If you are searching for the best air rifle for self defense, you are in the right place. In today’s buying guide, we will share some of the best options available in the market today.
Air rifles are affordable, dangerous, ridiculously accurate, and the perfect survival weapon for hunting and security.
If you are looking for a backup addition to your plans for security or have a simple home security weapon, an air rifle is the one survival weapon you should consider.
This post will look at the best air rifles available today. You will also learn why they are so valuable. We have had a lot of fun testing these out to make sure we only used the top air rifles that will do the job when you need it the most.
However, selecting the right air rifle can be a daunting task. This is because there are many options available. This makes it hard for some beginners to find the right rifle.
This is why we created this guide to help you out. Before you proceed, it is important to first define your shooting requirements. This will ensure that you do not make the expensive mistake of buying a rifle that does not fit your shooting requirements.
Best Air Rifles for Defense
The best air rifle for self defense is made of durable materials for strength and rigidity. This also ensures that they last for a long time.
In addition, there are fewer requirements to register the weapon or to hold a license. However, you should always check for your local laws.
Of course, they do not pack as much of a punch as real guns, but they are still dangerous weapons and are very suitable for hunting or defense. So with that in mind, let us look at the top recommended options available today.
1Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter .22 Caliber Pellet Air Rifle
The Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter.22 cal is a great-looking air rifle. It is a spring-piston break-barrel survival weapon that has an excellent 1200fps capability.
While some air rifles can still make quite some sound, the Umarex air rifle uses a SilencAir Noise Dampening System to keep your position quiet or not disturb the nature around you. It is important to note that animals might get stifled by loud noises.
This air rifle is essentially a non-removable air rifle suppressor that has a powerful impact on muzzle noise.
This magnum air rifle has a straightforward break-barrel cocking system, so if you are someone that hates how tough some rifles can be at cocking, this one might suit you much more. The cocking effort on the Umarex requires a 34lb effort.
This air rifle also comes with an adjustable (Picatinny) 3-9×32 scope and has an all-weather stock and a 2-stage trigger.
Features
- It uses a SilencAir Noise Dampening System
- It is made of durable materials to ensure it lasts for a long time
- It features a break barrel cocking system
Ruger Blackhawk Air Rifle
The Ruger Blackhawk .177 caliber air rifle is an impressive spring-piston-based rifle with an incredible 1000fps velocity and a 4×32 scope. The Blackhawk’s body is made of an all-weather polymer black stock with checkered grip areas, a blued metal finish, and a solid rubber pad for the air rifle’s recoil.
Most enthusiasts recommend this rifle because of its heavy and dense body. When I first picked it up, it felt very similar to what a regular hunting rifle would. The break-barrel system on the Ruger Blackhawk is something to note.
I found it very easy and smooth to crack the weapon and was happy with the in-built safety pop that happens at each crack. This would be a great air rifle to teach anyone what a real gun feels like and be happy that it has a good feel and is safe to operate.
If you are looking for an easy-to-use, low-maintenance rifle that you can take outdoors to hunt rabbits, birds, or other small creatures and work on your target practice by plinking rusty cans on a log, then you might want to consider the Ruger.
Features
- It is easy to use
- It comes with a solid rubber pad to protect you from recoil
- It features a break barrel system
Hammerli 850 Air Magnum .22 Caliber Air Rifle
The Hammerli 850 Air Magnum .22 Caliber Pellet Air Gun Rifle is an 8-shot repeating weapon with a well-designed body and a CO2 air system. This Hammerli .22 is an excellent rifle for beginner plink shooters, who are looking for a user-friendly weapon to start with.
This air rifle has minimal recoil, and a .22 cal weapon can hit out a velocity at up to 800fps. Most air rifle enthusiasts recommend this gun because of its accuracy compared to other air rifles. When I shot this rifle, I lined up some highly accurate shots within 30-40ft.
Features
- It can hit out a velocity at up to 800fps.
- It uses a CO2 air system
- It is very easy to use
Gamo Varmint Air Rifle
The Gamo Varmint .177cal air rifle is a break-barrel loading weapon that can reach a velocity of up to 1250fps. This Gamo air rifle comes with a 4×32 shockproof scope, polymer jacketing, rubber recoil pad, and adjustable trigger system.
Out of the box, this scope has fantastic accuracy. The stock scope can shoot tight groupings at 30-40 yards away. However, this air rifle can be as accurate, much further away with a more advanced scope. As for the sound of this gun, it is very similar to the sound of a BB gun, so if you have ever heard one of those, you will know that it is tremendously quiet.
