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5 Best Air Rifles
From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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Buying Guide for the Best Air Rifles
Choosing the right air rifle can be a rewarding process if you think carefully about how you'll use it. Consider if you want it for target shooting, plinking (casual shooting), or pest control, as your main purpose will influence what specs matter most. Focus on comfort, accuracy, and ease of use. Compare features and understand what each spec means for your actual experience rather than chasing the highest numbers.CaliberCaliber refers to the size of the pellet that the air rifle uses, commonly measured in inches or millimeters. The most popular calibers are .177 and .22. .177 caliber tends to be best for target shooting because it's lighter and travels faster, offering more accurate, flatter shooting over distance. .22 caliber is heavier, making it more effective for pest control because it delivers more hitting power. If your focus is on accuracy and target practice, .177 might be best for you. If you want to use the rifle for hunting small pests, consider .22 or even larger.
Power SourceThe power source is how the rifle generates the air needed to fire pellets, and this greatly impacts handling and maintenance. There are several common types: spring-piston, gas piston, pre-charged pneumatic (PCP), and CO2. Spring-piston and gas piston rifles use a lever to compress air and fire a pellet; they’re simple and reliable but require manual cocking for each shot. PCP rifles are more advanced and use compressed air tanks, offering multi-shot capacity and smoother shooting, but they rely on an air pump or tank for refilling. CO2 rifles use replaceable cartridges and are typically easier to load and shoot quickly, though they are best for mild-weather target shooting. Pick a type that matches your willingness to maintain the rifle and how you’ll use it—springers for simplicity, PCP or CO2 if you want more shots and convenience.
VelocityVelocity measures how fast a pellet leaves the barrel, usually in feet per second (FPS). Higher velocity generally means the pellet travels faster and further, but it isn't everything. Typical values range from about 500 to 1300 FPS. Lower velocities (500–800 FPS) work well for indoor use and target practice, where over-penetration is not wanted. Medium velocities (800–1000 FPS) are more versatile for both casual shooting and light pest control. High velocities (1000+ FPS) can help for hunting but may reduce pellet accuracy if the speed is too high for the pellet weight. Consider how far you'll be shooting and what your targets are to decide the appropriate velocity for you.
Barrel TypeThe barrel can come as rifled or smoothbore. Rifled barrels have grooves that make the pellet spin, improving accuracy, especially at longer distances, while smoothbore barrels are simpler and fine for short-range or low-power shooting. For target shooting, pest control, or any use where accuracy is important, a rifled barrel is the right choice. For casual, close-range plinking, a smoothbore is usually enough.
Sights and OpticsSights and optics determine how you aim and how accurately you can place shots. Basic rifles come with open or iron sights, which are simple and quick but less precise at long range. Many also have the option to mount scopes, which magnify your view for better accuracy at distance. If you’re new or using your rifle mainly at short distances, open sights work well and are easy to maintain. If you plan on more precise or long-range shooting, getting a rifle that can fit a good quality scope is important.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and design of the air rifle affect how comfortable it is to hold and shoot, especially over time. Lighter rifles are easier for younger shooters or anyone who wants to carry the rifle for long periods, like hunters. Heavier rifles may be more stable when shooting but can be tiring to hold. Look for a rifle that feels well-balanced in your hands, with a stock and grip shape that fits you comfortably, as this will help your accuracy and overall enjoyment.