Rating of the best air rifles for recreational shooting for 2024

It is difficult for a person who has never before had anything to do with weapons, even pneumatic ones, to immediately make a choice. When deciding to purchase a rifle for shooting at cans, bottles or targets for fun or training, you must remember: despite the fact that an air gun has a small caliber and muzzle energy, it is still a weapon and you need to approach it responsibly.

A shot in these types of weapons occurs due to gas or compressed air. The pressure is generated using a special compressor or carbon dioxide cylinders.

For recreational and practice shooting, spring-piston models are best suited. Such specimens are easy to use, easy to learn and often inexpensive.

Interesting! The word "pneumatic" has Greek roots. "Pneuma" means "wind", "air".

A bit of history

Wind pipes with a primitive design are considered to be the progenitor of pneumatics. The "trunk" reached a length of 50 centimeters, and poisoned darts were used instead of cartridges. Such weapons have become widespread among the tribes of North and South America, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia.

In some cases, the length of the product reached 2.5 meters, and sometimes a closed cylinder of a wider diameter was fixed at the end of the tube. A blow to the end of the palm created pressure in the "muzzle" and the projectile flew out of it at a distance of up to one hundred meters.

A little later, the mechanic Ctesibius from Alexandria came up with the idea of ​​inserting a piston into an empty cylinder. Thanks to his invention, the world saw first a fire pump, and then catapults and crossbows. Today, similar mechanisms are used in some types of pneumatic weapons.

Leading manufacturers, rifle selection criteria

Spring-loaded piston guns do not need to be filled with gas, which saves on the purchase of CO2 cartridges.

The most popular manufacturers, whose products you should pay attention to first of all:

1. Hatsan is a Turkish company founded in 1976. The main activity of the company is focused on the production of weapons for hunting and entertainment. The main advantage of the company is a large selection of quality pneumatics at affordable prices.
2. Baikal is a domestic manufacturer that is constantly expanding the range of products offered. The quality of the weapons produced by the company is appreciated by the shooters. In addition, it is much easier to find spare parts and components for the company's products than for foreign ones.
3. Gamo - produces less high-speed, but no less powerful models.

Fact! Pneumatic weapons are intended primarily for sports and recreational shooting. However, some rifles are actively used by hunters to catch small game, such as pheasants or rabbits.

In addition to the manufacturer, experienced shooters are advised to pay attention to the following parameters:

• Caliber is one of the main characteristics. Today in gun shops you can find pneumatics 4.5, 5.5 and 6.35 caliber. Ideal for recreational and practice shooting - 4.5 mm. Among other things, such weapons are usually inexpensive.
• Weight - the comfort and accuracy of shooting depends on this parameter. But a beginner should understand that the lighter the rifle, the stronger the recoil when fired. A heavy shotgun gives less vibration, but is difficult to carry on the shoulder for a long time. However, when shooting with a stop, this option is fine.
• Cost - you can buy a cheaper model to start training. Hunting shops offer a variety of inexpensive, but quite high quality rifles.
• Design - it all depends on the shooter's taste preferences: does he need a model similar to a real weapon or any option will do.

Attention! Sale of pneumatic weapons is only possible for adults. Shooting at an earlier age is only possible under the supervision of an instructor or a parent!

Top 10 best rifles for recreational and practice shooting

Silent Cat Air Riffle

10th place

Basic technical data
Manufacturer:	Gamo (Spain)
Caliber:	4.5 mm.
Trunk:	threaded
Weight:	2.4 kg.
A type:	breaking, single-shot
Cost:	12,000 RUB

This spring-piston breakthrough rifle with a caliber of 4.5 mm. is very popular among those who like to shoot. Users note its low noise and relatively low weight.

Single shot model, rifled barrel. The set includes a fiber-optic front sight and a silencer, thanks to which the noise is reduced by another 50%. However, the muffler also adds weight.

• high accuracy;
• low noise;
• does not require a purchase permit;
• ventilated rear butt plate;
• no CO2 cartridges needed.

• difficult to find on sale;
• suitable for right-handed users only.

Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle

9th place

Basic technical data
Manufacturer:	Umarex (Germany)
Caliber:	4.5 mm.
Trunk:	threaded
Weight:	4.0 kg.
A type:	breaking, single-shot
Cost:	11,200 RUB

This model is a great option for long-range shooting, with an optimal price-performance ratio. The rifle is suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users, making it a versatile tool.

The weapon is manufactured under license - a quality guarantee from Umarex.

Despite its rather heavy weight, the gun is comfortable to use and the breaking mechanism works smoothly. This means that much effort is not required when recharging.

• high-quality assembly;
• price-quality ratio;
• light platoon;
• suitable for long distance shooting;
• ergonomic design;
• open and telescopic sight in the set.

• great weight.

Interesting! In carbines with pre-pumping - PCP air is pumped into a special cylinder. In the nineties of the last century, the owners of such weapons were jokingly nicknamed "scuba divers". Such rifles are convenient in that they can be equipped with barrels of any caliber.

Daisy Outdoor Products Red Ryder Gun

8th place

Basic technical data
Manufacturer:	Daisy (Japan)
Caliber:	4.5 mm.
Trunk:	smooth
Weight:	1.1 kg.
A type:	lever, multi-charge
Cost:	5,990 p.

The legendary model, stylized as a Winchester from Westerns, has delighted shooters around the world for decades.

The Red Ryder is a classic version of the spring-piston rifle, designed primarily for beginners and young shooters, as it weighs only a kilogram.

More than affordable cost, with good build quality, makes the gun a desirable purchase, and the volume of the store for 650 balls will allow you to shoot even from morning to evening.

Of course, in comparison with professional pneumatics, the power and range of the model is small, but for entertainment and training - just right!

• design for real weapons;
• roomy store;
• good build quality;
• wood stock and forend;
• affordable cost.

• low power and range.

Interesting to know! Daisy Outdoor Products was originally engaged in the construction of mills. The owners offered each client an air rifle as a thank you gift. As a result, everyone liked these guns so much that the company stopped taking orders for the creation of mills and started producing air guns!

Hatsan АТ44-10 Wood

7th place

Basic technical data
Manufacturer:	Hatsan (Turkey)
Caliber:	4.5 mm.
Trunk:	smooth
Weight:	3.4 kg.
A type:	lever, multi-charge
Cost:	38,895 RUB

This carbine is one of the highest quality repeating rifles. The AT44-10 stock is made of plastic or wood.

The cocking lever is on the side. In addition, manual pumping is required.

The store holds ten lead slugs.

Thanks to its excellent rate of fire, power and accuracy, the gun is suitable not only for recreational shooting, but also for hunting small game.

The model has open sights, but experienced shooters claim that it is better to purchase an optical sight. There is a mount for it on the top of the barrel.

• high-quality assembly;
• proven manufacturer;
• high accuracy and firing range.

• heavy weight;
• manual pumping;
• high price.

Interesting fact! In the Russian language there is no specific word for cartridges for pneumatic weapons. They are simply called "bullets" or "balls". But the English have such a word - "pellets".

Benjamin Marauder

6th place

Basic technical data
Manufacturer:	Crosman (USA)
Caliber:	4.5 mm.
Trunk:	smooth
Weight:	3.4 kg.
A type:	lever, multi-charge
Cost:	39,900 RUB

Classic model from the American manufacturer Crosman. The rifle is clad in a wooden stock and equipped with a ten-round magazine.

Among other things, the developers have provided for the presence of a pressure gauge and a convenient fuse.

Thanks to a manual bolt and a spring-loaded magazine, the cartridges are delivered to the barrel independently, which makes the carbine semi-automatic.

Users comment positively on the accuracy and range of the described model.

• solid wood bed;
• high accuracy and firing range;
• reliability proven over the years;
• self-supply of bullets to the receiver.

• the rifle is heavy;
• high price.

IZH-60

5th place

Basic technical data
Manufacturer:	Baikal (Russia)
Caliber:	4.5 mm.
Trunk:	threaded
Weight:	2.2 kg.
A type:	lever, single-shot
Cost:	4 150 RUB

Another classic model, but made in Russia.

The main advantages of a carbine are an affordable price, a fairly high-quality barrel, a lot of details in the design, which can be easily found in almost any gun store.

