7 Best PCP Air Rifles for Hunting

Let’s look at the Best PCP Air Rifles for Hunting.

When it comes to hunting with air rifles, pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) rifles stand out as some of the best options available. Known for their high power, accuracy, and consistent shot performance, PCP air rifles provide hunters with the reliability needed for ethical and effective small game hunting.

With features like adjustable regulators, large air reservoirs, and multi-shot magazines, these rifles offer both precision and convenience. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started, choosing the right PCP air rifle can make all the difference in your shooting experience.

Best PCP Air Rifles for Hunting

1) Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Rifle 

The Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Rifle is one of the best PCP air rifles for hunting, offering a blend of precision, versatility, and durability for small game hunting. Engineered as a 10-shot repeater with an auto-indexing feature, it allows for rapid follow-up shots, ensuring you’re ready for every moment in the field.

The rifle also offers a single shot tray option, catering to different shooting preferences and calibers, available in .22, .177, and .25, making it a versatile companion for various hunting scenarios.

One of the defining features of the Marauder is its adaptability. With the ability to adjust for different velocities and a built-in air pressure gauge (manometer) that monitors pressures up to 3,000 psi, shooters can fine-tune their performance for optimum results.

The rifle’s 215cc air reservoir, pre-set at 2,500 psi (with the option to increase to 3,000 psi), ensures you can enjoy up to 30 shots per fill when maxed out, providing both power and consistency during long hunts. The air reservoir’s quick-disconnect Foster fitting means refills are fast and hassle-free, keeping downtime to a minimum.

Accuracy is paramount when it comes to hunting, and the Benjamin Marauder delivers. Its choked barrel, integrated into an internal shroud, not only offers pinpoint accuracy but also significantly reduces noise, making it a very quiet gun—an essential feature for stealth in the wild.

The rifled steel barrel, paired with options like 11mm dovetail Crosman barrels and Weaver/Picatinny rail Lothar Walther barrels, further ensures superior performance on target. The 2-stage adjustable match trigger, complete with a metal trigger, provides an exceptional trigger feel that enhances shooting precision.

The rifle’s ergonomic design adds to its appeal. The balanced all-weather synthetic stock is built to endure the elements while providing comfort and stability. Features like the adjustable raised comb cheek-piece and reversible bolt handle ensure a tailored fit for the shooter, boosting both accuracy and comfort during extended use.

Whether you’re targeting small game or developing your skills, the Marauder’s blend of a 10-round rotary magazine and the option for single-shot, bolt-action mode makes it an excellent training tool and a dependable hunting rifle.

Specifications

• Caliber .177,.22,.25
• Velocity 1100,1000,900 fps
• Action: Bolt-action
• Barrel Style: Rifled
• Fire Mode: Repeater
• Safety Manual
• Trigger Adjustability: Two-stage adjustable
• Use: Small game hunting/target practice

Pros

• 10-shot repeater with auto-indexing: Rapid and efficient follow-up shots.
• Adjustable for different velocities: Tailor the rifle’s power to suit various hunting needs.
• Internal shroud for quiet operation: Ensures stealth with integrated sound suppression.
• Choked barrel for superior accuracy: Enhanced precision with pinpoint shot delivery.
• 2-stage adjustable match trigger (metal): Offers an excellent trigger feel and consistency.
• Versatile loading options: Raised aluminum breech and single shot tray for varied ammunition.
• High-capacity air reservoir: 215cc reservoir supports up to 30 shots per fill at 3000 psi.
• Robust construction: All-weather synthetic stock with adjustable features for comfort.

Cons

• Higher init
• ial air pressure fill needed: Some users may need extra time to master optimal settings.

2) Gamo Urban PCP Air Rifle

The Gamo Urban PCP Air Rifle is the PCP Air Rifles for Hunting Varmint,With a velocity of 1,100 fps using alloy pellets, it delivers impressive power, making it a formidable tool for varmint hunting and target shooting alike.

