Last updated: December 2026
Looking for a full auto air rifle that delivers rapid-fire fun without the paperwork of a real machine gun? Whether you want an automatic BB gun for tactical training, a semi auto pellet gun for plinking, or a genuine full auto BB gun for pure entertainment, the airgun market in 2026 offers more options than ever before.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the best full-auto and semi-auto air rifles available today, covering everything from budget-friendly CO2 blasters under $100 to premium PCP rifles that deliver true automatic fire with real stopping power. We’ll also cover the important legal considerations, help you understand ammunition costs, and match you with the perfect rapid-fire airgun for your needs.
Full-Auto vs. Semi-Auto Air Rifles: What’s the Difference?
Before diving into specific products, let’s clarify what separates these two categories—because the distinction matters for both your shooting experience and your wallet.
Full-Auto (Automatic) Air Rifles
A true full auto air rifle fires continuously as long as you hold down the trigger and have ammunition. These guns cycle automatically, chambering and firing rounds in rapid succession. In the airgun world, full-auto options range from affordable CO2-powered BB guns firing at 600+ rounds per minute to serious PCP rifles that can dump a magazine of .30 caliber pellets in seconds.
Pros of Full-Auto:
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Maximum fun factor—there’s nothing quite like it
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Excellent for tactical training scenarios
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Impressive for demonstrations and events
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No federal restrictions like real automatic firearms
Cons of Full-Auto:
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Burns through ammunition quickly (and your budget)
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CO2 consumption is significantly higher
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Less accurate than aimed semi-auto fire
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More moving parts mean more maintenance
Semi-Auto Air Rifles
A semi auto pellet gun fires one shot per trigger pull but automatically chambers the next round. You get rapid follow-up shots without manually cocking between each shot. Semi-auto airguns strike a balance between speed and control, making them practical for everything from plinking to pest control.
Pros of Semi-Auto:
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Better accuracy with controlled fire
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More economical on ammunition and CO2
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Practical for hunting and pest control
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Generally more reliable mechanisms
Cons of Semi-Auto:
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Less exciting than full-auto for pure fun
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Slower rate of fire for tactical training
Best Full-Auto Air Rifles for 2026
1. Hatsan Blitz (.30 Cal Full-Auto PCP) – Best Overall Full-Auto
When it comes to serious full auto air rifles, the Hatsan Blitz stands in a class of its own. This isn’t a toy—it’s a genuine .30 caliber PCP air rifle capable of true automatic fire with hunting-grade power.
The Blitz delivers approximately 53 foot-pounds of energy in .30 caliber, which is enough for small game and pest control even in full-auto mode. The rifle features a detachable magazine that holds 19 rounds (.30 cal) or 23 rounds (.25 cal), and it can empty that magazine in about 2-3 seconds on full auto.
What makes the Blitz special is its versatility. A selector switch lets you choose between semi-auto and full-auto modes, so you can hunt accurately with single shots and then switch to full-auto for pure entertainment. The integrated suppressor keeps things reasonably quiet, and the build quality is excellent for the price point.
Key Specifications:
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Caliber: .30 (also available in .25 and .22)
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Power: Up to 53 FPE (.30 cal)
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Velocity: 730 FPS (.30 cal)
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Magazine: 19 rounds (.30 cal)
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Fill Pressure: 250 BAR / 3,625 PSI
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Weight: 9.3 lbs
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Fire Modes: Semi-auto and full-auto selectable
Best For: Serious airgunners who want a full-auto rifle with real hunting capability. If you can only have one full-auto air rifle and budget isn’t the primary concern, this is it.
2. Crosman DPMS SBR (Full-Auto CO2 BB Gun) – Best Budget Full-Auto
For those who want the full-auto experience without spending over a thousand dollars, the Crosman DPMS SBR delivers impressive value. This full auto BB gun replicates the look and feel of an AR-15 style rifle while offering genuine automatic fire powered by CO2.
The DPMS SBR fires steel BBs at up to 430 FPS and features a 25-round drop-free magazine that’s quick to reload. The full-auto rate of fire is approximately 1,400 rounds per minute on fresh CO2—absolutely blistering for a BB gun. A selector switch lets you choose between semi-auto and full-auto modes.
The rifle features a quad Picatinny rail system for mounting accessories, adjustable stock, and a realistic AR-style charging handle. It’s primarily a fun gun and tactical trainer rather than a hunting tool, but for backyard plinking and target practice, it’s hard to beat the excitement-per-dollar ratio.
Key Specifications:
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Caliber: .177 BB
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Velocity: Up to 430 FPS
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Magazine: 25 rounds
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Power Source: Dual 12-gram CO2 cartridges
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Weight: 6.5 lbs
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Fire Modes: Semi-auto and full-auto selectable
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who want full-auto fun, AR-15 enthusiasts looking for affordable training, and anyone who wants to introduce friends to the joy of automatic fire without breaking the bank.
3. Umarex Steel Storm (6-Round Burst CO2) – Best Ultra-Budget Option
The Umarex Steel Storm has been a favorite in the automatic BB gun category for years, and it remains an excellent entry point for anyone curious about rapid-fire airguns. While technically a “burst fire” rather than true full-auto, the Steel Storm’s 6-round burst mode delivers an exciting taste of automatic shooting at an unbeatable price.
