Last updated: May 2026
You don’t need to spend $300 to get a capable air rifle. There’s a solid tier of budget pellet guns under $100 that can handle backyard plinking, pest control practice, and introducing new shooters to the hobby — without making you wince at the price tag.
I’ve put serious trigger time behind entry-level air rifles over the years, and I’ll be straight with you: some cheap air rifles are genuinely good, and some are garbage. This guide cuts through the noise so you know exactly which best air rifle under 100 dollars picks are worth your money in 2026.
Quick answer: The Daisy Powerline 880 is the best all-around pick under $100. For total beginners on the tightest budget, the Crosman 760 Pumpmaster is hard to beat at under $50.
What to Expect from a Sub-$100 Air Rifle
Let’s set realistic expectations before we dive in. A budget beginner pellet gun under $100 will typically offer:
- Power: 500–700 FPS (adequate for plinking and close-range pest control)
- Action: Multi-pump pneumatic or break-barrel spring-piston
- Caliber: Usually .177 (occasionally dual .177/.BB)
- Accuracy: Decent at 10–25 yards, workable to 35 yards
- Build: Mostly synthetic stocks, some metal internals
What you won’t get: PCP-level precision, magnum power for hunting, or premium triggers. If you need those, check our best air rifles under $200 roundup instead.
For first-time buyers learning fundamentals, a sub-$100 air rifle is exactly the right starting point.
Best Air Rifles Under $100 in 2026
1. Daisy Powerline 880 — Best Overall Under $100
Daisy Powerline 880 Multi-Pump Pneumatic Air Rifle
The Powerline 880 has been a staple of the budget airgun market for decades — and it’s still the one I recommend most often to beginners. This multi-pump pneumatic shoots both .177 pellets and steel BBs, giving you versatility right out of the box.
Key specs:
- Power: Multi-pump pneumatic (2–10 pumps)
- Caliber: .177 pellets / .BB
- Velocity: Up to 750 FPS (pellets) / 800 FPS (BBs)
- Barrel: Rifled steel
- Sights: Fiber optic front, adjustable rear
- Length: 37.6 inches
- Weight: 2.7 lbs
Why it stands out: The variable pump system is a huge teaching tool. Two pumps for casual plinking in the backyard, eight to ten pumps when you want to ring steel at 30 yards. That kind of built-in power control doesn’t exist on fixed-power spring guns. The rifled barrel also means pellets will group noticeably tighter than BB-only guns.
At around $60–$70, this is exceptional value. My one gripe: the plastic trigger feels a bit mushy, but it’s entirely manageable for new shooters.
Best for: Beginners, youth shooters, backyard plinking, introducing friends to the hobby.
2. Crosman 760 Pumpmaster — Best Value Under $50
Crosman 760B Pumpmaster Air Rifle
If your budget is tight even by sub-$100 standards, the Crosman 760 Pumpmaster is the answer. This is one of the best-selling air rifles of all time for a reason — it’s simple, it works, and it costs around $40.
Key specs:
- Power: Multi-pump pneumatic (3–10 pumps)
- Caliber: .177 pellets / .BB
- Velocity: Up to 625 FPS (pellets) / 700 FPS (BBs)
- Barrel: Smooth bore (optimized for BBs)
- Sights: Adjustable open sights
- Length: 33.5 inches
- Weight: 2.75 lbs
Why it stands out: It’s the quintessential starter gun. Compact enough for kids but functional for adults. The smooth bore limits pellet accuracy at range compared to the rifled 880, but at 10–20 yards it’s perfectly adequate for tin cans and paper targets.
Best for: Gift buyers on a tight budget, young beginners, casual backyard shooting.
3. Crosman 2100 Classic — Best Accuracy Under $100
Crosman 2100 Classic Multi-Pump Air Rifle
The 2100 Classic is where you start seeing real accuracy potential in this price tier. It’s a step up from the 760 in every way that matters — rifled barrel, more consistent trigger pull, and better sighting options.
