BB guns are widely used for target practice, training, and recreational shooting. However, choosing the correct BB gun size is essential for accuracy, safety, and performance.
The term “BB gun size” usually refers to:
- Caliber size (.177, .22, etc.)
- Barrel length
- Overall gun length
- Pellet/BB diameter compatibility
This guide breaks down all key BB gun sizes in a simple chart format to help you choose the right model.
BB Gun Size Chart
| Lead Shots | Buck Shot | Steel Shot | |||
| Size | Pellet Diameter | Size | Pellet Diameter | Size | Pellet Diameter |
| 12 | 0.05 inch 1.27 mm | No. 4 | 0.24 inch 6.10 mm | 6 | 0.11 inch 2.79 mm |
| 9 | 0.80 inch 2.30 mm | No. 3 | 0.25 inch 6.35 mm | 5 | 0.12 inch 3.05 mm |
| 8.5 | 0.85 inch 2.16 mm | No. 2 | 0.27 inch 6.86 mm | 4 | 0.13 inch 3.30 mm |
| 8 | 0.90 inch 2.29 mm | No. 1 | 0.30 inch 7.62 mm | 3 | 0.14 inch 3.56 mm |
| 7.5 | 0.95 inch 2.41 mm | No. 0 | 0.32 inch 8.13 mm | 2 | 0.15 inch 3.81 mm |
| 6 | 0.110 inch 2.79 mm | No. 00 | 0.33 inch 8.38 mm | 1 | 0.16 inch 4.06 mm |
| 5 | 120 inch 3.05 mm | No. 000 | 0.36 inch 9.14 mm | Air Riffle | 0.177 inch 4.49 mm |
| 4 | 0.130 inch 3.30 mm | – | – | BB | 0.18 inch 4.57 mm |
| BB | 0.180 inch 4.57 mm | – | – | BBB | 0.19 inch 4.83 mm |
Shot/ BB Caliber Pellet Size chart
| Shot number | Diameter of shots in(inches and centimeters) | Number of lead pellets per(once and grams) | Number of steel bbs per (ounces and grams) |
| 12 | .05 inches 0.127 cm | 2385 Oz 67613.61 g | n/a |
| 9 | .08 inches 0.2032 cm | 585 Oz 16584.5 g | n/a |
| 8 | .09 inches 0.2286cm | 410 Oz 11623.3 g | 577 Oz 16357.7 g |
| 7 | .10 inches 0.254 cm | 300 Oz 8504.86 g | 420 Oz 11906.8 g |
| 6 | .11 inches 0.2794 cm | 225 Oz 6378.64 g | 317 Oz 8986.8 g |
| 5 | .12 inches 0.3048 cm | 170 Oz 4819.42 g | 243 Oz 6888.93 g |
| 4 | .13 inches 0.3302 cm | 135 Oz 3827.19 g | 192 Oz 5443.11 g |
| 3 | .14 inches 0.3556 cm | n/a | 154 Oz 4365.83 g |
| 2 | .15 inches 0.381 cm | 90 Oz 2551.46 g | 125 Oz 3543.69 g |
| 1 | .16 inches 0.4064 cm | n/a | 103 Oz 2920 g |
| B | .17 inches 0.4318 cm | n/a | 86 Oz 2438.06 g |
| BB | .18 inches 0.4572 cm | 50 Oz 1417.48 g | 72 Oz 2041.17 g |
| BBB | .19 inches 0.4826 cm | n/a | 61 Oz 1729.32 g |
| T | .20 inches 0.508 cm | n/a | 53 Oz 1502.52 g |
Shotgun Cartridge Size Chart
| Size | Diameter in millimeters | Diameter in inches | Weight of pellets per ounce and grams) |
| 9 | 2.03 millimeters | 0.080 inches | 580 Oz 16442.7g |
| 8 | 2.21 millimeters | 0.087 inches | 440 Oz 12473.8g |
| 7 ½ | 2.30 millimeters | 0.090 inches | 369 Oz 10461g |
| 7 | 2.41 millimeters | 0.095 inches | 340 Oz 9638.84g |
| 6 ½ | 2.51 millimeters | 0.099 inches | 300 Oz 8504.86g |
| 6 | 2.59 millimeters | 0.102 inches | 272 Oz 7711.07g |
| 5 | 2.79 millimeters | 0.110 inches | 220 Oz 6236.9g |
| 4 | 3.05 millimeters | 0.120 inches | 170 Oz 4819.42g |
| 3 | 3.25 millimeters | 0.128 inches | 140 Oz 3968.93g |
| 1 | 3.63 millimeters | 0.143 inches | 100 Oz 2834.95g |
| BB | 4.09 millimeters | 0.161 inches | 70 Oz 1984.47g |
| AAA | 5.16 millimeters | 0.203 inches | 35 Oz 992.233 |
| SSG | 6.83 millimeters | 0.269 inches | 15 Oz 425.243g |
| Special SG | 7.57 millimeters | 0.298 inches | 11 Oz 311.845g |
| SG | 8.43 millimeters | 0.332 inches | 8 Oz 226.796g |
