopefully the economy gets better for all of us, congrats on the ones you've sold!

 

[jps2486]

The market has definitely changed. I think it's become saturated for one thing. I've been heavy into this since I got involved in FT and BR ten years ago and have bought and sold a number of top tier target guns looking for the best. I now have a decent collection and frankly, there's nothing new out there that trips my trigger. Last year, I bought a couple of SPRINGERS (oh horrors), and played around with them. In the last few years, there were a flurry of new models being introduced with all kinds of whiz-bang widgets, but that's kinda dropped off too. I also have tried to sell a pretty good rifle for a good price, but no takers. I don't know what people are looking for. Now we are being flooded with $3-600 guns from the third world which seem to be garnering a lot of interest with newbies. Economy? Maybe, but I doubt it.

 

[JDR]

I think the regulation of anti-gun states and regulated cities have done its part in the USA. Still seems with the greater firearm restrictions around the world that airguns would be more popular than firearms but have no data to back that claim up.

 

[blackdog899]

I think the Economy is definitely part of it, but overall I think technologically airguns have some hurdles that still need to be overcome. I was really excited about them, but having used a few now, I find I just keep going back to my .22 LR because it is so much easier and straightforward. So if .22 LR is an option where you live, its hard to justify air rifles except for very specific applications.

Mitch , ya got this right in my opinion also. Airguns where I live are frivolous and fairly expensive . Peripherals like tanks, compressors, hoses, fittings, etc. add up as much as the Airgun. Good quality 22lr and scope can be had for less than 500. Even a bad shooter can do 1 1/2 moa. My Sako Quad and CZ silhouette guns are both
1/2 moa at 50 and opens up to 1 moa at 100 with standard Eley or Lapua match ammo.
I use my Airguns in the cellar and backyard and it has held my interest this winter.
Truth is I can’t legally shoot in my yard so no advantage .

Having said that negativity, I’m really into it. Have accumulated quite an assortment of Air related stuff in three months
Mike

 

[Trucker3573]

I think reasonable pricing of used gear is very subjective. Most sellers think their stuff is worth more than buyers do. New models come out older model prices drop. Heck I have a gun listed almost 1k below what it cost when it was new and I realize there is probably a snowballs chance in hades I get that. Will just keep it as it makes a great bench gun

 

[cavedweller]

It seems just 4 years ago the interest in airguns was massive and now it seems to have cooled off substantially, with the crack down on moderators and airguns in general, not to mention the higher cost of airgun over real guns seems to caused a cooling off towards the sport too.
Even selling off old gear seems to be slower also, I've had one of my rifles for sale at a reasonable price for over a years and no interest
What do you think?

Ebbs and flows - many driving factors including when AGN came online in a big way - of course huge surge of interest and at the same time huge increase in technology and youtubers promoting air. But for me its access to a diversion from life and a chance to meet some great people and yeah yeah’s I’ve bought and sold insanely as well… all part of the fun.

 

[Bngen3]

Wow you have some work to do selling all those, hopefully the economy gets better for all of us, congrats on the ones you've sold!

I’m not selling anything, but when I do I get notice every week to renew. If you didn’t do that then your add went to back of the line

 

[Gsyme]

Many people got into shooting (of any kind) for the first time about four years ago. I was one of these. I also got a bow and a muzzle loader. With me airgunning (and the bow) really stuck and I am still very much enjoying it, though I don't spend a lot of money on it, I gradually go deeper. I use my DAQ for harvesting pigs and lambs on the farm, even though a .22lr, as already mentioned, is much more straightforward and I sometimes feel pretty silly pumping up my guns.

Of the people who got into airguns four years ago, only a portion remain. Many people got excited about raising animals four years ago too, but most have given up.

That might be part of what you're seeing... The drop off from an artificial peak in interest.

