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Looking for the perfect air rifle but not sure how much to spend? This guide breaks down the best air rifles by price range, from budget-friendly options under $100 to premium hunting rifles over $500. Each price bracket offers distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on your intended use—whether that’s backyard plinking, pest control, or serious small game hunting.
Last updated: November 2025
Best Air Rifles Under $100: Entry-Level Fun
In this price range, you’ll find CO2-powered pistols and basic spring rifles. These are perfect for casual backyard shooting, learning fundamentals, and introducing newcomers to the hobby.
Crosman 1077 – Best Budget Repeater
The Crosman 1077 is a semi-automatic CO2 rifle that’s been a fan favorite for decades. It features a 12-shot rotary magazine and delivers consistent 625 fps with lead pellets. The low recoil and easy operation make it ideal for beginners and casual shooters. While not suitable for hunting, it’s unbeatable for tin can plinking and target practice.
Key Specs: .177 caliber | 625 fps | 12-shot magazine | CO2 powered
Best Air Rifles $100-$200: Serious Starter Rifles
This is the sweet spot for break-barrel spring and gas-piston rifles. You’ll get real power suitable for pest control and small game, plus better build quality than entry-level options.
Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X Gen 3i – Best Break-Barrel Value
The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X Gen 3i is a game-changer in this price range. Its 10-shot auto-loading magazine eliminates the biggest annoyance of break-barrel rifles—single-shot loading. With velocities up to 1,300 fps in .177 and 1,000 fps in .22, it delivers serious power. The Inert Gas Technology (IGT) provides smoother cocking and eliminates spring fatigue. Includes a 3-9×40 scope.
Key Specs: .177 or .22 caliber | 1,300/1,000 fps | 10-shot magazine | Gas piston
Best Air Rifles $200-$350: Performance Upgrade
At this price point, you’re entering PCP (pre-charged pneumatic) territory with entry-level options, or getting premium break-barrel rifles with exceptional accuracy.
Air Venturi Avenger – Best Entry-Level PCP
The Air Venturi Avenger revolutionized the budget PCP market. For around $300, you get features previously only found on rifles costing twice as much: fully adjustable regulator, hammer spring tension adjustment, and a side-lever action. Available in .177, .22, and .25 calibers, it delivers consistent shot-to-shot accuracy that break-barrels simply can’t match.
Key Specs: .177/.22/.25 caliber | 1,000+ fps | Regulated | Multi-shot
Hatsan 95 – Premium Break-Barrel
If you prefer the simplicity of a break-barrel but want better quality, the Hatsan 95 is an excellent choice. Known for its smooth action, two-stage adjustable Quattro trigger, and beautiful Turkish walnut stock, it offers a premium shooting experience. The Vortex gas piston provides consistent power in any weather.
Key Specs: .177/.22/.25 caliber | 1,000 fps | Single shot | Gas piston
Best Air Rifles $350-$500: Serious Hunting Tools
This range delivers premium PCP rifles with features like shrouded barrels for quiet operation, larger air reservoirs for more shots per fill, and match-grade accuracy.
Umarex Gauntlet 2 – Best Mid-Range PCP
The Umarex Gauntlet 2 improved on the already excellent original with a longer barrel shroud for quieter operation, a larger 24-cubic-inch tank for more shots, and enhanced ergonomics. It’s accurate enough for competition and powerful enough for hunting. The fully shrouded barrel makes it one of the quietest air rifles in its class.
Key Specs: .22/.25/.30 caliber | 1,000+ fps | Regulated | 10+ shot magazine
Best Air Rifles Over $500: Premium Performance
At this level, you’re getting professional-grade equipment suitable for serious hunting, competition shooting, or both. Expect exceptional build quality, match-grade accuracy, and features like adjustable power settings.
Benjamin Marauder – The Classic Hunter
The Benjamin Marauder has been the gold standard for hunting PCPs for over a decade. Its fully shrouded barrel is whisper-quiet, the adjustable two-stage trigger is crisp, and the accuracy is legendary. Available in multiple calibers, it’s particularly popular in .22 and .25 for small game hunting. The choked Crosman barrel delivers tight groups at extended ranges.
Key Specs: .177/.22/.25 caliber | 1,100 fps | Regulated | 8-10 shot magazine
AirForce Texan SS – Big Bore Power
For those seeking maximum power, the AirForce Texan SS in .45 caliber delivers over 500 foot-pounds of energy—enough for deer-sized game where legal. The “SS” (Sound Suppression) model includes a built-in shroud for manageable noise levels. This is a serious hunting tool, not a toy.
Key Specs: .30/.357/.45 caliber | 500+ fpe | Regulated | Single shot
Quick Comparison Table
| Price Range | Top Pick | Power Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $100 | Crosman 1077 | CO2 | Plinking, beginners |
| $100-$200 | Gamo Swarm 10X | Gas Piston | Pest control, general use |
| $200-$350 | Air Venturi Avenger | PCP | Target, hunting entry |
| $350-$500 | Umarex Gauntlet 2 | PCP | Hunting, competition |
| $500+ | Benjamin Marauder | PCP | Serious hunting |
Choosing the Right Price Range
Under $100: Perfect for beginners, youth shooters, or casual backyard plinking. Don’t expect hunting-level power.
$100-$200: The entry point for “real” air rifles. Break-barrels in this range can handle pest control and small game with proper shot placement.
$200-$350: Where PCP technology becomes accessible. Better accuracy, consistency, and shot count than spring rifles. Worth the investment if you’re serious about the hobby.
$350-$500: Premium features at reasonable prices. Ideal for hunters who want quiet operation, high accuracy, and reliable performance.
$500+: Professional-grade equipment. If air rifles are a serious hobby or tool for you, this investment pays off in accuracy, durability, and satisfaction.
Need more help deciding? Check out our Complete Buyer’s Guide for detailed information on power sources, calibers, and features.