This best PCP air rifle review highlights the top-rated PCP rifles on the market, comprehensively detailing the features, specifications, pros, and cons.
Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifles are known for their precision and power in the world of airguns. Unlike traditional spring-piston or break-barrel designs, PCP air rifles use a reservoir of compressed air to propel pellets, delivering consistent and high-performance shots.
PCP air rifles are used for different applications including hunting, target shooting, and pest control.
PCP air rifles come with several advantages such as consistent velocity, minimal recoil, and high shot count per fill.
When choosing the best PCP air rifle, the most important considerations are the rifle’s power output, shot capacity, ease of use, and additional features like adjustable triggers and noise suppression.
Best PCP Air Rifles
1) Sig Sauer MCX Virtus PCP Air Rifle
Specifications
Pros
Cons
The Sig Sauer MCX Virtus PCP Air Rifle is one of the best PCP air rifles,it is designed with both target shooting and small-game hunting in mind, this rifle brings a lot to the table in terms of performance, versatility, and innovation. Chambered in .22 caliber and capable of reaching velocities up to 700 fps, it delivers enough punch—up to 11 foot-pounds of energy (FPE)—to handle varmints and small game effectively. One of the standout features of the MCX Virtus is its semi-automatic action, allowing you to fire from its 30-round RPM (Rapid Pellet Magazine) as fast as you can pull the trigger. The rifle also comes equipped with a rifled 17.5-inch barrel, which improves accuracy whether you’re at the range or out in the field. The M-LOK handguard offers flexibility, allowing you to mount a variety of accessories, while the full-length Picatinny rail is perfect for adding optics. Powering this air rifle is a 13 cubic inch 3000 psi air cylinder that’s regulated at 1100 psi, delivering up to 150 consistent shots before needing a refill. This makes the MCX Virtus not only powerful but efficient, providing ample shot count for extended use. With a manual safety and flip-up front and rear sights, you’re provided with additional reliability and ease of use when lining up your target. Get it on Amazon |
2) Benjamin Armada Air Rifle
Specifications
Pros
Cons
The Benjamin Armada Air Rifle is the best PCP air rifle for target shooting and medium-sized game hunting. It is available in both .22-caliber, achieving velocities of 1000 fps, and .25-caliber, with a speed of 900 fps, this PCP air rifle caters to the needs of hunters, target shooters, and plinkers alike. With Modular construction and design, this air rifle is designed for adaptability and easy customization. It accommodates Mil-Spec AR-15 stocks and grips, providing backward compatibility for users who prefer a personalized touch. The rifle’s 30+ consistent shots per fill ensure prolonged use without frequent interruptions, making it an ideal companion for extended shooting sessions. The inclusion of a 10-round magazine enhances the Armada’s efficiency, allowing for rapid follow-up shots and reducing downtime between rounds. The reversible bolt adds an extra layer of convenience, catering to left-handed shooters and ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of users. The Armada boasts a choked, shrouded, and rifled barrel, contributing to enhanced accuracy and precision. The integrated resonance dampener provides full suppression, minimizing noise and ensuring a stealthy shooting experience. The crisp two-stage trigger further refines the user experience, offering a responsive and controlled firing mechanism. The Armada’s functionality is complemented by thoughtful design elements, such as the machined receiver that provides 5 inches of Picatinny rail space. This feature allows users to effortlessly attach their preferred accessories, enhancing the rifle’s adaptability to various shooting scenarios. |
3) Benjamin Bulldog Air Rifle
Specifications
Pros
Cons