Features
- It is accurate compared to other air rifles
- It comes with a rubber recoil pad
- It features an adjustable trigger system
Single-Stroke Pneumatic Air Rifle
As the name suggests, you only need to strike the cocking lever of the Single-Stroke Pneumatic Air Rifle once. With this, you can compress the air without much effort.
This is what is needed for the best propulsion. It is worth mentioning that, Single-stroke pneumatic rifles are also suitable for newbie users. It has an easy action capability.
The only disadvantage of this rifle type is its limited stopping power. This means that this air rifle is not suitable for hunting applications
Features
- It is very easy to use
- It has minimum recoil
- It is very affordable
Gas Piston Air Rifle
The Gas Piston Air Rifle is a reliable air rifle that is constructed from durable material for strength and rigidity. It is suitable for small to medium-size game hunting. Doomsday preppers would find the gas piston air rifle, well, a gas to use. Gas piston types function by using compressed nitrogen gas.
It uses cylinders instead of springs and pistons to compress the gas. Because of this, a gas piston air rifle has smoother action.
It is not loud and is easy to cock. Gas piston types also remain cocked at all times. It does so without losing power. Therefore, this makes it ideal for long-term hunting. No need to always cock it before taking each shot.
Gas piston air rifles also do not need air tanks or hand pumps to refill. In short, this airgun home defense option is paramount.
Features
- It is made of durable materials
- It is not loud compared to other air rifles
- It uses cylinders
Reasons Why Air Rifles Make a Great Alternative to the Standard Bullet-firing Gun
- Air rifles are affordable weapons with cheap and light ammunition
- There are fewer requirements to register the weapon or to hold a license (but you should always check for your local laws)
- They are easy to maintain as there is no excess carbon from bullets like a regular gun
- They can be a much quieter option if you are looking to keep your position unknown
- Are a great way to start learning or to teach others how to use weapons and to practice their aim
- Are a hazardous and accurate weapon when used safely
Factors To Consider When Purchasing The Best Rifle For Defense
With all that said, what are the top five things to consider before buying a gun?
- Invest in Research First
Doing your homework is an essential first step before buying a rifle. Unfortunately, there’s so much information that it can be challenging to find what you need to help you make your decision. Ensure you gather information from reliable sources and look for materials that address how you intend to use your rifle. For instance, you do not want to read a book or website about hunting to buy a rifle for personal protection. It could be precious information if it is not targeted to what you need to know.
So, begin by figuring out the purpose of your rifle, whether it will be used at home, away, or both, and who will use it. Are you going to use it for shooting sports or only at the gun range? Once you’ve figured out these basics, you can begin looking into the best options based on those needs.
- Choose a Rifle that is a Good Fit for You
The best rifle on the market will not do you any good if it is not the right gun for you. Your first rifle should be well-suited to your needs. It should feel comfortable and be something you can become proficient in handling.
- Invest in Time at the Range
As mentioned, you might get the opportunity to shoot the rifle you are considering before buying it. This is a crucial way to get a feel for different types of rifles, and it is one you should take advantage of.
If this is not an option for you, find a way to go shooting. Spend time at the firing range before making a purchase. Many people considering a new rifle might think they know what they want based on what they have read or heard. However, until they have shot, it is impossible to tell which rifle is right for you. A hands-on shooting experience is the best way to make the right decision about a weapon.
- Nothing is Perfect
One important thing to remember about buying your first rifle is that opinions about guns are not rules. Some people sing the praises of just about every handgun, but your goal is to find the right weapon for you. Even an expert opinion on a particular gun holds no weight if it’s not the right option for you. That said, if you share your intentions for your first gun with a gun shop owner, chances are good they can guide you in the right direction.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that there is a lot of pressure on gun regulations at the moment, and this is being reflected across the board through gun registrations, licensing weapon prices, and ammunition costs.
The fees to own a rifle are already a deterrent. They are so considering a viable and alternative option such as the air rifle makes sense, especially when you see that their power, accuracy, and reliability come at a cheaper cost.
Air rifles and pellet guns are much quieter weapons, able to be used without the need for registration, and have cheap, light ammunition. This makes them an excellent hunting or personal security instrument and a great item to use if you are not confident with handling a weapon and perhaps want to work on your accuracy and shooting principles.
