5 Most Popular Types of Air Guns On Market in 2022 – Buy The Best Air Rifle For You

Have you ever used an air rifle?

There are a variety of different types on the market, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Air rifles can be used for hunting, pest control, or target shooting; so whichever activity you plan to use your air rifle for, there’s sure to be a type that suits your needs.

Keep reading to learn more!

There are many different types of air guns on the market, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.

In this blog post, we will discuss 5 of the most popular types of air rifles and give you a brief overview of their pros and cons.

We will also recommend a few models that we think are worth considering.

So, whether you’re looking for an air rifle for hunting or target shooting, we’ve got you covered!

 1. Spring powered

Spring powered air rifles are the most basic type of air rifle.

A spring-powered air rifle, also called a break barrel rifle, is a type of air rifle that uses a coil spring to power its mechanism.

They are powered by a coiled spring that is compressed before each shot.

The gun fires when the barrel is pulled downwards, causing the spring to compress.

This energy is then transferred to the pellet in the chamber, which propels it forward and out of the barrel.

They are relatively quiet and easy to use, and can be accurate up to about 50 yards.

However, they can be difficult to reload, as the user must first compress the spring by hand before inserting a new round into the chamber.

This type of air rifle is typically less expensive than other types, and it is also the most common type.

Spring powered rifles are often used for hunting small game because they are relatively quiet and have high muzzle velocities.

They can also be used for target shooting and plinking.

However, they are not as powerful as other types of air rifles, so they are not typically used for hunting larger game.

Recommended models: Crosman American Classic .177 Air Rifle and Daisy PowerLine Model 499C BB Gun

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Common
•  Easy to use

Cons:

• Not as powerful as other types
• Can be difficult to cock

2. Gas piston

Gas piston air rifles (also called gas strut, gas ram) are a more advanced type of air rifle.

They are powered by a gas piston that is located inside the barrel.

A gas piston is a type of air rifle that uses a piston instead of a spring to power the pellet.

The gas piston is located in the receiver and, when the gun is fired, drives the pellet down the barrel.

This type of air rifle is usually more powerful than a spring-piston air rifle and has less recoil.

This type of air rifle is typically more expensive than other types, but it is also more powerful.

Gas piston air rifles are easy to cock and reload, and they are also very accurate.

Recommended models: Gamo Whisper Fusion .177 Air Rifle and Benjamin Marauder PCP Hunting Air Rifle

Pros:

• More powerful than other types
• Easy to cock and reload
• Very accurate

Cons:

• More expensive than other types

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3. Precharged Pneumatic

Precharged Pneumatic air rifles are the most powerful type of air rifle.

A precharged pneumatic (PCP) air rifle is a type of air rifle that uses a reservoir or cylinder of compressed gas, usually carbon dioxide (CO2), to power the gun.

The gun also has an in-built pump that can be used to recharge the reservoir or cylinder with CO2 from a scuba diving tank or other large source of Pressurized gas.

They are powered by a compressed air tank that is located inside the gun.

The compression of the air is provided by a small tank, known as a scuba tank or diving cylinder, which is filled with compressed air from a pump, compressor, or high-pressure gas bottle.

This type of air rifle is typically the most expensive, but it also offers the most power.

It gives the shooter a constant supply of high pressure air which results in more consistent shooting accuracy over time than traditional spring powered air rifles.

They also produce very little recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots.

Precharged Pneumatic air rifles are easy to cock and reload, and they are also very accurate.

PCP rifles are also relatively quiet compared to traditional firearms, making them ideal for hunting in close quarters.

Recommended models: Hatsan 95 Vortex Air Rifle and Benjamin Trail NP XL .22 Air Rifle

Pros:

• Most powerful type of air rifle
• Easy to cock and reload
• Very accurate

Cons:

• Most expensive type of air rifle

4. Variable pump

Variable pump air rifles are a popular type of air rifle because they offer the best of both worlds.

A variable pump air rifle is a type of air rifle that allows the user to adjust the power or “force” of the shot by varying the number of times they pump the gun.

This type of air rifle is often used for target shooting or hunting small game, as it provides a consistent level of power no matter how many times it is pumped.

Variable pump air rifles are easy to cock and reload, and they are also very accurate.

This type of rifle is popular among hunters and target shooters, as it allows them to customize the power of their shots depending on their needs.

Recommended models: Crosman Destroyer .177 Air Rifle and Gamo Big Cat 1250 Hunting Air Rifle

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Powerful
• Easy to cock and reload

Cons:

• Cannot be pumped up to maximum power all at once

CO2

CO₂ air rifles are a popular type of air rifle because they are very powerful and easy to use.

A CO2-powered air rifle is a type of air rifle that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) as its power source.

The CO2 is usually in the form of gas cartridges that screw into the gun.

They are powered by a CO₂ cartridge that is located inside the gun.

When the trigger is pulled, the CO2 gas is released and pushes against a piston, which in turn fires the pellet.

CO2 air rifles are considered to be more powerful than other types of air rifles.

They are also typically more expensive.

However, they do have some drawbacks.

For example, they can be quite noisy when fired and they can also be difficult to reload.

This type of air rifle is typically expensive than other types, and it is also very accurate.

CO₂ air rifles are easy to cock and reload, and they are also very quiet.

Recommended models: Umarex Brodax .177 CO₂ Air Pistol and Crosman TR77 Nitro Piston Tactical Rifle

Pros:

• Powerful
• Easy to use
• Inexpensive
• Accurate

Cons:

• Can be affected by cold weather

Bottom line

When choosing an air rifle, it is important to consider the different types and their pros and cons.

Each type has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the one that best meets your needs.

If you are looking for a powerful air rifle that is easy to use and accurate, then a precharged pneumatic air rifle is the best option.

If you are looking for an inexpensive air rifle that is powerful and easy to cock, then a variable pump air rifle is the best option.

And if you are looking for a CO₂ air rifle that is quiet and accurate, then the Umarex Brodax .177 CO₂ Air Pistol is the best option.

No matter what type of air rifle you choose, make sure to practice safe handling procedures and always comply with all local laws and regulations.​

When choosing an air rifle, it is important to consider the different types and their pros and cons. Each type has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the one that best meets your needs.