The 5 Best Air Rifles Of 2024

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There's never been a better time to buy an air rifle. Of course, with all the high-tech options and many different makes and models available to buyers, it can be a little overwhelming, especially if this is your first air rifle. When you start researching air rifles, you will notice that there are many terms and abbreviations: lead, PCP, BB, variable pump, barrel brake, etc.

If you still think of your childhood air rifle as a Daisy Red Raider pistol, this will blow your mind. Sure, Ralphie's pistol, a 200-round air rifle with a compass and an indicator in the lock, was cool at the time, but there's more to the history of the rifle than compressed air. They have a long history. In fact, Lewis and Clark used a .46 caliber Girandon air rifle that could fire 22 rounds at a time on their famous expedition. We have collected the best airsoft guns below.

How we chose the best air rifles

When choosing the best air rifles, we looked at various factors because the market is currently full. In particular, we looked at different caliber rifles and different practical applications. More precisely, we have seen.

• Caliber This is a small game gun. Or can he strangle Bibi? Or is it a big measure for a big game?
  
• Is the weight of the gun light enough for a small child to carry? Or is it aimed at adults?
  
• Muzzle speed. What is the speed of this aircraft?
  
• Cost . How does this air rifle compare to its closest competitors in terms of price?

Best air rifles. Reviews and recommendations

Best stock: Jammu Varmint

Main features:

• Weight : 5.5 lb
• Caliber : .177
• Muzzle velocity : 1250 fps

Positive

• Especially
• strong
• Light weight

The inconveniences

If you're new to airguns and aren't sure if you'll stick with them, you may not want to spend a lot of money. If so, the Gamo Varmint is the perfect air rifle for you. This air rifle achieves 1250 feet per second using a .177 caliber cartridge with spring piston driven spacers. Plus, the included Gamo 4x32 scope means it's ready to use right away with no additional setup costs.

With a length of 43.3 inches and a barrel of 17.8 inches, the Gamo Varmint weighs only 5.47 pounds. This is a simple, accurate and affordable option for beginners looking for the best air rifle bang for their buck. Or, if you're a seasoned pro, this is a great gun just for fun or to introduce someone new to the airgun world. The only real downside is that the included frame could be a little cute. It is what it is, but some shooters may choose to replace it with a more attractive aftermarket version.

Best Semi-Auto PCP: Benjamin Marauder Semi-Auto

Main features:

• Weight : 8 lbs
• Caliber : .22 pcs
• Muzzle velocity : 950 fps

Positive

• Especially
• calm down
• Fast bike

The inconveniences

Semi-automatic weapons are rare today, but not in the time of air rifles. Since there is no ignition in the air gun, building the right one is easier said than done. Undeterred, Benjamin managed to divert some of the air used to propel the shot so that it would rotate properly and prepare the shooter for the next shot.

A semi-automatic version of the Benjamin Marauder is a .22 caliber PCP rifle that uses a 10-round magazine. The air tank provides about 50 shots at a distance of 900 feet per second, which allows it to fire with a knife at an amazing speed. If you go this route, make sure you have extra magazines. The closest version retains all the accuracy of the previous one, so feel free to fish with it. This is a good option for hunting small game at a distance of more than 25 meters. The disadvantages are that it is heavier than some rifles (eight pounds). It costs over $800.

Best BB: Crosman M4-177

Main features:

• Weight : 2.2 lbs
• Caliber : BB and .177 bullets
• Initial speed : 600 fps

Positive

• Packed 350 bp
• Customizable
• Excellent study help

The inconveniences

• The stock look could be better

Ammo isn't cheap or readily available these days, but air BB guns are plentiful and affordable, which is why BB guns are so popular. Almost everyone has an AR now, and the Crosman M4-177 is a great air rifle to use if you want to practice on a familiar platform while keeping costs down. With multiple Picatinny rail components and sling positions, you can mount the M4-177 air rifle as close to your “real” as you like.

The cast iron barrel can shoot BBs and pellets, and you can expect velocities up to 600 feet per second with any projectile. The tank holds 350 BBs and the removable magazine has clips that can be loaded with five BBs each. There is also space in the magazine for an aiming device. We wish the stock sights were a little nicer, but at this price point, this is a solid gun. And if you want a smooth and soft design for your optics, you can remove the sights. The flexible pump design also makes it suitable for left-handed shooters.

Best .45 Caliber: Hatsan Piledriver

Main features:

• Weight : 13 lbs
• Caliber : .45
• Muzzle velocity : 900 fps

Positive

• long term
• Powerful enough for a big game
• Convenient two-stage trigger

The inconveniences

Some people just have to find the biggest and baddest of a particular product. When it comes to big air guns, look no further than the Hatsan Piledriver. Firing a .50 caliber bullet at 850 feet per second and producing over 800 pound-pounds of force, the Piledriver can be considered a rifle.

Sure, the Air Force Texan is about 150 feet per second faster, but the Hatsun piledriver has more power, delivering an average of 200 pounds more force. If you plan to hunt with your big air rifle, this extra boost in power may benefit you more than the extra speed.

Equipped with an adjustable cheek rest and pad, a bullseye stock and a two-stage trigger, the Piledriver air rifle makes for an exceptionally versatile air rifle for hunting.