| LG | 9.14 millimeters | 0.360 inches | 6 Oz 170.097g |
Short Gun Amo Box Information Chart
| Gauge in (inches and centimeters) | Weight of shot in (ounces and grams) | Impact velocity in (ft per second and meters per second) | Drams equivalent |
| 12 to 2- ¾ inches 30.48 to 6.985 centimeters | 1 Oz 28.3495 grams | 1180 ft per second 359.664 meters per second | 2-¾ |
| 12 to 2 -¾ inches 30.48 to 6.985 centimeters | 1 Oz 28.3495 grams | 1290 ft per second 393.192 meters per second | 3-¼ |
| 12 to 2 -¾ inches 30.48 to 6.985 centimeters | 1 to ⅛ Oz 28.3495 to 3.54369 grams | 1145 ft per second 348.996 meters per second | 2-¾ |
| 12 to 2 -¾ inches 30.48 to 6.985 centimeters | 1 to ⅛ Oz 28.3495 to 3.54369 grams | 1200 ft per second 365.76 meters per second | 3 |
| 12 to 2- ¾ inches 30.48 to 6.985 centimeters | 1 to ⅛ Oz 28.3495 to 3.54369 grams | 1255 ft per second 382.524 meters per second | 3-¼ |
| 12 to 2 -¾ inches 30.48 to 6.985 centimeters | 1 to ⅛ Oz 28.3495 to 3.54369 grams | 1300 ft per second 396.24 meters per second | 3-½ |
| 12 to 2 -¾ inches 30.48 to 6.985 centimeters | 1 to ¼ Oz 28.3495 to 7.08738 grams | 1220 ft per second 371.856 meters per second | 3-¼ |
| 12 to 2 -¾ inches 30.48 to 6.985 centimeters | 1 to ¼ Oz 28.3495 to 7.08738 grams | 1330 ft per second 405.384 meters per second | 3-¾ |
| 12 to 2 -¾ inches 30.48 to 6.985 centimeters | 1 to ½ Oz 28.3495 to 14.1748 grams | 1260 ft per second 384.048 meters per second | 3-¾ |
| 12 to 2 -¾ inches 30.48 to 6.985 centimeters | 1 to ⅜ Oz 28.3495 to 10.6311 grams | 1295 ft per second 394.716 meters per second | 3-¾ |
| 12 to 3 inches 30.48 to 7.62 centimeters | 1 to ⅝ Oz 28.3495 to 17.7185 grams | 1280 ft per second 390.144 meters per second | 4 |
| 12 to 3 inches 30.48 to 7.62 centimeters | 1 to ⅞ Oz 28.3495 to 24.8058 grams | 1210 ft per second 368.808 meters per second | 4 |
| 20 to 2 -¾ inches 50.8 to 6.985 centimeters | ⅞ Oz 24.8058 grams | 1210 ft per second 368.808 meters per second | 2-½ |
| 20 to 2 -¾ inches 50.8 to 6.985 centimeters | 1 Oz 28.3495 grams | 1165 ft per second 355.092 meters per second | 2-½ |
| 20 to 2 -¾ inches 50.8 to 6.985 centimeters | 1 Oz 28.3495 grams | 1220 ft per second 371.856 meters per second | 2-¾ |
| 20 to 2 -¾ inches 50.8 to 6.985 centimeters | 1 to ⅛ Oz 28.3495 to 3.54369 grams | 1175 ft per second 358.14 meters per second | 2-¾ |
| 20 to 3 inches 50.8 to 7.62 centimeters | 1 to 3/16 Oz 28.3495 to 5.315541 grams | 1195 ft per second 364.236 meters per second | 3-½ |
| 20 to 3 inches 50.8 to 7.62 centimeters | 1 to ¼ Oz 28.3495 to 7.08738 grams | 1185 ft per second 361.188 meters per second | 3 |
| 28 to 2- ¾ inches 71.12 to 6.985 centimeters | ¾ Oz 21.2621 grams | 1200 ft per second 365.76 meters per second | 2 |
| 28 to 2 -¾ inches 71.12 to 6.985 centimeters | ¾ Oz 21.2621 grams | 1295 ft per second 394.716 meters per second | 2-¼ |
Types of BB Guns
BB guns come in various types, each designed for specific purposes and experiences. First, let’s explore spring-powered BB guns. They are simple and reliable, requiring no external power source, but they can be less powerful than other types. Next, CO2-powered BB guns offer more power and consistency but come with the cost and inconvenience of CO2 cartridges.