At the heart of the Urban is its robust PCP powerplant, which utilizes a reservoir of compressed air to propel projectiles with outstanding consistency. The rifle features a high precision steel hammer-forged rifled barrel, ensuring pinpoint accuracy shot after shot.

Complementing its performance is Gamo’s innovative Whisper Maxxim (Whisper Fusion) noise dampening technology, which drastically reduces the sound signature to help keep game undisturbed—even on a missed first shot.

Engineered with ergonomics and durability in mind, the Urban boasts an automotive grade glass filled nylon all-weather thumbhole synthetic stock that’s as comfortable as it is rugged. Its ambidextrous design, complete with a 10-round removable rotary magazine and 11mm dovetail grooves (designed without open sights for streamlined performance), makes it a versatile choice for shooters of all levels.

The rifle is further enhanced by a 2-stage CAT (Custom Action Trigger) adjustable trigger, ensuring a crisp, consistent pull every time, while the SWA (Shock Wave Absorber) recoil pad reduces felt recoil by up to 74%, allowing for rapid target reacquisition.

Safety and ease-of-use have not been overlooked. The built-in manometer with a quick-fill port, rated at 232 bar (3,365 psi), makes refilling straightforward, and the manual safety provides added peace of mind.

Weighing in at just 6.60 lbs, the Gamo Urban PCP is a lightweight yet robust rifle that exemplifies quality craftsmanship, made in the United Kingdom—a country renowned for its expertise in airgun competitions and manufacturing excellence.

Specifications

• Caliber: ..22
• Velocity: 1100 fps
• Action: Bolt-action
• Barrel Style: Rifled
• Fire Mode: Repeater
• Safety: Manual
• Trigger Adjustability: Two-stage adjustable
• Use: Small game hunting/Varmint Hunting /target practice

Pros

• High Velocity: Achieves up to 1,100 fps with alloy pellets for powerful performance.
• Noise Dampening: Integrated Whisper Maxxim (Whisper Fusion) technology ensures extremely quiet operation.
• Precision Accuracy: Features a high precision, hammer-forged rifled steel barrel for pinpoint shooting.
• Ergonomic Design: All-weather, thumbhole synthetic stock with ambidextrous design for superior comfort and control.
• Efficient Air System: Built-in manometer with quick-fill port at 232 bar (3,365 psi) for consistent power.
• Reduced Recoil: SWA recoil pad absorbs up to 74% of recoil, improving shooting stability.
• Multi-Shot Capability: 10-round removable rotary magazine allows for rapid follow-up shots.

Cons:

• Manual Safety Only: Some users may prefer an automatic or more advanced safety system.

3) Sig Sauer MCX Virtus PCP Air Rifle

The Sig Sauer MCX Virtus PCP Air Rifle, a cutting-edge addition to Sig Sauer’s precision line that brings the innovation of their MCX Virtus Patrol Rifle into the world of pre-charged pneumatic airguns.

Designed with both target practice and varmint hunting in mind, this .22 caliber semi-automatic air rifle is engineered to deliver exceptional performance and consistency on the range and in the field.

Its advanced PCP operating system, combined with a regulated 13 cubic inch air cylinder (filled to 3000 psi with an 1100 psi regulator output), ensures you can rely on up to 150 consistent shots per fill—making it a perfect companion for extended shooting sessions.

The MCX Virtus features a 17.5-inch rifled barrel housed within a durable M-LOK™ handguard, offering not only a solid foundation for precision shooting but also providing versatility with its full-length Picatinny rail for mounting your favorite optic.

Flip-up front and rear sights give you a quick target acquisition option, while the barrel’s threaded design (1/2″x28) allows for further customization with muzzle devices if desired.

Coupled with a rapid 30-round RPM pellet magazine, this air rifle delivers speeds up to 700 FPS and energy levels of up to 11 FPE, making every shot count—whether you’re honing your skills at the range or taking aim at small game in the field.