Best .50 calories. Umarex Hammer .50 Cal

Main features:

• Weight: 8.5 lbs
• Caliber : .50
• Muzzle velocity : 700 fps

Positive

• A series of two series of magazines
• Light trigger pull
• Easier than other air guns

The inconveniences

• Overnight wind damage is a common problem

The Umarex Hammer is the most powerful air rifle on the market today. It has an optimal fill pressure of 4,500 psi, which translates to roughly 3,000 psi per controlled shot. Shot with a .50 caliber bullet, it took out everything from wild boar to deer. This air rifle has been proven to kill American Bison and Cape Buffalo. With enough power to beat the black death, it will be perfect for any big game hunting situation you can throw at it.

Compared to other large air rifles on the market today, the Umarrex has done a better job of keeping size and weight down. The hammer is 43.75 inches long and weighs only 8.5 pounds, which is comparable to some rifles and shotguns. The only downside is that many users report that the tank doesn't hold air overnight, meaning you'll have to keep checking the gauge and possibly refill it frequently during multi-day hunts. The hammer is also reasonably priced: $900.

What should you consider when choosing an air rifle?

How do you use your new air rifle? Want to use an air rifle for hunting? Do you want to brag about having the most powerful air rifle? Or maybe it's the most accurate air rifle.

Just like a powder oven, you need ammo. Depending on what you choose, it can be pellet, BB, etc. You need something else: air. Depending on the type of air rifle you choose, you will need to purchase refills, etc. This isn't a big deal, but if your only option for buying an airgun is a pump-action gun, if you only need muscle power to lift and fire it, you should consider it.

PCP air rifle

The pre-loaded air-powered or PCP air rifle is the most powerful weapon in the world. These air guns use high-pressure loading tanks to propel pellets from normal to unpredictable velocities. Due to the velocities they can achieve, PCPs are generally among the best air rifles for hunting.

If you want to play preloaded air, you need a way to keep your airgun tank full. A more specific option is a large external tank that can be filled to approximately 4500 psi. If you like cardio, you can choose a manual pump that allows you to exercise with each filling. Or you can get a special high pressure compressor to keep your tanks full.

Pellet gun

The term ballet encompasses many areas of real estate. Basically, a pellet gun is anything designed to fire a pellet, including most air rifles. Common calibers for pellet guns range from .177 to .50 and up. But what you will encounter will be between .177 and .25, for pest control, small game and buckshot. Unlike BB guns, pellet guns have barrels that are tapered, which increases maneuverability and improves accuracy.

The balls are available in different sizes. Depending on the intended application, the edges are usually sharp, domed, rounded, hollow, flat or curved. The rear half is generally hollow, which promotes weight distribution and stabilizes the flight deck. This part, sometimes called the skirt, expands when the lead is released to close the hole. Adjusts the screws for proper rotation.

BB gun

Air rifles use two main types of ammunition: pellets and BBs. Bullets are made of lead or other soft compounds, while BBs are usually made of hard materials. Most BBs are made of metal and are sometimes coated with something else, such as copper or zinc, to prevent corrosion. Because they do not change on impact, BBs should never be used with metal or other reactive targets.

The diameter of the BBs that go into air rifles is the same as the size of the BBs. It is commonly referred to as .177 caliber, but it is actually 4.5mm. The round shape isn't great for aerodynamics, but it doesn't get to the point where speed becomes limiting. Be sure to shoot on concrete or other hard surfaces, as throwing hard balls can be a problem.

A great game with an air rifle

Squirrels, rabbits and doves used to be the only game that could be hunted with an air rifle, but that has changed. Larger air guns, capable of greater power, have increased the number of animals that can be morally attacked. Some intrepid hunters have captured Cape bison and American bison using air rifles and perhaps even steel nerves. Pigs, deer and predators such as coyotes have become common.

As with most things, the law will be implemented gradually. The number of states that allow hunting big game with air rifles continues to grow, but many states still do not officially allow it. If you want to try big game with your powerful air rifle, check with your state game and fishing department first.

General inquiry

A question. What is the best caliber for an air rifle, .22 or .177?

When trying to decide whether a .22 or .177 is a good caliber for an air rifle, first ask why you are using the rifle and what performance requirements are most important to you. Most target shooting is done with the .177 rifle, while assassinations are often done with the .22 rifle. The .177 has a higher muzzle velocity with lower muzzle energy, while the .22 caliber has a lower muzzle velocity with muzzle energy. Both are highly qualified. Before choosing a caliber, you need to ask yourself what your primary purpose for the gun is.

S: Can a .177 gun kill a deer?

Not in short. You can't shoot a deer with a 177 caliber. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule (never say never, right? If you want to kill a deer humanely, it's best to use at least a medium caliber .40 air rifle).

S: Quote Can you kill with a .22 air rifle?

If you don't have a .22 air rifle that can hit at lightning speed and shoot well, yes, you can kill with a .22 air rifle quote. While it would be nice to have something in .30 caliber, it can be done.

Best air rifles. Final blows

With so many great models on the market today, it's hard to make a bad choice. Ultimately, the best air rifle is a very personal topic. This is a question with many answers. If you're looking for a larger caliber air rifle, check out the Hatsan Piledriver, Umarex Hammer, or Airforce Texan. A good air rifle for beginners is the Gamo Vermint. If you want a semi-automatic air rifle, choose the Benjamin Marauder. For an affordable training option for popular platforms, choose the Crosman M4-177.

Why do we believe?

For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has provided readers with honest, original outdoor gear coverage. Our writers and editors eat, sleep and breathe the outdoors, and that feeling comes through when we review our products. Stay up-to-date with the best new tools you can rely on at F&S. And when we write about a product, whether it's a backpack or a backpack, we cover the good and the bad, so know exactly what to expect before you decide to buy.

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