From back in the day, air rifles have been evolving into more powerful tools for shooting in hunting or fun plinking activities. They have come in handy for those guys that want to practice their marksmanship or enjoy recreational events without sporting a real firearm.
Unlike firearms that require bullets and burn gun powder, air rifles shoot pellets – and also there is no need for gas burning. It’s just compression of gas that expels the pellet downrange.
For the record, there are no serious regulations requiring owners of air rifles to have permits, especially in North America and the United Kingdom. Even high-powered air rifles may not need a license in the U.S.
This guide about air rifles covers everything about air rifles. So, just read on and get informed inside and out.
If you are in a rush, here is a quick list of the best air rifles we recommended for you:
10 Best Air Rifles for Hunting Small, Medium, and Big Games On The Market
1. Gamo Magnum Air Rifle
– Most Common Gamo air rifle
2. Benjamin Marauder – Most Quiet Air Rifle
3. Crosman Optimus Air Rifle – Most Powerful Breakbarrel Air Rifle
4. Daisy Red Ryder – Best BB gun
5. Seneca Dragon Claw Air Rifle – Most Powerful Big Bore Air Rifle
6. Umarex Gauntlet Air Rifle – Hunting Small Game and Target Shooting
7. Hatsan BullBoss PCP Air Rifle – Most Versatile Air Rifle
8. Air Arms TX200 MkIII – Best Underlever Air Rifle
9. Diana 350 Magnum Striker Combo – Most Accurate Out of Box
10. FX Impact M3 – Best High-end air rifle
What Is an Air Rifle?
Since the inception of air rifles back in the 16th Century, there has been a great shift in hunting and shooting sports activities. Certain special calibers like the Girandoni air rifle were even commonly deployed in warfare between the 17th and 19th Centuries.
From as much as history can mention, the basic principles that guided the construction of early versions of air rifles still apply today. There may be marked distinctions in terms of features and general appearance but the concept behind has not been altered.
Technically, an air rifle encompasses any gun that shoots projectiles downrange by simply using compressed gas in the compression chamber. Other than compressed gas, carbon dioxide is also sometimes used as the propelling gas for the projectiles.
So the compressed air has to be stored in a reservoir up until when it’s the time of shooting. When the trigger is pulled, compressed gas is released behind a pellet to push it down the barrel by the accumulated pressure.
This principle is contrary to what you would find in firearms. What happens to expel a bullet in a gun is that there is burning of powder which eventually produces gas to expel the bullet.
Air rifles are built for different calibers. The lowest one being .177, there is .20, .22, .25, .30, .45, and of course the largest is .50.
Basically, this means you can do anything from small varmint hunting using the lower calibers to the hunting of large-sized game thanks to the biggest calibers in the line.
How Does an Air Rifle Work?
People will agree that pellets are pushed through the barrel by the pressure of compressed air – and that’s true. However, there’s more than just meets the eye.
What makes the pellet exit the air rifle is the momentum of molecules that constitute the compressed air. It happens that before you shoot, the air molecules just orbiting around each other, vibrating, spinning, or also crashing each other.
When you fire a shot, the molecules collide with the base of the pellet transferring momentum to the pellet. These air molecules are several, they move at high velocity, and are compressed together into a smaller volume that generates enough momentum to propel a pellet.
This mechanism forms the fundamental framework that applies both to PCPs and the spring-piston air rifles. They all work exactly in the same way.
By understanding how air rifles work, you will be able to figure out the behavior of your air rifle and know where to go when it fails. You may also be in a position to know whether or not doing some modifications would help your course.
Different Types of Air Rifles Explained
What different types of air rifles are there in the market? Essentially, there are five types may likely have:
- The spring-piston air rifle,
- CO2-powered air rifle
- Precharged pneumatic air rifle
- Gas-ram air rifle
- Variable pump air rifle
Let’s explore each in detail right in the next section:
1. Spring-Piston Air Rifle
The spring-piston-powered air rifle is perhaps built for simplicity. It’s the most common air rifle probably also because it precedes other types.
What makes these air rifles so simple is the cocking mechanism. The break barrel cocking mechanism functions such that it pulls the gun’s piston back to compress a spring.
Pulling the trigger then causes the compressed spring to force the piston in a forward movement rapidly. In the process, a column of air in front of the piston is pushed through the barrel to force the projectile out.
