10 Best Air Rifle [The Ultimate Review And Buying Guide]
With the increasing number of air rifles in the market today, how does one choose the perfect rifle? Trial and error may take a lot of time and money. The best thing you can do is to read our air rifle review that includes all important features as well as the pros and cons of each rifle. With this guide, our intention is to help you with your buying decision.
These top 10 best air rifle may not be as powerful as real guns, but they function the same way without any added cost. For an average price, you can still take down your targets, practice target shooting and can even use them in actual competitions.
All the rifles recommended here have prices ranging from lesser than $100 up to $650, so make sure you understand your expectations. For those of you who wants to jump straight to the bottom line, here are our top picks.
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Comparison Chart of Our Top 10 Air Rifles
We have summarized a comparison table below for your easy reference. However, it is important to note that the positions are in no particular order of importance.
| Product | Specifications & Features | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
 Benjamin Marauder Air Rifle | Type: PCP FPS: 900 Caliber: .22 & .25 Scope: Not included | 4.9/5.0 Price: $$$$ More Details |
 Hatsan Model 95 Air Rifle | Type: Spring-powered FPS: 800 Caliber: .177/ .22/ .25 Scope: 3 x 9 x 32 | 4.7/5.0 Price: $$ More Details |
 Crosman Benjamin Discovery Air Rifle | Type: Pneumatic PCP FPS: 900 Caliber: .22 Scope: Not included | 4.5/5.0 Price: $$$ More Details |
 Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle | Type: Spring-powered FPS: 1000 Caliber: .177 Scope: 4 x 32 | 4.6/5.0 Price: $ More Details |
 Remington Express Air Rifle | Type: Spring-powered FPS: 1000 Caliber: .177 Scope: 4 x 32 | 4.5/5.0 Price: $ More Details |
 Crosman Fire Nitro Piston Air Rifle | Type: Gas-powered FPS: 950 Caliber: .22 Scope: 4 x 32 | 4.5/5.0 Price: $ More Details |
 Gamo Big Cat Air Rifle | Type: Spring-powered FPS: 1200 Caliber: .177 Scope: 4 x 32 | 4.3/5.0 Price: $$ More Details |
 AGM L96 AWP Sniper Gun | Type: Spring-powered FPS: 450 Caliber: .177 Scope: Not included | 4.5/5.0 Price: $ More Details |
 Benjamin Armada Air Rifle | Type: PCP-powered FPS: 900 Caliber: .22 Scope: Not included | 4.8/5.0 Price: $$$$$ More Details |
 Beeman RS1 Air Rifle | Type: Spring-powered FPS: 1000 Caliber: .177 / .22 Scope: 4 x 32 | 4.5/5.0 Price: $$ More Details |
10 Best Air Rifles Reviews
1. Benjamin Marauder - Best High Power Air Rifle
We considered the Benjamin Marauder as the best high-power air rifle in the market today due to its power and accuracy. This rifle is a pre-charged pneumatic rifle that utilizes an air compression of 3000 psi.
It has a built-in pressure gauge, so power can be monitored even after using it for a long time. This air rifle is also considered by many users to be the quietest air rifle ever.
The trigger can be adjusted in two stages. It uses .177 caliber pellet with firing speed of 1100 FPS. If used with .25 caliber pellets, it becomes a 8 shot repeater.
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2. Hatsan Model 95 - Best Air Rifle Under $200
The Hatsan Model 95 has a Turkish walnut stock with the golden colored metal trigger. It has an attractive appearance and weighs only 8.4 pounds.
The barrel length is 17.7 inches and the whole length is 44.3 inches. This pellet gun for hunting emits devastating damage as its shots can reach up to an astonishing speed of 1000 feet per second.
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3. Crosman Benjamin Discovery - Best Air Rifle for Hunting
This rifle has dual fuel features; you can use either 2000 psi air or CO2. It's velocity is superb, 900 feet per second. The manufacturer also includes a one-year warranty.
The Crosman Benjamin Discovery uses a huge tank of highly-pressurized air for shooting, which makes this unit a perfect choice when it comes to power. Expert shooters would be happy to include this best hunting air rifle in their collection.
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4. Ruger Blackhawk Combo - Best CO2 Air Rifle
The Ruger Blackhawk is one of the more exciting guns from the Ruger brand. This model has lots of powerful features that shooters will appreciate.
It is well-structured and very accurate. If you want an air rifle with accuracy and great power, you should check out all the great features of Blackhawk.
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Remington is a popular brand when it comes to air rifles. You can expect it to be a striking, powerful, and accurate product. That is exactly what you can expect from the spring powered Remington Express Air Rifle.
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6. Crosman Fire - Best Nitro Piston Air Rifle
Crosman Fire is a gas-powered rifle with Nitro Piston technology and of high-quality airguns. Since it uses nitrogen gas instead of the spring coil, it is a bit lighter than other rifles, and it minimizes noise and vibration. It makes the rifle 70% quieter as compared to other air rifles.
In a nutshell, it offers the power and velocity recommended for pest control, small game hunting, or target shooting. It provides the best quality at a reasonable price.
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7. Gamo Big Cat - Best Gamo Air Rifle
This rifle is one of the most popular air rifles designed by this brand. It has a lightweight frame, powerful muzzle velocity, and sturdy construction which makes it a real winner for those who enjoy target practice, hunting small game or getting rid of pests.
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The AGM L96 air rifle has unique and one of a kind design, customized to meet all your shooting needs. This rifle has unmatched capabilities and can shoot even in long range. It is popular among hunters. Its shooting precision is exceptional and can accurately pinpoint targets. The price is affordable for its quality.
