Best Air Rifles for the Money

Air rifles are all about freedom. The freedom to see beyond the limits of our sight and experience the essence and thrill of hunting. The freedom of going wherever we want, whenever we want – without having to worry about permissions and restrictions. And the freedom, quite simply, to channel our inner hunter and seek adventure in the wildest of environments.

While hunting in its original form may have been bogged down by endless paperwork, licenses, and regulations, air rifles offer an unparalleled experience where you can hone your skills as a hunter at your own pace, at your own pace, and in a setting of your choice. Additionally, air rifles serve as an effective means of keeping pests, varmints, and intruders away from your property without needing to resort to anything lethal.

However, as versatile and game-changing as air rifles are, they often come in a myriad of models, prices, and specs, which can make choosing the right air rifle for your needs a daunting, if not unnerving, task. To help ease your decision-making process, we’ve taken a look at seven of the best air rifles on the market and broken them down into categories that consider price, power, and features. From powerful, gas-powered air rifles to budget-friendly spring-powered air rifles, these air rifles offer an experience worth investing in.

So, without any further ado, let’s jump right in!

7 Reasons Why Air Gun is Arguably the Better Option for Preppers

Before we dive into our list of best air rifles, let’s look at seven reasons why investing in an air gun makes sense. For a prepper, no investment could ever be more worthwhile — an air rifle delivers all you need to survive and thrive in any environment or scenario, without having to worry about carrying heavy objects around or drawing attention to yourself when hunting game and providing food for your family in the outdoors. And though you might prefer having a standard firearm for personal defense or fun plinking targets out in your backyard, you simply can’t ignore how useful air guns are. In fact, here are seven reasons why it pays to invest in an air gun:

1. Air gun ammo is insanely cheap to stockpile in bulk,
2. They’re easy to transport and store, unlike a standard firearm,
3. They can be used in almost any environment without drawing attention,
4. They deliver high velocities that have no trouble downing small game and varmints on a budget,
5. Hunting game with an air gun is both fun and exhilarating; plus, you won’t need to worry about clean-up or attracting predators near your home when going after prey,
6. You don’t have to undergo background checks or licensing in most US states, and;
7. Children too can safely use air guns, making them a great family activity while also serving as an effective means of safety and hunting training, as well.

So, if you’re still on the fence about investing in an air gun, we hope these seven reasons have helped you see that they are a wise choice worth considering when putting together your prepper arsenal! Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s look at our best-rated air rifles to help guide you through your decision-making process!

7 Experts Tips to Help You Make An Informed Decision When Buying Your First Air Rifle

Shopping for an air rifle can be intimidating at first glance. The sheer number of options available, as well as terminology and product specifications, can make shopping feel like an uphill battle. Additionally, you might have a friend or family member with their own favorite model of the air rifle that you will inevitably have to compare your purchase against. But all is not lost! Enlisted are seven experts’ tips and insights when buying an air rifle so you can become fully informed when making your next decision:

1. Spring-Powered Break-Barrel Air Rifles Are Most Reliable

While compressed air rifles are more popular, many experts recommend opting for a spring-powered break barrel model. A BB gun is usually easier to use and maintain, even if it requires occasional cleaning. Additionally, you can find some excellent options under $200 from trusted brands and models that might still give you years of service!

2. Give Domed .22 Pellet Flavor a Try

If you enjoy hunting small game and shooting targets, then consider buying a quality air rifle that shoots domed .22 caliber pellets. These pellets are typically smoother and lighter than standard lead pellets, delivering better accuracy and providing tighter pellet groups downrange!

3. Shot Placement Is Critical

Preppers and survivalists know that shot placement is critical in a self-defense situation, and even more so when hunting game for food, too! The same holds true with air rifles — they provide you with unmatched accuracy and are capable of bringing down small game like squirrels, rabbits, and groundhogs without a lot of effort or noise!

