UPDATED: July 06, 2023
If there is one thing I enjoy very much, it's shooting and air gun. Air rifles are a fun way to get started because they have a lower-cost entry to the sport, they're quiet, ammo is much cheaper, and they're still super fun. There are different types of Air Rifles; Pneumatic, Spring-Piston, Gas Ram, and CO2. Each style of Air Rifle has pros and cons, which I will discuss later. Some of the best air rifles are a perfect entry into small game hunting or marksmanship because the price of a gun is typically much less than a larger caliber firearm.
It can be overwhelming try to decide on the best air rifle, but we have you covered. Choosing the best air rifle will ensure that it meets all your needs and you have a blast doing it!
Explore the Various Types of Air Rifles: Which is the Best Air Rifle for You
Break-Barrel Air Rifle
Break barrels are types of air guns that uses air to shoot a projectile. Break barrels use either a spring or gas piston power-plant. The name comes from the fact that the barrel splits in half or breaks in half. When the barrel breaks in half, the projectile is loaded, and the barrel is closed, pushing a gas piston to charge the gun. During the closing of the barrel, a piston system compresses air inside the chamber. These air rifles are a popular choice because of it's ease of use. The air rifles are used for recreation shooting, small game hunting, and pest control.
PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic)
Pre-Charged Pneumatic or PCP air rifle is a type of air gun that uses pressurized air. Unlike break barrel air rifles, PCP air guns contain a built-in air tank, which must be filled from an outside source. Compressed air is the primary source of pushing the projectile in this air gun setup. PCP air rifles are favored by experienced marksmen because of their accuracy, power, and consistency. Although these air rifles are accurate, they require more maintenance, have to be cleaned and oiled more often, and filled regularly. PCP air rifles are used for small game hunting, target shooting, and competition shooting.
Multi-Pump Pneumatic
Multi-pump pneumatic air rifles are a type of compressed air gun. You must manually pump air into the air reservoir, which increases the pressure with every pump. You also must manually pump this air into the chamber after every shot. This style of air rifle is a good compromise between break barrel and PCP air rifles. A typical air rifle that requires a manual pump needs between 2 and 10 pumps. Multi-pump pneumatic air rifles are used for hunting, target shooting, and casual plinking
Unpacking the Best Air Rifles – Calibers and Velocity
Let's talk about Caliber and Velocity concerning the best air rifles. Caliber refers to the diameter of the inside of the barrel (the bore). Millimeters or inches are used to display the caliber of an air rifle. Typical calibers for an air rifle are .177 and .22. A .177 air rifle is usually good for target and competition shooting. A .22 air rifle is better for hunting and pest control.
Velocity is the speed at which the air rifle will send the projectile toward the target. Feet per second (fps) or Meters per second (m/s) are used to display the velocity of an air rifle. A higher velocity air rifle is a more powerful gun, but can generate more recoil and noise. When it comes time to choose the best air rifles, take both Caliber and Velocity into consideration to ensure the gun fits your needs.
Finding The Best Air Rifles
When choosing the the best air rifles, consider the type, caliber, velocity, and power source. The type of air rifle depends on accuracy, power, and simplicity of use. The caliber depends on the primary use of the air rifles. A .177 caliber air rifle is best for target and competition shooting, and a .22 caliber air rifle is better for hunting and pest control. Velocity depends on your primary use of the air rifle. A higher-velocity air rifle is more powerful and accurate. The power source should best fit your shooting needs and preference. A PCP air rifle is easy to use with less physical effort while a multi-pump pneumatic air rifle offers control with more physical effort.
Gamo makes some of the best air rifles around with a gas piston. High-performance machine made by Gamo it has a built-in suppressor, which reduces noise and increases the accuracy of your shot. Made from high-quality all-weather, synthetic material, this air rifle will stand the test of time. It comes with a 4×32 scope and mounting kit. This rifle has a manual safety locking mechanism and a two-stage adjustable trigger. Can be purchased in a .177 or .22 caliber setup, making it perfect for hunting small game and target shooting.