Key specs:
- Power: Multi-pump pneumatic (3–10 pumps)
- Caliber: .177 pellets / .BB
- Velocity: Up to 725 FPS (pellets) / 755 FPS (BBs)
- Barrel: Rifled steel
- Sights: Adjustable rear, front blade
- Length: 39.75 inches
- Weight: 4.8 lbs
Why it stands out: At 10 pumps with good dome-head pellets, this rifle will put five shots inside a dime at 20 yards. That’s impressive for a gun in this price bracket. The longer sight radius compared to the 880 also makes it easier for new shooters to develop aiming discipline.
It runs around $65–$80 depending on where you find it. If you’re serious about learning accuracy fundamentals on a budget, the 2100 is worth the few extra dollars over the 760.
Best for: Shooters who want to build real marksmanship skills, pest control at closer ranges.
4. Daisy Model 25 Pump Gun — Best for Younger Shooters
Daisy Model 25 Pump Gun BB Air Rifle
The Daisy Model 25 is a pump-action BB gun with roots going back to 1914. Modern versions are updated but keep the classic lever-pump action that makes it intuitive and fun for young shooters.
Key specs:
- Power: Lever pump action
- Caliber: .BB (steel)
- Velocity: Up to 350 FPS
- Barrel: Smooth bore
- Sights: Fixed open sights
- Length: 35 inches
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
Why it stands out: It’s lower powered than the others on this list, which makes it ideal for supervised shooting with 8–12 year olds. The pump action makes loading feel engaging rather than mechanical. Don’t expect pest control capability — this is a pure plinker and skill-builder.
Best for: Kids learning fundamentals, supervised youth shooting, gift for younger beginners.
Comparison Table: Best Air Rifles Under $100
| Model | Price | Power | Caliber | Max FPS | Rifled Barrel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daisy Powerline 880 | ~$65 | Multi-pump | .177/BB | 750 | Yes | All-around best pick |
| Crosman 760 Pumpmaster | ~$40 | Multi-pump | .177/BB | 700 | No | Tightest budget |
| Crosman 2100 Classic | ~$70 | Multi-pump | .177/BB | 725 | Yes | Best accuracy |
| Daisy Model 25 | ~$45 | Lever pump | BB | 350 | No | Young beginners |
What the YouTube Community Says
Before spending any money, it’s worth seeing what experienced airgunners think of the budget tier. These videos are worth your time:
Best Inexpensive Air Rifle for Adults (Over 20 Guns Reviewed!) — Backfire
This is one of the most thorough budget air rifle roundups on YouTube. The host tests over 20 guns with real chronograph data and accuracy testing — not just regurgitating spec sheets. Essential viewing before you buy.
Budget Airgun Roundup | Setups under $350! — Utah Airguns
Utah Airguns goes deeper into what you can expect as you move up the price ladder, which helps frame where the sub-$100 tier fits and when it makes sense to stretch your budget.
Top 10 Best Budget PCP Air Rifles of 2026 You Can Actually Afford! — TacticalGear
If you’re already thinking beyond $100 toward entry-level PCP guns, this breakdown covers the next tier up and why some shooters find it worth saving a little longer before buying.
How to Choose: Key Buying Factors
Pump Action vs. Break Barrel Under $100
At this price point, I generally steer beginners toward multi-pump pneumatics rather than break-barrel spring guns. Here’s why:
Break-barrel spring guns under $100 tend to use cheaper mainsprings and piston seals that can fail faster and produce inconsistent velocity. Multi-pump pneumatics are mechanically simpler and more forgiving in this price tier.
Once you move up to the $150–$200 range, break-barrel options become more attractive. See our break barrel air rifle guide for more on that.
Pellets vs. BBs
Most guns on this list shoot both, but don’t treat them as interchangeable:
- Steel BBs are great for casual plinking, higher volume shooting, and youth use
- .177 pellets are better for accuracy, small pest control, and skill development
If you have a rifled barrel (880, 2100), always use pellets when accuracy matters. BBs in a rifled barrel won’t damage anything but won’t shoot as accurately.
Scope Considerations
Most guns under $100 come with open sights, and that’s fine. Adding a cheap scope to a budget air rifle often hurts more than it helps — cheap scopes can’t handle airgun recoil and the hold point becomes inconsistent.
Learn to shoot with iron sights first. When you’re ready to scope a rifle, check our best air rifle scopes guide for properly rated options.
Can a $100 Air Rifle Handle Pest Control?
Short answer: yes, with limits. At 10 pumps, the Daisy 880 or Crosman 2100 Classic will humanely dispatch squirrels, starlings, and mice at close range (under 20 yards). For larger pests like rabbits or raccoons, you need more power — step up to our best pest control air rifles roundup.
Always prioritize clean, ethical shots. If you’re unsure whether your setup has enough power for a specific pest, err on the side of getting a more powerful gun.
Who Should Buy a Sub-$100 Air Rifle
Buy under $100 if you:
- Are buying a first air rifle and want to learn without a big investment
- Need a gift for a beginner aged 10 and up
- Want a casual backyard plinker with no performance pressure
- Are introducing a child to shooting sports under supervision
Step up to $150–$300 if you:
- Want to hunt small game seriously
- Need consistent 50+ yard accuracy
- Plan to shoot competitively
- Want a spring-piston gun that will last decades
Our best air rifles under $300 guide covers the sweet spot where performance and price intersect for more serious use.
FAQ: Budget Air Rifles Under $100
What is the best air rifle under $100 for adults? The Daisy Powerline 880 is our top pick for adult beginners. It offers a rifled barrel, variable pump power, and dual pellet/BB capability — more features than most competitors at the price.
Can you hunt with an air rifle under $100? For very small pests (mice, sparrows) at close range, yes. For squirrels, rabbits, or anything larger, you’ll want at least 12 FPE, which typically requires moving above the $100 price tier. Always check your state regulations on minimum power requirements for hunting.
Are cheap air rifles under $100 accurate? Accuracy varies by model and range. The Crosman 2100 and Daisy 880 can produce 1-inch groups at 20 yards with good pellets. Beyond 30–35 yards, accuracy drops off significantly in this price tier.
What caliber should I choose for a budget air rifle? For guns under $100, .177 is almost always the right choice. It’s cheaper to shoot, widely available, and appropriate for the power levels these guns produce. Our .177 vs .22 caliber guide breaks down when .22 makes sense.
Do I need a license to buy an air rifle under $100? In most U.S. states, no license is required to purchase an air rifle. However, regulations vary — some states have age restrictions, and using air rifles for hunting requires appropriate licensing. Always check your local laws before purchasing.
What pellets should I buy for a budget air rifle? Start with Crosman Premier or Daisy Precision Max pellets — affordable, consistent, and widely available. Avoid ultra-cheap pellets with rough seams, as they hurt accuracy. For more, see our pellet selection guide.
Is a multi-pump or break-barrel better under $100? Multi-pump is generally more reliable in this price tier. Break-barrel spring guns under $100 often use inferior components that wear faster. Multi-pump guns like the 880 and 2100 have proven track records of lasting years with basic maintenance.
Bottom Line
The best air rifle under 100 dollars market is better than most people expect. You’re not getting a precision hunting tool, but you’re getting a capable, safe, and genuinely fun shooting experience.
Our picks summarized:
- Best overall: Daisy Powerline 880 (~$65)
- Best on a shoestring: Crosman 760 Pumpmaster (~$40)
- Best for accuracy: Crosman 2100 Classic (~$70)
- Best for young beginners: Daisy Model 25 (~$45)
Start here, build your skills, and when you’re ready to step up, we’ve got guides for every price tier above this one.
This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the site and allows us to continue providing helpful content.