Airguns have been around for decades, and continue to increase in popularity. In fact, airguns were extremely popular well over a century ago. Lewis and Clark carried airguns on their exploits across western North America, often using it for displays and shooting demonstrations, which some say frightened would-be attackers from getting silly ideas.
Modern airguns look like any other firearm. They are well-designed, with sleek lines, stocks that fit a variety of shooters, and have well fitting components. One of the biggest differences with modern airguns is the velocity. GAMO makes a variety of different airguns for recreational shooters, hunters, and competitors. Several of their firearms are designed to shoot 1050 fps, just below the speed of sound. In doing so, there is no sonic crack, as your pellet does not reach that specific speed where it breaks the sound barrier.
GAMO has several different models of guns to choose from, and they color code them to make it easy for customers when looking at them in the store. Products with the green label are for hunting. They are ideal for critters like squirrels, that have extremely thick and durable hides, and rabbits. Guns with red labels are for pest control and recreational shooting. Problem birds or even rats could be shot with the airgun, as their accuracy makes small targets achievable. Blue labeled guns are for competitors and used for people that want the best out of an airgun.
GAMO also makes two different calibers of air rifles. The first is a .177 that uses a smaller pellet and produces lower energies. They also make a .22-caliber airgun that provides or creates significantly more foot-pounds of energy. The .22-caliber rifle is very popular amongst hunters looking for subsonic ways to harvest game in the woods, like squirrels. The .22-caliber Swarm Maxxim is an ideal gun for anyone that likes to pursue an old bushy tail high in the hardwoods.
The speed of airguns has made news in recent years, as high-caliber airguns are being used to shoot everything from hogs to introduced species that don’t have regulations for centerfire rifles. The big-bore airguns are a different class altogether, and when we are talking about the speed with the .177 and the .22 caliber airguns, different velocities are achieved by using various kinds of pellets. Supersonic pellets are being produced, made of harder materials that are lighter in weight than the more common lead pellets. Reducing weight makes for faster shooting pellets.
The bottom line is, if you don’t have a modern airgun it’s time that you had a look at them. Swarm Maxxim, by GAMO, is a modern airgun that will provide years of recreational use for the seasoned hunter, or for a novice firearm user wanting to learn more about shooting.
The Swarm Maxxim .177 holds 10-shots and has a break-action barrel. The .177 caliber shoots at 1,300 fps and comes with a with PBA Platinum, 3-9×40 scope. GAMO’s 10x quick-shot technology allows you to shoot up to ten pellets without reloading. Every time you break the barrel to cock the gun the next pellet is in place.
The Swarm Maxxim .22 caliber rifle also has the 10-shot technology and sports a break-action barrel. The .22 caliber shoots 975 fps and is outfitted with a PBA Platinum, 3-9×40 scope.