Why I like the Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifles
I love this air rifle for its purity and simplicity. I love a good air rifle and this air rifle delivers where it needs to, the target. Gamo air rifles are known for their power and accuracy, and the Mach 1 definitely has both. This thing is durable beyond durable, made from high-quality all-weather material; this might be the last air rifle you'll buy. The main reason I love this air rifle is the price is on point. You cannot find a better air rifle with this type of power and accuracy at the price this gun goes for.
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Daisy 880 Powerline Air Rifle Kit
This right here is a kit, that includes everything you need to get started with an air rifle. The kit includes the rifle, scope, safety glasses, pellets, and BBs. Daisy has been around for so many years and builds the best air rifles. This air rifle has a 50-shot bb capacity and comes with a decent 4×15 mm scope and rings. The price of this air rifle is so affordable, there is no reason not to add it to your arsenal of rifles. When it comes to pellet guns, Daisy is a go-to every time.
Why I like the Daisy 880 Powerline Air Rifle Kit
You must remember the Red Ryder, right? This is a Daisy gun that brings nostalgia and a host of power with it. It is a multi-pump design air rifle, which allows you to control how much power you want to delivery to your target. I've always like the pump-action that Daisy air rifles deliver, smooth and easy. Getting 750 fps (BB) or 715 fps (pellet) with a multi-pump air rifle is out of this world; this thing is a no-brainer. This pellet gun will will also shoot BB's, making it a really versatile pellet gun.
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If you want the best air rifles, Stoeger is a great choice. I have a PCP action air rifle for you with 2900 PSI and an integrated regulator. You can purchase this air gun in a .177 or .22 caliber design with velocities of up to 1,200 fps. You get to customize this rifle as it comes with two recoil-pad spacers, two cheekpieces, and two interchangeable pistol grips. There is some amazing innovation in this rifle, which includes a 7-shot rotary magazine and a single-pellet loader. The Stoeger XM1 air gun is an amazingly powerful air rifle.
Why I like the Stoeger XM1 Airgun + Scope Air Rifles
I love this gun! It's so versatile when it comes to recreational, pest control, and hunting small game. There is an innovative 7-shot rotary magazine and Picatinny rails that contain locking magnets to offer storage for up to three additional rotary magazines. The projectiles will always hit their mark and they move at a velocity of 1,200 fps! The front and rear sights both have fiber optics. The trigger is a two-stage adjustable mechanism, making it easy to customize to your needs.
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Umarex Hammer .50 Caliber PCP Pellet Gun Air Rifle
Look, it didn't make the list, but I HAD to add it to the page. This list of the best air rifles would not be complete without this air rifle. This Umarex Hammer .50 cal PCP air rifle is so fun to shoot. This thing is one cock short of a non-air rifle. Ultralight 4500 psi, 24 cubic inches carbon-fiber air tank will deliver three full power regulated shots + 1 finishing shot. Did I mention it shoots .50 caliber pellets? Oh man, if you want to have a ton of fun, accuracy, power, and all-around durability, check this air rifle out! By the way, the Umarex Hammer air rifles will deliver the .50 caliber projectile toward your target at 1,130 fps!
Stay Safe While Shooting: Essential Safety Tips for Air Rifles and Their Users
One of the most important topics around air guns or firearms, in general, is gun safety. You can never be too careful when it comes to the handling and use of an air rifle or gun.
- You should ALWAYS treat your firearm as if it is loaded.
- Always ensure your gun is pointing away from yourself, others, and property that could be damaged.
- Always check there is nothing behind your target which could be damaged or harmed.
- You should wear proper eye and ear protection when shooting.
- Store your air rifle in a secure and locked place when not being used.
- ALWAYS keep them out of reach from children.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Never use an air rifle or firearm under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- When a problem with your air rifle occurs, immediately stop using it and take it to be serviced by a qualified technician.
- Regularly inspect and maintain your firearm to ensure it is in good working order.
