Best Budget Air Rifles.
Air rifles are used in many outdoor applications. They are great for small game hunting, pest control, target practice, skill development, and self-defense among others. Air rifles are easy to use, quiet, and relatively affordable.
They make the best firearms for introducing kids and young youths into firearm safety.
However, with so many air rifles available, finding an air gun that works is easier said than done especially if you are on a budget. We have made a list of the best budget air rifles available on the market to help you choose right.
Without wasting any more time, let’s get started.
Best Air Rifles under $50
Daisy Adult Red Ryder BB Gun
This Daisy Adult Red Ryder BB Gun is the ideal air rifle for introducing kids and youths to shooting sports. It is easy to shoot, easy to use, and amazingly lightweight. It shoots the .177 caliber 4.5 BBs and has a maximum velocity of 350 fps.
The air rifle features a cross-bolt trigger block for proper and safe handling. Additionally, the air rifle is very accurate. It features a smooth bore steel barrel, a blade and ramp front sight, and an adjustable open rear sight. It has a 650-shot capacity and a maximum shooting distance of 195yards. You can use it for small game hunting, target practice, and pest control.
Features
- Lever cocking spring air action
- Shoots .177 caliber 4.5mm BB
- Maximum velocity 350fps
- Maximum shooting distance: 195 yards
- 650 max shot capacity
- Smoothbore steel barrel
- Crossbolt trigger safety block
- Lightweight design
- Stained solid wood forearm
- Length: 36.75”
Daisy Powerline 880 Air Rifle
If you are looking for the best air rifle for plinking, the Daisy Powerline 880 Air Rifle is one of your best budget air rifles option. It shoots .177 caliber pellets and traditional BBs as well. If you prefer to shoot BBs, the air rifle has a 50BBs magazine for fast follow-up shots. You can pump it three times for indoor target practice or ten times for outdoor target practice, pest control, or small game hunting.
Another impressive thing about the air rifle is that it comes with a scope so you don’t have to buy one separately. The scope is windage and elevation adjustable and has a crosshair reticle for accurate shooting. It is also fog proof and shockproof so you can use it in any weather conditions.
Features
- Fires .177 caliber pellets or BBs
- 50BBs magazine
- Wood-grained Monte Carlo stock
- Multi-purpose application
- 4×15 Shockproof and fog proof scope
- Multi-pump pneumatic rifle
- 1-year warranty
- Lightweight design
- 3-inches long
Best Air Rifles under $100
Gamo Varmint Air Rifle
Gamo Varmint Air Rifle is the best budget air rifle for small game hunting. It comes with everything a small game hunter will need. The air rifle fires .177 PBA Platinum alloy pellets with a maximum velocity of 1250fps. The high muzzle velocity makes it suitable for other outdoor applications which include recreational shooting, pest control, and target practice. It also comes with a 4×32 scope which helps you spot small, hard-to-see game with ease.
In terms of construction, the air rifle is built to last. It has a synthetic ambidextrous weather-resistant stock for use in all weather conditions. Also, it has a rubber recoil pad to absorb recoil and provide a snug shooting experience. The air rifle also features an automatic cocking system, manual trigger safety, and a single cocking break barrel. Overall, this durable air rifle provides the perfect balance between quality and affordability. If you are a beginner, grab it without any hesitation.
Features
- Fires .177 caliber pellets
- Lightweight design
- Manual trigger safety
- Two-stage adjustable trigger
- Single-cocking break barrel action
- 4×32 shockproof scope
- Fluted polymer jacketed rifled steel barrel
- 1-year warranty
- Tough, weather-resistant ambidextrous stock
- Velocity: 1250 (fps) with PBA
- Cocking Effort: 30 lbs
- Weighs 5.47 pounds
- Length: 43.3 in.
Daisy 880 Powerline Air Rifle Kit
If you are in the market for a budget air rifle kit, you can never go wrong with the Daisy 880 Powerline Air Rifle Kit. This is a great shooting kit for both beginners and professionals. It is reliable, easy to use, and perfect for multiple outdoor applications. Thanks to the cross-bolt trigger block safety, you are assured of proper and safe handling.
The air rifle kit comes with everything you require to start shooting. It is equipped with a 4x15mm scope, shooting glasses, 750BB, and 500 pellets. This rifle shoots BBs at an outstanding 750fps and pellets at 715fps. Thanks to the multi-pump design, you can easily adjust the power and velocity by the number of pumps you put into the rifle. Lastly, the 880 features a classic eye-catching look and great comfort with the synthetic wood-grained Monte Carlo stock and forearm.