 

[Scotay42]

Mitch , ya got this right in my opinion also. Airguns where I live are frivolous and fairly expensive . Peripherals like tanks, compressors, hoses, fittings, etc. add up as much as the Airgun. Good quality 22lr and scope can be had for less than 500. Even a bad shooter can do 1 1/2 moa. My Sako Quad and CZ silhouette guns are both
1/2 moa at 50 and opens up to 1 moa at 100 with standard Eley or Lapua match ammo.
I use my Airguns in the cellar and backyard and it has held my interest this winter.
Truth is I can’t legally shoot in my yard so no advantage .

Having said that negativity, I’m really into it. Have accumulated quite an assortment of Air related stuff in three months
Mike

That is my problem with .22lr, you have to buy match ammo to actually be accurate. It is so much more expensive to shoot over pellets or even slugs. I shoot a tin or 2 a week, at 350 rds a tin it is $20 or less, with eley or lapua it would be $120-$140. That is a new airgun each year on minimal ammo savings if i had the cash to shoot a .22lr the same amount. Then to be quiet around my dogs I am looking at even more cash out of pocket , plus dealing with the alphabet folks for them to Let me have a moderator. Airgun win if you shoot often.

 

[beerthief]

Many people got into shooting (of any kind) for the first time about four years ago. I was one of these. I also got a bow and a muzzle loader. With me airgunning (and the bow) really stuck and I am still very much enjoying it, though I don't spend a lot of money on it, I gradually go deeper. I use my DAQ for harvesting pigs and lambs on the farm, even though a .22lr, as already mentioned, is much more straightforward and I sometimes feel pretty silly pumping up my guns.

Of the people who got into airguns four years ago, only a portion remain. Many people got excited about raising animals four years ago too, but most have given up.

That might be part of what you're seeing... The drop off from an artificial peak in interest.

I think a lot of that peek was due to Covid , stuck at home or at least not much travel . people with PB's shot Air in local fields or @ home . a lot of people started gardens or hobby farms , chicken coops ?

 

[dgeesaman]

It seems just 4 years ago the interest in airguns was massive and now it seems to have cooled off substantially, with the crack down on moderators and airguns in general, not to mention the higher cost of airgun over real guns seems to caused a cooling off towards the sport too.
Even selling off old gear seems to be slower also, I've had one of my rifles for sale at a reasonable price for over a years and no interest
What do you think?

Yes the pandemic and lack of powder burner ammo drove up airgunning interest. Some of that has receded.

 

[crazyhorse]

I got into air guns in 2007, First Co2 then Springers and finally PCP, Did FT and bench rest. Traveled to other states competing and hunted in between, Along about 2015 noticed quite a drop in interest low attendance Also noticed reduction in posts on certain air gun forums.
There may be many reasons but do not think there is any one reason for lack of interest.

 

[3Crows]

Unlike PBs, used air rifles, in particular PCPs, retain little value because PCP air gunners only want the latest thing which drives new rifle prices up and used rifle prices way, way down. And the economy has begun to pinch people, even those who have had significant disposable income, not to mention the C word and reaction to it.

 

[Vetmx]

Niche hobbies generally attract people with short attention spans.

 

[EPG]

I’m loving air gunning right now. I’m pellets only. The ability to shoot in my backyard is huge. If I lost that, I know I’d still shoot, but likely would thin down my rifle collection and prioritize other hobbies.

I think the accuracy from PCP technology is incredible.

A barrier to entry is filling the rifles. GX seems to be really addressing that with their CS2, CS4 compressors. Hopefully costs will continue to drop and reliability improve via design improvements.

I personally would like to see manufacturers continue to optimize barrels specific to pellet shooters. For example, RTI really delved into that with their slow twist LR barrels in .22 and .25 for the P1. Since then, RTI seems to be totally focused on optimization for slug shooters.

I also like innovation in making air rifles that are easier to adjust (external adjustments) and easy to swap barrels and calibers. I think that’s a key differentiator over powder burners - and would drive increased interest in owning PCP rifle(s).

One thing that would be awesome is if indoor ranges focused on air rifles were available .

 

[beerthief]

I have 3 pay per hour PB ranges that will not let Air guns inside . But also in defense if they let one in that would open it to all with very low built guns .