Looking for the Best Break Barrel Air Rifles? In this post, we go through the best, features, pros, cons, and factors to consider when choosing one.
Break barrel rifles are known to offer plenty of power without the need for all the complexity of pumps and tanks found in PCPs. This makes them popular among outdoor enthusiasts who love to spend time hunting small game and pests.
They are also remarkably affordable and are capable of producing power from 600FPS up to 1500FPS. With such power, you are able to easily take down your target regardless of the size or shooting distance.
With the market offering a wide range of break barrel air rifles to choose from, it is good that you choose a model that suits your shooting needs well.
This can end up being challenging especially if you are in the market for the first time. To help you make the right selection, here is a review of the best break barrel air rifles. Let’s take a look.
Best Break Barrel Air Rifles
1) GAMO Raptor Whisper Air Rifle
Available in either .177 or .22 caliber pellet, GAMO Raptor Whisper is a single cocking break barrel suitable for a wide range of shooting activities. With the .177 caliber pellet, this air rifle features a maximum shooting velocity of 1300FPS. This makes it powerful enough to easily take down small games like rabbits and squirrels. With the use of the latest technologies as well as a polymer jacket rifled barrel and a high-grade ambidextrous stock, this rifle is very comfortable to use. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to carry around in the field and easy to use as well. An adjustable shockwave absorber recoil pad absorbs up to 74% recoil allowing you to shoot comfortably. The Smooth Action Trigger helps the shooter make a more accurate shot while the 4×32 shockproof scope brings faraway targets closer. This air rifle is plain and very simple, so it’s ideal for shooting beginners and professionals alike. It’s capable of fitting a budget and you still get some excellent features from it. Pros
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2) Barra Airguns 1200g Dual Caliber Break Barrel Pellet Rifle with Scope
The Barra Airguns 1200g Dual Caliber Break Barrel Pellet Rifle with Scope offers a dynamic shooting experience, combining versatility, power, and precision in a sleek and modern design. Whether you’re into target shooting, spending quality trigger time, or engaging in small game hunting, the 1200g is a reliable companion with interchangeable barrels in both .177 and .22 calibers. Elevate your shooting experience with the flexibility of interchangeable barrels in .177 or .22 caliber. Perfect for both precision target shooting and hunting small game, the Barra 1200g allows you to tailor your ammunition to the task at hand. Engineered with advanced gas piston technology, the 1200g packs a powerful punch. Firing .177 caliber pellets at speeds up to 1,200 fps and .22 caliber pellets at speeds up to 1,000 fps, this rifle ensures a potent and accurate shot every time. Switching between calibers is a breeze with the included Allen wrench. A few simple twists allow you to seamlessly transition between .177 and .22 calibers, giving you the flexibility to adapt to different shooting scenarios. The 1200g rifle features a robust steel breech and barrel for durability and reliability. The polymer barrel sleeve adds an extra layer of protection and contributes to the rifle’s modern aesthetic. The all-weather polymer stock is designed to withstand the elements, ensuring longevity and consistent performance. Equipped with a 4×32 optic, the Barra 1200g provides enhanced accuracy and target acquisition. The included scope complements the rifle’s capabilities, making it an all-in-one solution for shooters seeking precision and convenience. Specifications
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3) Crosman Optimus Air Rifle
Crosman Air Rifle is a quality air rifle that people of all ages will enjoy shooting with, whether it’s for fun, target shooting, or hunting purposes. This air rifle fires .22 and .177 caliber pellets and has varying FPS ratings, depending on the weight of the ammunition used. The Optimus break barrel is not only powerful but also elegant and stylish. The ambidextrous wood stock makes the weapon friendly for both left and right-handers. With a relatively light cocking force and a two-stage adjustable trigger, this rifle will get the job done with maximum velocities of up to 950FPS. Additionally, the barrel incorporates a micro-adjustable rear sight and fiber optic front sight to enhance shooting accuracy. A 4x32mm precision scope included also helps improve your shooting accuracy by bringing far-away targets closer. Pros
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4) Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle
For all your small game hunting, pest control, and target shooting needs, Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle got you covered. This is a spring-piston single-stroke break barrel air rifle featuring an all-weather composite polymer stock that’s not just powerful but also very elegant. The ambidextrous stock features checkered grip areas in both the pistol grip and foreman which makes it comfortable to hold. This air rifle is very powerful and shoots a single pellet out of its rifled barrel at a maximum velocity of 1000FPS. The fiber optics included will aid with quick target acquisition and shooter accuracy as well. Furthermore, an included 4×32 air gun scope is easy to mount and will help bring far-away targets closer. Adding to the ruggedness of the air rifle is a rubber recoil pad which reduces recoil and scope’s stress. Weighing just 1kg, the air rifle is easy to carry around without you feeling like it’s weighing you down. Pros
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5) Crosman Valiant SBD Air Rifle, Nitro Piston Elite air Rifle
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6) Gamo 6110068754 Swarm Whisper Air Rifle
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7) Gamo Wildcat Whisper Air Rifle
Available in .177 or .22 caliber pellet, Wildcat Whisper Air Rifle is another extremely nice rifle from GAMO. This is a simple yet highly effective air rifle designed for a wide range of hunting and tactical shooting activities. With a maximum velocity of 1300FPS in .177 Caliber and 975FPS in .22 Caliber, this pellet rifle features the Inert Gas Technology piston that allows higher velocity, minimal vibration, and a longer lifespan compared with traditional spring-powered air rifles. Weighing only 5.64 lbs, this air rifle is lightweight and easy to carry on the field. The lightweight design is made possible thanks to the use of the latest technologies. Additionally, the synthetic stock of this air rifle is made with tough and all-weather materials to ensure rugged reliability in all weather conditions. Also included is a shockproof 4×32 scope to enhance your shooting accuracy by making smaller targets easy to spot. Pros
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Are Break-Barrel Air Rifles Good?