Features
- 50 shot BB capacity
- Crossbolt trigger block safety
- Wood-grained Monte Carlo stock and forearm
- 1-year limited warranty
- Multi-pump pneumatic design
- Fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear sight
- Maximum velocity: 750fps with BBs and 715FPS with pellets
- 4x15mm scope
- Rifled steel barrel
Best Air Rifles under $200
Gamo Swarm Whisper Air Rifle
This Gamo Swarm Whisper is perfect for small game hunting and pest control. It features a 10x Quick-Shot technology which lets you shoot up to 10 pellets continuously without reloading. All you need to do is simply break the barrel and enjoy fast follow-up shots. This air rifle shoots .177 caliber pellets with a maximum firing velocity of 1300fps. The high muzzle velocity provides great accuracy which is ideal for shooting targets at a distance.
The IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston replaces the spring piston to deliver more terminal velocity, smooth cocking effect, less vibration, and more consistent power. Furthermore, this air rifle features Whisper noise-suppressing technology for quiet shooting. You don’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors or spooking game. To top it all, Gamo Whisper features an all-weather lightweight synthetic stock for great durability and use in any weather condition.
Features
- 2-stage standard trigger
- 4×32 scope
- IGT 10X quick shot
- Whisper noise dampening technology
- Muzzle velocity 1300fps
- All-weather lightweight synthetic stock
- IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston
- 177 Cal. (1,300 fps)
- .22 Cal (975 fps)
- Single cocking break barrel
- Energy: 17.8 Foot Pounds
- Weights 5.64 Inches
- Length: 45.3 Inches
- Cocking Effort 30 Pounds
Black Ops Sniper Rifle S
This Black Ops Sniper Rifle S is a long-range break barrel air rifle that shoots .177 caliber (4.5mm) pellets. One unique feature about this air rifle is the shooting consistency it provides. It boasts power piston technology which delivers consistent shooting velocity up to 1,250FPS. This makes it ideal for shooting targets at a distance. Plus, it has a smooth trigger pull and less recoil for accurate shooting.
The air rifle comes with 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 Black Ops Sniper Rifle S is sturdy and very durable. Each rifle also comes with a 4×32 scope for easy identification of small targets and removable fiber optics for greater long-range accuracy. In addition to that, the 6” tactical rail lets you add any optic of your choice for added accuracy.
Features
- Adjustable fiber optic sights
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Shoots .177 caliber (4.5mm) pellets.
- 4×32 scope included
- Adjustable cheek guard
- Sturdy adjustable bipod
- 6” Picatinny optics rail
- Non-functioning bolt
- Integrated suppressor for quiet shooting
- Up to 1,250 FPS Velocity
Bear River TPR 1300 Suppressed Hunting Air Rifle
If you are looking for an air rifle for hunting, the Bear River TPR 1300 air rifle is your best option. This is a hard-hitting air rifle perfect for small game hunting, recreational shooting, and target shooting. It has a high-powered break barrel action which provides great long-range accuracy and consistency.
Featuring an extremely lightweight design, this air rifle is very easy to hold and carry in the field. It is shoots .177 caliber pellets and has a maximum velocity of 1,300fps. Other than that, the air rifle has a noise suppressor attached to keep noise at a minimum and to avoid spooking game. The 18” rifled steel barrel enhances your accuracy, while the 4×32 scope helps you spot small game with ease. For increased accuracy, the rifle comes with a 6” Picatinny rail where you can add your choice of accessories or scope.
Features
- 18” rifled steel barrel
- Shoots .177 caliber pellets
- 4×32 scope with covers
- Attached suppressor for quiet shooting
- Solidly built for long-lasting durability
- Maximum velocity: 1300fps
- Great power and consistency
- High-powered break barrel action
Best Air Rifles under $500
Gamo Swarm Maxxim Air Rifle
This Swarm Maxxim Air Rifle from Gamo has revolutionized the world of air rifles. This break barrel air rifle is ideal for large pest control, small game hunting, and recreational shooting. It features the 10X quick shot technology which uses a 10-round rotary-style magazine for fast follow-up shots. The IGT piston technology provides more terminal velocity up to 1300fps with PBA Platinum .177 Caliber pellets and up to 975fps with PBA Platinum .22 Caliber pellets. The technology also produces less vibration, consistent power, and a smooth cocking effect.
