(The 7) Best PCP Air Rifles (Hunting, Self Defense)

Are you searching for the best PCP air rifle? In this post, we will review some of the top options to ensure you get value for the money you spend.

PCP air rifles have become the darlings of modern-day shooters and enthusiasts. With their remarkable velocity and pinpoint accuracy, these air-powered marvels redefine the art of marksmanship. The rifles are known for their consistency, power, and accuracy.

Modern PCP air rifles have multi-shot power and accuracy and can deliver about 30 high-power shots by refilling the tank, which lets you have more fun and refill less frequently.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, an avid target shooter, or simply seeking an adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure, finding the best PCP air rifle is the ultimate quest.

Let us look at some of the best options.

Best PCP Air Rifles

1) Benjamin Armada PCP-Powered Air Rifle

Benjamin Armada PCP-Powered Air Rifle

 

 

Are you enthusiastic about target shooting and small to medium-sized game hunting? If so, buy the Benjamin Armada PCP-Powered Pellet Hunting and Target Air Rifle for maximum enjoyment.

The rifle has a beautiful modular design and is versatile with the tactical frame and many weaver/Picatinny rails, thus providing numerous mounting options for your accessories.

The rifle can be shot left or right-handed comfortably as it has a round 10 shot magazine and a reversible bolt action system. It is also made with durability in mind and hence will serve you for a long period of time.

A crisp and two-stage trigger makes the Armada a great addition to your air gun collection.

Features                                                                       

  • Made in the USA
  • 10-round rotary clip magazine that offers speeds up to 1000 fps
  • Elegant modular design
  • Durable construction
  • Bolt action is reversible for both right and left-handed users
  • Perfect for target shooting and medium-sized game hunting

Pros

  • Used by right and left-handed
  • Multi-use- target shooting and medium-sized game hunting
  • Quiet and versatile
  • Multi-shot (8 rounds)
  • Comes with a riflescope
  • Machined Picatinny rail

Cons

  • None

 

2) Benjamin Armada BTAP17SX PCP-Powered Multi-Shot Bolt Action

Benjamin Armada BTAP17SX PCP-Powered Multi-Shot Bolt Action

 

 

The Benjamin Armada BTAP17SX PCP-Powered Multi-Shot Bolt Action is second on our list of the best PCP air rifles. This air rifle is perfect for target shooting and medium-sized game hunting. Its bolt action is reversible, thus suiting both right and right-handed users.

The 8-round rotary clip magazine can multi-shots and delivers maximum speeds of 900 fps. It also has a robust and modular design.

Besides that, the machine receiver is versatile to a Picatinny rail for mounting your accessories. It is also equipped with an onboard gauge to monitor air pressure.

It features a 4-16x50mm riflescope whose lenses are multi-coated for optimal accuracy.

Pros

  • Versatile and modular design
  • 10-round magazine for fast follow-up shots
  • Incorporated resonance dampener
  • Reversible bolt action
  • Machine receiver has 5 inches of Picatinny rail space
  • Each fill delivers more than 30 steady shots
  • Robust construction

Cons

  • Scope could be better

 

3) Crosman Challenger PCP & CO2 Rifle

Crosman Challenger PCP & CO2 Rifle

 

The Challenger PCP is a great choice for the best PCP air rifles. It can operate on CO2 or compressed air using Crosman’s PCP platform. It only requires to be charged to 2000 PSI and delivers around 70 shots per fill.

In addition, it has an ambidextrous stock that is adjustable for both length and pulls and comb, hence ideal for left- and right-handed users. It also has a well-designed straight pull bolt action to support left and right-handed shooters.

Unmatched accuracy is what you get with this Challenger PCP, as it has a match Lothar Walther barrel and a fully adjustable trigger.

It is a perfect PCP air rifle if you are on a budget. All this, together with a user-friendly visible pressure gauge and loading port, makes this rifle that all shooters can rely on in any shooting event.

Pros

  • Suitable for 3-position competition
  • Each fill delivers around 70 shots
  • Ambidextrous stock that is adjustable
  • Nifty straight pull bolt action
  • Exceptionally accurate
  • Measures 48x 7.5x 4 inches

Cons

  • Not very accurate

 

4) Umarex Hammer .50 Caliber PCP Powered Pellet Gun Air Rifle

Umarex Hammer .50 Caliber PCP Powered Pellet Gun Air Rifle

 

 

Next up is the Umarex Hammer .50 Caliber PCP Powered Pellet Gun Air Rifle. This is the most powerful production air rifle in the market as it releases a ton of energy into its target rather than carrying the energy with it through the target.

It is the only air gun to provide three full-power shots and another great finishing shot. Its light speed valve, 3000 psi regulator and dual chamber magazine make it the most lethal rifle you can possess.

