As part of our ongoing efforts to assist Grove Pony Club and Tetrathlon enthusiasts, weāve created this guide to help navigate the sometimes-confusing world of airgun purchases for this sport.
What is Tetrathlon?
Tetrathlon is a dynamic team and individual competition combining four disciplines: Shooting, Swimming, Running, and Riding. It serves as an excellent introduction to Modern Pentathlon, which is an Olympic sport. Competitors progress through various levels based on age, making it a sport for all skill levels.
Hereās a quick breakdown of the phases:
Shooting:Ā Targets are shot with air pistols from 7ā10 meters.
Swimming:Ā A timed distance swim (2ā4 minutes).
Running:Ā A cross-country run, ranging from 1,000m to 3,000m.
Riding:Ā A thrilling cross-country course, considered the most exhilarating phase by many.
ClassesĀ are categorized by age and skill level:
Open (25 and Under)
Intermediate (25 and Under)
Junior (14 and Under)
Minimus (11 and Under)
Tadpoles (9 and Under)
Beanies (7 and Under)
Rules and Restrictions for Air Pistols
To maintain safety and fairness, Tetrathlon imposes strict guidelines on air pistols:
Gun Inspection:Ā Pistols must be checked and approved before use. Competitors sharing a gun must notify officials.
Flagging:Ā Guns must be flagged with an Open Bolt IndicatorĀ to confirm they are unloaded. We recommend these OpenĀ BoltĀ Indicators.
Transport:Ā Air pistols must be carried in a hard caseĀ and only by individuals over 18.
Calibre & Ammunition:Ā Pistols must be .177 calibre (4.5mm) and use wadcutter pelletsĀ made of soft lead.
Action:Ā Only single-shot actionsĀ are permitted. No magazines or self-indexing mechanisms.
Sights:Ā Non-advanced open sightsĀ only (no optics, red dots, lasers, or fibre optics).
Size:Ā The entire setup (gun, accessories, air canisters) must fit within a 420mm x 200mm x 50mm box.
Choosing the Right Airgun
Your first decision revolves around the power source. Hereās a breakdown of the options:
Spring & Gas Ram Pistols
Spring:
Pros:Ā Affordable; no additional charging equipment needed.
Cons:Ā High recoil and loud, which can be problematic near horses.
Recommended:Ā
UMAREX SPA 60: Lightweight and compact, though it may require assistance to cock.
Gas Ram:
Pros:Ā Slightly quieter than springs.
Cons:Ā More expensive and difficult to service.
Recommended:
Non-suitable on market
CO2 Pistols
Pros:Ā Easy to operate and relatively affordable.
Cons:Ā Performance fluctuates with temperature; higher costs due to single-use CO2 capsules.
Recommended:Ā
Snowpeak CP Series: (e.g., CP1, CP2) These models are competition-friendly and adaptable.
Crosman Silhouette 2300S: The ultimate CO2 pistol. The Silhouette 2300S is a fantastically accurate pistol thanks to its Lothar-Walther choked match barrel.
Single Stroke Pneumatic Pistols
Pros:Ā Quiet operation and consistent performance.
Cons:Ā Requires significant effort to cock; higher price point.
Recommended:
GAMO Compact:Ā A classic choice with adjustable grips (right-handed only).
Chiappa FAS 6004:Ā Polished and ambidextrous, making it a top contender.
Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) Pistols
Pros:Ā High precision and consistent performance across weather conditions.
Cons:Ā Requires additional charging equipment, which adds to the cost.
Recommended:
Snowpeak CP2 PCP: Affordable with a huge following, easy to cock, but a lower shot count
Snowpeak PP700-S:Ā Compact, easy to cock, and regulated for consistency. Great shot count, Iron sights are not as accurate as PP20
Snowpeak PP20:Ā Designed for precision shooting, offering Olympic-style performance without the hefty price tag.
Essential Accessories
Hard Case:
Recommended: MegaLine Large Pistol Hard Case (50cm x 30cm)Ā for protection and portability.
Pellets:
Practice: H&N Econ Pellets ā Budget-friendly.
Competition: RWS Meisterkugeln or R10 ā Consistent and high-quality.
For CO2 Users:
Bulk CO2 Bulbs: 12g CO2 for most CO2 Air Pistols
Dry Storage Box: to prevent the Steel CO2 bulbs from rusting
For PCP Users:
Stirrup Pump:Ā Affordable but labour-intensive.
Air Tank:Ā Convenient for quick refills; requires periodic shop refilling.
PCP Compressor:Ā Long-term option for advanced users with mechanical know-how.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has provided you with a well-rounded understanding of the options available, whether you're venturing into Tetrathlon yourself or supporting a young competitor in their journey. Choosing the right air pistol can feel like a daunting task, but with the information here, you should have a clearer idea of what to look for and what suits your needs.
If you currently compete or are planning to, weād love to hear from you! Share your recommendations for clubs or any tips youāve picked up along the way in the comments below to help others in the community. Letās keep this fantastic sport growing together!
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