4. Regular Firearm Optic Won’t Work on Air Rifle

Air rifle has specific optic requirements, especially when you’re looking at scopes and crosshairs. Try shopping online to browse some of these models before you invest in your own air rifle, so you have a better idea of what to look for downrange! Additionally, keep in mind that 1/3, 1/4, and 1/5 Mil-Dot reticles are common sights on many air rifles — you’ll want something similar if it’s available on your BB gun!

5. Practice

Air rifle alone won’t make you a marksman; you have to practice and get in some time behind the trigger to hone your skills and develop muscle memory! So take yourself to the range as often as possible, even if it’s just to sight downrange and see how you can improve at long distances.

6. Pre-charged Pneumatic (PCP) Air Guns

A pre-charged pneumatic air gun (or PCP for short) delivers more power, speed, and range than your standard BB gun — empowering you to hunt small to medium game with confidence! But they also tend to cost a bit more money, too, so keep that in mind when making your decision!

7. Big-Bore Air Gun Calibers

For more punch and killing power, consider investing in a big bore air gun that uses .30 caliber or larger BBs! The extra weight and wider pellets will allow you to bring down medium game with ease when hunting! And with much better range and power than small calibers, there’s a lot of appeal to these air rifles if you’re looking to diversify your armory and hunting skills!

Now with the basics covered, let’s take a look at seven of our favorite big bore air rifles — in order!

1. Diana 34 Air Rifle .22 Spring

Give yourself a high-powered air rifle without breaking your bank with a model from a world-renowned manufacturer Diana! Their 34-air rifle is a spring-powered break barrel that’s perfect for small game hunting in long grass or even backyard plinking fun when you’re getting in some trigger time. In fact, it’s so accurate that many shooters find themselves falling in love at first sight — making it one of our favorites on today’s list! Further backed with German precision, dependability, and all-around quality, Diana 34 Air Rifle .22 empowers its wielder to bring down targets efficiently, fast, quiet, and accurately. No wonder they’ve been used by hunters across Europe since their release nearly 100 years ago!

2. Beeman R9 Air Rifle .22 Spring-Piston

If you’re an avid shooter or just someone who loves a beautifully-crafted piece of equipment, you’ll be thrilled to have a look at one of our favorite air rifles by German manufacturer Beeman — the R9! Weighing in at just under 40 lbs and coming with a hardwood stock, it’s got a great heft and weight that make it feel like something that can last through generations! We know what you’re thinking — it is going to be expensive, right? Well, surprisingly enough, it isn’t. In fact, it’s only around $600, depending on your setup! Now that’s some amazing quality and price ratio right their folks!

Further boasting a world-famous two-stage adjustable Rekord trigger as well as match-grade accuracy and adjustable rear sight for windage & elevation, you’ll get hundreds upon hundreds of hours’ worth of fun with such high-quality craftsmanship. So, if you’re looking for a stunning addition to your collection or even if you’re new to shooting, we highly recommend getting yourself Beeman R9 Air Rifle .22 — you won’t regret it!

3. Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X Gen2 (.22 and .177) Gas Piston

Harness the power of modern gas piston technology with a rifle that combines a classic look with state-of-the-art performance! This gas piston air rifle from Spanish manufacturer Gamo is one of our favorites on today’s list due to its magazine configuration and customizable features! In fact, you can get yourself three different versions of it — all tailored for your specific requirements!

So, whether you’re looking to go on hunting expeditions in tall grass or just want something that can handle plinking targets like no other, we recommend picking up either a .177 caliber or even bigger .22 caliber model! This way, you can have something that’s great at taking down the small game as well as small mammals when you’re shooting at longer ranges!

Further featuring a 10-round magazine that feeds pellets directly into the barrel via rotary wheel mechanism, integrated (silencer), auto safety trigger lock, rifled barrel, and much more, getting your hands on one of these is an absolute no-brainer! Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X Gen2 even has an advanced shock wave absorber recoil pad along with a recoil-reducing scope rail, both designed to enhance your accuracy potential by cutting felt recoil almost in half! Overall, if you’re looking for a stunningly good gas piston pellet gun to add to enrich your daily or weekly shooting routine, we highly recommend checking out Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X Gen2!

