There are people who are in love with air rifles. They find them to be a perfect weapon of choice for target practicing or small animal hunting because of their accuracy and the fun effect shooting can provide.
If you are one of them, see what are the best choices in this category. Below is the list of best air rifles on the market right now.
Comparison Table:
Top Picks Air Rifles for Hunting
1. DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2 – Powered BB Air Rifle
Highlights:
- Full automatic and semi-auto
- Modern design
- Realistic functions and weight
- Adjustable buttstock
- Drop out magazine
In the beginning, we present you with a DPMS Full Auto air rifle that has a stunning and quite modern design, but also some great features that will make you fall in love with it. The manufacturer says it is the best possible choice for target practicing since it has realistic functions, weight, and blowback action. It is a suitable weapon for fun times and skill development.
It has quite a durable synthetic design, it weighs only eight pounds, and it can shoot up to 1400 rounds in a minute. The maximum bullet speed it can develop is 430 fps, and it works on 12 -gram CO2 cartridges. It’s both a semi-auto and full automatic piece, and even though you may not believe it, it is pretty affordable.
This air rifle is great for beginners but also experienced shooters, and it has some great features. It comes with a buttstock that has six different adjustable positions, which makes this rifle easy to use and handle. The rifle comes with a drop-out magazine that can keep up to 25 rounds, and is compatible with 4.5mm BBs.
Regarding the transport, you will be pleased to hear that this piece has a removable pop-up sight, and when it comes to aiming at your target, there is an adjustable rear sight that will help you stay on it no matter what. It is one of the top-rated air rifles in the market right now, suitable for both adults and children.
2. Hatsan Bullboss Quiet Energy
Highlights:
- Compact design
- Easy to use and maneuver
- Quiet Energy technology
- Anti-double pellet feed
- Manual and automatic safety
According to the air rifle reviews, this one will be a great choice for you, especially if you want to start hunting pests. Hatsan BullBoss is setting a new standard in the field of bullpup air rifles. Even though it looks quite short, it has a 23 inches long steel barrel, but its design is compact and quite handy.
This piece features a repeater that has a ten-shot rotary magazine, and it will deliver velocity as high as 1170 fps using lead pellets. The great thing is that it’s quite silent since the integrated sound moderator will keep the shooting sounds under control. This Quiet Energy technology will lower the noise by up to 50 percent.
It’s very comfortable and easy to use, so even beginners will be able to handle it. The manufacturer designed it to be ready for all sorts of maneuvering. It has a detachable steel air cylinder tube, choked barrel for accuracy, synthetic ambidextrous bullpup stock, and Picatinny rail under the forearm.
Another great mechanism this piece contains is an anti-double pellet feed that will provide only one pellet load at a time. You will be able to attach 11 and 22 mm scope on the rail and the air rifle features both automatic and manual safety. It comes with one detachable rotary magazine.
3. SIG Sauer MCX-177-BLK MCX
Highlights:
- Great performance
- Metal housing
- Adjustable flip-up front and rear sight
- Five accessory mounts
- Very accurate
The third item on our list is this power-looking Sig Sauer air rifle that has some great features. It’s pretty different from anything else you can find in the market in this price range. This piece has 18 inches long rifled steel barrel, adjustable flip-up front, and rear sight, synthetic handguard, and removable tactical foregrip.
It is created for shooting and hunting sessions that ask for the dynamic, and its design is quite unique and distinctive. The rifle is based on a submachine gun with the same name, and it has great stability and ergonomics. MCX BLK comes with five different accessory mounts, as well as with Weaver/Picatinny optics rail.
Because of that, you will be in a position to add many pieces of equipment and accessories to your rifle, like a flashlight, scope, laser, dot-sight, etc. This air rifle will deliver 30 rounds of rapid-firing, which will be impressive whether you are on a target practicing or hunting expedition.
It uses 88 or 90-gram CO2 cartridges, its semi-auto piece, and its metal housing is very high-quality made. The people who use it claim that it’s very accurate at all ranges and that it has excellent balance and control.