Crafted for both performance and reliability, the Sig Sauer MCX Virtus PCP Air Rifle offers a semi-automatic fire mode that allows you to focus on your target without interruption.

Its design emphasizes ease of use and accuracy, with a single-stage adjustable trigger ensuring crisp, predictable trigger pulls. The innovative design, rooted in Sig Sauer’s legacy of precision, makes this rifle a standout choice for shooters who demand both high performance and modern aesthetics in their airgun arsenal.

Specifications

• Caliber: ..22
• Velocity: 600 fps
• Action: Semiautomatic
• Barrel Style: Rifled
• Fire Mode: Repeater
• Safety: Manual
• Trigger Adjustability: Single-stage
• Use: Small game hunting/target practice

Pros

• High Performance: Delivers velocities up to 700 FPS and energies up to 11 FPE.
• Consistent Shooting: Regulated 13 cubic inch air cylinder with up to 150 consistent shots per fill.
• Rapid Fire Capability: 30-round RPM rapid pellet magazine for quick follow-up shots.
• Versatile Sights and Rail: Flip-up front and rear sights along with a full-length Picatinny rail for custom optics.
• Durable Construction: M-LOK handguard provides a robust platform for accessory mounting.
• Precision Engineering: 17.5-inch rifled barrel ensures accurate and reliable performance.

Cons

• Manual Safety: The safety is manual, which may require additional training for those accustomed to more advanced systems.

4) Umarex Notos Carbine Air Rifle

TheUmarex Notos Carbine Air Rifle, a compact yet powerful PCP airgun that’s making waves as one of the best options for hunting small game and pest control. Designed with portability and precision in mind, this .22 caliber air rifle features an 11.75-inch rifled barrel that propels a 12-grain pellet at an impressive 700 fps.

Its sidelever action and 7-shot auto-indexing rotary magazine provide smooth, rapid cycling for quick follow-up shots, making it ideal for both target shooting and field use.

One of the standout features of the Notos Carbine is its fixed high-pressure air tank, which is regulated to deliver consistent, reliable performance shot after shot.

With a maximum fill pressure of 3,625 psi and a regulated pressure of 1,900 psi, you can expect up to 21 fully regulated shots per fill, with an overall potential of 40 shots.

The onboard fill pressure gauge and male Foster QD fill fitting simplify the refilling process, ensuring you spend less time prepping and more time shooting.

The Notos Carbine also excels in ergonomics and versatility. The adjustable buttstock allows you to customize the length of the rifle for a perfect fit, while the ridged rubber buttpad enhances comfort and control during extended shooting sessions.

Its shrouded barrel, combined with a three-baffle SilencAir System, provides excellent noise suppression, keeping the gun quiet enough for discreet hunting and plinking. Additionally, the integrated full-length Picatinny rail offers the flexibility to mount your favorite optics for enhanced accuracy.

Specifications

• Caliber: .22
• Velocity: 700 fps
• Action: Sidelever
• Barrel Style: Rifled
• Fire Mode: Repeater
• Safety: Manual
• Trigger Adjustability: Single-stage
• Use: Small game hunting/target practice

Pros

• Impressive Velocity: Delivers 700 fps with 12-grain .22 caliber pellets for effective performance.
• Consistent Shot-to-Shot: Regulated fixed HP air tank provides up to 21 fully regulated shots per fill.
• Versatile Magazine Options: Comes with a 7-shot auto-indexing rotary magazine and an included single shot tray.
• Quiet Operation: Shrouded barrel with three baffle SilencAir System minimizes noise.
• Custom Fit: Adjustable buttstock and ridged rubber buttpad enhance comfort and control.
• Accessory Ready: Full-length Picatinny scope rail for mounting optics.

Cons

• Limited Magazine Capacity: 7-round magazine may require frequent reloading during extended sessions.

5) Benjamin Armada Air Rifle

The Benjamin Armada Air Rifle is one of the best PCP air rifles for hunting, a versatile and high-performance PCP airgun designed to meet the demands of today’s air gunners. Available in both .22 and .25 calibers, the Armada delivers blistering velocities,up to 1000 fps in .22 caliber and 900 fps in .25 caliber,making it an excellent choice for small game hunting, target shooting, and backyard plinking.

