Which Air Rifle is Used in the Olympics? A Complete Guide for Shooting Sports Fans.
When it comes to precision shooting sports, few events are as respected and technical as the Olympic air rifle competitions. Whether you're a budding shooter or an air gun enthusiast in India, understanding the gear used by elite athletes can help you appreciate the sport—and even guide your own equipment choices.
In this article, we'll answer the question: Which air rifle is used in the Olympics? We'll also dive into Olympic rules, rifle specifications, and popular brands used by champions.
The Official Air Rifle Used in Olympic Shooting
The Olympic air rifle event uses .177 caliber (4.5 mm) air rifles that are powered by compressed air or CO2. These rifles are designed for 10-meter shooting, the official distance in the Olympics.
Key Specifications:
Caliber: .177 (4.5 mm)
Max weight: 5.5 kg
Trigger pull weight: Minimum 500 grams
Power Source: Compressed air (most modern rifles use pre-charged pneumatic or PCP systems)
Shooting Distance: 10 meters
Accuracy: Capable of grouping within a few millimeters at 10 meters
Top Air Rifle Brands Used in the Olympics
Professional Olympic shooters invest in high-end competition rifles from well-known manufacturers. Here are the most popular ones:
1. Walther (Germany)
Model: Walther LG400 Alutec / LG400 Monotec
Features: Adjustable stock, electronic trigger, superb balance
2. Feinwerkbau (Germany)
Model: Feinwerkbau 800X
Known for: Unmatched precision and mechanical engineering
3. Anschütz (Germany)
Model: Anschütz 9015 ONE
Trusted by: Many national and Olympic-level shooters
4. Steyr Sport (Austria)
Model: Steyr LG110 / LG110 High Power
Unique trait: Smooth trigger and minimal recoil
Note: These rifles are not for casual use. They are highly specialized and often customized to fit the body and shooting style of the athlete.
Air Rifles and Olympic Shooting in India
India has produced world-class shooters like Abhinav Bindra, who won India’s first individual Olympic gold medal in 10m Air Rifle (Beijing 2008).
While Olympic-grade rifles are not commonly available in the general Indian market, replica and training air rifles (like CO2 and spring air rifles) are available for hobbyists and sports training through regulated platforms like Airsoft Gun India.
Legal Disclaimer for India
Air rifles under .177 caliber and with muzzle energy below 20 joules are generally legal in India and do not require a license. However, always verify with local laws and authorities before purchase or use.
Conclusion
So, which air rifle is used in the Olympics? The answer is clear: High-precision, .177 caliber PCP air rifles from top brands like Walther, Feinwerkbau, and Anschütz dominate the competition.
If you're passionate about air rifles and shooting sports in India, start by training with high-quality air guns available online and keep following top-tier events like the Olympics for inspiration.
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