4. HK Heckler & Koch HK416
Highlights:
- High-quality construction
- 250 rounds magazine capacity
- Battery and charger included
- Flip-up rear and front side
- Lightweight
Today’s air rifles can come in some very modern and unique design. It’s the case with this HK Heckler & Koch airsoft piece that’s AEG powered. It can provide you with full auto or semi-auto shooting, depending on what you need at the moment, and it comes with a high magazine capacity of 250 rounds.
If you are an airsoft lover, you are looking for the best air rifle, and you want to make sure you are ready and prepared for some serious action, this is definitely a great choice for you. It has a capacity to shoot rounds at a maximum of 340 fps, and it uses 6mm BBs.
The package includes battery and charger, and the rifle has a flip-up rear and front side, which will prevent those parts from getting damaged during transport. It also has an adjustable stock and an integrated tactical railing that will guarantee a comfortable shooting experience.
This rifle is made of high-quality materials. It has polymer construction and a full metal gearbox. It’s quite lightweight, it weighs only five pounds, so you will be able to easily run and enjoy the game of airsoft with it in your arms or around your shoulders.
5. Umarex Gauntlet PCP Pellet Gun
Highlights:
- Great accuracy
- Built-in regulator
- Silent shooting
- Rotary magazine
- Lightweight
All those among you who are searching for a traditional looking and powerful hunting rifle, here is a product you should most definitely consider. It is a PCP air rifle that will provide you up to 70 shots from one fill only, and it will guarantee great accuracy from each one.
It has a built-in regulator that will deliver regulated velocity. The experienced hunters claim this is one of the best air rifles in the market regarding its precision and the fact it has a quiet technology installed. The noise made while firing won’t scare off the animals.
This piece comes with one rotary magazine that has a 10-round capacity and one single shot tray. When it comes to placing air into the rifle, you can use a 4500 psi high-pressure hand pump to do that, or electronic compressors.
This particular piece works on .177 calibre pellets, and it has a 13 cubic inch regulated air tank. Also, there is an 11 mm long rail suitable for scope mounting. It’s pretty lightweight, so you won’t get tired from holding and carrying it around. This is the perfect air rifle for target practicing.
6. Barra 1866 Cowboy Series Lever Action
Highlights:
- Attention to details
- Beautiful design
- Lightweight
- Well balanced
- 1-year warranty
Here is one exquisite hunting air rifle. Not only does it have some great features, but it comes with a unique western design that will blow up your mind. The octagonal metal barrel, synthetic wood stock, iron sights that can be adjusted, and butt plate finished in gold are giving this piece quite an interesting look.
This air rifle is the perfect choice for you if you are trying to learn how to shoot, or to perfect this skill of yours. It is very balanced, lightweight, and easy to maneuver, so it can be used by grownups, but also children. There’s no doubt you will feel awesome while holding it in your hands, just like a real tough cowboy movie star.
Barra 1866 is a multi-pump pneumatic that was inspired and based on lever-action repeaters famous in the Wild West. It can fire BBs, as well as single .177 pellets, and it has a built-in 50-rounds reservoir. It will be able to hit the target 25 yards away, with great precision and strength.
The quality this piece is made of, and great attention to details made it super popular among the classic cowboy gun lovers. It features a traditional vibe and beautiful design, which makes it quite irresistible. Also, this air rifle comes with a one year warranty.
7. Winchester 1100S Air Rifle
Highlights:
- Classic look
- Affordable
- Fixed front sight
- All-weather stock
- Precise and powerful
One of the best air rifle hunting guns is most certainly Winchester 1100S. It has a classic hunting gun look, it’s very precise and powerful, and the best of all – it doesn’t cost much. You will be in a situation to save a lot of money and still get yourself a great air rifle that can be used for target practicing or shooting small game.
It has a fog-proof and shockproof scope, fixed front sight, and fully adjustable rear sight. It comes with an all-weather stock that can withstand rough handling. And it is suitable for teaching kids what the right way of holding a gun of this kind is.
This gun has the capacity to produce velocities up to 1100 feet per second. It is a single shot, break barrel item that comes with automatic safety. It’s not the world’s lightest gun, but it won’t feel like a burden carrying it for hours during a hunting day.
