Last updated: December 2026
The .25 caliber air rifle occupies a sweet spot that serious airgunners have come to appreciate. Larger than the ubiquitous .22 but more practical than the heavy-hitting .30, the 25 cal pellet gun delivers exceptional performance for hunting, pest control, and long-range shooting. If you’ve been debating .25 vs .22 air rifle options, you’re in the right place.
In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we’ll break down the best .25 caliber air rifles on the market—from budget-friendly PCP options under $400 to premium European rifles that represent the pinnacle of airgun engineering. We’ll also compare the .25 to other popular calibers, discuss pellet availability, and help you decide if stepping up to quarter-inch projectiles makes sense for your shooting needs.
.25 Caliber: The Airgunner’s Sweet Spot
Before diving into specific rifles, let’s understand why the .25 caliber air rifle has become increasingly popular among serious shooters.
Why Choose .25 Over Other Calibers?
The .25 caliber (6.35mm) pellet typically weighs between 25 and 35 grains—nearly double the weight of a standard .22 pellet. This extra mass translates directly into superior downrange performance:
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Better energy retention: Heavier pellets shed velocity more slowly, maintaining killing power at longer distances
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Improved wind resistance: The higher ballistic coefficient means less drift in crosswinds
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Greater terminal energy: More foot-pounds delivered on target for cleaner, more ethical kills
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Reduced ricochet risk: Heavier projectiles are less prone to dangerous deflections
For hunters and pest controllers, these advantages often outweigh the higher pellet costs and slightly reduced shot counts per fill.
.25 vs .22 Air Rifle: Direct Comparison
The .25 vs .22 air rifle debate is one of the most common discussions in airgun forums. Here’s how they stack up:
| Factor | .22 Caliber | .25 Caliber | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Pellet Weight | 14-18 grains | 25-35 grains | Depends on use |
| Muzzle Energy (typical PCP) | 25-35 FPE | 40-60 FPE | .25 |
| Shots Per Fill | 40-60+ | 25-40 | .22 |
| Trajectory (flatness) | Flatter | More arc | .22 |
| Wind Drift | More affected | Less affected | .25 |
| Pellet Cost | $15-25/500 | $20-35/200 | .22 |
| Pellet Selection | Excellent | Good | .22 |
| Hunting Effectiveness (50+ yards) | Good | Excellent | .25 |
The Bottom Line: Choose .22 for plinking, target shooting, and budget-conscious hunting at moderate ranges. Choose .25 when you need maximum energy retention for longer shots, larger pests, or hunting situations where a clean first-shot kill is paramount.
.25 vs .30 Caliber: When Bigger Isn’t Better
Some shooters considering a .25 caliber air rifle wonder if they should jump straight to .30 caliber. While .30 delivers even more energy, the .25 often makes more practical sense:
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Better accuracy potential: .25 pellets are generally more consistent in manufacturing quality
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More shots per fill: The .30 caliber’s air consumption is significantly higher
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Lower pellet cost: .30 caliber pellets are expensive and harder to find
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Sufficient power: For most pest control and small game, .25 provides plenty of energy
Reserve .30 caliber for specialized hunting applications where the extra power is truly necessary. For 90% of airgun hunters, .25 hits the practical performance ceiling. However, if you’re specifically hunting predators like coyotes or need maximum power for medium-sized game, check out our guide to the best .30 caliber pellet guns to see if the step up makes sense for your needs.
Best .25 Caliber Air Rifles for 2026
1. Air Venturi Avenger .25 – Best Budget .25 Cal PCP
The Air Venturi Avenger revolutionized the budget PCP market, and the .25 caliber version delivers exceptional value for hunters and plinkers alike. At around $350, it’s difficult to find a more feature-rich 25 cal pellet gun at this price point.
What makes the Avenger special is its adjustability. The regulator, hammer spring, and transfer port are all user-adjustable, allowing you to tune the rifle for your preferred pellet weight and shooting application. Want maximum power for hunting? Crank it up. Prefer more shots per fill for plinking? Dial it back. This flexibility is remarkable for a rifle in this price range.
In .25 caliber, the Avenger typically produces 40-50 foot-pounds of energy depending on tuning and pellet selection. The side-lever action is smooth, the two-stage trigger is adjustable and crisp, and the included moderator keeps the report backyard-friendly. The synthetic stock won’t win beauty contests, but it’s functional and weather-resistant.
Key Specifications:
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Caliber: .25 (also available in .177 and .22)
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Power: 40-50 FPE (tunable)
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Velocity: 900 FPS with lead pellets
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Magazine: 8 rounds
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Fill Pressure: 250 BAR / 3,625 PSI
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Shots Per Fill: 25-35 (depending on tune)
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Weight: 6 lbs
Best For: Budget-conscious hunters who want a capable .25 caliber PCP without breaking the bank. Also excellent for tinkerers who enjoy optimizing their equipment.
2. Benjamin Marauder .25 – Best Mid-Range .25 Cal Air Rifle
The Benjamin Marauder has been a benchmark in the PCP world for over a decade, and the .25 caliber version remains one of the most refined mid-range options available. At around $600, it costs more than budget PCPs but delivers noticeably superior fit, finish, and out-of-box accuracy.