Break barrel air rifles can be an excellent choice for many shooters, depending on their preferences and intended use.
Here are some factors to consider when evaluating the suitability of break barrel air rifles:
Ease of Use
Break barrel rifles are generally easy to use. Cocking the barrel compresses a spring or gas piston, preparing the gun for the next shot. This simplicity makes break barrels a good option for beginners and those who prefer a straightforward shooting experience.
Power and Velocity
Break barrel air rifles can offer high velocities and significant power. The break barrel mechanism allows for a longer compression stroke, resulting in more power when the gun is fired. This makes them suitable for various purposes, including small game hunting and target shooting.
Affordability
Break barrel air rifles are often more affordable than some other types of air rifles, such as pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) models. This makes them a cost-effective choice for individuals who want a reliable air rifle without a significant financial investment.
No External Power Source
Unlike PCP rifles that require external air sources, break barrels are self-contained. This makes them more convenient for shooters who don’t want to deal with additional equipment like air tanks or pumps. You can carry and use a break barrel rifle without the need for external power sources.
Versatility
Many break barrel models offer the option to shoot different types of pellets or even different calibers by simply swapping barrels. This versatility allows users to tailor their air rifles to specific shooting applications.
However, it’s essential to note that break-barrel air rifles may have some limitations:
Recoil and Hold Sensitivity:
Break barrel air rifles produce recoil when fired, and the shooter’s hold and technique can significantly impact accuracy. It may take some practice to master the art of shooting a break barrel consistently.
Single Shot:
Most break barrels are single-shot rifles, requiring manual reloading after each shot. This can be a disadvantage for those who prefer a faster rate of fire.
In summary, break barrel air rifles are good options for many shooters, especially beginners, casual shooters, and those looking for an affordable and straightforward solution. Their power, versatility, and self-contained nature make them suitable for various applications, but users should be aware of potential limitations, such as recoil and the single-shot nature of most models.
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Break Barrel Air Rifles
When in the market for the best break barrel air rifle, here are some of the important factors to put into consideration before you settle on a specific model.
- Air rifle brand
Whether you are looking for the best break barrel air rifle for your own hunting needs or a gift to give your friend, get one from any of these brands; GAMO, Ruger, Crosman, Benjamin, and Daisy.
These are the top 5 air rifle brands available in the market today. When you get an air rifle from any of the 5 brands, you are assured of quality construction and reliable performance regardless of the shooting activity that you will be engaging in.
- Air rifle aesthetics
Although air rifle aesthetics don’t have a direct impact on the function of the gun, it is an important feature to be aware of. Any hunter knows that a plain wooden rifle for deer hunting is just as dangerous as a tactical-looking military rifle.
Since air rifle scopes have a varying degree of intimidation, consider how it looks when removed in public. If you are in need of an air rifle for plinking around the backyard, consider getting something less intimidating.
On the other hand, if you live somewhere isolated or you intend to use the rifle primarily for hunting, the aesthetic choice may be less impactful.
- Scope
If you are picking a high caliber and high-velocity scope, consider getting a scope. Target shooting takes a whole new level when a properly sighted scope is used.
Additionally, purchasing a good quality scope will advance your hunting skills to a whole new level. Most break-barrel air rifles come pre-loaded with a mounted scope which is of good quality.
Most of these scopes might be less in quality compared with the high-end scopes, however, they are adequate for the rifle with which they are paired.
- Weight
Weight is an important factor to consider if you intend to carry the air rifle for longer periods of time.
A longer journey is always difficult with a gun that’s weighing you down.
If you are looking for an air rifle primarily to be used for hunting, go for one that’s lightweight so it won’t weigh you down whenever you carry it around.
Break Barrel Air Rifles FAQs
- Which caliber is better, .177 or .22?
The ideal caliber to shoot will depend on the shooting activity you are engaged in. if you are a targets-only shooter, the .177 caliber will greatly serve your needs best. On the other hand, if you are looking for an air rifle for hunting needs, go for the .22 caliber because it has more stopping power.
- Are break barrel air rifles accurate?
Yes. Depending on the pellet choice and the shooting conditions, break barrel air rifles have a maximum accurate shooting range of 60-80 yards. When a high-quality scope is included the accuracy is enhanced.
- How long should you leave a break barrel air gun cocked?
The general rule is that you can leave it cocked up to half to 1 hour. However, don’t leave it cocked for more than an hour and a half.
Conclusion
Today, break barrel air rifles are highly powered precision rifles that are ideally used for hunting and target shooting with extreme accuracy. With any of the break barrel air rifles reviewed above, people of all ages will enjoy shooting, whether it’s for fun, competitively, or for hunting purposes
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