With so many great value for money air rifles on the market right now, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs, skill set and budget.
From Air Arms to Weihrauch air rifles and a brand for every other letter of the alphabet, there’s a wide variety of guns available right here at Surplus Store. We consider some of the top manufacturers and models you can buy in 2022.
What to Consider When Buying an Air Rifle
If you’re a first-time buyer, there are several factors you’ll likely want to keep an eye out for when deciding whether a rifle is right for you, including:
- Price
- Accuracy/Precision
- Power
- Weight & Length
- Durability
- Calibre
- Noise
The intended use of your rifle will also impact which model you use. An air rifle used for backyard plinking or target practice may not be the same one you choose for hunting or pest control, for instance.
In no particular order, here are some of the top rifles you can get this year, spanning a range of performance levels and prices.
Weihrauch HW30 S Synth Break Barrel Air Rifle
If you are looking for something for the young shooter in your life, this new release from Weihrauch could be the ideal option.
The synthetic stock combined with a short barrel makes for an excellent lightweight gun, perfect for those learning to shoot. Suitable for target practice, the gun fires around 7 ft/lbs.
The Weihrauch HW30 S Synth Break Barrel Air Rifle also comes equipped with a pre-fitted scope for increased accuracy and easy use.
Weihrauch HW100T PCP Air Rifle
Another outstanding and more advanced option (of which there are many) from Weihrauch is the Weihrauch HW100T PCP Air Rifle, which offers an unmatched shooting experience.
This pre-charged pneumatic air rifle is head and shoulders above the rest and remains a top-selling favourite among enthusiasts, offering some impressive specs and a great build quality.
With a power of 12ft/lb, this is suitable for various targets and can be used for hunting. Features include two rotary magazines, a precision trigger, a detachable air reservoir and thumbhole stock.
Various variations of this model are available, with the HW100KT being another desirable option.
Gamo Varmint Air Rifles
Gamo Varmint models offer some great pieces of kit at some very respectable prices. Something like the Gamo Varmint Stalker Deluxe (coming in .22 or .177 calibre) has a no-nonsense design, complete with a composite stock feature, rubber pistol grip and a 4x32 scope.
Alternatively, rifles from the Gamo Varmint Swarm range can also provide a brilliant experience. Features here include a quality beech stock, Gamo’s recoil absorbing pad and some wonderful shooting tech to improve your performance.
The unique loading system ensures you can fire 10 shots in under 30 seconds – an impressive feat for a conventional (and surprisingly affordable) rifle. Noise is also reduced as the barrel is equipped with Gamo’s Whisper silencer system.
Daystate H.R Huntsman Revere PCP Air Rifle
The Daystate Huntsman series is one of the most popular air rifle ranges around, and the Daystate H.R Huntsman Revere PCP Air Rifle certainly does not disappoint. Now equipped with side lever action, this is a popular option for those that favour high-power shooting.
The unique Daystate hammer and valve system, along with a HUMA-Air Regulator, means that you get shot for shot consistency. You'll also find a magazine system sporting an impressive payload as well as a single-shot loading tray to give you a more customised experience.
Available in both .177 and .22, the Huntsman can offer a high-power performance with up to 18 and 30 ft/lbs.
Because of these impressive features and the brand’s reputation, this popular rifle is on the more expensive end, although still not among the most costly rifles available.
Air Arms S400 PCP Air Rifle
Air Arms produces a wide variety of rifles, suitable for a range of skill levels and budget requirements, with the S400 coming in at a middling price. For that reason, it is one of the most common and popular options in the field, giving you a reliable performance at a great price.
The lightweight ambidextrous stock means the gun weighs just 2.8kg, perfect for almost any purpose or discipline. It also fires up to 12ft/lb in power, making it a solid option for any shooter – it could be the only rifle you ever need!
You could also complete your experience with a 3-9x40 zoom scope.
Umarex Ruger 1022 .177 Co2 Air Rifle
Another top seller, the Umarex Ruger Co2 rifle, is well-balanced, robust and built for precision. Based on the classic Ruger rifle, features include a 10-round rotary magazine and brilliant handling characteristics – the price doesn't hurt either.
Power comes from two 12g Co2 capsules, providing 650 fps. Compatible scopes and mounts can be found in our selection of air rifle accessories.
The Best Air Rifle Brands
With so many names out there, it’s hard to know which ones to trust. Which brand you choose to go for will mostly rely on the features they can offer you, although you may consider reputation as well.
Here are some names you’ll want to keep an eye on, which we may not have mentioned above:
- Weihrauch
- Air Arms
- Crosman
- FX
- BSA
- Beeman
We’ve aimed to cover a range of rifles here that will suit different needs and budgets, giving you just a brief snapshot of all the options available to you. Further browse our selection of air weapons, where you can search by manufacturer and gun type to find exactly what you’re looking for! You’ll also find a great range of accessories and ammunition to stock up on.