2. Precharged Pneumatic
PCPs or precharged pneumatic air rifles is another domineering category of air weapons. These air rifles utilize compressed air to push the pellet out from the barrel.
Compressed air is usually stored in cylinders or carbon-fiber tanks which are onboard the air rifles. PCP airguns are easy to use, depict great accuracy, and are incredibly consistent for the modern hunter and enthusiast.
3. CO2-Powered Air Rifles
The CO2-powered air rifles use a cartridge of compressed CO2 that’s usually 12-grams in weight. Functionally, they are basically designed to work like PCPs.
Note that they don’t have cylinders but just disposable CO2 cartridges. The C02 gas is stored as a liquid in those cartridges.
A standard 12-gram cartridge offers shooters about 60 shots before refill.
4. Gas-Ram Air Rifles
With the gas-ram technology, it’s nearly the same action we see in spring-piston air rifles. The exception here is that the gas-ram air rifle system compresses both a piston and a certain amount of air stored in a cylinder.
Pulling the trigger, the column of air expands and forces the piston in a forward direction to the end of the compression chamber. The pellet is ejected eventually.
5. Variable Pump Air Rifles
Pump air rifles come with a system where an air chamber has to be filled by pumping it up. That air chamber serves as the source of power that will send out projectiles.
If you are after simplistic air rifles, you may definitely benefit from these types. With variable pump air rifles, there are many pumps – could be about 8-12 pumps.
10 Popular Air Rifle Brands
Just as the market demand for air rifles has been increasing over recent times, so are the brands over the years. Today, we can mention tens of top-quality companies that make air rifles with no compromises.
In no particular order, here is a quick list to look up to:
1. Gamo
He Gamo is the world’s largest brand of air rifles. Gamo started back in the day before the airgunning industry got established.
In 1961, they made their first-ever air rifle. The company is known for making easy-to-use, affordable air rifles.
Also, they have been at the forefront of inventions. Some of the technologies they created include the Whisper Maxxim, Whisper Fusion, 10x Quick-shot, IGT Mach 1, Custom Action Trigger, and many others.
One most highly-regarded Gamo air rifle features the Gamo Magnum Air rifle. Magnum offers high-quality construction and durability.
2. Air Arms
Another successful brand features the Air Arms which was founded in 1983 in East Sussex, England. Air Arms is a household name when it comes to serious top air rifles for hunting and shooting competitions.
From spring air rifles to target and sporter models, this brand is building its foothold in the airgun industry. It is always offering the latest in technology and advancements.
The first air rifle to come to mind here is the Air Arms TX200 MkIII. It’s one of its own with a high-end underlever system. 
3. Benjamin
There are very few brands in the world today that can beat Benjamin air rifles. Air rifles from this brand boast awesome and long-lasting accuracy.
The manufacturer being Crosman, Benjamin serves a diverse base of shooters – casual to serious shooters that want to hunt with their air rifles.
Perhaps you are aware of the Benjamin Marauder air rifle that’s known not only for precision shooting but the near-perfect quietness.
4. Crosman
Crosman is not a new name in the industry. The Crosman rifles have been gracing hundreds and hundreds of shooting occasions across all types of shooters.
For a hundred years, Crosman’s dedication to quality products resulted in a highly-regarded nitro-piston technology. Some of the most common air rifles by this company are Crosman Optimus, Benjamin Trail XL Magnum, and the Crosman Vantage NP.
5. FX Airguns
FX is a top-seed company that offers serious air rifles for hunting, target shooting, and recreational sports. They take pride in precision, power, and lots of extra features for the benefit of the shooters.
FX is synonymous with longevity as it’s known among many enthusiasts. Both new and experienced shooters love this line of air rifles.
Air rifles like the FX Impact M3 and Maverick Sniper have been at the forefront of quality craftsmanship. 
6. Daisy
Who can even think of many airgun brands with over a century of exceptional manufacturing experience? Daisy has not disappointed so far given the many airguns it puts forward either for beginners or experienced buffs.
Whether it’s BB guns or pellet guns, every Daisy air weapon is worth consideration. The oldest and most famous BB gun – the Daisy Red Ryder – was made by this manufacturer.