The Benjamin Bulldog .457 is a powerhouse PCP air rifle designed for serious hunters looking to take down larger game with precision and authority. As part of the renowned Bulldog series, this rifle builds on the success of the original, now offering more power and versatility with its .457 caliber capability. The upgraded version delivers 760 fps and generates a massive 450-foot-pound of energy (FPE), making it ideal for taking down big game that smaller calibers would struggle with. This air rifle features a side lever action that makes cycling smooth and effortless, while the rifled barrel ensures accuracy shot after shot. Despite the larger caliber and extended 440cc air cylinder, the Bulldog .457 maintains a compact and maneuverable design at just 36.38 inches in length. This makes it easy to handle in the field, especially during long hunting sessions. The rifle also includes a three-round gravity-fed magazine, allowing for quick follow-up shots without the need for frequent reloading. The SoundTrap baffle-less sound suppression system helps keep shots quieter than you’d expect from such a powerful airgun, while an M18 threaded muzzle gives you the option to add a moderator for even more sound reduction. Its extended 26-inch Picatinny rail allows you to mount large scopes or other accessories, giving you a fully customizable setup tailored to your hunting needs. The reversible side lever caters to both left- and right-handed shooters, and the rubber recoil pad ensures that despite its power, the rifle remains comfortable to shoot. |
4) Barra Airguns 1100z PCP Pellet Rifle
Specifications
Pros
Cons
The Barra Airguns 1100z PCP Pellet Rifle is one of the best PCP air rifles, whether you’re hunting small game or perfecting your long-shot skills in the backyard, the 1100z delivers an exceptional shooting experience. With velocities reaching up to 1100 fps, this meticulously crafted rifle boasts premium components that guarantee high performance and accuracy straight out of the box. The unregulated PCP design allows for a maximum fill pressure of 3000 PSI via the standard Foster quick disconnect, ensuring consistent power shot after shot. Tailor the rifle to your preferences with the adjustable hammer spring, providing control over power, noise, and shot count. The adjustable trigger and manual safety enhance the overall shooting experience, allowing for a personalized setup to suit your needs. The Barra 1100z is built to last, featuring a machined breech and scope rail from a single block of metal for maximum durability and accuracy. The solid steel side lever and handle ensure effortless cocking and rapid reloading, while the smooth bolt design eliminates the need for a troublesome dual O-ring setup found in other air rifles. The rifled barrel, equipped with an aluminum air stripper, attaches seamlessly with 1/2-20 threads. The shroud, featuring additional noise suppression through a knurled thread protector, is locked in place and aligned with the action, enhancing overall stability and accuracy. The reinforced polymer stock offers ambidextrous comb height adjustment, allowing for perfect alignment with your scope. The rubber butt-pad provides a secure shoulder fit, avoiding slippage, while the foregrip swells for easy carrying and efficient bagging. The stock also includes a rear sling attachment point and a front Picatinny rail for accessory mounting. |
5) Benjamin Marauder Wood Stock Air Rifle
Specifications
Pros
Cons
The Benjamin Marauder Wood Stock Air Rifle is the best PCP air rifle for hunting, It is known for its fast, precise, and reliable pellet delivery at velocities of up to 1100fps which is sufficient power for penetration and humane kill when hunting. This air rifle features a sleek Turkish walnut stock, which adds a touch of elegance and beauty to the robust design. The stock has an adjustable raised comb cheekpiece for customization and comfortable shooting, Versatility is further enhanced by its ambidextrous design for both left and right-handed shooters. This Benjamin Marauder has a shrouded barrel with integrated sound suppression for superior accuracy while minimizing noise. The rifle is available in three calibers – .177, .22, and .25, each delivering powerful and accurate performance at velocities of up to 1100 fps, up to 1000 fps, and up to 900 fps respectively ideal for hunting small game and pests. You also get an auto-indexing magazine, providing a 10-round capacity for .177 and .22 calibers, and 8 rounds for the .25 caliber. This feature ensures a smooth and efficient shooting experience, allowing for quick follow-up shots. The 5-year warranty underscores the manufacturer’s confidence in the rifle’s durability and performance. |
6) Air Venturi Avenger Caliber Regulated PCP Air Rifle
Specifications
Pros
Cons