Crosman designed the Marauder with serious shooters in mind. The rifle features a fully shrouded barrel that makes it whisper-quiet—one of the quietest .25 caliber air rifles you can buy. The choked barrel promotes excellent accuracy, and the two-stage adjustable trigger can be tuned to a crisp, predictable break.
Like the Avenger, the Marauder offers adjustable power via its regulator and hammer spring. In .25 caliber, expect 45-55 FPE depending on your tune. The bolt-action is smooth and positive, and the 8-round rotary magazine feeds reliably. The reversible bolt allows left-handed shooters to configure the rifle for their needs.
The Marauder’s wooden stock gives it a classic appearance that many shooters prefer over synthetic alternatives. Build quality is excellent throughout, and the rifle’s reputation for reliability is well-earned.
Key Specifications:
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Caliber: .25 (also available in .177 and .22)
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Power: 45-55 FPE
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Velocity: 900 FPS
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Magazine: 8 rounds
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Fill Pressure: 3,000 PSI
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Shots Per Fill: 16-32 (depending on tune)
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Weight: 7.3 lbs
Best For: Hunters who want a proven, refined platform with excellent accuracy and near-silent operation. The Marauder is particularly well-suited for pest control in noise-sensitive environments.
3. Umarex Gauntlet 2 .25 – Best Value for Features
The Umarex Gauntlet 2 improved upon its already-popular predecessor with meaningful upgrades that make the .25 caliber version a serious contender in the sub-$500 category. If you want maximum features per dollar, the Gauntlet 2 delivers.
The second generation Gauntlet features a regulated action for consistent shot-to-shot velocity, an 11-round magazine (largest in this price range for .25 cal), and a fully shrouded barrel with an effective moderator. The M-LOK accessory rail allows easy attachment of bipods, lights, and other gear.
Power output in .25 caliber reaches approximately 45 FPE, which is excellent for a rifle at this price point. The single-shot tray allows you to use different pellet weights without loading the magazine, which is convenient when testing various ammunition options. The adjustable two-stage trigger breaks cleanly and can be tuned to your preference.
The Gauntlet 2’s synthetic stock features an adjustable cheek piece and rubber buttpad—comfort features you’d normally expect at higher price points. Overall fit and finish have improved significantly from the first generation.
Key Specifications:
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Caliber: .25 (also available in .22)
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Power: ~45 FPE
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Velocity: 900 FPS
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Magazine: 11 rounds
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Fill Pressure: 3,000 PSI
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Shots Per Fill: ~40
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Weight: 8.5 lbs
Best For: Shooters who want modern features like M-LOK rails and large magazine capacity without paying premium prices. The Gauntlet 2 is particularly appealing for those transitioning from firearms who appreciate tactical-style features.
4. Hatsan Flashpup .25 – Best Compact .25 Cal PCP
The Hatsan Flashpup brings .25 caliber power in a compact, bullpup configuration that’s perfect for shooters who need maneuverability. At around $400, it offers Hatsan’s proven Turkish quality in a unique package.
The bullpup design places the action behind the trigger, resulting in a significantly shorter overall length while maintaining a full-length barrel. This makes the Flashpup ideal for hunting from blinds, shooting from vehicles, or any situation where a compact rifle is advantageous. Despite its short profile, the rifle doesn’t sacrifice barrel length or power.
In .25 caliber, the Flashpup produces approximately 33 FPE—less than some competitors but still adequate for pest control and small game at reasonable distances. The integrated sound moderator keeps the report manageable, and the 10-round magazine provides sufficient capacity for most hunting scenarios.
Hatsan includes their Quattro adjustable two-stage trigger, which provides a decent break out of the box. The rifle features a combination Weaver/11mm dovetail rail for flexible optic mounting options.
Key Specifications:
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Caliber: .25 (also available in .177 and .22)
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Power: ~33 FPE
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Velocity: 800 FPS
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Magazine: 10 rounds
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Fill Pressure: 200 BAR / 2,900 PSI
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Shots Per Fill: ~25
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Weight: 5.5 lbs
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Overall Length: 27.6 inches
Best For: Hunters who need a compact, maneuverable rifle without sacrificing .25 caliber capability. The bullpup configuration is particularly valuable for hunting from tight spaces or carrying through dense brush.
5. FX Impact M3 .25 – Best Premium .25 Cal Air Rifle
For shooters who demand the absolute best, the FX Impact M3 represents the pinnacle of .25 caliber air rifle technology. At approximately $2,000, it’s a significant investment—but for serious hunters and competitors, the M3’s capabilities justify every dollar.
The FX Impact M3 is arguably the most adjustable production air rifle ever made. Power, velocity, and shot count can be fine-tuned via the patented Power Plenum and AMP regulator system. You can adjust the rifle’s power from backyard-friendly levels to maximum energy without tools—a feature no other rifle offers at this level of refinement.