Powered by two 12-gram CO2 cartridges, the Steel Storm can fire its 6-round bursts at up to 430 FPS. The 300-round reservoir means you can shoot for a while before reloading, and the integrated Picatinny rails allow for red dots, lasers, and other accessories.
The tactical pistol-style design is compact and easy to handle, making it a great choice for newer shooters or anyone who wants a grab-and-go automatic BB gun for quick plinking sessions. It’s also popular among airgunners who modify the internal action to achieve true full-auto fire, though we recommend keeping it stock for reliability.
Key Specifications:
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Caliber: .177 BB
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Velocity: Up to 430 FPS
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Reservoir: 300 rounds
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Power Source: Dual 12-gram CO2 cartridges
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Weight: 2.5 lbs
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Fire Modes: Semi-auto and 6-round burst
Best For: First-time automatic airgun buyers, those on a tight budget, and shooters who want a compact, fun BB gun for casual plinking.
Best Semi-Auto Air Rifles for 2026
4. Sig Sauer MCX (Semi-Auto CO2) – Best Tactical Semi-Auto
The Sig Sauer MCX air rifle is a nearly perfect replica of the real MCX rifle used by military and law enforcement worldwide. For tactical training, realistic handling practice, or just looking cool at the range, this semi auto pellet gun delivers.
Unlike many tactical-style air rifles that feel cheap, the MCX has genuine heft and quality construction. It fires .177 pellets (not just BBs) at up to 700 FPS via a 30-round belt-fed magazine system. The semi-auto action is smooth and reliable, and the rifle accepts real AR-15 accessories on its multiple Picatinny rails.
The MCX runs on a 90-gram CO2 tank housed in the stock, giving you approximately 100 shots per fill—far more than dual 12-gram cartridges. This makes it more practical for extended shooting sessions and reduces your cost per shot significantly.
Key Specifications:
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Caliber: .177 pellet
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Velocity: Up to 700 FPS
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Magazine: 30-round belt
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Power Source: 90-gram CO2 tank
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Weight: 6.4 lbs
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Fire Mode: Semi-auto only
Best For: Firearm owners wanting realistic training, tactical enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates quality replica construction. The pellet capability also makes it more useful for target shooting than BB-only alternatives.
5. Crosman 1077 (Semi-Auto CO2) – Best Budget Semi-Auto
The Crosman 1077 is a legend in the airgun community, and for good reason. This semi auto pellet gun has been delivering reliable, accurate rapid-fire shooting for decades, and the current version remains one of the best values in the entire airgun market.
Powered by a single 12-gram CO2 cartridge, the 1077 fires .177 caliber pellets through a 12-shot rotary magazine. The semi-auto action is smooth and consistent, and accuracy is surprisingly good for a rifle in this price range. Many shooters report 1-inch groups at 25 yards with quality pellets.
What sets the 1077 apart is its practicality. While it’s certainly fun for plinking, it’s also genuinely useful for pest control and small game hunting at appropriate ranges. The rifle is quiet enough for backyard use in many suburban areas, and the low power level makes it safe for use with simple pellet traps.
The 1077 also has a huge aftermarket community. You can find extended magazines, upgraded triggers, and even conversion kits from dedicated fans of this platform.
Key Specifications:
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Caliber: .177 pellet
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Velocity: Up to 625 FPS
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Magazine: 12-round rotary clip
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Power Source: Single 12-gram CO2 cartridge
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Weight: 3.9 lbs
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Fire Mode: Semi-auto only
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers, backyard plinkers, beginning airgunners, and anyone who wants a reliable semi-auto without spending hundreds of dollars. Also excellent for introducing new shooters to airguns.
Full-Auto & Semi-Auto Air Rifle Comparison Table
| Model | Type | Caliber | FPS | Power | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatsan Blitz | Full-Auto | .30 cal | 730 | PCP | ~$1,200 | Amazon |
| Crosman DPMS SBR | Full-Auto | .177 BB | 430 | CO2 | ~$180 | Amazon |
| Umarex Steel Storm | Burst Fire | .177 BB | 430 | CO2 | ~$70 | Amazon |
| Sig Sauer MCX | Semi-Auto | .177 pellet | 700 | CO2 | ~$200 | Amazon |
| Crosman 1077 | Semi-Auto | .177 pellet | 625 | CO2 | ~$80 | Amazon |
Legal Considerations for Full-Auto Air Rifles
One of the biggest advantages of full auto air rifles and automatic BB guns is that they don’t fall under the same federal regulations as real automatic firearms. The National Firearms Act (NFA) that requires extensive paperwork, tax stamps, and months-long waits for real machine guns doesn’t apply to air-powered guns.
However, that doesn’t mean there are no regulations to consider:
Federal Law
Under federal law, air guns are not considered “firearms” and are therefore not regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This means no background checks, no waiting periods, and no restrictions on automatic fire capability for air guns specifically.
