6 Best Air Rifles for Home Defense

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Best Air Rifles for Home Defense.

In this day and age, home defense should be a top priority for everybody. From surveillance to rifles, Home safety and defense is paramount. You need to have a reliable firearm that you can use to protect yourself and your family in case of an attack. Modern air rifles are fantastic for home defense. They offer an inexpensive way to defend yourself against intruders, without the need for legal and personal-ethics requirements needed for gun owners. They are easy to shoot and safe for use by kids and youths.

If you are looking for the best air rifle for home defense, we are here to help. We have made a list of high-quality air rifles made for home defense applications among other uses such as hunting and target shooting. These rifles are quality and they can also act as a valuable addition for all-around, long-term gun-related prepping needs. With that in mind, let’s now take a look at the best air rifles for home defense available on the market today.

 

Best Air Rifles for Home Defense-Our Top Picks

 

Gamo Raptor Whisper Air Rifle

Gamo Raptor Whisper Air Rifle

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This Gamo Raptor Whisper Air Rifle is a multipurpose air rifle. It is suitable for multiple applications which include home defense, hunting, and tactical shooting. The air rifle is renowned for the whisper noise reduction technology which provides very quiet shooting. The IGT gas piston replaces the spring piston to provide more terminal velocity and reduce vibrations.

The air rifle shoots both .22 and .177 caliber pellets. With the .177 pellets, you get 1300fps and 975fps with the .22 caliber pellets. The SAT smooth action trigger will help you acquire more precise shots. Furthermore, the air rifle has a shockwave absorber recoil pad that absorbs up to 74% of recoil for a comfortable shooting experience.

The air rifle is built to last. It has a high-grade ambidextrous stock that is fully weatherproof. It is very easy to cock and has a lightweight design which makes it easy to handle. Other features found in the air rifle are an automatic cocking safety system, a 4×32 scope, and a standard trigger with a jacketed steel barrel.

Features

  • Lightweight design
  • Whisper noise reduction technology patented by Gamo
  • Shoots both .177 (1300 fps) and .22(975 fps) caliber pellets
  • Inert Gas Technology
  • 1-year warranty
  • Shockwave absorber recoil pad
  • SAT smooth action trigger
  • Single cocking break barrel
  • 4×32 shockproof scope
  • Cocking effort: 30 lbs
  • Weight: 5.64lb

 

Benjamin Armada Air Rifle

Benjamin Armada Air Rifle

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This Benjamin Armada BTAP22SX is a top-notch air rifle suitable for home defense, small game hunting, and tactical shooting. This USA-made air rifle delivers maximum velocities of 1100FPS with 21-foot pounds of energy. It shoots .22 caliber pellets and includes a 10-shot magazine for fast follow-up shots.

The air rifle comes with an integrated resonance dampener for quiet shooting. The machine receiver has 5-inches of Picatinny rail space and the bolt action is reversible to accommodate left-hand shooters. Moreover, the air rifle features a modular versatile design, an air-pressure monitoring gauge, and a two-stage trigger that lets you know exactly when the firing will take place.

Features

  • Modular versatile design
  • Made in the USA
  • 5-inches of Picatinny rail space
  • Two-stage trigger
  • Rifled steel barrel for greater accuracy
  • Integrated resonance dampener
  • 10-round magazine
  • Reversible bolt action for left-hand shooters
  • Delivers over 30 consistent shots per fill

 

Sig Sauer MPX .177 Cal Air Rifle

Sig Sauer MPX .177 Cal Air Rifle

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If you prefer CO2-powered air rifles, the Sig Sauer MPX .177 Cal Air Rifle is your best choice for home defense. This gun is powered by a 90g CO2 operating system and it shoots .177 caliber pellets with a maximum muzzle velocity of 575fps. The muzzle velocity can vary depending on the altitude, ammo weight, and temperature.

