Men's interest in weapons begins in early childhood, but before picking up any, it is better to look at rating of air rifles by power and quality so as not to make a mistake. Some models are even suitable for small game hunting. True, some people prefer air pistols; it all depends on personal preference. Now we will try to tell you as much as possible about 10 air rifles, which are considered the most powerful and best.
Hatsan Bullboss
It all starts with one of the most famous and popular brands in this field. In first place is Bullboss air rifle Modern solutions in external design and the weapon looks decent, albeit far from the classic versions. It is inexpensive compared to its competitors and is ideal for professionals. According to technical data, without taking into account the time that will be spent not reloading, in 1 minute the rifle is capable of firing 120 times. A huge disadvantage is the weak canister; it usually runs out after 11 shots.
- Caliber: 4.5 – 6.5 mm
- Shot speed: 380 m/s
- Power: 7.5 J
- Magazine: 10 rounds
- Barrel length: 56 cm
- Weight: 2.5 kg
FX IMPACT
Powerful and difficult to use PCP air rifle. Suitable for experienced shooters familiar with all the features of weapon setup. It has a lot of operation regulators, which can be easily knocked down if you are careless.
6-7 years ago it was believed that pneumatics were not capable of competing with firearms. However, now many American and European police, as well as some military units, use this type of weapon.
FX IMPACT requires careful handling and storage. It is not advisable to drop it on hard surfaces and use it at too high or low air temperatures. It is more suitable for shooting at a shooting range or on a training ground, but not for hunting and entertainment.
Magtech N2 Extreme 1300
Many have already appreciated this weapon and tried it in action. Indeed, despite such an early age, she has already entered the best air rifles and is unlikely to leave them. Its design is very interesting, reminiscent of a gun, but with a competent butt and a comfortable one. In theory, this is a classic, which many people like for this reason.
- Caliber: 4.5 mm
- Shot speed: 310 m/s
- Power: 7.5 J
- Magazine: 1 rounds
- Barrel length: 72 cm
- Weight: 3.2 kg
Barrel type
When choosing an air gun for hunting, you should also take into account the type of barrel. This structural element gives the bullet the desired direction and the desired speed. There are two main types:
- solid-barrel air rifles;
- with a “fracture” of the barrel when cocking - it is believed that they have less durability due to wear on the hinges.
These weapons also come in smooth-bore and rifled versions. The barrel of the latter provides the bullet with certain rotation trajectories, which provide stabilization in flight. The internal surface of a rifled specimen consists of a muzzle passage and a rifled part (grooves). The most common bores are of the same diameter along the entire length, but there are options with cone bores. This barrel option gives more accurate and accurate shooting.
Loading a weapon is done in one of three ways:
- A broken trunk is not the most convenient option for hunting. It takes effort to charge every time. The fracture unit becomes loose over time and impairs shooting accuracy.
- Bolt action - used in PCP and multi-compressor rifles.
- Under-barrel lever - when moving it down, the bolt mechanism is cocked (spring-piston type).
In any case, for a hunter, the best option is the one that produces less noise.
Hatsan 125 Magnum
Another air rifle, the Hatsan, makes it into the top three due to its high quality, convenience and power. The classic design of a break gun, the simplest design, thanks to which many people use this pneumatic even for shooting training. But with this you can easily go hunting for small game, because the sighting range of the weapon reaches 70 meters. Owners who want the best air rifle for hunting can easily change the spring themselves and install a gas one. Not every model has this opportunity, so future hunters may be satisfied. Despite its simplicity, there are many upgrades and modifications for this weapon. True, the copy weighs a lot and is unlikely to be convenient for teenagers.
- Caliber: 4.5 mm
- Shot speed: 320 m/s
- Power: 7.5 J
- Magazine: 1 rounds
- Barrel length: 87 cm
- Weight: 3.5 kg
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Sam Yang Big Bore 909S
A classic hunting rifle that is a complete copy of the 1866 Winchester. To give the pneumatic an aesthetic appearance, the manufacturer equipped it with only one air tank, which is located along the barrel and does not stand out from the overall design.
A special feature of the Sam Yang Big Bore 909S is that the barrel bore is made in a special shape, which allows the bullet to fly out at great speed without being deformed. Additionally, the weapon is decorated with laser engraving and notches, allowing you to hold it firmly in your hands.
Kral AI-145
Many rightfully believe that the rating of air rifles in terms of power and quality . This is the opinion of people and it is probably correct, because the majority will not be mistaken. During assembly, the designers clearly overdid it with reliability, and the weapon turned out to be durable. Despite its frivolous appearance, more like a rifle from a shooting range, you can easily go hunting with it; this pneumatic gun has more than enough power. Moreover, the kit comes with optics, and not everyone can boast of this. Another advantage is that this budget air rifle costs only 6,000 rubles, and even meets the quality of more expensive options. Just be prepared to handle quite a lot of recoil.
