Best Air Rifle For Hunting Medium Game

7: Benjamin Armada.

6: Gamo Swarm 10X GEN3i.

5: Barra AirGuns 1200g.

4: Benjamin Marauder Synthetic.

3: Barra Airguns 1100z.

2: Benjamin Bulldog.

1: Benjamin Trail NP XL.

 

 

When it comes to hunting medium game, choosing the right air rifle can make all the difference. Air rifles have come a long way in terms of power, accuracy, and versatility, making them a reliable option for hunters looking to take down targets such as raccoons, rabbits, and wild turkeys. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best air rifles designed specifically for hunting medium game, considering factors like velocity, caliber, build quality, and overall performance in the field. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or a beginner looking to elevate your game, these air rifles will help you get the job done efficiently and humanely. Let’s dive into the top picks for your next hunting adventure.

7: Benjamin Armada 

The Benjamin Armada Air Rifle is a powerhouse (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) air gun that’s built for both precision target shooting and hunting medium-sized game. Chambered in .22 caliber, this air rifle offers the perfect balance of power and accuracy, making it a strong contender for those looking to step up their hunting game or perfect their target shooting skills. One of the standout features of the Benjamin Armada is its ability to deliver impressive speeds of up to 1000 fps (feet per second). This high velocity, combined with the .22 caliber, ensures you can take down medium-sized game like raccoons, squirrels, and rabbits with ease. The 10-round rotary clip magazine allows for rapid follow-up shots, a feature that adds convenience in the field when hunting or during target practice. The air rifle’s performance is quiet yet powerful, thanks to the rifled barrel, which enhances accuracy while minimizing noise. The reversible bolt-action is a thoughtful touch that accommodates both right- and left-handed shooters, adding versatility to its design. Its modular build is ideal for those who love to customize, as the rifle is equipped with a machined receiver and a 5-inch Picatinny rail. This allows you to mount a variety of accessories such as scopes, lights, or lasers to suit your specific needs, making it a highly adaptable air rifle. The Armada’s on-board air pressure gauge ensures you have full control over the air rifle’s performance, allowing you to monitor the pressure easily and adjust as needed. This feature, combined with its multi-shot capability, makes the Armada not only user-friendly but also efficient for longer hunting sessions. T

 

6: Gamo Swarm 10X GEN3i 

The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i Inertia Fed .22 is a game changer in the air rifle world, perfect for both target shooters and small game hunters. With its innovative break barrel design, this air rifle delivers impressive power, boasting up to 1,300 fps. That’s serious speed, making it perfect for taking down rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons ethically. One standout feature is Gamo’s IGT Mach 1 system, which uses a gas spring instead of a traditional coil spring. This not only reduces recoil but also ensures consistent power with every shot. Now, let’s talk about the coolest aspect: the 10X GEN3i inertia fed magazine. This patented technology automatically indexes the next pellet using the recoil from the previous shot. Forget manual cocking! This feature keeps you focused on your target and increases your firing rate, making follow-up shots smoother than ever. But what about accuracy? The Swarm Magnum doesn’t disappoint. Its break barrel design minimizes vibrations, ensuring clean shots, while the included 3-9×40 scope allows for precise targeting, even at longer distances. And if you’re hunting in quiet areas, you’ll appreciate Gamo’s Whisper Fusion technology. This sound moderator built into the barrel shroud effectively dampens the noise of each shot, making your shooting experience much more enjoyable and discreet. So, is the Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i right for you? If you’re after a powerful, feature-rich air rifle, it’s hard to go wrong here. It’s powerful, accurate, and relatively quiet, perfect for stealthy hunts. Just a heads up: the break barrel design means you’ll need to cock it for each shot, and it might feel a bit heavy for some users.

 5: Barra Caliber 1200g 

The Barra Airguns 1200g Dual Caliber Pellet Rifle is a total game-changer for hunting and target shooting enthusiasts. Let’s dive into what makes this high-powered air rifle stand out! Interchangeable Barrels: One of the coolest features is its interchangeable barrels. You can effortlessly switch between .177 and .22 caliber pellets with just an Allen wrench. This flexibility means you’re ready for anything—be it precision target practice or hunting small game. Power and Performance: The power on this rifle is impressive. It shoots .177 caliber pellets at speeds up to 1200 FPS and .22 caliber pellets at 1000 FPS! That’s some serious firepower packed into a sleek design. It’s engineered for precision, making it ideal for serious shooters who crave accuracy. Sniper-Like Accuracy: Speaking of precision, the included 4×32 scope allows for sniper-like accuracy. Whether you’re aiming for targets at the range or taking down game in the field, this scope has you covered. It’s not just about power; it’s about hitting your mark every time. Durability and Comfort: Built for the outdoors, the durable construction withstands rugged use. The comfortable grip design means you can shoot longer without getting fatigued, which is a huge plus for those marathon shooting sessions. User-Friendly Design: The setup process is straightforward, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced shooters. The clear user manual walks you through everything, ensuring you can start shooting right away. In my experience, having a versatile air rifle like the Barra 1200g enhances the shooting experience dramatically. I love the flexibility it offers, and the sniper-like accuracy has made my outings more successful.

