On December 23, 2017, we challenged our followers to ask their questions related to Sport Shooting for us to later respond to on the blog. See the answers here!

Do I need a license to buy a PCP and transport it in the car? Can I travel to a shooting range and practice without a license?

What is the difference between a pellet with a smooth skirt and one with a ribbed skirt?

Purchasing and Transporting PCP Airguns

When it comes to the purchase and transportation of PCP firearms, you should ensure what type of firearm your PCP falls under and which class it belongs to. Regarding compressed air guns in Class G, acquisition is allowed for individuals over 18 years old through a purchase declaration. However, the use and carrying of the firearm outside of private property and authorized locations are not allowed.

Always keep in mind that, even though they are not firearms, air pressure rifles should be transported in a secure manner and never in an overt manner. Avoid carrying it exposed, no matter how briefly. These should also be transported with the purchase receipt and should be completely unloaded with no ammunition inside.

The overt transport of your air rifle, besides attracting the attention of law enforcement, can also be considered a form of intimidation, which may lead to problems later on.

Do I need a license to buy a PCP and transport it in the car? Can I travel to a shooting range and practice without a license?

Before we move on to the differences between a pellet with a smooth skirt and one with a ribbed skirt, let’s provide a brief explanation based on Portuguese legislation that regulates licenses, purchases, and transportation of firearms:

In Portuguese legislation, it is Law No. 5/2006, of February 23 – with amendments introduced by Law No. 17/2009, of May 6, and Law No. 12/2011, of April 27 – that establishes the legal framework for the manufacture, assembly, repair, import, export, transfer, storage, circulation, trade, acquisition, transfer, possession, declaration, storage, security, use, and carrying of firearms, their components, and ammunition, as well as the legal framework for special criminal prevention operations.

According to the clauses… f), g), h) and i) According to the subparagraphs of Article No. 2, point 1, of Law No. 5/2006, of February 23, it is understood as:

• Compressed air guns – a firearm operated by compressed air or another compressed gas, intended to launch a projectile
• Restricted acquisition compressed air gun – a compressed air gun capable of propelling projectiles of a caliber greater than 5.5 mm and those of any caliber capable of propelling projectiles with kinetic energy, measured at the muzzle, equal to or greater than 24 J;
• Free acquisition compressed air gun – a compressed air gun, with a caliber of up to 5.5 mm, capable of propelling projectiles with kinetic energy, measured at the muzzle, lower than 24 J;
• Sporting compressed air gun – a compressed air gun suitable for sports shooting, available for both free or restricted acquisition;

Article No. 3, point 1, states that firearms and ammunition are classified into classes, which can be Class A, B, B1, C, D, E, F, and G, based on their level of danger, purpose, and use.

According to subparagraph g) of point 5 of Article No. 3 of Law No. 5/2006, of February 23, restricted acquisition compressed air guns belong to Class C. According to subparagraph d) of point 9 of the same article, sporting compressed air guns and free acquisition compressed air guns belong to Class G. According to subparagraph d) of point 8 of the same article, free acquisition compressed air guns belong to Class F.

Article No. 11 of Law No. 5/2006, of February 23, regarding firearms and ammunition in Class G, mentions in points 10, 11, and 12 that:

The acquisition of free acquisition compressed air guns is allowed for individuals over 18 years old through a purchase declaration.

The acquisition of free acquisition compressed air guns intended for sports activities is allowed through a purchase declaration.

The use and carrying of compressed air guns are not allowed outside of private property and authorized locations.

The difference between a pellet with a smooth skirt and one with a ribbed skirt.

What is the difference between a pellet with a smooth skirt and one with a ribbed skirt?

The characteristics of projectiles significantly influence shooting performance. That’s why it’s important to have a good understanding of their characteristics to achieve good performance.

Projectiles are composed of four parts:

• HEAD – is responsible for transferring the velocity and weight of the projectile in the form of impact when hitting the target. Its shape either helps or hinders the projectile’s aerodynamics and has a direct relationship with accuracy.
• Waist – Projectiles are waisted, in part to reduce the weight-to-length ratio, but the main factor is to reduce friction in the barrel while separating the head from the skirt, allowing each part to perform its function. The waist acts like a hinge, allowing the skirt to expand and fit better into the rifling of the barrel.
• SKIRT – It is designed to receive the air blast and expand to seal the passage of air through the barrel. The skirt should be perfectly circular and have flat edges to provide the required sealing.
• INTERNAL PROFILE – It is the hollow part inside the projectile that absorbs as much air as possible and, in turn, expands the skirt. When checking the deformation of the projectile’s skirt, it’s also important to inspect the hollow section for irregularities, which can occur when the skirt’s thickness is not uniform.

Regarding the projectile’s skirt. Its thin walls seal the barrel of the gun, filling the rifling completely and making propulsion more efficient. The skirt of the projectile creates significant aerodynamic drag, serving two purposes:

1. Rapidly reduce the flight velocity of the projectile, a factor that makes air guns safer than firearms.

2. Help keep the front tip of the projectile pointed forward along the ballistic curve, increasing stability.

Short or long skirts and ribbed skirts are a feature of Round Head projectiles. The only design characteristics that can be altered in this type of projectile are the head size and the length and angle of the skirt. While skirt characteristics can also be altered in other types of projectiles, it’s important that the head remains rounded. The round-headed projectile is the most accurate at any distance, whether for short-range or long-range shots. It’s the most suitable type for Field Target shooting.

In Mundilar’s Online Store, you can find PCP Air Rifles at the best prices. Additionally, you can purchase the… accessories for sports shooting. Visit us and choose what best suits your style and preferences.

Find everything for Sport Shooting in Mundilar’s Online Store.