Its modular design allows for adjustments to different velocities, ensuring that every shot is as precise as the last.

Built for consistent performance, the Armada features a 215 cc air reservoir that provides more than 30 shots per fill. The rifle comes equipped with a 10-shot repeater with an auto-indexing feature (8 rounds for .25 caliber), enabling rapid follow-up shots for those critical moments in the field.

The choked, shrouded, and rifled barrel, combined with an integrated resonance dampener, ensures full suppression and superior accuracy, while the two-stage adjustable match trigger—with its robust metal construction—offers a crisp and reliable pull.

Ergonomics and customization are at the forefront of the Armada’s design. The reversible bolt-action caters to both right- and left-handed shooters, and the AR-compatible construction means it’s backward compatible with Mil-Spec AR-15 stocks, grips, and accessories.

The machined receiver, complete with 5 inches of Picatinny rail space, allows you to mount your preferred optics and accessories. Additional features such as the built-in air pressure gauge, adjustable telescopic buttstock, and sling-ready design further enhance its versatility, making the Armada a top contender among PCP air rifles for hunting.

Specifications

• Caliber: .22 ,.25
• Velocity: 1000,900 fps
• Action: Bolt-action
• Barrel Style: Rifled
• Fire Mode: Repeater
• Safety: Manual
• Trigger Adjustability: Two-stage adjustable
• Use: Hunting

Pros

• High Velocity & Power: Up to 1000 fps in .22 and 900 fps in .25 caliber for impressive performance.
• Extended Shot Count: Over 30 consistent shots per fill from a 215 cc air reservoir.
• Rapid Follow-Up: 10-shot repeater with auto-indexing magazine for quick successive shots.
• Quiet & Accurate: Choked, shrouded, and rifled barrel with an integrated resonance dampener for full suppression.
• Versatile & Modular: Adjustable for different velocities, reversible bolt-action, and AR-compatible with Mil-Spec stocks and grips.
• Accessory Ready: Machined receiver with 5 inches of Picatinny rail space for optics and additional accessories.
• Enhanced Ergonomics: Two-stage adjustable match trigger, adjustable telescopic buttstock, and sling-ready design for improved comfort and control.

Cons

• Additional Equipment Required: Fast refills require a female Foster quick-disconnect adapter (not included) for optimal operation.

6) Air Venturi Avenger Air Rifle

The Air Venturi Avenger Air Rifle, a powerhouse in the world of PCP airguns that delivers exceptional performance without breaking the bank. Designed with the modern hunter in mind, this highly adjustable and lightweight rifle weighs just 6.4 lbs and is available with either a synthetic or wooden stock to suit your personal style.

With a fully shrouded, 22.75-inch rifled barrel and externally adjustable regulator capable of up to 3,000 psi (210 bar), the Avenger is engineered to deliver impressive velocities,up to 1000 fps in .177, 930 fps in .22, and 900 fps in .25 caliber,ensuring that each shot packs the punch you need for small game hunting or target practice.

The Avenger stands out with its superior modularity and ease-of-use. Its design incorporates a sidelever action that allows for smooth cycling between shots, and the two-stage adjustable trigger gives you a crisp, consistent pull every time.

With a maximum fill pressure of 4,351 psi (300 bar) and an 180cc air cylinder, you can expect up to 24 shots per fill, offering reliable, consistent performance throughout your session.

Additionally, the Avenger features dual gauges,one for regulator pressure on the right-hand side and another for fill pressure on the left—so you always know the state of your air system at a glance.

Versatility is key for any hunting air rifle, and the Avenger does not disappoint. It comes equipped with an 11mm dovetail/Weaver combination rail for mounting your favorite scopes, as well as a Picatinny rail on the fore-end of the stock for accessories such as bipods, lights, and lasers.

