I had a .177 calibre air pistol when I was a teenager.
It was spring loaded, you pressed the barrel in to cock it.
We used pellets, and also darts, which you could use more than once on a paper/board target.
Next was a .22 air rifle which had a telescopic sight.
Couldn't hit a barn door with it, it was second hand and I suspect not right.
Moved on to shotguns.
We lived on a farm and had a .410 and a side by side double barrel 12 bore.
My shooting career didn't last long at this level.
Truth is I didn't like the noise, recoil and general feel of serious weaponry.