Weighing about 6.2lbs/3kg, the air rifle is fairly light and comfortable to hold. It has an 8” rifled steel barrel for added accuracy and flip-up front and rear sights which improve your long-range shooting accuracy. In addition, the air rifle comes with a SIG20R Red Dot sight for more accurate performance when shooting at night. It also features a synthetic handguard, Picatinny rail, and a synthetic handguard.

Features

  • Lightweight design
  • 8” rifled steel barrel
  • SIG20R Red Dot sight for nighttime shooting
  • 30-round RPM pellet magazine for fast follow-up shots
  • CO2 powered
  • Shoots .177 caliber pellets
  • Flip-up front and rear sights
  • Maximum velocity: 575fps
  • Trigger force: 7 lb (31 N)
  • M1913 Accessory rail

 

Black Ops Sniper Rifle S

Black Ops Sniper Rifle S

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This Black Ops Sniper Rifle S shoots .177 caliber (4.5mm) pellets. It has a consistent shooting velocity of up to 1,250FPS which is ideal for shooting targets at a distance. What makes this air rifle stand out is the power piston technology. It provides hard-hitting performance compared with other similar barrel pellet rifles. Plus, it has a smooth trigger pull and less recoil for accurate shooting.

The air rifle has a noise suppressor attached to keep noise at a minimum. The adjustable cheek guard provides the ultimate shooting comfort, while the adjustable bipod legs go from 8” to 10” for a comfortable experience when shooting for long hours.

In terms of construction, the air rifle is sturdy and very durable. Each sniper air rifle comes with a 4×32 scope and removable fiber optics for greater shooting accuracy. In addition to that, the 6” tactical rail lets you add any optic of your choice.

Features

  • Adjustable cheek guard
  • Sturdy adjustable bipod
  • 6” Picatinny optics rail
  • Non-functioning bolt
  • Adjustable fiber optic sights
  • Sturdy and durable construction
  • Shoots .177 caliber (4.5mm) pellets.
  • 4×32 scope included
  • Integrated suppressor for quiet shooting

 

Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter Air Rifle

Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter Max Air Rifle

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When it comes to reliability and versatility, it’s hard to beat the Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter Air Rifle. This top-notch air rifle has the modern features you would want in an air rifle for home defense. It shoots .22 caliber pellets with a maximum firing speed of 800FPS. Featuring the break barrel action, the gas piston inside this air rifle provides smooth and accurate shooting. It is easy to cock and comes with a 3-9×32 scope with an adjustable objective for better accuracy.

This air rifle is made to last. It is built with sturdy materials for long-lasting durability. It also features an ergonomic, weatherproof stock and body for use in all weather conditions. Additionally, the air rifle has checkered rubber grip inserts for non-slip grip even in wet conditions. Not to mention the rubber recoil butt-pad which provides a comfortable shooting experience. To top it all, the Targis Max has a built-in SilencAir noise reducer for years of quiet shooting.

Features

  • 5-chamber SilencAir sound dampener
  • Turbo Nitrogen Technology power system
  • Ergonomic all-weather stock and body
  • Snug rubber recoil butt pad
  • Umarex exclusive integral nucleus rail platform
  • Checkered rubber inserts for a sure grip
  • 3-9×32 scope with adjustable objective
  • Fires .22 caliber pellets at 800FPS

 

Crossman Full Auto CO2-Powered Air Rifle

Crossman Full Auto CO2-Powered Air Rifle

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This Crossman Full Auto CO2-Powered Air Rifle is your ideal home defense air rifle if you are on a budget. This modern air rifle will give you the best shooting experience. It is powered by two CO2 powerlets. It shoots BBs up to 430FPS and over 1400 rounds per minute. Besides, it has a 28-round dropout magazine for rapid-fire action.