In fact, we definitely wouldn’t be surprised if you got rid of all those old rifles in favor of such an advanced yet affordable option! Costing only around $300 depending on what version, of course; you really can’t beat these prices while getting yourself almost any gun imaginable!

4. Hatsan 135 QE Vortex Air Rifle (.177, .22, .25 and .30)

Want a rifle that combines modern technology with old-fashioned elegance? Don’t worry — Hatsan has you covered! Featuring a top-quality synthetic stock and additional ABS polymer construction combined with elements such as 100% ambidextrous grip, safety catch (bolt), rubber butt plate, built-in checkered forearm, anti-beartrap mechanism, superior magazine capacity (10 rounds), high power rubber recoil pad (with shock absorber system), and much more; everything about it is either perfect or close to it!

In fact, Hatsan even went out of its way to make sure these products are incredibly quiet! Not to mention, Hatsan 135 QE Vortex Air Rifle comes equipped with Vortex gas-piston — an innovative component designed by Hatsan’s engineers in order to dramatically improve velocity consistency when compared to conventional break barrel designs! In short, hats off to all these little details, which help turn what many consider to be an otherwise boring experience into something really exciting instead!

All told, if you’re looking for one air gun that can offer ultimate performance AND looks great while doing so, we highly recommend checking out Hatsan 135 QE Vortex Air Rifle first and foremost — there’s no doubt about it! Further featuring multiple barrel options (.177, .22, .25, and .30 caliber) along with fully adjustable open sights (just like on a real hunting rifle) and 1250 fps muzzle velocity; there’s very little else that could possibly beat it, especially at a price range of just ~$300 (depending on your selection).

5. Seneca Aspen Multi-Pump Pre-charged Pneumatic Air Rifle (.22, and .25 )

When it comes to pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) rifles, we’ve come across a few really good ones in our time — but never anything like Seneca Aspen! Out of all of them, it’s easily one of our favorite choices available right now! The rifle is, simply put, a work of art; you won’t be able to stop looking at it once you get your hands on it for real! In terms of performance, however, things are also quite impressive as well!

The rifle can reach muzzle velocities up to 900 fps with pellets — and that’s pretty darn fast if you ask us (even compared to many PCPs)! It comes with a standard dovetail rail, which means it’s extremely easy to mount sights/scopes on top of it. Thanks to auto pressure release functionality, refilling will require only minimal effort too! Add automatic two-stage velocity adjustment mechanism and superior handling side lever action into the equation along with rifled steel barrel; magazine capacity of 10 rounds, ambidextrous grip (foregrip), rubber recoil pad, etc.; Seneca Aspen could very well turn out to be one of the most advanced air rifles ever made!

Also, refilling requires just a press of a button as it features an integrated pump that keeps you ready for any situation. To sum things up, there’s almost nothing bad to say about Seneca Aspen’s multi-pump air rifle. And with a price tag of just ~$350, you’re getting plenty of value for your money here.

6. Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Rifle (.177, .22 and .25)

Looking to add more power to your shooting regimen? Or are you a competitive hunter who just wants more accuracy? No matter what your motivation is, one thing’s for sure — Benjamin Marauder PCP air rifle could be just what you need! Packing in some of today’s most advanced features while offering multi-shot magazine capabilities as well as adjustable stock and even cocking pressure, it’s definitely at least worth considering if you’re looking to upgrade that trusty old pellet gun right now!

First things first — Benjamin Marauder comes with a specialized two-stage trigger which has been tested to guarantee safe use by both new and experienced hunters alike! Featuring a user-adjustable travel stop and manual safety, you can rest assured knowing that no accidental shots will ever occur!

Further featuring an internal auto-indexing system with push-button clip release to make adding pellets faster than ever before possible; you’ll have plenty of time on your hands so take advantage of it by making sure everything works fine without hassle!

Additionally, there’s also an external velocity adjustment knob located above the grip which allows you to change velocities depending on your specific needs or preferences! Speaking of customization — this sophisticated firearm boasts a removable buttstock and interchangeable cheekpieces. And all these for just $530! Amazing value!

