The best pellet guns on the market provide a good alternative to a real firearm when it comes to hunting small game or even just target practice. There are no restrictions on openly carrying a pellet gun, and they are much quieter than a real firearm which makes them ideal for hunting. Economically speaking, they are also more affordable. It is more affordable for the gun itself, as well as the ammunition that is needed.
Pellet guns can be powered in two ways: bottled CO2 or compressed air by pumping the lever. The pumping action pellet guns are better suited for survival scenarios because they are powered by the strength of the user, rather than an outside mode of power like the CO2 cartridges, that might not be readily available.
Pellet gun ammunition comes in two different sized pellets. You have the popular 0.177 caliber, as well as the .22 caliber. The .22 caliber pellets are a little more expensive but it also better suited for hunting game. The 0.177 caliber is also good, but you might need a little more power for hunting. Both are suitable for regular shooting and target practice.
If you are looking for a more affordable gun for hunting then, pellet guns would be the best option due to their incredible versatility and affordability, as well as being durable, quiet, light, and easier to use than a real firearm.
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right pellet gun:
- What will you be using the gun for?
- How strong are you? This will help determine the appropriate powerplant
- Will you need to be able to use a scope?
- What quality are you seeking?
- How much power do you think you are going to need?
Top 5 Best Pellet Guns on the Market Reviewed:
1. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00AU6DE4I” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]Benjamin Trail NP Air Pistol[/easyazon_link]
The Benjamin Trail NP Air Pistol is ideal for small game hunting, pest control, and target shooting. It features a rifled steel barrel and tactical synthetic frame. It includes a cocking assist aid to make it easier to load the next round and uses Nitro Piston technology. This gun produces 70 percent less noise than a spring powered gun and has a smooth cocking effort with less recoil.
Key Features:
- Nitro Piston
- Break barrel
- Single-shot
- Fixed fiber optic front sight
- Adjustable fiber optic rear sight
- 11 mm optics dovetail
- Manual safety
- Cocking aid
| Price | Weight | Caliber | Powerplant | Velocity | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $70.00 | 3.43 lb | 0.177 cal | Gas-piston | 625 fps | Small game hunting, target practice |
>> Check Price, More Images and Reviews <<
2. [easyazon_link identifier=”B004V956P0″ locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]Crosman Optimus Break Barrel Air Rifle[/easyazon_link]
The Crosman Optimus is a powerful break barrel air rifle that is constructed out of ambidextrous hardwood stock. It comes with a 4×32 scope and mount to help improve your accuracy which makes it ideal for small game hunting. The Crosman Optimus is a single shot and spring piston gun which allows for more power. This gun uses .22 caliber ammunition, rather than the usual 0.177 cal.
Key Features:
- Rifled barrel
- Adjustable rear sight
- Fiber optic front sight
- Manual safety
- Two-stage adjustable trigger
- 11 mm dovetail
- Includes scope and mount
| Price | Weight | Caliber | Powerplant | Velocity | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $100.00 | 6.5 lb | 0.22 cal | Spring-piston | 950 fps | Small game hunting and plinking |
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3. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00BLQWN8Y” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]Crosman M4-177 Tactical Style Pneumatic Multi-Pump Pellet Rifle[/easyazon_link]
This gun is another top-rated pellet gun from Crosman. This model is made using only the highest quality component parts and is performance and quality tested. Crosman is the most trusted name when it comes to air guns and accessories for this reason. The Crosman M4-177 is a multi-pump pneumatic rifle that requires three to ten pumps to shoot. The more times you pump it, the more power you will get. You also have the option of purchasing additional clips to cut down on your reloading time.
Key Features:
- Multi-pump pneumatic
- Rifled barrel
- Adjustable front and rear sights
- Manual safety
- Bolt action
- Repeater function
- Weaver/Picatinny
| Price | Weight | Caliber | Powerplant | Velocity | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $60.00 | 3.75 lb | 0.177 cal | Multi-pump pneumatic | 660 fps | Plinking and target practice |
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4. [easyazon_link identifier=”B004WMFX22″ locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]Gamo Big Cat 1250[/easyazon_link]
The Gamo Big Cat 1250 is a single shot air rifle with a 32-mm rifle scope with four times magnification. It is constructed of synthetic stock with polymer over-molded precision rifled steel. Keep in mind that when purchasing this rifle on Amazon, it is not available to certain zip codes. The stock is all-weather and provides you with increased accuracy which makes it ideal for hunting. Lead pellets or PBA ammo can be used, depending on the reason you are shooting.
Key Features:
- 11 mm dovetail
- Rifled barrel
- Two-stage adjustable trigger
- Break Barrel Action
- Manual safety
- Single-shot function
| Price | Weight | Caliber | Powerplant | Velocity | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $130.00 | 6.1 lb | 0.177 cal | Spring-piston | 1250 fps | Small game hunting and plinking |
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5. [easyazon_link identifier=”B001V67HTY” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle[/easyazon_link]
The Ruger Blackhawk Air Rifle has many advantages and features when it comes to other air rifles in the same category. This particular rifle is a spring-piston, break barrel, single shot rifle that is made from all-weather ambi composite stock and it includes a 4×32 scope and mount. It is the ideal gun for pest control and small game hunting. It is nitrogen filled, shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof. It has windage and elevation adjustments and multiple lens coatings with a beautiful matte black finish.
Key Features:
- Rifled Barrel
- Fiber optic rear and front sights
- 11 mm dovetail
- Two-stage adjustable trigger
- Break barrel action
- Automatic safety
- All-weather construction
| Price | Weight | Caliber | Powerplant | Velocity | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $100.00 | 6.95 lb | 0.177 cal | Spring-piston | 1000 fps | Small game hunting, pest control, and plinking |
>> Check Price, More Images and Reviews <<
When it comes down to which of the five reviewed pellet guns are the best for your money, I would have to go with the [easyazon_link identifier=”B001V67HTY” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle[/easyazon_link]. You get the best features of all the other guns combined, along with the added advantage of being waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. All the different adjustments that you can make and the included scope make it the perfect gun for small game hunting or getting rid of annoying pests in your yard. The biggest advantage of this gun is its affordability. You get all of this for under $100, and you do not lack when it comes to power, distance, or accuracy. This gun also makes a great gift to kids, to get them started with gun safety.
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