Winchester 1100S is a model that has rifled steel barrel, thrifty spring piston, open sights, and a second stage adjustable trigger. The manufacturer says that it is a perfect air gun for young adults who are just starting to use this type of weapon.
8. Walther Lever Action .177 Caliber
Highlights:
- Classic design
- Eight-shot rotary magazine
- High-quality made
- Adjustable sights
- Authentic lever action
According to air rifles reviews, this model is quite popular. We are talking about Walther Lever Action air rifle that has 630 fps reach and works on an eight-shot rotary magazine. It has a classic and elegant design, given that it’s made of beautiful hardwood and with a simple straight stock.
It fires .177caliber pellets, and it’s powered by 88 grams CO2 cartridges. It is very reliable, easy to use, and a high-quality made pellet rifle that will meet all your needs, no matter if you wanted to go hunting or target practicing in your backyard.
With a classic design, adjustable sights, and authentic lever action, this air rifle will be suitable for all types of shooters – beginners or experienced ones. Those who used it claim that the hooded front sight and rifled barrel will guarantee its consistency and accuracy.
This is a very balanced piece of weaponry that will perfectly fit your shoulder. The front sight can be adjusted for windage, while the rear sight is adjustable for elevation. Don’t hesitate about at least trying this rifle on, because it has everything you will need for a great shooting experience.
9. Benjamin Marauder Synthetic Stock PCP-Powered
Highlights:
- Silent shooting
- Modern looking
- Powerful
- Two-stage adjustable trigger
- All-weather type
This is a very powerful and modern-looking air rifle that’s designed for those with a little or a bit more experience. It comes with a velocity of 900 feet per second, and it uses .22 calibre. One of its biggest benefits is the fact that it shoots silently, so your action won’t disturb others around you or other animals during the hunting season.
The other great thing is there’s no recoil. So you can fire multiple rounds without having to readjust the aim. It will bring up your speed and the level of productivity for sure. This rifle is excellent for all weather conditions, given that it is made from synthetic material that’s very durable and resistant.
Benjamin Marauder rifle is a pre-charged pneumatic piece that comes with a reservoir of 250 ccs, and the ability to be filled up with 3,000 PSI. That should cover all your needs during one day of shooting, so you won’t have to reload.
There are no open sights, but the Marauder features a multi-shot design, a two-stage adjustable trigger, and an auto-indexing clip. The only problem you may have with this air rifle is during the reservoir refill because the method is quite complicated.
10. Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter Max .22
Highlights:
- Waterproof body
- Scope included
- Great accuracy
- All-weather type
- Rubber grip
The last item on our list is this fantastic hunting air rifle suitable for small game pursuit and target practicing. It has an ergonomic and all-weather design, so it will be adequate for any conditions you find yourself in.
Both the fore-end and stock wrist is covered with a checkered rubber grip insert so you will have a good grip no matter if it’s raining outside, or if it’s extremely hot or cold. You will be able to carry this rifle around your shoulder, too, thanks to the nylon-made stripe.
This rifle uses .22 caliber pellets, and it can shoot up to 800 fps. The scope with adjustable objectives is included in the package, and the rifle comes with a silent noise dampener, which will lower the level of the noise when shooting.
Thanks to the gas piston inside, this piece will provide you with a smooth and accurate shooting. Another benefit is the fact the stock and the body of the rifle are waterproof, made of durable and resistant rubber material.
Finding the Best Hunting Air Rifle – Buying Guide
When buying an air rifle, you should definitely know what you are looking for. There are several things you need to answer first – what do you need it for, what calibre you would prefer to use, what material should it be made of, what is the cost of the ammo, what safety features does it have, etc.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Product
1. Types of Rifles
There are three main types of air rifles. We have 1. CO2 powered ones that use compressed gas are placed in cartridges. You need to change or refill them after a certain number of shots. There is no pumping, so you can fire continuously, but they are less powerful than the other two types, and they can be quite expensive. Another type is 2. pneumatic, which is based on a pump system but also has some great advantages.