Practical design touches, such as pre-drilled holes in the front and rear of the stock for swivel studs to mount a sling, make it a breeze to carry through the woods without fuss. The included two magazines and single shot tray provide flexible shooting options, whether you need rapid follow-up shots or deliberate single-shot precision.

Specifications

• Caliber: .22 ,.25
• Velocity: 930,900 fps
• Action: Sidelever
• Barrel Style: Rifled
• Fire Mode: Repeater
• Safety: Manual
• Trigger Adjustability: Two-stage adjustable
• Use: Small game hunting/target practice

Pros

• Powerful Performance: Achieves up to 1000 fps (.177), 930 fps (.22), and 900 fps (.25) with impressive energy output.
• Adjustability: Externally adjustable regulator (up to 3,000 psi) and easily accessible hammer spring adjustment screw.
• Versatile Accessory Mounting: Features both an 11mm dovetail/Weaver scope rail and a Picatinny rail for mounting accessories.
• User-Friendly Design: Sidelever action, two-stage adjustable trigger, and manual safety enhance control and ease-of-use.
• Convenient Portability: Holes for sling swivel studs and a lightweight design (6.4 lbs) make it easy to carry in the field.
• Dual Gauges: Provides both regulator and fill pressure readings for precise air management.

Cons

• Medium Loudness: Rated as medium in loudness, which might be a consideration in extremely quiet environments.

7) JTS Airacuda Max PCP Air Rifle

TheJTS Airacuda Max PCP Air Rifle is one of the best PCP air rifles for Hunting small game hunting, it comes in multiple calibers, offering a maximum velocity of up to 920 fps in .22 and 900 fps in .25, ensuring that every shot counts when you’re out in the field.

With fully regulated PCP technology operating at a fill pressure of 3,200 PSI, the Airacuda Max provides consistent performance and reliability, making it an excellent choice for serious airgunners.

Built with durability and performance in mind, the Airacuda Max features an all-metal construction paired with a classic hardwood thumbhole stock. The design is enhanced by laser-engraved checkering on the pistol grip and forearm, along with a textured rubber buttpad for superior handling and comfort during extended shooting sessions.

The sidelever action repeater not only adds to its rugged appeal but also ensures a smooth cycling mechanism for rapid fire. With an 18-inch rifled, shrouded barrel and an integrated Picatinny optics rail, this rifle is easily adaptable to your favorite scopes and accessories, enhancing both accuracy and versatility in various hunting environments.

One of the standout features of the JTS Airacuda Max is its impressive shot count. In the .22 caliber model, you can achieve up to 40 shots per fill, while the .25 caliber delivers 30 shots per fill,thanks to its fully regulated system and integrated reservoir manometer.

The inclusion of a 10-round metal magazine (with two magazines provided) ensures you’re ready for rapid follow-up shots, making it an ideal tool for both target practice and small game hunting.

Additional features such as the manual safety and Foster quick-disconnect fill fitting further contribute to its ease of use and overall efficiency.

Pros

• Impressive Velocity: Delivers up to 920 fps (.22) and 900 fps (.25) for effective performance in hunting and plinking.
• High Shot Count: Up to 40 shots per fill in .22 caliber and 30 in .25, ensuring extended shooting sessions.
• Robust Construction: All-metal build with a hardwood thumbhole stock provides durability and a classic feel.
• Versatile Design: Sidelever action repeater with a 10-round metal magazine (includes 2 magazines) for rapid follow-up shots.
• Adaptable Optics: Equipped with a Picatinny optics rail for easy mounting of scopes and accessories.
• User-Friendly Features: Integrated manometers, manual safety, and Foster QD fill fitting make for convenient operation.

Cons

• Loudness: Rated at medium loudness, which might be a consideration in extremely quiet environments.