FX’s Smooth Twist X barrel system allows you to change barrel liners to experiment with different twist rates and bore sizes. This level of customization lets you optimize the rifle for specific pellet brands and weights, achieving accuracy that budget rifles simply cannot match. Many competitive field target shooters choose the Impact specifically for this barrel versatility.
The M3 updates include an improved side-lever cocking mechanism, enhanced magazine system, and refined trigger. The rifle comes with an AR-style pistol grip and adjustable stock that can be configured for any shooter’s ergonomic preferences. Build quality is exceptional throughout—this is a precision instrument.
Key Specifications:
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Caliber: .25 (also available in .177, .22, and .30)
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Power: 20-80+ FPE (fully adjustable)
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Velocity: Up to 1,000 FPS
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Magazine: 18 rounds (with extended magazine)
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Fill Pressure: 250 BAR / 3,625 PSI
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Shots Per Fill: 40-120 (depending on power setting)
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Weight: 7.5 lbs
Best For: Serious hunters and competitors who demand the best accuracy and flexibility available. The FX Impact M3 is for shooters who view airguns as precision instruments and are willing to invest accordingly.
.25 Caliber Air Rifle Comparison Table
| Model | Power (FPE) | Magazine | Shots/Fill | Weight | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Venturi Avenger | 40-50 | 8 rounds | 25-35 | 6 lbs | ~$350 | Amazon |
| Benjamin Marauder | 45-55 | 8 rounds | 16-32 | 7.3 lbs | ~$600 | Amazon |
| Umarex Gauntlet 2 | ~45 | 11 rounds | ~40 | 8.5 lbs | ~$450 | Amazon |
| Hatsan Flashpup | ~33 | 10 rounds | ~25 | 5.5 lbs | ~$400 | Amazon |
| FX Impact M3 | 20-80+ | 18 rounds | 40-120 | 7.5 lbs | ~$2,000 | Amazon |
When Does .25 Caliber Make Sense for Hunting?
The .25 caliber air rifle shines in specific hunting scenarios where its advantages over smaller calibers become meaningful:
Ideal Applications for .25 Caliber
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Squirrel and rabbit hunting: The extra energy ensures clean kills even at less-than-perfect shot placement
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Larger pest species: Groundhogs, prairie dogs, and similar-sized animals are well-suited to .25 caliber
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Extended range hunting (50-75 yards): The .25’s superior energy retention makes ethical kills possible at distances where .22 becomes marginal
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Windy conditions: Reduced wind drift means more first-shot hits
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Pest control where penetration matters: For pests with heavier body mass, .25 caliber ensures adequate penetration
When .22 Remains the Better Choice
Despite its advantages, .25 caliber isn’t always the right answer:
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Backyard plinking: The higher pellet cost adds up quickly for casual shooting
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Close-range pest control (under 30 yards): .22 is more than adequate and more economical
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Maximum shot count needed: If you need lots of shots per fill, .22 wins
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Target shooting: .177 remains the standard for precision target work
.25 Caliber Pellet Availability and Cost
One consideration when choosing a 25 cal pellet gun is ammunition availability. While .25 caliber pellet selection has improved dramatically in recent years, it still lags behind .177 and .22 in variety.
Popular .25 Caliber Pellets
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JSB Exact King (25.39 gr): The gold standard for accuracy in .25 caliber, widely available and consistent
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H&N Baracuda Match (31.02 gr): Excellent for hunting with their larger wound channels
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JSB Exact King Heavy MKII (33.95 gr): Best for maximum energy transfer and windy conditions
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Predator Polymag (26 gr): Expanding design for enhanced terminal performance
Typical Costs
Expect to pay approximately $20-35 per tin of 150-200 pellets for quality .25 caliber ammunition. This works out to roughly 10-18 cents per shot, compared to 3-6 cents per shot for quality .22 pellets. For occasional hunters, this difference is negligible. For high-volume shooters, it adds up significantly.
Related Guides on PelletGuns101
Looking for more air rifle recommendations? Check out these related guides:
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Best Air Rifles by Price Range
Final Recommendations
Choosing the right .25 caliber air rifle depends on your budget, intended use, and how much you value specific features. Here are our final picks for different buyer profiles:
Best Budget .25 Cal: Air Venturi Avenger
For shooters who want .25 caliber capability without a major investment, the Avenger delivers remarkable value. Its adjustability means you can tune it perfectly for your needs, and the performance rivals rifles costing twice as much.
Best Mid-Range .25 Cal: Benjamin Marauder
The Marauder’s combination of accuracy, quiet operation, and proven reliability makes it the smart choice for hunters who want refinement without premium pricing. It’s a rifle you can trust in the field.
Best Premium .25 Cal: FX Impact M3
When only the best will do, the FX Impact M3 delivers capabilities no other production air rifle can match. For serious hunters and competitors, the M3’s adjustability and accuracy potential justify the investment.
The .25 caliber air rifle represents a meaningful step up from .22 for hunters who need more downrange energy without the excessive air consumption and pellet costs of .30 caliber. Whether you choose a budget-friendly Avenger or invest in an FX Impact M3, you’ll gain access to a caliber that serious airgunners have come to appreciate for its practical balance of power, accuracy, and versatility.
Happy hunting!
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