Firing device

A firing device in an air weapon comprises a first passageway for directing air to expel a projectile 18, a second passageway 5 from which the first passageway opens via a port 7 and which slidably houses a hammer 8, a reservoir for compressed air and a valve located between the reservoir and the second passageway 5 whereby upon firing, the hammer impacts the valve stem to open the valve and admit compressed air into the second passageway, the compressed air acts on the hammer to move it towards its cocked position, and after the hammer has moved a predetermined and adjustable distance, further movement of the hammer opens the port 7 to allow the compressed air to enter the first passageway and expel the projectile. The projectile may be housed in an oscillating rotor 13 which is linked to the hammer mechanism to automatically load a pellet from a tubular magazine during the firing sequence. Alternatively, the rotor 13 may take the form of a rotary magazine. Upon firing, the thimble 12 moves forwardly to seal against housing 13.