Overall, we definitely recommend checking out Benjamin Marauder PCP air rifle if you’re interested in something affordable yet powerful enough to meet almost any demand imaginable!

7. Seneca Dragon Claw Pre-charged Pneumatic Air Rifle .50

Another brand we definitely recommend checking out is Seneca Dragon Claw pre-charged pneumatic air rifle! With its rifled steel barrel and high power of up to 1000 fps when shooting with lead pellets, you can rest assured knowing that no game is safe from you! Featuring a three-shot magazine as well as full-length Picatinny rail, attaching a scope or red dot sight has never been easier or more convenient before!

Speaking of convenience — with just two adjustable power levels, you’ll be able to choose what’s most appropriate given your current needs at any time, which makes shooting in any environment simple and intuitive! Very important — Dragon Claw features an auto safety function and fully ambidextrous design, making it great even for lefties!

Overall, it’s hard not to notice just how user-friendly and easy to use this amazing hunting tool really is, so if you’re looking for something powerful yet straightforward without spending much on it, go ahead and check it out right now! It might very well be exactly what you need right now! Get one today for $720 while they are still available because they are known to sell fast during peak season!

8. AirForce Texan Big Bore Precharged Pneumatic Air Rifle (.257, .30, .357, .45, and .50)

The next model we recommend checking out is a rather good tool by AirForce! Perfectly made to ensure maximum accuracy and precision at longer distances when shooting with lead pellets, you can rest assured knowing that no game is safe from you! Featuring a pressure relief device as well as dual power levels — depending on your current needs at any time — you’ll have plenty of options to choose from in order to get a precise shot every single time! Speaking of user-friendliness — Texan features an innovative design allowing its butt plate to be rotated 90 degrees left or right depending on your needs at any time! Also worth mentioning is its rotating magazine that allows you to shoot three rounds before it has to be reloaded; pretty useful if you ask us!

How We Picked the Best Pellet Guns for Preppers

As a responsible publication, we believe in assisting our valued readers with an honest, personalized, and informed buying experience. That’s why when we crafted this air rifle buying guide, we ensured that each model had been thoroughly researched to ensure that it fulfilled even our most stringent requirements and offered tremendous value for its money.

Moreover, we have considered every known variable that could influence your decision-making process as a reader, including the reputation of different brands as well as specific characteristics associated with them (price range, ergonomics, etc.) so that you can easily find what you need at all times! So don’t waste another minute and check out some of our top recommendations right now!

Our Promise – Reliable information; no-nonsense approach – which is exactly what makes us one of today’s most trusted online resources on everything related to prepping, survival and self-defense.

Air Gun Optics for Your Air Rifle

Hunting is an exciting adventure that takes you into the wild and encourages you to test your physical and mental limits. It is, without a doubt, a unique and exciting experience unlike any other. However, in order to get the most out of your hunting experience, it’s important to arm yourself with the best equipment possible. One of the most crucial pieces of hunting equipment to consider, however, is an air gun scope. Capable of magnifying your target at long range, air gun scopes allow you to clearly see your prey, track it, and, ultimately, make a more accurate shot. But not all air gun scopes are created equal. From magnification to field of view, there are several factors that you need to consider to ensure you get an air gun scope that best fits your needs. To help you on your quest for the perfect air gun scope, we’ve rounded up four of the best air gun scopes.

Keep These 5 Basics Factors in Mind When Picking an Air Gun Optic

You wouldn’t want to invest in a gun without knowing how to shoot it first, so why would you do anything different with your scope? There are a number of things you need to consider before spending your hard-earned money on that new scope. After all, quality and performance should be two of your top concerns when buying one. To help you find what best fits your style and budget, here are some tips about picking out that perfect air gun scope.

1. Use a Dedicated Air Gun Optic

Just like you wouldn’t want to use a pistol scope on your rifle, you don’t want to use an airgun optic designed with centerfire rifles in mind. Most air gun scopes are designed with air guns in mind and are made specifically for high magnification and lightweight, which is perfect since both of these qualities help make for an accurate shot.