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9. Benjamin Armada - Best PCP Air Rifle
This PCP rifle has introduced some essential innovations to the PCP industry for many years. The company has developed its very first PCP, the Discovery. Then it introduces the Marauder which brought the air rifle to a higher level and is one of the top selling rifles.
And now the Benjamin Armada where they customized the platform, added a modular and is now available in .25 caliber.
The Benjamin Armada Air Rifle is the best PCP air rifle for the money. It is recommended for shooting practice and hunting. You can hit almost all of your targets using this rifle. If you are in search for the strongest air rifle, this model will not go wrong.
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10. Beeman RS1 - Best On The Market (Below $150)
Beeman is one of the best on the market. It is a dual rifle that can be switched between a .22 caliber and a .177 caliber barrel.
The Beeman RS1 dual caliber can adapt to different shooting situations easily. The best thing about this rifle is that you can have two rifles at the price of one. To keep the barrels, gun, rings, and scope secured, it has Velcro tie-down straps. Many users declare this model to be the best .22 air rifle they have ever use.
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Different Types of Air Rifles
There are three major types of air rifles, and these are Spring Powered, CO2 Powered Rifles and the Pneumatic Air Rifles. Below are the important features, advantages, and disadvantages of each type.
1) Spring Powered Air Rifles
This is the type of rifles which uses a spring to compress the air in its chamber as a source of power. There are three different types of spring designs – side lever, underlever, and the break barrel.
The cocking lever can be found at the right side of the rifle that you can pull back easily to cock the gun.
The underlever, on the other hand, is situated beneath the barrel. To cock the rifle, you need to pull down the side lever which opens the breach where you can insert the pellet.
The break barrel is hinged, and you need to pull down the barrel to cock the spring.
2) CO2 Powered Air Rifles
This type of air rifle makes use of compressed gas or cartridges for their power source when shooting.
3) Pneumatic (Pump) Air Rifles
This the type of air gun that is powered by a pumping level that pumps air into the chamber. You need to pump the rifle every 5 to 10 times. This will let you shoot bbs and pellets.
Factors to Consider in Buying an Air Rifle
You don’t just buy the first air rifle you find online. There are factors you need to consider when buying.
Accuracy
Accuracy is very essential when aiming and shooting a fixed or moving object. For longer distance like 35-50 yards away, it is best to use a scope to make the target more visible. If the air rifle lacks accuracy, the user will get frustrated and may lose interest in the sport.
Power
For taking out the small or medium game, a powerful rifle is what you need. You will need a pneumatic or break barrel rifle. You don’t have to use a magnum-powered or high-powered air rifle if you have plans on firing from long range. The CO2 air rifle is enough if your target is from 20-yard range. Most shooters sneak on their target and get near, before aiming and taking a shot.
Pellets
Air rifle with BBs and pellets are less expensive as compared to traditional firearms. There are different types of pellets you can use for your air rifle. The use of pellets will depend on the specifications and parameters of your air rifle. However, some users were successful in using BBs and pellets. If you are into shooting targets, you can consider buying wad cutters. If you want something that will protect the environment, choose the lead-free rifle. Hunters may also
opt for polymer tips or pointed pellets. Most hunters prefer the polymer tips for hunting.
CO2 or CO2 Free
If you want to save money, you can consider not buying a rifle that requires a CO2 cartridge. If you have the budget you purchase CO2 powered rifles which offer some added benefits like semi-automatic features. Keep in mind that replacing the cartridges can become costly and it is annoying if you purchase again and again. Consider the other types of powered-rifles if you cannot afford the one with CO2.
Price
Some air rifles are expensive depending on its different features. But, there are lots of air rifles which cost less. For beginners or purchasing a gun for a beginner, you can go for a cheaper rifle. It will help the user to get comfortable with air rifles before they can buy a more expensive one that offers many features as compared to a basic air rifle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is The Legal Age In Carrying .22 Air Rifle?
The minimum age in carrying .22 air rifle is 18. However, if your age is 14 and you want to carry an air gun in shooting ground, you can do so as long as someone older to you at least 21 is supervising you.
2. How Does The Ammunition Sizes Affect My Shot?
The .22 and .177 are the two typical sizes of the pellet. The smaller size of pellet is lighter thus it can travel faster and longer range. If you are taking shots further, the .177 pellet is recommended.
If you prefer a shot that provides a higher power shot, then choose the .22 caliber. The .22 caliber will not travel that far as compared to .177, but it can hit your target hard.
3. What Is The Correct Way Of Choosing The Right Pellet For My Air Rifle?
The majority of spring-powered airguns work properly with lightweight pellets than CO2 rifles. On the other hand, PCP rifles are more accurate with a heavy pellet.
If you are using a spring-powered rifle the pellet head should have the same measurement as the land or bore size, and the air rifle skirt size is the same as the groove size of the barrel.
4. Is it illegal to shoot squirrels with a pellet gun?
It is illegal to use a firearm in the city district. Pellet gun isn’t considered as firearm and it can be used to shoot and kill squirrels.
5.Can an air rifle kill?
An air rifle can kill small animals and birds. It can’t kill cats, dogs or larger animals, but can inflict severe injury if used improperly. We have cover more about this topic in this article.
6.What is the effective range of an air rifle?
An air rifle with a pellet of .20 caliber is effective up to 60 yards. In a case you are using high-end pellet you can increase the range for a few yards.
FINAL VERDICT
Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Rifle
So these are our top 10 air rifles for you. Which one is the best for us? Our pick for the best air rifle will definitely be the Benjamin Marauder PCP. It is considered as one of the most accurate pellet rifles on the market, quite powerful and most importantly, value for money.
Last but not least, all the other rifles mentioned in this best air rifle review possess vital features that are not visible to other brands in the market. You will not go wrong with any of the rifles recommended in this article.
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