The Air Venturi Avenger Caliber Regulated PCP Air Rifle is one of the best PCP air rifles, it comes in .177, .22, and .25 calibers, an externally adjustable regulator, Sidelever Cocking, and Manual Safety. Boasting a sleek and ergonomic design, this air rifle is designed for shooters who demand precision and versatility without breaking the bank. The external adjustable regulator and hammer spring provide an incredible level of performance customization which allows shooters to fine-tune the rifle’s performance to their preferences for optimal power and accuracy. The smooth side lever action ensures quick follow-up shots. With this PCP air rifle, you can reach velocities of up to 1000 FPS (.177), 930 FPS (.22), and 900 FPS (.25), making it suitable for a variety of shooting applications. The fully shrouded barrel not only contributes to its sleek appearance but also keeps noise to a minimum, allowing for quiet shooting sessions. Featuring an easily accessible hammer spring adjustment screw and degassing screw, the Avenger simplifies maintenance and tuning. The dual gauges, located on the right-hand side for regulator pressure and the left-hand side for fill pressure, provide a clear and concise view of essential information during shooting sessions. The air rifle is designed for versatility with a Picatinny rail on the fore-end of the stock, allowing users to mount accessories such as lights or bipods. Additionally, the stock includes holes in the front and rear for mounting swivel studs, providing options for attaching a sling. Safety is a top priority, and the Avenger incorporates a manual safety feature to ensure responsible handling. The 11mm dovetail/weaver combination scope rail further enhances the rifle’s adaptability, accommodating a wide range of optics for improved accuracy. The Avenger’s magazine capacity varies by caliber, offering 10 rounds for both .177 and .22, and 8 rounds for .25. The rifle comes complete with two magazines and a single-shot tray, catering to different shooting preferences. |
7) Gamo Urban PCP Air Rifle
Specifications
Pros
Cons
Gamo Urban PCP Air Rifle is the best PCP air rifle if you are looking for a quiet air rifle for hunting and pest control. It is a quiet, compact, and lightweight powerhouse in the world of Pre Charged Pneumatic (PCP) air rifles. It features a thumbhole synthetic stock, a 10-shot repeater with bolt action, and a high-precision hammer-forged barrel for incredible performance. With the Whisper Fusion Noise Reduction technology you get a double integrated sound moderator. As the pellet travels through two different chambers, the technology compresses and prevents noise expansion, ensuring a remarkably quiet shooting experience. Accuracy levels are enhanced by the hammer-forged barrel which features a unique rifling pattern tested and refined for over a century for durability and precision. With Custom Action Trigger (CAT) you can independently adjust the 1st and 2nd stages of the trigger for a personalized shooting experience. The simplicity of the adjustments ensures that shooters can tailor the trigger to their liking effortlessly. The Gamo Urban PCP comes with a 5-year warranty, reflecting the brand’s confidence in the product’s quality and durability. |
8) Walther Reign UXT PCP Pellet Gun Air Rifle
Specifications
Pros
Cons
The Walther Reign UXT PCP Pellet Gun Air Rifle is a German-made pellet gun that offers a host of features that cater to both seasoned shooters and beginners. To start with the features include a 10-shot auto-indexing magazine for quick and efficient follow-up shots. The Reign UXT boasts a fast-action cocking lever, allowing for rapid cycling and ensuring minimal downtime between shots. The rifle’s fully ambidextrous design ensures that it is accessible and comfortable for both left and right-handed shooters. The distinctive Walther grip texture not only enhances the rifle’s aesthetics but also provides a secure and ergonomic hold, contributing to a comfortable shooting experience. This PCP air rifle features Integrated Picatinny rails that offer versatility for customization, allowing users to attach accessories such as optics, lights, or bipods. The inclusion of a quick-detach sling mount adds to the rifle’s practicality, providing options for carrying and handling. The tough all-weather polymer stock ensures durability and resilience in various environmental conditions, making the Walther Reign UXT a reliable companion for outdoor shooting activities. The 3,300 PSI capacity High-Pressure Air (HPA) tank enables up to 60 shots per fill, contributing to an extended shooting experience before needing to recharge. The adjustable trigger allows users to fine-tune the trigger pull to their liking, enhancing the overall shooting experience and making it one of the best PCP air rifles. |