2. Parallax Adjustment Is So Important

When you’re dealing with such a large magnification, your target can seem a little bit out of focus at times. This is where parallax adjustment comes in handy to help keep your target focused and in clear view as you take aim from afar. Make sure to test any air gun scope before spending money on it, especially if it doesn’t have a parallax adjustment feature, because you never know if that will be an issue until you try it out for yourself.

3. Prefer Subtension Markings

When it comes to precision, every little detail matters. That’s why when you’re looking at air gun scopes, make sure to look closely at where your reticle is and what kind of distance it covers on your target. The markings on an air gun scope are referred to as subtensions, and they help you determine what magnification level you’re working with.

4. Subtension Type (Mils vs. MOA)

There are two main types of subtensions: mils and minutes of angle (MOA). Mils are a little more precise since each one equates to about 3.6 inches at 100 yards, but MOA is a little easier to understand since it is just that, in minutes, of your target’s size at 100 yards.

5. Too Much Magnification Is as Bad

Just like you don’t want too little magnification on your air gun scope, you also don’t want too much. It’s easy to get confused with how to tell just how much magnification is right for you and your hunting needs, but it’s actually very simple when you think about it in terms of field of view.

1) Leapers UTG 3-12×44 AO Accushot SWAT Rifle Scope

This air gun scope is one of your best options in terms of cost, durability, and performance. The first thing you’ll notice about it is its side parallax adjustment, which helps to really lock in your target from any angle. The reticle itself is crisp and clear, allowing you to make precise shots without having to second guess yourself. This air gun scope is also built with a Mil Dot system that makes it easy to use even if you’ve never used an airgun scope before. It also comes equipped with weaver rails on top of its integrated rings so that you can easily add accessories as needed.

2) Leapers UTG 3-9×40 AO True Hunter Rifle Scope

This air gun scope is an excellent choice that packs a lot of performance into a very small package. The first thing you’ll notice about it is its true hunter reticle, which makes it easy to make long shots out of a close distance without having to compromise in your aim. It also comes with some extra goodies like a Picatinny Weaver-style rail as well as scope caps and lens covers. And, at only 21.10 oz, you can barely even tell that you’re carrying around such an impressive piece of hunting equipment!

3) Athlon Optics 6-24×50 Midas TAC

If you’re looking for a powerful, versatile air gun scope that won’t break your bank, you can’t go wrong with Athlon’s 6-24×50 Midas. The first thing you’ll notice about it is its impressive magnification level. Most air gun scopes top out at 12x, so being able to get all of that extra power from 18x to 24x gives you a lot more flexibility when hunting in different conditions. This air gun scope also includes excellent eye relief and has some of the clearest lenses around so that you can spot your target without any problems.

3) Hawke Vantage IR Riflescope 3-9×40

Designed as a multi-purpose, utilitarian mid to long-range optic, the Hawke Optics 3-9×40 Vantage IR Scope boasts a partially-illuminated crosshair reticle with five selectable brightness levels for use in most lighting conditions in either red or green. Red is ideal for low-light conditions, while green is easier to see in bright sunlight. The 40mm objective draws in generous amounts of light versus smaller objectives while maintaining a low-profile. Covered turrets help guard against accidental adjustments while a fast-focus collar and knurled rheostat allow you to quickly adapt to rapidly changing situations. Complementing the performance of the scope is a lightweight and durable anodized aluminum housing, with a 1″ one-piece maintube that is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to be water and fogproof.

The Hawke Vantage scope line was formerly called the Sport HD, but has now received an upgrade with mono-tube chassis for superior strength and clearer optics. One of the nicest features of the Hawke Vantage 3-9×40 AO scope is the glass-etched reticle which makes your target easier to acquire. Turn on the illumination and only the reticle lights up. This Hawke Optics scope has an etched glass reticle which is superior to a wire reticle because it’s much more precise. That lets you get even more accuracy from your gun.