Such a sample is suitable for entertainment, as well as for teaching children. Of course, under adult supervision.

However, before buying, it is worth considering that you will have to use a file immediately after purchase. In this case, accurate shooting is ensured at a distance of 50 meters.

• availability at gun stores;
• high-quality barrel;
• affordable price.

• lack of ergonomics;
• uncomfortable butt;
• compulsory file processing.

CZ200T

4th place

Basic technical data
Manufacturer:	Česká zbrojovka (Czech Republic)
Caliber:	4.5 mm.
Trunk:	threaded
Weight:	3.0 kg.
A type:	single-shot
Cost:	49,500 RUB

This single-shot rifle is presented by a well-known Czech company, styled after the Air Arms S200 and is characterized by high shooting accuracy.

The owners of such a model speak positively about the quality of production and assembly, despite the simplicity of the design.

The carabiner is equipped with a split wood stock. The cheek and trigger are adjustable.

Despite the relatively large weight and high cost, the rifle is popular among beginners and sports shooting enthusiasts.

• design for the original weapon;
• high-quality assembly;
• adjustable trigger;
• high shooting accuracy.

• heavy weight;
• high price;
• it is difficult to find spare parts.

Airforce TalonSS

3rd place

Basic technical data
Manufacturer:	Airforce Airguns (USA)
Caliber:	4.5 mm.
Trunk:	threaded
Weight:	2.4 kg.
A type:	single-shot, pre-pumped
Cost:	75,000 RUB

This single-shot model is originally from the United States, consisting essentially of three parts:

• high pressure cylinder, which also plays the role of a butt;
• receiver of shock and lubrication mechanism;
• Lothar Walther twelve-inch barrel.

Depending on the pumping of the reservoir, the number of shots is regulated. In addition, the shooter can change the caliber and barrel length of the rifle in several movements.

On the left side of the body there is a special wheel for controlling and changing the power of the shot.

• high-quality assembly;
• multifunctionality;
• light weight;
• power adjustment wheel;
• the ability to change the caliber and length of the barrel.

• high price;
• expensive and hard-to-find replacement parts.

Beeman longhorn

2nd place

Basic technical data
Manufacturer:	Airforce Airguns (USA)
Caliber:	4.5 mm.
Trunk:	threaded
Weight:	3.7 kg.
A type:	single-shot, breaking
Cost:	10,000 RUB

The traditional breakaway rifle stands out from other models for its extra strength and ease of use. The breaking mechanism is simple and reliable; the spring is resilient and durable.

The rifled barrel made of high-strength steel increases the range of the shot.

The carabiner stock is made of a special polymer material that can withstand changes in temperature and humidity. In addition, such a stock is much lighter than wood.

For a comfortable grip of the weapon, on the forend and grip, of an ergonomic shape, special notches are provided.

• high-quality assembly;
• anatomical handle;
• suitable for both left-handers and right-handers;
• durability of operation;
• optical sight in a set, with the possibility of replacement;
• affordable price.

• hard shutter;
• rather heavy weight.

Al-145

1 place

Basic technical data
Manufacturer:	Kral (Turkey)
Caliber:	4.5 mm.
Trunk:	threaded
Weight:	2.9 kg.
A type:	single-shot, breaking
Cost:	6 020 p.

The leader of the rating is a model from a Turkish manufacturer specializing mainly in pneumatics.

The model is equipped with a high-strength plastic stock and stock and a high-quality steel rifled barrel. The stock is designed as an ergonomic pistol grip. The non-adjustable cheek piece and heel counter are made of honeycomb rubber. This provides a comfortable grip, reduces recoil when fired and increases the service life of the weapon.

There is an insert on the forend that allows you to fix the rifle on a special holder, if necessary.

The sights are open, adjustable, equipped with optical fibers in contrasting colors. The barrel has strips for mounting an optical sight, which is purchased separately.

• high-quality assembly;
• strip for fixing optics;
• high speed and accuracy of the shot;
• easy to find spare parts;
• affordable price.

• not found.

Attention! The article is for informational purposes only. To avoid mistakes when choosing, before buying, it is worth checking the characteristics and prices with a consultant in a hunting store or by phone with a customer service operator.