To guarantee your safety, the rifle has a magazine lock-out that doesn’t fire without a mag and a trigger block safety.

Thanks to its 24 cu. Inch carbon fiber tank and quick-disconnect foster fitting, the air rifle is quick and easy to fill. Besides that, its forearm has M-LOK attachment slots and an 8.5-inch Picatinny rail for mounting optics and other accessories.

Pros

  • 4500 PSI carbon fiber tank
  • Rear sling studs that are built-in
  • Made in the USA
  • Gives 29.5-inch button-rifled barrel with a full-length composite shroud
  • Air pressure gauge
  • Light speed valve to maximize velocity and kinetic energy
  • Carl Walther precision barrel
  • State-of-the-art stock design with M-LOK locations
  • 3 full power-regulated shots and one 1finishing shot
  • Delivers a very quiet shooting
  • Shoots .50 caliber pellets at a maximum of 1130 fps

Cons

  • Trigger could be better

 

5) Benjamin Bulldog .357 PCP Hunting Rifle with Reversible Sidelever Bolt Action

Benjamin Bulldog .357 PCP Hunting Rifle

 

 

This PCP air rifle is designed for adventurers and deer hunters as well. Each fill delivers 10 shots at 3000 PSI bad has a five-shot magazine that is easy to load. The rifle is calibrated in .357 and blasts out of the muzzle at 800 fps.

The side lever bolt of the rifle is reversible, making it ideal for left-handed shooters. Its 36 inches overall length and 26 inches of Picatinny rail allow you to add your favorite accessories.

To make it easy to carry while in the field, the air rifle has a short 36-inch bullpup configuration. In addition, the air rifle delivers quiet performance as it has baffle-less SoundTrap technology to help reduce the noise of the big bore.

Pros

  • Manual safety
  • 26 inches long Picatinny optics rail
  • Noise-free operation
  • Includes 5-shot magazine and cleaning kit
  • The rifled-steel barrel provides up to 910 fps
  • Synthetic design that is robust and sturdy
  • Bolt action is reversible
  • Measures 41.8x 10.8x 4.1 inches
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Hearing protection required

 

6) Crosman CH2009S Challenger PCP and CO2-Powered .177-Caliber Pellet Competition Air Rifle

Crosman CH2009S Challenger PCP and CO2-Powered .177-Caliber Pellet Competition Air Rifle

 

The all-new Challenger PCP outperforms all the other rifles regarding competition air guns. The air rifle’s stock is adjustable and has an ambidextrous bolt handle. Better yet, unlike the models before, the rifle has a patented integral locking mechanism.

The gun can operate on CO2 or compressed air using Crosman’s PCP platform, which is very successful. Furthermore, it has a visible pressure gauge and a user-friendly loading port.

The air rifle has an improved design for unmatched accuracy, including a two-stage, match grade, adjustable trigger, and Lothar Walther barrel. This air rifle is what every shooter needs for proficiency in any shooting competition.

Pros

  • Adjustable stock
  • Rear sight is fully adjustable
  • Hooded front aperture sight
  • Ambidextrous and straight pull bolt action
  • Lothar Walther barrel that is completely free-floated
  • Each tank delivers about 70 shots at 530 fps
  • Striker spring is adjustable to fine-tune velocity
  • Patented integral locking mechanism

Cons

  • Breaks easily

 

7) Umarex Airsaber PCP Powered Arrow Gun Air Rifle

Elite Force Umarex AirSaber PCP Powered Arrow Gun Air Rifle

 

The Elite Force Umarex Airsaber PCP Powered Arrow Gun Air Rifle ends our list of the best PCP air rifles. This arrow rifle can reach velocities up to 450 FPS and 169 ft. lbs. of energy using high-pressure air and a special arrow.

The air rifle includes Umarex Straight Flight Technology arrows that are three in number with 100-grain field tips and are specifically made to work with the Airsaber.

This rifle is designed to deliver performance in any condition as it is constructed with a robust all-weather stock. Its air tank has a high capacity, and each shot delivers 25 effective shots and shoots up to 450 fps with up to 169 fps kinetic energy.

Besides that, it has Picatinny accessory mounts, making it easy to mount optics, quivers, bipods, and many more.

Pros

  • Unmatched accuracy out to 70 yards
  • Comes with 3 arrows
  • All weather and durable stock
  • Bolt Action PCP arrow rifle with incorporated pressure gauge
  • High capacity tank that delivers 25 shots for each fill
  • Rubber recoil pad
  • Shoots up to 450 fps
  • Picatinny accessory mounts

Cons

  • None

 

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Factors to Consider When Selecting Best PCP Air Rifle

Intentions

Before purchasing a PCP air rifle, consider what you intend to use it for. Knowing whether you will shoot cans, targets, or game helps you determine the right choice. A single-shot air rifle is a good choice for simple light target shooting.