Next Reads

Other PCP Air Rifles for Hunting

• Beeman PCP Underlever Air Rifle
• Diana Stormrider Gen2 Multi-Shot PCP Air Rifle

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best PCP Air Rifles for Hunting

Here are the most important considerations

Velocity and Energy Output

When choosing a PCP air rifle for hunting, it is essential to consider the rifle’s velocity and energy output. A high muzzle velocity ensures that pellets reach the target quickly and with enough force to be effective for small game hunting.

The energy output, often measured in foot-pounds of energy (FPE), gives an indication of the impact power of the rifle. A well-balanced combination of velocity and energy allows for both efficient target practice and ethical hunting by ensuring that the pellet has enough momentum to take down game accurately and humanely.

Accuracy and Barrel Technology

The rifle’s barrel plays a critical role in overall accuracy. Look for features such as a high-precision, rifled barrel that is often choked or shrouded to maintain pellet stability and reduce noise.

Innovations in barrel technology, such as hammer-forged construction or integrated sound suppression systems, contribute to a consistent, tight shot group.

A well-designed barrel ensures that pellets leave the muzzle on a stable trajectory, which is crucial for precision shooting in hunting scenarios where accuracy can make the difference between a clean kill and a miss.

Shot Capacity and Magazine Options

For hunting and target shooting, the number of shots per fill and the magazine capacity are important considerations. A higher shot count per fill allows you to spend more time in the field without needing to stop for refills, which can be crucial during extended hunting trips.

Additionally, the availability of different magazine options, such as a multi-shot repeater or a single shot tray, provides versatility for various shooting styles. Being able to choose between rapid-fire and precision single shots enables you to adapt the rifle’s performance to your specific hunting needs.

Air Reservoir Capacity and Regulation

The performance consistency of a PCP air rifle largely depends on its air reservoir capacity and the effectiveness of its regulation system. A larger reservoir means you can get more shots out of each fill, while a well-regulated system ensures that the pressure remains consistent throughout your shooting session.

Integrated pressure gauges and quick-disconnect fittings add to the convenience, allowing you to monitor and replenish your air supply easily. Consistent pressure is vital for achieving the same velocity shot after shot, which directly impacts accuracy and overall performance.

Ergonomics and Stock Design

Comfort and ease-of-use are key factors when spending long hours in the field. Ergonomics involve not only the weight of the rifle but also the design of its stock. Features such as an adjustable, all-weather stock, thumbhole design, or customizable cheek rest can enhance your shooting experience by allowing you to tailor the fit to your body.

A well-designed stock provides better balance and stability, reducing fatigue during prolonged use and ensuring that you can maintain a steady aim even in challenging conditions.

Action and Trigger Performance

The action type,whether sidelever, bolt-action, or another mechanism—determines how smoothly the rifle cycles between shots. Equally important is the trigger system; a two-stage adjustable trigger is often favored for its crisp break and predictable pull.

A reliable trigger contributes significantly to overall shooting precision, allowing you to control each shot with minimal movement. Additionally, features like manual safety systems ensure that the rifle remains secure during handling, which is particularly important in dynamic hunting environments.

Accessory Compatibility and Mounting Options

Modern hunting air rifles often come with accessory mounting options that enhance their versatility. Look for features such as Picatinny or Weaver rails that allow you to attach optics, bipods, lights, or lasers.

These mounting points can significantly improve your shooting experience by enabling you to customize the rifle to your specific needs, whether that means enhancing your target acquisition with a scope or improving stability with a bipod. Versatile accessory compatibility ensures that your air rifle can adapt to various shooting situations and environments.

Overall Build Quality and Durability

Finally, the overall construction and durability of the rifle are paramount, especially in the varied and sometimes harsh conditions of outdoor hunting. High-quality materials, such as all-metal components or robust hardwood stocks, contribute to a longer-lasting, reliable firearm.

Attention to detail in manufacturing,such as precision machining, laser-etched checkering, and integrated sound suppression systems—ensures that the rifle not only performs well but also withstands the rigors of regular use. A durable build guarantees that your investment will continue to deliver consistent performance season after season.

Best PCP Air Rifles for Hunting FAQs