TOP-5 Best Air Rifles | 2019 Awesome Buyer’s Guide

In this guide, we are going to take a look at TOP-5 best air rifles currently available as well as cover some other information regarding these devices. Learn how they operate and what is the difference between those using a variable pump system, those utilizing pre-compressed gases, break barrel models and pre-charged pneumatic ones. You may find it informative to read our comparative analysis of various types of guns that maybe look similar but in fact, have significant distinctions. Read our helpful FAQ section and take a look at a comparison chart to choose the best option.

BB guns are a great introduction to the world of shooting for the young and old alike. Airsoft guns are great for target practice but are also a great way to experience the thrill of combat simulations with friends. However, there are other types of rifles that fall into this category. Yes, BB guns and airsoft guns are technically air rifles and air pistols. However, the air rifles we are referring to are a step above BB guns and airsoft guns, providing more power and better accuracy.

How Does an Air Rifle Work?

These devices work in the same manner as BB guns and airsoft guns. Compressed air is used to push a projectile down the barrel and towards the target. The compressed are is stored in a reservoir or gas cylinder.

When the trigger is pulled, the compressed air is released in a chamber located behind the projectile and causes it to launch down the barrel. Also, like BB guns and airsoft guns, air rifles have different methods for creating and storing the compressed air.

What Are The Types of Air Rifles?

As stated above, these devices have different methods for creating the compressed air needed to fire.

Variable Pump. The models that use a variable pump system for creating compressed air rely on the manual operation of a lever. Each pump of the lever creates more pressure in a reservoir. The more pressure you generate, the more velocity your shot will have. Most variable pump models will fire with only three pumps of the lever and 10 to 12 pumps will provide the maximum amount of pressure the device can hold in the reservoir.

CO2 Canister. Some models require the use of pre-compressed gases, such as CO2 canisters, in order to operate. While these types of air rifles avoid the need to manually pressurize the gun before you shoot it, the reliance on an external air source can be an inconvenient additional expense and can limit extended use.

Break Barrel. Break barrel models are similar to variable pump ones in that you have to manual pump a lever, the barrel itself, to create the air pressure needed to fire the rifle. However, unlike variable pump models, break barrel ones only require a single cycle of the lever.

Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP). Pre-charged pneumatic models feature an onboard reservoir that has to be filled with the use of a pump or high-pressure tank. While PCP units typically allow for fewer shots before needing to be recharged, between 20 and 35 shots, compared to CO2 models, 40 to 60 shots, PCP rifles are usually more powerful.

What to Look for When Buying an Air Rifle?

In order to determine which option will best suit your needs, you have to take a look at a few factors. Listed below are four of the more common considerations you should think about before deciding on which model to buy.

Space available for shooting. One of the first factors to consider is how much space you will have available to shoot. If you live in a rural area with plenty of open fields or a very large yard, then a more powerful option might be what you are looking for.

However, if you live in a heavily populated area, having a high-powered model will probably do you little good unless you are planning to shoot it at a shooting range. It is important to keep in mind that the velocity of many units is about 1,400 FPS, nearly the equivalent of a 12 gauge slug.

The primary use for the device. Another factor to consider is how you plan on using the gun. If you are planning on using it for hunting purposes, you will want to find a model that has a high velocity and uses larger projectiles, such as .22 or .25 caliber pellets. However, if you are simply looking for something for target shooting, you would probably be better satisfied with .177 caliber pellet since they typically have a flatter trajectory and are typically cheaper than the larger calibers.

Who will be the primary user. The experience level of the primary user of the device is another factor to keep in mind. Those with limited experience would probably benefit more from single-shot models, such as the variable pump models.

This will help them to stay focused on their marksmanship skills and how to use it safely. Additionally, themodels that use a variable pump design usually have the lowest velocity of all air rifles, reducing the chances of serious damages being caused by a stray shot.

How much you can afford to spend. The last consideration we will cover is how much you can comfortably spend. These products can cost as little as $50 or as much as $500 or more. For those just starting off in the world of air rifles or casual shooters, investing a large amount of money from the start really doesn’t make much sense. As you gain experience and find yourself using it more often, you can always upgrade to a better model later on.