Moving on, electric BB guns (AEGs) are popular for their automatic firing capabilities and ease of use. However, they require batteries and maintenance, which can be a trade-off for their performance. Lastly, gas-powered BB guns provide high performance and realism but can be more complex to maintain and operate.
Considering these factors will help you choose the BB gun that best meets your needs, balancing performance, convenience, and maintenance.
Choosing the Right BB Gun for You
With a clear understanding of the different sizes and types of BB guns, the next step is to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Begin by considering your purpose and usage. For example, are you looking for a BB gun for target practice or for competitive shooting? Your choice will impact the type and features you need.
Next, focus on comfort and handling. A BB gun that feels comfortable and is easy to handle will enhance your shooting experience. Test different models if possible to ensure they fit well in your hands and are easy to maneuver.
Finally, budget considerations play a crucial role. While higher-priced models often offer better performance and features, they may also come with added costs for maintenance and accessories. Weigh these factors carefully to balance your budget with your desired performance.
By considering these aspects, you’ll be able to select a BB gun that not only fits your needs but also provides a satisfying shooting experience.
How to Choose the Right BB Gun Size
Choosing the right size depends on your purpose:
1. For Beginners
- Go for .177 caliber
- Medium barrel (14–18 inches)
- Lightweight rifle or pistol
2. For Target Shooting
- .177 caliber with a long barrel
- Focus on stability and precision
3. For Pest Control / Hunting
- .22 or .25 caliber
- Longer barrel for higher impact
4. For Portability
- Compact BB pistol
- Short barrel design
Common Mistakes When Choosing BB Gun Size
- Ignoring caliber compatibility with ammo
- Choosing heavy rifles for casual use
- Assuming a bigger size always means better accuracy
- Not considering recoil and handling comfort
Safety Tips for BB Guns
Even though BB guns are less powerful than firearms, safety is still critical:
- Always wear eye protection
- Never aim at people or animals
- Store unloaded in a secure place
- Follow local laws and regulations
FAQs
1. What is the most common BB gun size?
The most common is .177 caliber (4.5 mm) due to its balance of accuracy and availability.
2. Is a bigger BB gun more powerful?
Not always. Power depends on caliber, air pressure system, and barrel design—not just size.
3. What size BB gun is best for beginners?
A .177 caliber medium barrel rifle is ideal for beginners.
4. What is the difference between BB and pellet guns?
BB guns use round steel pellets, while pellet guns use shaped lead pellets for higher accuracy.
5. Does barrel length affect accuracy?
Yes. Longer barrels generally improve stability and accuracy, especially for target shooting.
Final Thoughts
BB gun size plays a crucial role in performance, comfort, and shooting purpose. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, understanding caliber, barrel length, and overall gun size will help you make a better decision.
Choosing the right combination ensures better accuracy, safety, and long-term usability.