Way of filling the reservoir

Know how you want to fill your air reservoir for effective compression. Look for rifles with 3000 pounds per square inch or lower if you intend to use a hand pump. An air gun that holds up to 4500 psi if you plan to use a carbon filter or scuba tank.

Design

You definitely want a product that looks good if you are going to splurge on something you will have for a long time. Get a PCP air rifle that matches your likes, taste and preference.

Durability

This is another factor to put in mind. PCP air rifles are quite expensive; hence you should spend your money on a quality product. The air rifle should be robust and sturdy enough for long-term performance. Getting one that will last just a few months wastes your money. Therefore, ensure that you choose a durable product.

Shots infill

It is unfortunate to find yourself unable to shoot in a serious shooting mode. The empty magazine usually brings this about. So, choose a PCP rifle after checking the number of shots it delivers in a single fill. It normally varies from 20 to 50. Therefore, ensure that your PCP can shoot more and more.

Accessories

To shoot perfectly, you need to get all the necessary things. Ensure that the rifle is available for use with other accessories or not. It can be frustrating to have a PCP rifle incompatible with the available accessories.

Advantages of the Best PCP Air Rifle

  • Uses of caliber

A PCP air rifle is good enough to shoot with almost all calibers. You can freely use the .22, .177 calibers, .46 or even .72 often.

  • Accuracy

PCP rifles are probably the best thing you will find regarding accuracy. The rifles ensure the shot with optimal accuracy in a very short time so that you enjoy your shooting to the maximum.

  • Shot capacity

PCP air rifles allow you to determine the shot capacity. All PCP rifles have a different shot capacity ranging from 20 to 50 shots. You can select a rifle with the shot capacity that you need.

  • Recoil and Noise

These rifles are perfect for creating a few recoils. You can freely choose a PCP air rifle if you don’t like recoil.  Unlike others, they also produce less noise, so you are not irked much while firing.

Disadvantages of PCP Air Rifles

  • Expensive

These rifles are quite expensive, which could be a disadvantage if on a budget. There are also additional expenses due to refilling the air tanks and replacement of seals.

Air Sources for PCP Air Rifles                                                        

Hand pump

A hand pump is the simplest and easiest way to air source your PCP air rifle. There is nothing complicated in a hand pump. You need to attach the hand pump with the air reservoir and pump it to fill the tank. Around 3,000 psi and can be filled with this pump at a single time.

Scuba tank

It is called a scuba tank, almost similar to the tanks that scuba divers use to keep oxygen with them. It can also fill around 3000 psi in a single time. In addition, it is constructed with metal and aluminum sometimes. There is a high possibility of damaging the tank after some years. Therefore, it should be checked after every five years.

Carbon Fiber Tank

It almost looks like a scuba tank but is smaller and lighter. However, it has more power to pump the air into the rifle cylinder. It can fill about 4500 psi every time.

Air Gun Processor

This is the most technical and expensive way of filling the PCP rifle. It can fill more than 3000 psi in a single time. It is very popular presently as people use it for other purposes, along with pumping the rifle.

 

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FAQs on the Best PCP Air Rifle

How noisy are PCP air rifles?

PCPS are amazingly quiet and have no recoil at all. They are a favorite of shooters who value quiet, comfortable, and accurate shooting regardless of their experience.

How long does the air in a PCP air rifle last?

This depends on the make and model gun, how much air it was charged with, and the distance it was shot at. All PCP air rifles have a gauge that indicates how much air is in the reserve. Many of the gauges are color coded. Green means good. Yellow is acceptable, and red indicates it is time to charge.

How many shots can I get from a fully charged PCP air rifle?

The number of shots each fill is determined by the rifle’s air reservoir capacity, caliber, and power setting. Typically, you should expect anywhere from 30 to over 70 shots each load, with higher-powered guns or larger calibers providing fewer shots.

What calibers are available for PCP air rifles?

PCP air rifles come in a variety of calibers, including .177, .22, .25, .30, and even larger calibers like .35, .45, and .50. The most common calibers for general use are .177 and .22.

Can PCP air rifles be used for hunting?

Yes, PCP air rifles are popular for hunting due to their power, accuracy, and quiet operation. They are effective for small game like rabbits, squirrels, and birds, and larger calibers can be used for medium-sized game.

Conclusion

It can be difficult to choose the best PCP air rifle, but if you go through this review you’ll gain the requisite knowledge about them, it should now be easier for you to make a wise choice. While doing so, consider the models elucidated above, as they are undoubtedly the best in today’s market.

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