- Caliber: 4.5 mm
- Shot speed: 325 m/s
- Power: 7.5 J
- Magazine: 1 rounds
- Barrel length: 70 cm
- Weight: 2.7 kg
About the mass of rifle units
Which air rifle is better to choose so that it is convenient to use and shooting is a pleasure? According to weapons experts, the less the blower weighs, the more it vibrates when fired. A pneumatic gun with too much weight will tire the shooter. Especially if you need to cover long distances. Due to the fact that you have to walk a lot when hunting, for this purpose it is advisable to take with you a weapon that is lighter. If the place for using the pneumatic gun is a shooting range, then the mass of the shooting unit does not matter.
Crossman Fury NP
Together with the optical sight, it even looks a bit like a sniper rifle, because the design was invented by an American company. Therefore, hunters take a close look at it, especially when they find out that this is a real budget air rifle costing only 12-15,000 rubles. Naturally, the original has a metal spring installed; the base for the handle and butt includes plastic material, but it is rubberized, and this is already a significant plus. Thanks to this, the weapon fits in your hands as comfortably as possible and does not fall. As the owners note, there is practically no unnecessary noise, and the return is barely noticeable. The main thing is to pay attention to the build quality before purchasing so as not to get defective. To buy Crosman you do not need to show a license; any adult can do this.
- Caliber: 4.5 mm
- Shot speed: 315 m/s
- Power: 7.5 J
- Magazine: 1 rounds
- Barrel length: 76 cm
- Weight: 3 kg
PCP ATAMAN ML 15B
The rifle is manufactured in Russia and is famous throughout the world not only for its convenient and durable design, but also for its high power. It is compatible with 6.35 mm caliber and shoots at a distance of 50 meters. The model is equipped with a mount for an optical sight (you will have to buy it separately).
Modern technologies are used in the production process of PCP ATAMAN ML 15B. For example, the pneumatics have an air supply control system, as well as a mechanism that speeds up the reloading process and increases the accuracy of the weapon. The rifle barrel was made by the American company Lothar Walther. It is characterized by strength and durability.
Hatsan Striker Edge
The model in front of you, recognizable by many, is the Hatsan air rifle, straight from the Turkish manufacturer. As always, I am pleased with the high quality of assembly and manufacturing of each element. Naturally, most professional hunters have one; they note excellent accuracy. Thanks to the high degree of strength, the weapon can be used for 5 or even more years; it is durable. The only thing that scares many people away is the excessively strong recoil, which quickly breaks the optics.
- Caliber: 4.5 mm
- Shot speed: 290 m/s
- Power: 7.5 J
- Magazine: 1 rounds
- Barrel length: 75 cm
- Weight: 2.5 kg
A little history
The progenitor of pneumatics is considered to be wind tubes with a primitive design. The “barrel” reached a length of 50 centimeters, and poisoned darts were used instead of cartridges. Such weapons became widespread among the tribes of North and South America, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia.
In some cases, the length of the product reached 2.5 meters, and sometimes a closed cylinder of wider diameter was fixed at the end of the tube. A palm strike on the end created pressure in the “barrel” and the projectile flew out of it at a distance of up to one hundred meters.
A little later, the mechanic Ctesibius from Alexandria came up with the idea of inserting a piston into an empty cylinder. Thanks to his invention, the world saw first the fire pump, and then catapults and crossbows. Today, similar mechanisms are used in some types of air guns.
SPA PR900W
Its very original appearance has contributed to its inclusion in the rating of air rifles in terms of power and quality today, as well as its parameters, which competitors can only envy. It looks like a real professional hunting rifle, but in fact it is an air rifle that can easily be used for small game. During production, we used the highest quality in terms of assembly and materials, for example, the stock is made of walnut, which is very expensive wood. The gas cartridge should last for 55 shots. The most important thing is to ensure that the best air rifle without a license does not have any defects.
- Caliber: 4.5 mm
- Shot speed: 275 m/s
- Power: 7.5 J
- Magazine: 9+1 rounds
- Barrel length: 53 cm
- Weight: 2.1 kg
Afterword
Of course, this review cannot serve as a guide to action and cannot claim to be 100% objective. But the rating will be useful to people who are interested in buying pneumatics and will help them understand what criteria they need to use to choose a rifle. Answer the following questions:
- What budget do you have?
- What is the purpose of the purchase - training, hunting, entertainment?
In addition, remember the legal regulations - purchase pneumatic weapons, the use of which is permitted on the territory of the Russian Federation. Our online store presents models, the purchase and use of which does not require a license. We present high-quality rifles from trusted manufacturers. In addition, in our store you can find accessories for pneumatics, select consumables and protective equipment. Consultants will help you decide on a purchase depending on your goals and budget.
Crosman F 4NP
Another American model that is included in the list of 10 air rifles . It has a twist, which lies in the piston, it moves under the influence of nitrogen and thanks to this the speed of the shot is constantly kept at the same level, and the sound during the playback of the shot is also reduced. It is inexpensive thanks to the competent choice of materials for the manufacture of the butt; it is high-quality plastic. The weapon comes with a scope, stand and excellent build quality. The main thing is to handle it lightly, because repairs will be very difficult.