Best Air Gun Pellets

Air guns are fast becoming one of the most popular and effective ways to keep your home, property, and livestock safe from predators. Capable of humanely dispatching any unwanted pests or intruders, air guns are a convenient and humane alternative to more lethal weapons. However, while most air guns are easy to use, they may not come pre-equipped with the necessary accessories to make the most of their capabilities. This is why it’s important to stock up on the right air gun pellets. Capable of helping ensure optimal accuracy, air gun pellets, when used properly, can greatly increase your air gun’s effectiveness. To help you find the best air gun pellets for your air gun, we’ve rounded up five of the best air gun pellets on the market. From lead pellets to pellets specially designed for hunting, these air gun pellets are the best on the market.

The Best Air Gun Caliber for Preppers Is .22

While owning an air gun is a great idea, it may not be quite as effective as a more traditional weapon. While some air guns can shoot with just as much power and accuracy, they often lack the stopping power needed to quickly incapacitate large animals like deer or bears.

To make sure your home is properly protected from any unwanted guests, we recommend stocking up on ammunition that packs enough of a punch to take down large predators. In our opinion, there’s no better caliber than .22, which is one of the most popular firearm calibers in America and can be found at most sporting goods stores. It’s versatile and accurate, making it perfect for hunting small game as well as self-defense. Just keep in mind that you should never use subsonic ammunition because it travels too slowly to humanely dispatch smaller pests like squirrels or rabbits.

For best results, look for high-velocity bullets (usually marked by a red tip) designed specifically for hunting small game. These powerful bullets are capable of humanely dispatching even small targets at a distance with ease.

Simply remember to wear ear protection when using these larger rounds, as prolonged exposure could damage your hearing. Also, consider pairing your air gun with a quality set of rifle sights. These sights will enable you to aim more accurately and improve your aim overall, helping ensure every shot counts when it comes time to put food on the table. Lastly, don’t forget about sighting accessories, such as aiming lasers or built-in scopes, both of which will help ensure you hit moving targets without fail.

1) JSB Match Diabolo Hades .22 cal

Specially designed for competition and hunting, these pellets are ideal for target shooting. Their consistent weight and superior aerodynamics help ensure they land with accuracy every time. They’re also great for hunting small game as their flight speed helps ensure your target won’t be able to escape before you get a chance to take aim. The only downside is that they tend to cost more than other options, but in our opinion, it’s worth paying a little extra for a top-of-the-line pellet that will last longer and deliver better results.

2) H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme Pellets .22 cal

Best Big-Bore Pellets

Stocked up on .22 caliber pellets for your air gun? We can’t blame you; they’re a great choice for target shooting and hunting small game. But, what about when it comes time to put down large predators? For larger animals like deer or bears, we recommend looking into bigger caliber options. In fact, many gun enthusiasts agree that .30 is one of the best big-bore calibers out there.

1) JSB Diabolo Exact Pellets in .30 cal 150 ct

These big-bore pellets are an excellent choice for hunting larger game like deer or bear. Their extra power means each shot can deliver superior stopping power and drop your target fast. While they may not be as versatile as some other options, they’re a must-have when it comes time to put down large predators with a single shot.

2) Air Venturi .45 Cal, 300 Grains, Round Nose Flat Point

These big-bore pellets are best suited for target shooting. Their lightweight design and superior aerodynamics make them one of our favorites for competitive air gunners out there. Their flat point helps deliver pinpoint accuracy at greater distances, and they’re made to be highly effective on clay targets. Plus, their affordability makes them a great choice for novice shooters who don’t want to spend a lot on pellets right away. They may not be ideal for hunting large game or pest control like some other options, but if you’re just getting into air gun competitions, these are an excellent choice for practicing and fine-tuning your skills.

3) Air Venturi .50 Cal, 336 Grains, Flat Nose, 50ct

These big-bore pellets are our favorite option for any air gunner looking to take on a larger game like a bear or deer. Their weight and stopping power help ensure each shot delivers more damage than most other options out there. They’re also great for hunting small games thanks to their accuracy at distances up to 100 yards away. Their flat nose also helps make them a superior choice over standard pointed pellets. The only downside is that they’re slightly more expensive than some other options out there, but they’re worth it if you want a top-of-the-line pellet that will last longer than less durable models.

