The Best Air Rifles For Hunting In 2025

By Tamme Tjarks | October 9, 2024 |

Time to read: 8 minutes

Last updated: 11th November 2024

The air rifle hunting scene is booming. Technological advancements have produced air rifles powerful enough to take down large game, while offering a quieter, more accessible entry point into the sport. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right air rifle can be overwhelming.

This article cuts through the noise, presenting a curated selection of the best air rifles for hunting in your garden to consider purchasing in 2025.

Important note: if you are not sure where you are legally allowed to shoot your air rifle in the UK, please read our article Essential Guide to Air Guns in the UK: 15 + 2 Critical Things To Know here.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, we will help you find the perfect tool for your needs. We’ll delve into the key features, calibers, and considerations to help you make an informed decision.

What’s The Best Caliber Air Rifle For Hunting?

Choosing the Right Caliber: Why .22 Might Not Always Be the Best

While .22 pellets are often favored for hunting due to their larger size and potential for increased impact, it’s crucial to consider the limitations of a 12 ft-lb air rifle.

The higher weight of .22 pellets results in a more pronounced arc in their trajectory. This means that your point of impact will shift significantly at different distances, requiring rapid adjustments to your aim if your target is closer or further than your zeroed range. Since hunting situations rarely offer the luxury of time, this can be a major drawback.

Ultimately, the best caliber for hunting depends on your specific needs and hunting style. Don’t assume bigger is always better – carefully evaluate your priorities in terms of range, accuracy, and shot placement to make the most ethical and effective choice.

The Speed and Accuracy of .177 for Hunting

.177 caliber pellets offer distinct advantages for air rifle hunting, especially with sub-12 ft-lb rifles. Their lighter weight translates to a flatter trajectory, minimizing the need for holdover or hold-under at varying distances. This makes them incredibly accurate and forgiving, even for less experienced shooters.

Furthermore, .177 pellets generally achieve higher velocities, reaching the target 25-33% faster than their .22 counterparts. This increased speed can be crucial for ensuring clean and humane kills, particularly on smaller game.

If precision and a flatter trajectory are your priorities, .177 is likely the superior choice for your hunting needs.

Check out this video that compares .22 calibre and .177 calibre:

The Best Air Rifle Type For Hunting

While caliber plays a crucial role in hunting success, the type of air rifle you choose is equally important. For most hunters, especially those using sub-12 ft-lb rifles, .177 caliber offers the best balance of accuracy and power. But with options ranging from spring-powered to PCP, how do you decide which action type best suits your needs?

Let’s break down two popular choices – springers and PCPs – to help you understand their strengths and weaknesses in a hunting context. This comparison will equip you with the knowledge to select the perfect air rifle for your hunting style and quarry.

Spring-Powered Air Rifles: An Affordable Entry into Hunting

For hunters on a budget, spring-powered (or springer) air rifles offer an attractive entry point. Significantly more affordable than PCP rifles, springers utilize a compressed spring to propel the pellet, making them a cost-effective option.

However, this mechanism generates substantial recoil, demanding greater skill and experience to maintain accuracy. While experienced hunters can certainly achieve success with springers, mastering the recoil is essential for ethical hunting and clean kills.

A solid choice in this category is the Crosman .177/4.5mm Summit Sniper Rifle. Priced at £199.99 and bundled with a scope, it delivers capable performance for short-range hunting of small quarry. Remember that consistent practice on paper targets at various distances is crucial before venturing into the field. Ensure you can reliably achieve accurate shot placement for a humane and ethical kill.

PCP Hunting Air Rifles

If your budget allows, pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifles represent a significant step up in performance and features. Offering minimal recoil compared to springers, PCPs contribute to enhanced accuracy and more ethical hunting.

Many PCP rifles also feature multi-shot magazines, typically holding 7 to 14 pellets. This allows for rapid follow-up shots if needed, increasing the chances of a quick and humane dispatch. PCPs are filled using a hand pump or a scuba-style tank, providing enough air for 20 to 80 shots or more, depending on the model.

These rifles are renowned for their accuracy, power, and enjoyable shooting experience. Excellent examples include the Umarex Walther Rotex RM8 Varmint .22, an exceptional weapon priced at £499.99.

For those seeking top-tier performance, the Air Arms – S410 Carbine 22 is a superb choice. Priced at £899.99, it delivers an exceptional blend of accuracy and power.

Both Umarex and Air Arms are established airgun manufacturers with a reputation for quality and performance. Any of these brands would be a reliable choice for your hunting needs.

Enhancing Your Accuracy: The Importance of a Telescopic Sight

A telescopic sight is a crucial tool for ethical and successful hunting, making accurate shot placement significantly easier. Choosing the right scope is a detailed topic in itself, and we’ll be delving deeper into this in an upcoming article.

For now, keep in mind that your scope should be well-matched to your air rifle, offering sufficient magnification for your intended hunting distances. Consider your preferred reticle type, such as Mil-Dot, which can aid in range estimation and holdover.

Check out this video for 7 things to know about airgun scopes:

Key takeaways:

Caliber choice matters: .177 is generally preferred for its flatter trajectory and higher speed, especially for sub-12 ft-lb rifles, while .22 may offer more impact but requires careful consideration of its arched trajectory.
Two main types of air rifles:
- Springers: Affordable but with significant recoil, requiring more skill to master.
- PCPs: More expensive but offer minimal recoil, increased accuracy, and often multi-shot capabilities.
A telescopic sight is essential for ethical hunting

The world of air rifle hunting is evolving rapidly, with advancements in technology constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Choosing the right air rifle is a crucial step towards ensuring a successful and ethical hunt. By understanding the nuances of calibers, action types, and essential accessories like scopes, you can confidently select the perfect tool for your needs.

Whether you opt for the affordability of a springer or the precision of a PCP, remember that responsible hunting practices are paramount. Prioritize accuracy, invest time in practice, and always strive for clean, humane kills. With the right air rifle in hand and a commitment to ethical hunting, you’re ready to experience the thrill and satisfaction of this rewarding pursuit.

Keep in mind that in the UK, you can only hunt in your own garden. For more information about airsoft law in the UK check out our article with everything you need to know here.

Check out this video for three of the Top Budget Air Rifle Hunting Scopes of 2022 to pair with your chosen rifle: