Side-lever air rifles

 

— cocking with a lever located on the side of the weapon. It is used in piston models with both conventional and gas springs. When the lever is moved, the chamber usually opens, allowing the next bullet to be loaded; however, this platoon system also allows multiple charges. Another advantageous difference between the lever and the break barrel (used in the same types of weapons) is the immobility of the barrel and the complete absence of swivel mounts that can come loose. Among the shortcomings of this cocking scheme, it is worth noting the possible inconvenience for left-handers — the lever is usually located based on the right-hand butt.

Separately, we emphasize that this type of platoon should not be confused with a biathlon shutter; see the relevant paragraph for more details.