With this air rifle, you don’t have to purchase a scope. It comes with a Gamo 3-9×40 scope. The scope is fog proof and shockproof so you can use it even in extreme weather conditions. Also, the air rifle comes with a recoil-reducing rail to absorb recoil and a tough all-weather ambidextrous stock for all-weather reliability. Thanks to the shockwave absorber recoil pad, you get to shoot very comfortably. The air rifle also features a 2-stage adjustable custom action trigger and a 3-year warranty.
Features
- 10-shot break barrel
- 3-year warranty
- Maximum velocity: 1300fps
- Checkered grip and forearm for non-slip grip
- 2-stage adjustable custom action trigger
- Fog proof and shockproof Gamo 3-9×40 scope
- Durable, all-weather ambidextrous stock
- Recoil reducing rail
- Shockwave absorber recoil pad
- Quiet shooting
- 1300 fps .177 and 975 fps .22
- Cocking effort: 30 lbs
- Weights 5.64lb
Benjamin Trail NP XL Air Rifle
This Benjamin Trail NP XL Air Rifle is your ideal hunting and shooting sports air rifle. It is highly accurate and shoots .25 caliber pellets at a velocity of up to 900 fps. This is sufficient to take out squirrels, rabbits and other small game either in the backyard or on the farm.
This break barrel air rifle has a gas-piston power type. It features a solid, hardwood stock that is not only stylish but also durable. The rifled steel barrel improves your accuracy, while the 3-9×40 mm scope included helps you spot small targets easily. It also features a two-stage adjustable trigger for smooth and accurate shot placement.
Features
- 3-9x40mm scope
- Two-stage adjustable trigger
- Rifled steel barrel
- Shoots .25 caliber pellets (950 fps)
- Lightweight design
- Break barrel air rifle
- PCP powered
- Solid, sleek hardwood stock and foregrip
- Velocity-1,060 fps and 1,115 fps
Benjamin Marauder BP2264S Multi-Shot Air Rifle
Here is another quality air rifle from Benjamin. This Marauder BP2264S Multi-Shot Air Rifle is renowned for its quiet shooting and hard-hitting power. The only noise you’ll hear is when the pellet hits the target. This makes it the perfect air rifle for shooting targets in the backyard.
This PCP air rifle shoots .22 caliber pellets with speeds up to1000fps. With such speeds and virtually no recoil, the air rifle is suitable for small game hunting, plinking, pest control, and target shooting. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry in the field, while the all-weather synthetic stock makes it suitable for use in any weather conditions. Other than that, the rifle features a 10-round magazine for quick follow-up shots and a two-stage, adjustable match-grade trigger that provides smooth shots. A dovetail mounting rail is also included for mounting additional accessories.
Features
- 1000fps speed
- Two-stage, adjustable match-grade trigger
- Raised comb for comfortable shooting
- All-weather synthetic stock
- Durable and lightweight design
- 10-round magazine
- Shoots .22 caliber pellets
- Built-in pressure gauge
- Dovetail mounting rail
- Quick-disconnect Foster fitting
Best Air Rifles under $1000
Benjamin Armada Air Rifle
This Benjamin Armada is a high-end air rifle with a modular, versatile design. This USA-made air rifle delivers speeds up to1100FPS with 21-foot pounds of energy. This makes it ideal for small game hunting and target shooting. 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 comes with an air-pressure monitoring gauge and a two-stage trigger which lets you know exactly when the firing will take place. It’s a great and worthy addition to your firearm collection.
Features
- Modular versatile design
- 10-round magazine
- Reversible bolt action for left-hand shooters
- Delivers 30+ consistent shots per fill
- Made in the USA
- 5-inches of Picatinny rail space
- Two-stage trigger
- Rifled steel barrel for greater accuracy
- Integrated resonance dampener
- Velocity-1100 FPS
- 21 foot-pounds of energy
Benjamin Bulldog .357 PCP Hunting Rifle
When it comes to long-range shooting accuracy, it’s hard to beat the Benjamin Bulldog .357 PCP Hunting Rifle. This gun has set the standards for hunting air rifles. It’s not only powerful and efficient but also user-friendly and very reliable. If you are a left-hand shooter, this is your ideal air rifle. It comes with a reversible side lever bolt action for both left- and right-hand shooters.