4) Air Venturi Air Bolt, six pack .50 cal

These big-bore pellets are a versatile choice that can be used for everything from target shooting to hunting. They’re one of our favorites because they boast excellent stopping power, thanks to their weight and density. Their flat nose design also helps them land more accurate shots than some other options on our list. As with any big-bore pellet, you may want to consider investing in eye protection as these pellets will cause more damage if you’re hit by one.

How PCP Air Guns Work?

PCP or pre-charged pneumatic air guns are considered to be some of the most powerful weapons on Earth. That’s because they utilize large tanks of compressed air to propel projectiles at a much faster rate than any other kind of gun in existence. They’re also more reliable and accurate than many other options, thanks to their ability to fire tens of thousands of shots from one single tank refill. This makes them ideal for everything from target shooting to hunting and pest control — provided you have enough money for a high-end model, that is. You see, pre-charged pneumatic air guns can cost as much as $1,000 when fully decked out with all kinds of accessories and add-ons like silencers and red dot sights.

1) Air Venturi MK4 Hand Pump

Your PCP air rifle will only perform as well as its ability to rapidly fill its tank with high-pressure air. If you’re shooting a large caliber or have a number of accessories installed on your gun, you’ll need a reliable hand pump like our favorite choice from Air Venturi. This pump is capable of producing 4500 PSI and comes with a host of great features like an external pressure gauge and more.

2) Air Venturi 100 cu-in Carbon Fiber Tank

This $350 carbon fiber tank from Air Venturi is a top choice for air gunners looking to go hunting or target shooting in remote locations. It boasts a compact design that helps you move around faster and with less effort, plus it’s also one of the toughest models out there, thanks to its waterproof/airtight construction. And as with any quality carbon fiber tank, it’ll never rust or corrode. If you’re an avid hunter who wants a convenient way to take down prey wherever they may roam, be sure to invest in one of these tanks. They’re extremely lightweight and portable thanks to their carbon fiber construction and come with everything you need right out of the box, including an integrated regulator, pressure gauge, and fill adapter.

3) Air Venturi Nomad II Air Compressor

For $700, you can pick up an advanced AC-powered air compressor that’ll bring your tank’s pressure up to a full 4500 PSI in just under three minutes. It also has an included external pressure gauge and overpressure protection — plus, it even comes with a range of accessory attachments, including allen wrenches, couplers, and other goodies. If you’re serious about PCP air guns or have invested in one of our tanks above and want to keep it topped off for extended periods of time, be sure to pick up one of these compressors as well. They’re top-of-the-line when it comes to CO2 and air-powered guns.

Air Gun Lethality and Range

While air guns are often advertised as less lethal than traditional guns, that’s not always true. In fact, it’s possible to kill an animal or person with an air gun as they’re capable of firing projectiles at speeds of over 1000 feet per second. That’s nearly twice as fast as many arrows can travel! If you’re planning on using one for hunting or pest control, it’s important to do your research on both state and local laws first — but it can be a great way to get rid of dangerous vermin without resorting to more lethal methods like poisons or firearms. It is important that you only ever use high-quality ammunition designed specifically for hunting animals like birds, squirrels, raccoons, etceteras.

So, what factors determine the lethality and range of any given air rifle? Well, most PCP air rifles are measured in pounds of pressure (lbf) or joules (J). The higher these numbers are, the more potential kinetic energy your gun has. A powerful 12 lbf / 2000 J PCP rifle can easily pierce flesh all along its path from muzzle to target; however, lighter .177 caliber pellets have been known to cause death through wounds inflicted behind larger muscle groups even after exiting skin! That said, there’s also something else worth keeping in mind about kinetic energy: heavier pellets carry more momentum further downrange – regardless of their kinetic energy – resulting in deeper wounds. A .25 cal pellet traveling at 750 fps will inflict much greater damage than a .177 cal pellet traveling at 1200 fps.