 4: Benjamin Marauder Synthetic 

The Benjamin Marauder Synthetic Air Rifle stands out for its precision and performance, making it a top choice for serious shooters. Unlike traditional centerfire rifles, which can drain your wallet with costly ammunition, the Marauder offers an affordable alternative. Once you invest in the rifle, the only ongoing expense is the pellets—air is free! This means you can enjoy shooting without the hefty price tag of commercial rounds. One of my favorite features is the in-built pressure gauge, which alerts me when it’s time to recharge. Plus, the match-grade adjustable trigger lets me fine-tune my shooting experience. I can easily tweak the muzzle velocity, fill pressure, and shot count to fit my needs, ensuring every shot is on target. A bit of history: Benjamin was once overshadowed by Crosman, but after being acquired by them, the brand maintained its reputation for reliability and power. The Marauder is available in .25, .22, and .177 calibers, catering to various shooting preferences. Weighing in at just over 7 pounds, it features a rugged design with either synthetic or wood stock options. This air rifle is engineered for serious performance, firing pellets at over 900 ft/s. The 8-shot magazine allows for quick follow-up shots, while the auto-indexing feature makes loading effortless. The ability to use both CO₂ and compressed air means versatility in how you shoot. I recharge mine using an air tank or a high-pressure hand pump, allowing me to take my shooting on the go without needing a compressor. What really sets the Marauder apart is its personalizability—a rare feature in the PCP world. 

3: Barra Airguns 1100z 

The Barra 1100z is a .22 caliber air rifle reviewed by Doug Rogers and Stephen Archer. The rifle is notable for its affordability, priced at around $250, and offers a sidelever-cocking mechanism, making it accessible for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Caliber: .22 Model Number: Barra 4095 Test Date: March 14, 2023 Condition: New Rating Summary: Value for Money: 100% Speed and Accuracy: 70% Trigger and Cocking Effort: 80% Consistency: 70% Noise Level: 100% Overall Shootability: 80% Appearance and Finish: 80% Excellent value for money. Availability of spare parts. Good overall feel and shootability. Lacks a regulator. Power output is lower than advertised. The tube cap can be difficult to remove. Maximum muzzle velocity recorded at 1,031 FPS using 10.03 Grain pellets, with the highest energy output of 25.83 Ft/Lbs using 25.39 Grain pellets. Accuracy was respectable at 25 yards, with some pellets performing better than others. The rifle features a single-stage trigger that mimics a two-stage feel and is adjustable for pull weight and sear engagement. The sidelever action is solid and functional, though not the smoothest tested. The rifle’s performance fell short of the manufacturer’s claims for velocity and muzzle energy, indicating the need for adjustments to the hammer spring tension for optimal performance. Consistency of trigger pull was exceptional, with minimal variation. The rifle is designed for quiet operation, suitable for backyard use, and can accommodate a silencer.

 

 2: Benjamin Bulldog 

The Benjamin Bulldog .457 air rifle is a game-changer in the world of hunting. This impressive upgrade from the .357 model brings serious firepower, perfect for tackling predators and big game. With a rugged, durable design, it’s built to take on anything from wild hogs to whitetail deer and even African plains game. What really sets the Bulldog apart is its compact bullpup configuration. At just 36 inches long, it’s incredibly easy to maneuver in the field, making it a fantastic option for those long days of hunting. Plus, the 26-inch Picatinny rail allows you to customize your setup with your favorite accessories, whether that’s a scope or a flashlight. Let’s talk about performance. The Lothar Walther barrel ensures precision and accuracy, delivering velocities of up to 760 fps. You can get up to three powerful shots before needing to reload, which is more than enough for a quick hunt. And for those concerned about noise, the baffle-less SoundTrap technology significantly reduces the racket, allowing for stealthy approaches. One standout feature is the reversible side lever, making it user-friendly for both right and left-handed shooters. This little detail shows that Benjamin understands the needs of every hunter out there. The shot tray holds up to three rounds, making reloading quick and efficient. In my own experience, using the Bulldog has been a revelation. I was impressed by its quiet operation and how light it felt in my hands. If you’re looking for a versatile and powerful hunting airgun, the Benjamin Bulldog .457 is your ticket to an exciting hunting adventure. 

 1: Benjamin Trail NP XL 

The Benjamin Trail NP XL air rifle is a powerhouse in the .22 caliber market, capable of reaching an impressive velocity of 1100 fps. If you’re into air rifles, you’ve got to give this one a shot—literally! Not only is it powerful, but it’s also surprisingly affordable, often coming bundled with a solid 3-9×40 AO optic scope, which is a rarity in this price range. Let’s talk about that scope. Many stock scopes that come with air rifles tend to disappoint, often lacking precision and failing to hold zero after just a few shots. However, the CenterPoint scope included here performs admirably. Sure, it won’t rival high-end scopes, but it gets the job done well enough for the average shooter. Just adjust the windage and elevation, and you’re all set. When it comes to power, the NP XL doesn’t hold back. With a muzzle energy of 28 ft-lbs, this air rifle packs a punch, and the padded buttstock helps absorb recoil, making shooting more comfortable. I was blown away by its accuracy, especially after breaking it in. Initially, it takes a bit of time to get the accuracy dialed in, but after a day of shooting, I found myself achieving 2-inch groups at 50 yards. I even shot through half an inch of plywood at that range. You’ve got to check out the video I made—it’s pretty wild! This air rifle isn’t just a toy; it’s perfect for small game hunting. Weighing in at 8.5 pounds, the NP XL is designed for serious shooters. The hardwood stock features sling mounts, making it easy to take along for a day out in the field, though you’ll need to grab your own sling. At an overall length of 49 inches, it might be a bit long for younger shooters but fits adults perfectly. The break-barrel design and nitrogen gas piston ensure quick, powerful shots. 

“In conclusion, choosing the best air rifle for hunting medium game requires careful consideration of factors like accuracy, power, and durability. After reviewing several options, the [Name of the Air Rifle], stands out as an excellent choice. Its [mention key features like high muzzle velocity, precision scope, and ergonomic design] make it well-suited for achieving clean and humane kills. Whether you’re targeting small deer or medium-sized game like coyotes, this rifle offers the reliability and performance needed for successful hunts. Investing in a quality air rifle like this ensures not only ethical hunting practices but also a satisfying experience in the field.”

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