TOP-5 Best Air Rifles

Here is our list of TOP-5 best models within the price range from $50 to $300 currently available on the market. Each model reviewed was selected based on the most accurate and trusted sources, consumers like you that have actually used them. Basically, they differ in velocity that ranges from 600 FPS to 1,425 FPS. Except for the Crosman model, all items are single-shot rifles and break barrels. There are models that have realistic design features, something that adds to their consumer appeal.

Pneumatic Pump .177 Air Rifle | Crosman M4-177

M4-177 takes the iconic design of the military model M4 and brings it to the world of air rifles. This variable pump model has a five-shot magazine for pellets and also has a reservoir that can hold up to 350 BBs. The stock is adjustable and the dual aperture rear sight features adjustments for elevation and windage.

Pros:

• Can shoot pellets at 600 FPS and BBs at 625 FPS.
• Realistic M4 design features.
• Equipped with Picatinny rails for attaching accessories.

Cons:

• The pump requires 33 lbs of force to operate and might be too challenging for younger users.
• Consumer complaints indicate that the cocking mechanism breaks relatively quickly.
• Reports from consumers state that the included sling is not very strong and breaks easily.

Crosman M4-177: Check the current price

Hunting Air Rifle | Benjamin BW8M22NP

If the name “Benjamin” sounds familiar, it should. The manufacturer has a reputation for making some of the best model on the market. Their BW8M22NP Titan in .22 caliber features an ambidextrous stock made from hardwood and has an adjustable two-stage trigger. This break barrel rifle can shoot .22 caliber pellets at 950 FPS.

Pros:

• Can shoot pellets 950 FPS, ideal for small game hunting.
• Includes a 4x32 scope and mounts.
• Features a rifled barrel for improved accuracy.

Cons:

• The pump requires a great deal of force to operate and might be too much for younger users.
• Consumer complaints indicate that the included scope is of poor quality.
• Reports from consumers indicate that the rifle is hard to zero. However, the manufacturer does suggest that you shoot 200 pellets through the barrel before making the necessary adjustments.

Benjamin BW8M22NP: Check the current price

Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle | Gamo 6110063254

This break barrel model can fire .177 caliber PBA Platinum pellets at an impressive 1,420 FPS. Additionally, this rifle was designed with the manufacturers’ Whisper Fusion, a technology that helps to reduce the noise made by the rifle when fired. Other features include a recoil reducing rail that helps to protect your scope from the shock of firing the rifle and an adjustable trigger.

Pros:

• Can shoot .177 pellets at 1,420 FPS, the highest of the models we reviewed.
• Includes a 9x30 scope and mounts.
• Features a synthetic ambidextrous stock.

Cons:

• Very loud when shooting.
• Consumer complaints indicate that the included scope mounts are of poor quality.
• Reports from consumers indicate that zeroing the rifle is nearly impossible.

Gamo 6110063254: Check the current price

Combo Air Rifle | Ruger Blackhawk

The Blackhawk from Ruger is a break barrel model that can shoot .177 caliber alloy pellets at 1,200 FPS and lead pellets at 1,000 FPS. The stock is manufactured from a composite polymer to help make it weather resistant and features checkered grips on the forearm and pistol grip. In addition to having a 4x32 scope, this rifle also has fiber optic sights that are adjustable.

Pros:

• Can shoots alloy pellets at 1,200 FPS and lead pellets at 1,000 FPS.
• Includes a 4x32 scope and mounts.
• Features a rifled barrel for improved accuracy and ambidextrous stock.

Cons:

• As with most break barrel models, the force needed to cock and load the rifle might be too much for younger users.
• Consumer complaints indicate that the rifle experiences alignment issues between the barrel and the stock.
• Many consumers indicate that the fiber optic sights are of poor quality and are unable to sight them in correctly.

Ruger Blackhawk: Check the current price

T06 Trigger Air Rifle | RWS Diana 34

While the Diana 34 might not have all of the extras many other models come with, it performs well in regards to accuracy and velocity. This break barrel rifle is equipped with an adjustable trigger, adjustable fiber optic sights, and a rifled barrel to help improve accuracy.