Due to their size, weight, and speed, airgun pellets also tend to penetrate deep into tissue – making them quite suitable for hunting small game such as rabbits or other furry critters. On top of that, some states consider pellet-style ammo legal for small game hunting while others do not. Overall, if you don’t plan on doing a lot of long-distance shooting, we’d recommend going with a 500+ FPS rating and .177 cal power when it comes to air rifles. Otherwise, go for 750+ FPS and .22 calibers instead. Whatever your primary application may be, though, we’d suggest going with a rifle between 5 lbs up to 10 lbs – anything above ten tends to get pretty bulky/heavy, whereas anything below 5 starts getting too light for accurate shots.

The Spring vs. Piston – Which Is Better

When it comes to air rifles, there’s one very important distinction you need to be aware of — most modern-day air rifles are either spring-piston or pre-charged pneumatic (PCP). While both may seem very similar on paper, they each have their pros and cons, which is why we recommend making sure you understand what your specific needs are before making a final decision! Firstly, let’s take a look at spring-piston rifles first because they are quite simple and easy to use! Featuring an inelastic metal coil located under the barrel along with an arm and bolt (as well as other components) that moves back and forth inside a cylinder, all of these can easily be found in any typical pellet gun!

However, due to its more rudimentary design, a spring rifle requires manual pumping after every shot in order to build up enough pressure so that another shot can be taken quickly — not exactly ideal if you’re going after the fast-moving game! On top of that, since it’s so much less advanced than PCPs, mounting scopes and red dots are often not possible unless aftermarket modifications are made by a qualified professional! Overall, spring-piston hunting guns are most appropriate for beginners or those who want to shoot small games around 20 yards away from them!

Pre-charged pneumatic guns aren’t too different in terms of how they work — but there are some major differences between them and old-school springers when it comes to performance! A dedicated reservoir contains air that is fully charged prior to shooting, meaning you’ll be able to fire multiple rounds without needing to pump anything manually ever again! Furthermore, when using one of these, you won’t notice any decrease in power over time either, meaning you’ll always get consistent results!

Speaking of results — pre-charged rifles have much better accuracy potential thanks to higher muzzle velocity as well as increased power levels! This is especially true if used with heavy pellets; however, keep in mind that heavier pellets will result in slower velocities than lighter ones. So, which should you choose? Well…which do YOU prefer?

Bonus Review: Crosman A4-P Full Auto BB Pistol

For avid air gun collectors and enthusiasts, owning a pellet gun for both survival, hunting, and personal protection is one thing, but owning a cool-looking pistol that is extremely fun to shoot as well as show off is always a good choice. For us, the Crosman A4-P Full Auto BB Pistol fulfills all this and more!

First, there’s the overall look of this beast of a weapon. With a look and feel of an AR-15, this pistol definitely brings the cool factor. The slick black coloring and durable design lend much to its pleasing aesthetics, but let’s be honest: Holding and using this gun to shred paper targets and aluminum cans is just plain fun!

From the Pyramyd Air website:

The Crosman A4-P Full-Auto CO2 BB Pistol is a unique tactical airgun based on the AR platform, with the performance and features of an AR-style air rifle in a smaller pistol package. Capable of velocities up to 400 FPS, this is a fun and authentic pistol that’s perfect for backyard plinking in either semi-auto or full-auto modes.

This air pistol features blowback action for added realism, giving users an experience similar to a real steel version, but without the noise and expensive ammo. With a 25-round drop-free magazine that houses the CO2, plus familiar operation and functioning, this airgun feels a lot like a smaller AR-style firearm.

The A4-P comes with a removable red dot sight that sits on the long Picatinny optics rail on top, and it includes three more forearm accessory rails around the handguard for adding items such as bipods, lasers, and lights. The rear of the pistol includes a removable sleeve that covers an AR-compatible buffer tube, making further customization of this airgun possible.

In addition to the other realistic elements on this pistol, there’s a textured AR-compatible pistol grip that further enhances the look and feel, as well as adding comfort. To get a light and affordable CO2 BB gun version of an AR-type firearm with select-fire capability, buy a Crosman A4-P Full Auto CO2 BB Pistol today at Pyramyd Air.