Velocity selected beams of atoms and molecules are produced by sputtering from alkalihalide surfaces under 6 keV Ar+ bombardment. Monoatomic as well as polyatomic particles are found, the latter's fraction decreasing with energy. Above a few eV the energy distribution of a given alkali or halogen atom is independent on the target from which it is sputtered. Some sputtered atoms and molecules seem to be formed in long lived exited states.