9) Stoeger XM1 Airgun
Specifications
Pros
Cons
The Stoeger XM1 is a highly adaptable and powerful PCP air rifle designed for both small game hunting and target practice. With a .22 caliber and capable of velocities up to 1000 fps with alloy pellets, this airgun offers a great balance of speed and power, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios. The 2900 PSI air cylinder provides up to 50 shots per fill, allowing for extended shooting sessions without the need for frequent refills. The XM1 comes equipped with a bolt-action system, featuring a large, ergonomic Thridion checkered lever that ensures a solid grip and smooth cycling. This air rifle’s versatility shines with its 7-shot rotary magazine and the inclusion of a single-shot tray, giving you the choice between rapid-fire shots and precision single-shot action. It also boasts an integrated sound suppressor for quieter shots, perfect for backyard target practice or stealthy hunting. One of the standout features of the Stoeger XM1 is its customization options. It comes with two interchangeable cheekpieces and two interchangeable pistol grips, allowing you to tailor the rifle’s fit and feel to your preferences. The buttpad spacers further enhance this by letting you adjust the length of pull. Additionally, the Pro Adaptive Checkering on the stock ensures a secure grip, even in wet conditions. The fiber-optic front and rear sights are fully adjustable, offering excellent visibility and precision. However, for those looking for enhanced accuracy, the combo package includes a 4×32 scope and rings, which can be mounted on the rifle’s 11mm dovetail rail. The rifle also features Picatinny accessory rails on both sides of the forearm, with a unique extended rail on the left side that has a magnetic magazine holder for extra storage. Get it on Amazon |
10) Hatsan BullBoss PCP Air Rifle
Specifications
Pros
Cons
The Hatsan BullBoss QE is a standout PCP air rifle in the bullpup design category, offering premium features typically found in much higher-priced models. With a .22 caliber and velocities reaching 1070 fps, it delivers impressive power for both small-game hunting and target practice. Its side-lever action ensures smooth operation, and the compact bullpup design makes it both maneuverable and balanced, ideal for those looking for a powerful, yet easy-to-handle air rifle. One of the BullBoss’s most notable features is its QuietEnergy (QE) fully shrouded barrel, which is precision rifled and choked for accuracy. This 23-inch German steel barrel is equipped with an integrated sound moderator that reduces noise by up to 32%, making it a great choice for backyard practice without disturbing the neighbors. Despite the compact bullpup design, the BullBoss still packs plenty of power, with muzzle energies reaching 38 foot-pounds in the .22 caliber variant, ensuring ample knockdown power for small game. The BullBoss is fitted with a synthetic ambidextrous stock, ergonomically designed for a comfortable shooting experience. The elevation-adjustable cheek comb and ventilated rubber butt pad further enhance its comfort, allowing for personalized adjustments to your shooting posture. The weight distribution of the 8.6 lbs rifle is balanced well due to its bullpup configuration, making it easier to shoulder and control during rapid follow-up shots. The rifle’s two-stage adjustable Quattro trigger is highly regarded for its precision, allowing users to fine-tune both trigger travel and load for match-grade accuracy. For added convenience, the BullBoss comes with two 10-shot rotary magazines, providing more shooting time before needing to reload. It also includes a detachable 230cc steel air cylinder with a built-in pressure gauge, offering up to 35 optimal shots per fill in the .22 caliber variant. Hatsan has equipped this model with a Weaver/Picatinny rail for mounting scopes, as well as an additional rail on the forearm for attaching accessories like bipods or lights. |
Next Read: 7 Best .22 Air Rifles
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best PCP Air Rifle
Below are the most important considerations when choosing PCP air rifles.
Power Output
The Power Out is measured in feet per second (fps) for most PCP air rifles it ranges from 800 to 1600fps depending on the caliber. .177 calibers have higher velocities than the .22 and .25 .Generally 1000fps is sufficient.