Pros:

• Can shoot .22 caliber pellets 800 FPS, ideal for small game hunting.
• Includes adjustable fiber optic sights.
• Features a rifled barrel for improved accuracy.

Cons:

• The pump requires a great deal of force to operate and might be too much for younger users.
• Consumer complaints indicate that the breech seal wears out quickly.
• Other reports from consumers indicate that the forearm and barrel are not aligned correctly and cause issues when reloading.

RWS Diana 34: Check the current price

FAQ

Which air rifle is the best?
From the five we took a closer look at, the Gamo 6110063254 wins our vote for the top option. Yes, there have been consumer complaints that involve the included scope, but the performance and power of the gun itself outway these complaints. For the beginner, the Crosman M4-177 would have to be our top pick. It has plenty of power to help learn the capabilities of an air rifle and it can shoot BBs and pellets, ideal for target practicing.

Which one is the quietest?
The model that produces the least amount of noise when being fired would have to be the Benjamin BW8M22NP Titan NP. The .22 caliber pellets are subsonic and produce less noise than the .177 caliber pellets which are considered ultra-sonic.

Can air rifles kill?
In short, yes. As stated earlier in this guide, some models have the same velocity as traditional firearms. Just because the projectile may be smaller or use air instead of gunpowder does not mean that they are not dangerous if used inappropriately.

What air rifle pellets are the most accurate?
There is really only one way to answer this question, buy different types of pellets from reputable manufacturers and shoot them in your air rifle. All models shoot differently. While one brand and design of pellet might work best for gun A might not be the same for gun B. Trial and error is really the only way to determine which pellet is the most accurate for your model.

Do you need a license for an air rifle?
For the most part, minors that are the ages of 16 and 17 need a license to possess it. If they do not have a license, they may still use the gun so long as it is under the supervision of an adult. However, each state has its own laws regarding this topic. Check with the laws of the state you live in for more specific information.

Air Rifles Vs BB Guns

Air rifles and BB guns may seem to used synonymously, but they are very different. While BB guns are essentially air rifles, the latter will typically have greater capabilities than BB guns. With that said, it does not mean that BB guns do not have their own unique uses.

Air Rifles

Pros:

• Better accuracy.
• Better velocity.
• Can be used for hunting small game and varmint control.

Cons:

• The projectiles are more expensive.
• The device itself typically costs more than BB guns.
• Will typically need a larger area for shooting.

BB Guns

Pros:

• Projectiles are usually cheaper.
• A quality BB gun can be bought for as little as $10.
• Generally safer than the higher powered air rifles.

Cons:

• Not as powerful.
• Typically not ideal for varmint control or small game hunting.
• Not as accurate.

Air Rifles Vs Airsoft Guns

Just as a BB gun is basically an air rifle, so are airsoft guns. However, the capabilities and uses of each type are what separates them. Where air rifles can fire lead, steel, or lead-free projectiles for the purposes of target shooting and small game hunting, airsoft guns can only fire plastic projectiles and are intended limited range target shooting and combat simulations.

Air Rifle

Pros:

• Longer range.
• Better accuracy.
• Ideal for hunting small game and some species of medium-sized game.

Cons:

• Cannot be used for airsoft activities.
• Rifled barrels mean limited options for projectile types.
• Need a large area that is a safe distance from buildings, people, and pets to shoot.

Airsoft Guns

Pros:

• The plastic projectiles are very cost effective.
• Ideal model for target practicing with limited area available and can be used indoors.
• The perfect option for participating in combat simulation events.

Cons:

• Not as accurate as air rifles.
• Limited velocity and range.
• Only able to shoot plastic BBs.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has provided you with some helpful information and that it has helped to define the difference between high-powered air rifles and traditional BB guns and airsoft guns. Shooting them cannot only teach marksmanship and firearms safety, but it can also be a fun and rewarding experience so long as it is done so safely. Good luck and happy shooting.