These rifles can shoot both pellets and BBs, they are pretty affordable, and they are great for beginners who need to learn how to use air guns. The third type is called 3. spring powered, and it features great velocity and accuracy. These guns should not be used by inexperienced shooters or children because they may be hard to cock, but other than that, they are not difficult to handle.
2. Mechanism
When it comes to mechanisms air rifles work on, we have break barrel type, which is very simple and reliable. These guns are filled with pellets directly into the barrel, and they are usually very lightweight. One downside is that the constant barrel opening can lead to scope inaccuracy.
With underlever guns, you will see the lever is placed directly under the barrel. When you pull it, you will open the breach and prepare it for loading. These air rifles are super easy to use.
The side lever is based on the same mechanism, but the lever is mounted on the side of the gun. They are insensitive to rough handling, but they may be a problem for left-handed people. And in the end, we have semi-auto rifles that do not ask for cocking. They have the magazine where all the rounds are placed, so when you wanna shoot, you just need to pull the trigger.
3. Calibre
The air rifles can be based on several different calibres, and this aspect will dictate what you can use your gun for. If your air rifle is using .177, .22, .25, and .20, you will be able to have some great target practicing sessions, or you could go in a small game hunting expedition.
If, however, you would like to engage in medium or large game hunting, you will need a rifle that works on a .357, .50, .58, and .45 calibre.
4. BB or Pellet
Now, if you started thinking about what type of ammunition you would like to use, bear in mind that BB based guns are more common and more affordable. Guns that shoot BBs are suitable for recreational shooters who don’t want to count each round.
Air rifles that use pellets are usually more powerful and more accurate, but this ammo is bigger and more expensive. Pellet should be your choice if you want to go hunting and long-range shooting.
5. Sights
Make sure when deciding on an air rifle to make sure they have either scopes or iron sights. The experts claim that sights are a much better option for short-range shooting, and in that case, you will save money since you won’t need a scope. But the type of sights depends on what you need them for.
If you want to accomplish great accuracy, you will need peep or aperture sights. But if you want to use your rifle for hunting in low conditions, choose fibre optic.
6. Scopes and Scope Mounts
Bear in mind that not every air rifle can welcome a scope, and on the other hand, some of them accept limited mounts. Also, you have to use a specific air rifle scope, because otherwise, if you use any other kind, it can easily break due to the fact air rifles produce a strong reverse recoil. You want your investment to pay off, so be careful about this aspect.
FAQ
Q1: Can an Air Rifle Kill a Man?
Air rifles are not toys, so yes, they can be pretty dangerous, and they can cause a deadly injury. Depending on the calibre that’s been used, and the distance between a person with a gun and another individual, the shot in the head can cause death. The .22 calibre can be quite effective in that matter.
Q2: Which Air Rifle Calibre Is Best for Hunting?
The .177 calibre is ideal for hunting small animals because it is cheap and available in almost any ammo shop. It is a super popular calibre, especially if you are into shooting little birds and gems. The .22 is also the right choice. It comes in different weight ranges, and it is also easy to find.
You can hit a squirrel or any other animal of that size with it for sure. The .20 calibre is usually used for bigger animals and can be quite effective in that matter.
Q3: How Far Can an Air Rifle Shoot Accurately?
According to research from the 1980s, air rifle shot can travel 400, 500 yards, but the new data show it can go even further. Also, this research showed that it could not cause some serious damage over 150 yards. Certainly, the power of the rifle will play a crucial role in that subject.
Q4: Do You Need to Have a License to Own or Use an Air Rifle?
This depends on the state you live in. The law in some states didn’t regulate this issue, but in most of them, you will need a license. Also, it is important to know that each jurisdiction has its own definition of an air gun. These regulations define the exact type of a weapon, the ammunition it uses, the velocity, etc.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that shooting from an air rifle can be an exciting and fun experience, but before you engage in this sort of action, you need to be wise and choose the right weapon for you. First of all, you need to understand the mechanisms and ways these weapons work, and then to decide what you need an air rifle for.
It is quite a complex subject, and it needs a certain time to research and get to know all the details. We made sure to provide you with all the relevant information and guidelines on what you should pay attention to. Now it’s up to you to try several of these items, how they feel in your hand, and what they can do, and then to establish what should be your pick.