To add icing to the cake, Daisy’s extremely affordable pricing of products proves to be their top-selling strategy over its competitors.
7. Seneca
High-power air rifles are something of a thrill in today’s experiences of shooting. The big game is nowadays hunted by air rifles.
Seneca offers very powerful airguns that are reliable and accurate for this big mission. Its air rifles are mostly PCPs, high-caliber, and very precise.
Their design features durable construction with great stability and better controls for the shooters. A famous model includes the Seneca Dragon Claw which comes with excellent power and easy controls.
8. Umarex
If you are looking for any manufacturer with a long history of great craftsmanship, Umarex is a proper point to start from. Umarex creates excellent air rifles with awesome power and function.
Shooting these air rifles is unrivaled fun. Even though they have been marketing their rifles under other brands like Walther, Hammerli, and Ruger, there is no doubt their products are second to none.
The most recent technologies by Umarex featured the renowned SilencAir and the ReAxis which can be found on high-end air rifles from Umarex.
You can find out how Umarex Gauntlet will serve your interests in hunting varmints and target shooting.
9. Hatsan Arms
Coming all the way from Turkey, Hatsan is a huge name in the airgun industry. You cannot talk of air rifles, especially PCPs, without having to mention Hatsan air rifles.
With new patented technologies, Hatsan has set some serious standards that have changed the direction of the entire industry. You will hear features like the Quatrro trigger, TruGlo Fiber optics, Vortex gas piston, XRS Recoil Reduction System, Quiet Energy, and much more – all these are inventions of Hatsan.
Popular air rifles include the Hatsan BullBoss PCP air rifle and Hatsan AirMax PCP air rifle. The company is one of the youngest in the industry but you cannot believe it has achieved all this progress in just under 50 years.
10. Diana
In 130 years since the inception of Diana air rifles, very few can argue about their authenticity in a world being frequently populated with more rifles and therefore more competition.
Diana is a master creator of break barrel air rifles. Hopefully, you’ve heard of the Diana 350 Magnum Striker Combo and Diana 34 EMS Break Barrel air rifles.
What is the Best .22 Air Rifle on the Market?
At the current time, varmint hunting has become more of a hobby than a traditional pest control method. Whether it’s in the backyard or a whole farm, air rifle hobbyists want to sport a reliable air rifle for the job – the .22 caliber has been preferred in serious jobs.
The best .22 air rifle is undoubtedly a tool that carries more power other than just precision and desirable velocity. It will take down the slightly larger pests like rabbits and skunks quite effortlessly and humanely.
The .22 caliber may be shorter and a bit slower, but it’s obviously an upgrade to lower versions such as .177 and .20.
We wouldn’t heap all pressure on just one air rifle – but if you are looking for one .22 that will not disappoint more, this Gamo Urban PCP Air rifle would be great. It’s not only loaded with tons of extra features but promises great results even at 50 yards and delivers a lot of power downrange.
What is the Best .177 Air Rifle on the Market?
When it comes to what is the best .177 air rifle on board, you cannot get short of answers. But, for truth, it’s not that easy to choose which is superior.
Nearly all models in this category do not deliver plenty of power. Their pellets are usually lighter and smaller. What this means is that they are not quite the perfect pick of tools to use for hunting or pest control.
However, someone can take advantage of .177s higher velocities that come at an average of 921 fps. They are also great at precision accuracy and long-range shooting.
If you will want the best of them for plinking or hunting smaller pests the size of pigeons and mice or even rabbits, Hatsan air rifle comes on the top. It’s a high-quality gun with a lot of potential.
Which is Better: .22 or .177 Air Rifle?
The debate of whether or not a .22 is better than a .177 arises time and again, especially among beginner shooters. Without a doubt, there is always going to be some sort of confusion given the two are the most common calibers on the market.
Generally, either air rifle scores better in certain aspects. A .22 air rifle is better in terms of the power it can deliver on the target. On the other hand, the .177 caliber offers faster velocities and sends pellets downrange more accurately.
You will need relatively heavier pellets to use in .22. But, be sure speed of travel is lower compared to the lighter pellets of .177 that can fly at an average of 921 fps. The average power in .22 air rifles is 17.4 fpe while for .177 calibers, it’s 15.64 fpe.