Shot Capacity
Evaluate the shot capacity per fill of the air reservoir. The number of shots before needing to refill impacts the rifle’s usability and convenience, particularly during extended shooting sessions or in the field. Most PCP air rifles feature a magazine capacity of 10 rounds for both .177 and .22 and 8 rounds for .25 caliber.
Caliber
Choose the appropriate caliber for your intended use. Different calibers (.177, .22, .25) are suitable for various applications, with .22 often being a versatile choice for a balance of accuracy and power.
.177 Caliber is mostly used for Target Shooting, Plinking, and Pest Control. It has a higher velocity and a flatter trajectory. Its smaller size makes it suitable for target shooting. With its limited power, it’s not ideal for hunting medium to large pests or game.
.22 Caliber is the most versatile, it can be used for Target Shooting, Plinking, and Small to Medium Game Hunting, it has a balance between stopping power and velocity and is slower than the .177 caliber.
.25 Caliber is the best for Medium Game Hunting and Pest Control, it features incredible stopping power and can shoot at longer ranges. The velocity is way slower but has more stopping power.
Noise Level
Consider the noise level produced by the rifle, especially if you plan to use it in your backyard urban or noise-sensitive environments. Features like integrated sound suppression systems can make a significant difference.
Adjustable Features:
Look for rifles with adjustable features, such as triggers and stocks. The ability to customize these elements allows users to tailor the rifle to their preferences, enhancing overall shooting comfort and accuracy.
Choosing the Right Pump For PCP Air Rifles
There are several ways used to fill the best PCP Rifles. Let’s look at the three most used filling methods for PCP Rifles.
Use of Hand Pumps
A hand pump works like a bicycle pump, you pump the air reservoir for around 5 minutes and then let it cool for around 15 minutes. Cooling ensures the Rifle Reservoir doesn’t overheat. The modern pumps are able to get up to 3000psi.
Advantages
- Easy storage
- No training is needed to use
- Affordable
- Durable
- Easy repair and servicing
- Control over the riffle pressure as you can pump up to any leather
Disadvantages
- Needs effort and physical strength to pump
- Filling takes time
- Some pumps let moisture into the gun having negative effects in the long run
Scuba Tanks
Popularly known as diving cylinders they are mostly made of aluminum or steel. The pressure is around 3000 psi. You need to have hydrostatic testing for the tank after 3 to 5 years to ensure it’s in the best condition.
Advantages
- Fast and easy filling
- No moisture goes into the gun since the air is dried and filtered
Cons
- Testing must be done every five years
- Expensive to refill
- Needs space for storage
Carbon fiber tank
This works in the same way as the scuba tank, it’s smaller though and uses carbon fiber as the material for the tank. Its also lighter than the other tanks and can get up to 4500 psi pressure. The Carbon Fiber tank fills more than scuba tanks.
Advantages
- Fast filling actually in seconds
- Comes in different sizes
- Small and Compact
- High pressure
- Easy to carry along
Disadvantages
- More expensive
- Refill places can be difficult to find
FAQs
How do PCP air rifles work?
PCP air rifles work by using a reservoir of compressed air. The air is pre-charged into a cylinder or reservoir, and when the trigger is pulled, the compressed air is released to propel the pellet down the barrel.
How do I fill the air reservoir of a PCP air rifle?
PCP air rifles are typically filled using a high-pressure air source such as a hand pump, air compressor, or dedicated air tank. The air is transferred from the source to the rifle’s reservoir through a fill port.
What are the advantages of PCP air rifles?
PCP air rifles offer consistent velocities, high shot counts per fill, minimal recoil, and superior accuracy. They are versatile and suitable for target shooting, pest control, and hunting small to medium-sized game.
Conclusion
Choosing the best PCP Air Rifle is easy provided you have the knowledge needed for the Rifles. This Review has the best on the market; with this, you are sure to get the best in this category.
The Best PCP Air Rifles bring to the table unparalleled precision, power, and versatility. With consistent velocities, minimal recoil, and advanced features such as adjustable triggers and noise suppression, PCP air rifles represent the pinnacle of airgun technology.
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