Abstract: A spring piston air rifle comprises a pair of mutually opposed pistons working in a common cylinder. The pistons are interconnected by a flexible connecting chain to ensure conjoint movement of the pistons. To prepare the weapon for firing, the pistons are forced away from each other compressing one or more springs until a trigger mechanism latches on to a surface associated with one of the pistons. When the trigger mechanism is released the pistons move rapidly towards each other under the influence of the compressed spring, thereby compressing gas to propel a pellet from the rifle. The conjoint movement of the pistons towards each other produces a substantially recoiless action.