What this basically means is that .177 air rifles are best for certain tasks and so are .22 air rifles.
For instance, if you want to undertake control of slightly larger pests, you’d better move with the more powerful .22 options like the Benjamin Marauder Synthetic Stock air rifle. It delivers awesome power and it’s fun, accurate, and quiet.
As for the best .177, this Ruger Targis air rifle will maximize your target shooting prowess. It is also the right option for quiet shooting in your backyard.
Most Quiet Air Rifle for Neighborhood Use
Is there a single air rifle that can fire quietly 100 percent? The straight simple answer is there is none like that.
Even though air rifles do not burn chemicals to cause some big explosions when projectiles eject, they emit considerable noise to the surroundings. The biggest culprits in noise-making are precharged pneumatic and CO2-powered air rifles.
Why? Because plenty of air pressure is involved to eject pellets out of the muzzle. It’s the action of excess air exiting behind the pellet that results in these airguns being loud.
If less air follows behind the pellet, you are definitely not going to hear a lot of cracking sounds or blasts. Spring-piston air rifles emit less air when you fire. This is because the system relies on a spring and piston and not a whole lot of air.
If you live in a quiet neighborhood, you wouldn’t want to attract all concerns about the noise around you. There are not many air rifles with the ability to fire quietly to a certain level.
One of these, the Benjamin Marauder Wood Stock air rifle, will not disappoint your efforts to keep the backyard atmosphere noiseless. With just a noise level of 74 decibels, there are few reasons to fumble when firing.
Best Air Rifle for Hunting Medium Game
With slightly larger animals the size of bucks and small deer, a serious hunter ensures that a proper air rifle is available for use. Notably, as the size of the animal increases, so is the power needed to take it down humanely.
What this means is that not just any rifle will get your medium game down as you need. Higher calibers, in this case, are the go-for tools.
You are definitely going to consider air rifles from .25 caliber and above. Even better, .30 or .45 would work right with your plan.
Consider purchasing the Seneca Dragon Claw which can effectively and humanely take down any medium to large-sized game.
Best Air Rifles for Hunting Small Game
Small game hunting is a hobby for many beginner enthusiasts today. And there are lots of quality air rifles you can have for the love of the hobby.
Ordinarily, such air rifles hold less power compared to the amount required for the big game. The minimum energy you want on your air rifle for a small game is around 15 fpe, which is the average of a .177 air rifle.
But also you can seek to have a .22 which offers more power and better penetration for animals like rabbits, woodchucks, and raccoons. Benjamin Titan GP Nitro Piston Air rifle offers a great balance of power and accuracy for small-sized animals.
Best Air Rifle for Squirrels and Rabbits
For small-sized animals like squirrels and rabbits, you may need an air rifle with the capability of delivering at least 15 fpe. This could be enough to handle a rabbit or squirrel.
A decent .177 will do, even though you will need to be extremely good with your accuracy. The less power it carries; the more skill will be required for you to dispatch your target off the hook.
Crosman Nitro Venom comes as a choice you may love for the next rabbit and squirrel hunting expedition. It’s even the perfect tool you may find useful particularly in cold weather.
Best Air Rifle for Self Defense and Home Protection?
The first question that should wander in your mind is whether an air rifle for defense purposes is really a feasible and good idea. Is this something you can count on?
This is an early warning: do not use air rifles for self-defense or home protection. They are not made for that particular purpose and therefore unfit for the job.
If you are afraid of real guns for your protection at home, you better start acquainting with them. Because you cannot tie your life to a bluff such as scaring attackers or intruders with an air pistol or air rifle.
To that effect, there is no one single air weapon you can use for your self-defense. it doesn’t matter whether it’s a high-end air rifle with plenty of power or a lower caliber version.
The only instance you can use an air rifle is during training before you get started on a real gun. You can practice shooting skills on an airgun without any problem sharpening your skill.
It is safer for beginners and cheaper compared to doing that on real firearms.
Final Thoughts: Best Air Rifles for Hunting Small, Medium, and Big Games
Hope this information helps your next course of action about the best air rifles for certain activities. Air rifles have remarkably changed the world of sporting and hunting big time.
Whether it’s plinking or hunting for rabbits and squirrels, there is every air rifle for every single job that’s on board. Just make sure that you find the right one for your mission.
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