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- Caliber: 4.5 mm
- Shot speed: 360 m/s
- Power: 7.5 J
- Magazine: 1 cartridge
- Barrel length: 53 cm
- Weight: 2.9 kg
Umarex Hummer
This repeating air rifle with a muzzle energy of 955 J is considered the most powerful in the world. It is noteworthy that this figure in the AK-74 is 1300 J. The energy source in the “pneumatic” is air contained under a pressure of 306 atmospheres in a carbon reservoir with a capacity of 400 ml. For the manufacture of the fore-end, butt, stock and other elements, the manufacturer uses Nymax supermaterial. Thanks to the 750 mm barrel, the accuracy of the fire is 2.5 cm from a distance of 40 meters. The undoubted advantage of this model is the ability to shoot in automatic mode. “Pneumatic” is equipped with a specially designed chamber, thanks to which you can fire no more than three shots without reloading. The only drawback of the rifle unit is its high cost. You can become the owner of a blowgun for 19 thousand rubles.
Ekol Ultimate
A classic model with enough features to rank among today's best air rifles For those who have already shot with pneumatics, using this weapon does not cause any problems, but it has a lot of power, so you should be careful. The stock is made in such a way that there are no problems using the rifle with any hand. An excellent sound moderator was installed inside; because of it, the sound of gunfire cannot be heard. Another distinctive feature is the manual and automatic safeties. True, they are located inconveniently.
- Caliber: 4.5 mm
- Shot speed: 380 m/s
- Power: 7.5 J
- Magazine: 1 cartridge
- Barrel length: 81 cm
- Weight: 2.63 kg
Types of air rifles
All pneumatic weapons can be divided into several types.
Spring-piston rifles
The principle of operation of such a weapon is to compress air in a cylindrical chamber with a piston, which is equipped with a dense cuff. This type of weapon, in turn, also comes in two types:
- Rifles cocked by breaking the barrel;
- Rifles in which the barrel is motionless, but there is an under-barrel or side cocking.
Advantages:
- Simplicity of design;
- Possibility of replacing the spring if it fails;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- A rifle with a breakable barrel quickly loosens the barrel attachment point, especially if you use the weapon regularly (rifles with a fixed barrel do not have this drawback);
- Strong recoil, which may adversely affect the installation of an optical sight;
- Exposure to low temperatures;
- Noisy during the shooting process, which can scare away potential prey.
Despite all the shortcomings of such weapons, spring-piston rifles are the most popular among most hunters due to their affordable price.
Compression air rifles
The name reflects the principle of operation of such a weapon: compressed air is pumped into a designated tank using a special built-in pump. The pump is started manually; the lever for this can be located on the side or built into the forend.
Advantages of compression pneumatics:
- autonomy;
- lack of tangible returns.
Flaws:
- low shot power;
- as a consequence of the first drawback, the need to perform a certain amount of pumping before firing;
- the interval between shots reaches 30 seconds, which is not very attractive during the hunt;
- It is difficult to achieve the same pressure for a shot due to manual inflation.
Of all the shortcomings that make such weapons not the most popular among hunters, low starting power is most often noted.
Carbon dioxide air rifles
A shot in such a weapon is ensured by the energy of carbon dioxide, which is liquefied in a special canister. When carbon dioxide evaporates, pressure builds up in the canister, which creates a shot.
Advantages of CO2 rifles:
- the possibility of a large number of shots from one can;
- a wide range of similar weapons.
Flaws:
- low shot accuracy;
- weak shot power;
- exposure to environmental influences;
- low rate of fire.
PCP - pneumatic
Pre-Charged Pneumatics (PCP) or pre-pumped rifle is considered one of the best air options for hunting. A design feature of such weapons is the presence of a special cylinder into which air is pumped under high pressure, which can reach 200-300 atmospheres.
The location of the compressed air cylinder can vary: it can be the butt of a rifle or under the barrel.
Air is pumped by a special pump or compressor.
Advantages of PCP - pneumatics:
- high power;
- high shot accuracy;
- independence from external environmental conditions;
- rate of fire.
Flaws:
- Additional equipment for injection is required: pump, compressor or high-pressure cylinder.
PCP - pneumatics are highly expensive compared to the above mentioned varieties.
Beeman Longhorn
This is the last one on the list of the best unlicensed air rifle that we have and it meets the requirements. First of all, this is a budget option for those who are just starting to practice shooting. Moreover, the manufacturer is responsible for the build quality, and the weapon rarely fails. The kit includes optics with excellent magnification, suitable for small hunting. Some may find the bed uncomfortable.
- Caliber: 4.5 mm
- Shot speed: 260 m/s
- Power: 7.5 J
- Magazine: 1 cartridge
- Barrel length: 51 cm
- Weight: 2.8 kg
FX BOBCAT Mk2
Expensive and powerful Swiss-made air rifle. FX Airguns designed it specifically for people new to airgun shooting, so it's suitable for experienced and new shooters alike.
The design of the FX BOBCAT Mk2 is standard - an adjustable trigger, a side cocking lever and an integrated gearbox. The advantage of the model was a large magazine for 12 bullets and an integrated telescopic silencer.