The air rifle is well-made to last. It has a durable synthetic design and a short 36-inch bullpup configuration for convenient carrying in the field. Additionally, the air rifle comes with a 26-inch Picatinny rail where you can mount the accessories you want. It also features a CenterPoint 4-16x50mm scope for better accuracy.
Features
- CenterPoint 4-16x50mm scope with rings
- 26-inches Picatinny rail
- Velocity-Up to 800 fps
- Air Reservoir-3000 psi. FPE-200
- Reversible side lever bolt action
- Durable synthetic design
- Short 36-inch bullpup configuration
- Baffle-less sound trap for quiet shooting
- Great long-range accuracy
- For Big game hunting
Umarex Hammer .50 Caliber PCP Air Rifle
When it comes to power and performance, it’s hard to beat the Umarex Hammer .50 Caliber PCP Air Rifle. It shoots .50 caliber pellets at speeds up to 1130fps. This is enough to take down small and big game in any distance. With one full tank, the air rifle delivers 3 full power regulated shots and 1 finishing tank.
The 8.5-inch long Picatinny rail offers up to 20 slots where you can mount your accessories of choice. You can mount any scope of choice and improve your shooting accuracy. When it comes to safety, the air rifle offers two safety features; a magazine lock-out so it won’t fire without the mag and a trigger block safety which prevents accidental firing. The air rifle also has a sound-absorbing composite full barrel shroud for quiet shooting.
Features
- Highly powerful
- Shoots .50 caliber pellets up to 1130fps
- Ultralight 4500psi
- Modern stock design
- 5-inch long Picatinny rail
- Quiet shooting
- Two safeties: mag lockout and trigger block safety
- Three full power shots
- Carl Walther precision barrel
See Also
Choosing the Best Budget Air Rifles
- Propulsion Method
There are 4 main air rifle propulsion methods: CO2, pneumatic, pre-charged, and spring pistons.
CO2-powered air rifles are mainly used in shooting competitions. They are more convenient and have consistent shooting power. All you need is to insert a CO2 cartridge into the rifle and after cocking it the first time, it’s ready to shoot until the cartridge gets depleted.
Pneumatic propulsion is mainly found in low-cost, entry-level air rifles. You’ll be required to pump the rifle to create compressed air to shoot the pellet. Pneumatic air rifles come in either single or multi-stroke options. In single-stroke, you only pump the air rifle once while the multi-stroke allows you to pump it several times to increase the shooting power.
Pre-charged pneumatic air rifles depend on compressed air as well. However, they use a pre-filled, high-pressure tank to generate pressure through manual gun pumping. This gives you more power and precision.
Spring-piston air rifles depend on the user to retract the spring, pushing forward an air change when pulling the trigger. Spring piston air rifles are the cheapest.
- Caliber
Most air rifles use either .177 or .22 caliber pellets. They are the most common pellets for hunting, competition shooting, and all-around target shooting. Other calibers present though less common include .20, .25 and .30 on the smaller size and .357, .45, .50 and .58 on the upper side. Large-sized calibers are mostly used for big game hunting.
- Pellet Capacity
The pellet capacity differs from one air rifle to the other. Some rifles have a 5BB capacity while others hold as many as 50BBs or more at once. Generally, the more powerful the air rifle is and the large the caliber is shoots, the smaller the pellet capacity.
- Aiming Aids
If you want to improve your accuracy, look for an air rifle that comes with several aiming aids. The most basic aiming aids are front and rear sights. Some air rifles come with long rails where you can mount additional accessories. Others have adjustable scopes or red dot sights as well.
- Weight
Lastly, look at how heavy the air rifle is. 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 multiple accessories.
Best Budget Air Rifles FAQs
- Do I need a license to get an air rifle?
In most states, there are no federal laws that restrict the purchase and use of an air rifle. However, some states do have restrictions on buying, use, and transfer of air rifles. So, check with your local jurisdiction and see what’s legal and what is restricted.
- Is there a minimum age limit for air rifles?
When it comes to licensing, the federal government hasn’t set any age restriction for the use of air rifles. But some states have. New York for instant prohibits the possession of an air rifle to anyone under 16 years.
Conclusion
We hope that this post has given you insight into the best budget air rifles. Whatever your budget is, there is an air rifle for you. Knowing what you need and what to look for will help you choose right. All the air rifles listed above are quality, durable and reliable. Use our buying guide above and choose the model that’s best for your needs.