Best Air Rifles For Hunting in 2022

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You have a lot of options when looking for a good air rifle. With all the high-tech choices and different models available to buyers, it can get a bit confusing to get the right one, especially if it is your first air rifle purchase. Whether you’re looking for a hunting rifle or just want to practice shooting, we’ve got you covered! 

Get the ultimate air rifle list here! 

Our Top Picks for Best Air Rifles: A Quick Look 

• Brocock Commander: Best for Small Game Hunting 
• FX Impact: Best Accurate Air Rifle
• Air Venturi Avenger: Best Budget Air Rifle 
• Umarex Hammer: Best Big Bore

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Now, let’s dive deeper into these best air rifles! 

Brocock Commander: Best for Small Game Hunting 

The Brocock Commander is a highly functional and versatile air rifle. It features a tactical design that is ergonomic and ideal for most shooters. The side lever action is very smooth and operates the 10-shot magazine quickly and reliably. This best air rifle employs a HUMA regulated air delivery system that works with an adjustable hammer and valve to deliver a higher level of consistent shot string. The onboard air storage system utilizes either a carbon fiber bottle or aluminum cylinder, plus a dual-gauge stack monitors regulator pressure settings and air supply state of fill. 

There is a power adjustment dial placed on the right side of the breech that allows external tuning of the air rifle. The accuracy is very satisfactory, and one will feel comfortable shooting this rifle off sticks at 75-100 yards. When paired with the correct pellet, it hits hard with an outstanding terminal performance on small to medium sized games. The Commander XR is designed to use an AR-15-compatible butt stock, an AK-47-fitted grip, and a trigger guard. Versions available with folding or fixed butt stock in black or coyote tan with a Cerakote or black finish. The Commander’s sound signature is lowered by the shrouded barrel, and you can obtain additional noise reduction by mounting a third-party sound moderator on the 1/2 UNF threaded muzzle. 

Overall, this is the perfect rifle to carry into the forests when heading out on a squirrel hunt.

Features include:

• Max Energy: 46 ft-lbs
• Weight: 7.1 lbs
• Shot Capacity: 10
• 480 cc carbon fiber bottle

Pros

• Powerful
• Adjustable 
• Accurate
• Versatile

Cons

• Pricey

FX Impact: Best Accurate Air Rifle

The FX Impact is an outstanding high-end air rifle that performs well for both small-game as well as predator hunting. It combines exemplary versatility with compact size and lightweight. Accuracy is incredible with mid-weight or heavier lead pellets. The trigger is also good, while the fit and finish are excellent. 

The frame is rugged yet lightweight, with an adjustable buttstock that accepts AR-15 pistol grips. The air storage tank is a 480cc removable carbon fiber bottle that can be charged to 3600 psi. Moreover, the design permits additional bottles to be packed and changed in the field. 

The FX Impact is a highly versatile air rifle that comes with a wide range of configuration possibilities. It’s easy to swap calibers between .177, cal, .25 cal, .22 cal, & .30 caliber; just change the barrel and bolt appropriately. Then there are several controls to set the power level, regulator pressure, adjustable HPA tanks, and much more.

The few downsides, such as magazines not being good for left-handed shooters, are completely outweighed by the overwhelming number of positive features and benefits. Furthermore, Impact gains a HAM Gold Award, despite being expensive. 

Key Features

• Max Velocity: 1020 fps
• Weight: 6.85 lbs
• Shot Capacity: 28
• Two-stage adjustable trigger
• Operating Pressure: 3625 PSI / 250 BAR

Pros

• Versatility
• Excellent accuracy
• Well-balanced

Cons

• Magazine could be better
• Expensive

Air Venturi Avenger: Best Budget Air Rifle 

A standout in budget-friendly air rifles is the Air Venturi Avenger, which brings the price of admission down while delivering performance and a very robust feature set. This air rifle has managed to be a wallet friendly, ergonomic, lightweight, adjustable, and high-performance rifle. 

The Air Venturi Avenger is a sporter-style rifle available in .177, .22, or .25 caliber that weighs over 6 pounds in the synthetic black stock while 7 pounds in the hardwood stock. There are several options for mounting a scope, as the air rifle features an 11mm dovetail and weaver style rail that will accommodate mounting accessories. 

The best feature of the Air Venturi Avenger is the externally adjustable regulator. Even finding a rifle at this price tag that includes a regulator in the design is impressive.

Furthermore, this air rifle comes with 19 fps variation over a 30-shot string. Additionally, it’s a fairly quiet air rifle, which is good for introducing beginners’ basement ranges, and backyard pest control.

Key Features

• Calibers .177, .22, and .25
• Adjustable regulator
• Max Fill Pressure: 4,350 psi
• 1000 fps in .22 caliber 
• Shrouded barrel
• 20 shots per fill 
• Weight: approx. 6.4 pounds

Pros 

• Most Accurate
• Consistent velocity
• Handles well in the ground 
• Quiet performance

Cons

• Requires a pump/tank/compressor to fill 

Umarex Hammer: Best Big Bore

The last on our list of best air rifles is the Umarex Hammer .50 . This air rifle offers some of the most innovative technology: it is magazine fed, employing a linear shuttle procedure with a two-shot capacity. This shuttle is a cycle using a bolt action that performs well with little effort. The Umarex Hammers onboard air storage system is a 394 cc carbon fiber bottle that fills to 4500 psi and is regulated to 3000 psi to ensure shot-to-shot consistency. The stock is made of synthetic material, designe for Umarex by PolyOne, and utilizes an AR Magpul-style grip. This air rifle is a solid piece of a firearm at just under 44 inches long, features a 29.5-inch barrel, and weighs approx. 8.5 pounds.

Key Features

• 4500 psi carbon-fiber tank
• .50 caliber
• Three full-power shots
• Max Velocity: 1130 fps
• Max Energy: 705 ft-lbs
• Weight: 8.5 pounds
• Made in the USA

Pros

• Powerful
• Consistent

Cons

• Two shot capacity

Final Thoughts on Best Air Rifles 

With so many great makes and models on the market right now, it’s really challenging to make the right choice. If you’re searching for a big-bore air rifle, check out the Umarex Hammer. The best budget air rifle is the Air Venturi Avenger. If you want the best accurate performance air rifle, then go with the FX Impact. For small-game hunting, opt for the Brocock Commander.