State and Local Laws
State and local regulations vary significantly. Some important considerations:
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New Jersey: Requires a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card for air guns
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New York City: Air guns are effectively banned and require a license
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Illinois: Some municipalities restrict air gun ownership or require FOID cards
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California: Air guns that closely resemble real firearms may have specific restrictions
Always check your state and local laws before purchasing any air rifle, automatic or otherwise. When in doubt, contact your local law enforcement for clarification.
Age Requirements
Most states have minimum age requirements for purchasing air guns, typically ranging from 16 to 18 years old depending on the jurisdiction. Online retailers like Amazon may have their own age verification requirements as well.
Where You Can Shoot
Even where air guns are legal to own, discharging them may be restricted in many areas. Many cities and suburbs have ordinances against firing projectile weapons, including air guns, within city limits or within certain distances of occupied buildings. Always ensure you have a safe, legal place to shoot before purchasing any airgun.
Ammunition Costs: The Hidden Expense of Full-Auto Fun
If you’re considering a full auto air rifle or automatic BB gun, it’s crucial to understand the ongoing ammunition costs. Full-auto shooting burns through ammo at an astonishing rate, and those costs add up quickly.
BB Costs
Steel BBs are inexpensive—typically $5-10 for 1,500-6,000 rounds depending on quality. At full-auto rates of 1,000+ rounds per minute, you could theoretically burn through a $5 container in under 10 minutes of continuous fire. Realistically, most shooting sessions might consume 500-1,500 BBs, costing $2-5.
Pellet Costs
Quality .177 pellets run approximately $10-15 per 500 rounds. For a rifle like the Hatsan Blitz shooting .30 caliber, pellets cost significantly more—roughly $20-30 per 100 rounds. A full-auto magazine dump of 19 rounds costs about $4-6 in ammunition alone.
CO2 Costs
Standard 12-gram CO2 cartridges cost approximately $0.50-1.00 each when bought in bulk. Full-auto CO2 guns consume cartridges much faster than semi-auto or single-shot airguns. The Crosman DPMS SBR might go through a set of cartridges in 100-150 shots, depending on temperature and firing rate.
PCP Air Costs
PCP guns like the Hatsan Blitz require compressed air. If you’re using a hand pump (free after initial purchase), cost is minimal. A scuba tank refill runs $5-10. An electric compressor eliminates ongoing fill costs but requires a significant upfront investment ($300-1,500).
Cost Comparison Example
Here’s what a typical shooting session might cost:
| Gun | 500 Shots Cost |
|---|---|
| Umarex Steel Storm (BBs + CO2) | ~$5-8 |
| Crosman 1077 (pellets + CO2) | ~$15-20 |
| Hatsan Blitz .30 cal (pellets + air) | ~$100-150 |
Bottom line: budget CO2 BB guns offer the cheapest full-auto fun, while high-powered PCP rifles deliver more capability at a significantly higher per-shot cost.
Choosing the Right Rapid-Fire Airgun for Your Needs
With several excellent options available, here’s how to match the right gun to your intended use:
For Pure Fun and Entertainment
If you want the maximum “grin factor” on a budget, the Umarex Steel Storm or Crosman DPMS SBR deliver automatic fire excitement without major financial commitment. The Steel Storm is ideal for casual plinking, while the DPMS offers a more realistic tactical experience.
For Tactical Training
The Sig Sauer MCX provides the most realistic training platform for firearm owners. Its semi-auto action, authentic controls, and quality construction make it valuable for practicing transitions, reloads, and fundamentals at a fraction of real ammunition costs.
For Versatility and Hunting
The Hatsan Blitz is the only option that combines automatic fire with genuine hunting capability. If you want one rifle that can both entertain and put pellets on target for pest control or small game, this is the choice—though the price reflects that versatility.
For Budget-Conscious Shooters
The Crosman 1077 remains the best value in semi-auto pellet rifles. It won’t break the bank to buy or feed, and it’s practical enough for pest control while still being fun for plinking. For many shooters, this is the sensible choice.
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 between a full auto air rifle and a semi auto pellet gun ultimately comes down to your priorities and budget. Here are our final picks:
🏆 Best Overall Full-Auto: Hatsan Blitz
For shooters who want the ultimate full-auto air rifle experience with real power and versatility, the Hatsan Blitz is unmatched. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s the only full-auto airgun that doubles as a legitimate hunting rifle.
💰 Best Budget Full-Auto: Crosman DPMS SBR
Want full-auto fun without spending a fortune? The DPMS SBR delivers the AR-15 experience in an affordable, reliable package. Perfect for backyard blasting and introducing friends to automatic fire.
⭐ Best Value Semi-Auto: Crosman 1077
The Crosman 1077 proves you don’t need to spend hundreds for reliable semi-auto performance. It’s accurate, affordable, and practical—the smart choice for shooters who prioritize value.
Whichever direction you choose, remember that rapid-fire airguns offer a unique combination of accessibility and excitement that traditional firearms simply can’t match. No federal paperwork, no expensive range fees, and no hearing protection required—just pure shooting enjoyment in your own backyard (where legal, of course).
Happy shooting!
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