The Air Gun: Toy or Weapon?

Injury Risk of Nonpowder Guns

“…[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31] Some striking observations have been made. Lawrence 3 reported on a series of 10 fatalities, 1 of which was a shot through the medial canthus of the eye in a 6-year-old.…”

“…The light weight of air gun pellets allows the missile to be swept by the blood flow more readily than heavier, higher-energy projectiles. Friedman et al 7 report that the potential seriousness of pneumatic weapon injury is frequently underestimated. These authors concluded that injuries from air guns should be treated in a manner similar to those from low-velocity powder firearms.…”

“…5,6 This type of projectile is used in war games designed to mark the player with paint when he or she is hit. Air guns have been used since the 16th century 7,8 in warfare and to kill game as large as deer.…”

“…Ocular penetration can occur at velocities as low as 130 ft/second. 7,10 Polishing steel pellets with a plastic skirt increases velocity, accuracy, and range and is designed to increase penetration. Typically, high-velocity guns are classified as those with muzzle velocities higher than 350 ft/second (D. Tinsworth, MS, US Consumer Product Safety Commission [CPSC], written communication, November 26, 2001).…”

“…Typically, high-velocity guns are classified as those with muzzle velocities higher than 350 ft/second (D. Tinsworth, MS, US Consumer Product Safety Commission [CPSC], written communication, November 26, 2001). 7,9,[11][12][13] Projectiles can be fired by 3 propulsion mechanisms. The spring-piston type is a powerful spring that is cocked manually and released, driving the piston that shoots a stream of air.…”