Another good thing about this air rifle is the lightweight design. This makes it easy to carry and shoot. It also features a durable synthetic design that’s sturdy and smooth to feel. Apart from that, it has a foldable/adjustable buttstock which gives the shooter the most comfortable shooting experience. It’s a great air rifle for multiple outdoor applications, not just home defense.

Features

  • Foldable/adjustable buttstock
  • 28-round drop out magazine
  • Automatic CO2 powered BB air rifle with semi-auto option
  • Maximum firing velocity: 430fps
  • Durable synthetic design
  • Powered by two CO2 powerlets
  • Lightweight design
  • Eye-catching look

 

See Also

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Air Rifles for Home Defense

With the market offering a wide range of air rifles, these are some of the key factors you should consider in order to make the right buying decision.

  1. Precision and Power

One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for an air rifle for home defense is its power and precision. You’ll want the air rifle to provide accurate shot placement whenever you fire. This reduces the wastage of ammunition.

In terms of power, each air rifle has its own firing velocity. This also depends on the pellet you are shooting, the temperature, and the size of the pellet. The heavier the BB or pellet, the more impact. However, such pellets provide lower muzzle velocity. On the other hand, lightweight pellets offer high velocity but less muzzle energy. For your air rifle to be accurate and dependable, it should have a high velocity and more muzzle energy

  1. Durability

Durability is the other important factor to consider when looking for an air rifle for home defense. You’ll want the rifle to be durably made to last for long. It should be made with the best materials to provide great value for the money. Apart from that, make sure that the air rifle has a weather-proof stock to ensure all-weather reliability.

  1. Loading Mechanism

It is important that you consider the loading mechanism of the air rifle you intend to buy. Do you want an air rifle that allows you to load only one pellet at a time or do you want one that has a large capacity magazine that allows for continuous shooting? Air rifles that load a single pellet at a time mostly have the Break barrel action air. Such rifles are easy to shoot, but it consumes a lot of time loading a pellet every time you want to shoot. On the other hand, bolt action air rifles allow multiple shots, but they are slow to load and difficult to maintain.

  1. Weight

Air rifles are made differently and so is their weight. If you want to have an easy time carrying your air rifle, make sure that it is light. Try to look for an air rifle whose weight doesn’t exceed 10lbs. That way, it will still be easy to carry and shoot even after you add accessories.

  1. Design

You should also take time to look at how the air rifle is designed. While the design of the air rifle has no effect on how it shoots, it has a direct impact on your shooting comfort. Other than weight, you’ll want an air rifle that you can hold comfortably when shooting. It should also have a checkered stock for a secure, non-slip grip. The stock should be ambidextrous and padded to absorb shock.

 Best Air Rifles for Home Defense FAQs

  • How far can an air rifle shoot?

This depends on the air rifle that you are using. Modern high-powered air rifles are capable of shooting up to 300 meters and above All you need is the correct air rifle and the right caliber pellet to reach such a range.

  • What is the most accurate air rifle caliber?

.177 caliber. These pellets are readily available on the market and are most accurate. Their lightweight design gives them a high muzzle velocity. Additionally, they offer the flattest trajectory which results in better accuracy when shooting targets at different ranges.

Benefits of Using Air Rifles for Home Defense

  1. Air rifles are more affordable compared with rifles, pistols, and shotguns. You can get a powerful and quality air gun at a price that’s very easy on the wallet.
  2. Air rifles are much safer than other firearms. Kids and youths can safely use an air rifle to practice gun safety.
  3. Easier to acquire. There are very few air rifle ownership regulations. If you are of legal age, you don’t require a background check to buy one.
  4. Quiet operation. Most air rifles produce very minimal noise. You can use them to defend your property without causing any noise disturbance.

Conclusion

If you never thought of getting an air rifle for home defense, hopefully, this review has changed your mind. There are no or minimal local laws that will get in the way of you owning an air rifle. Besides, air rifles are inexpensive, safe, and easy to stock up in your store. Use our guide above and get yourself the best air rifle for safeguarding your home and property.