Are you looking for the best air rifles for coyote hunting? We will review some top options to help you make an informed purchase.
Air rifles have been in the past thought of for small game hunting. However, they have presently expanded into predator and big game hunting. The guns for hunting include spring piston rifles and charged Pneumatics for big game hunting.
Coyote hunting is one of the common types of hunting game. Many are engaging in this type of hunting for fun purposes and also because there is a huge increase in the cost of coyote furs. It is important to use the right tool to ensure a successful hunt of these animals.
There are air rifles that will simply disappoint you when used to hunt coyotes.
Let’s look at the best air rifles that will work best for hunting coyotes.
5 Best Air Rifles for Coyote Hunting
1) Benjamin Armada BTAP17SX PCP-Powered Multi-Shot Bolt Action
The Benjamin Armada BTAP17SX PCP-Powered Multi-Shot Bolt Action begins our list of air rifles for hunting coyotes. This air rifle is perfect for target shooting and coyote hunting. Its bolt action is reversible, thus suiting both right and left-handed users.
The 8 round rotary clip magazine is capable of 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
- Pricey
2) Elite Force Umarex AirSaber PCP Powered Arrow Gun Air Rifle
The Elite Force Umarex Airsaber PCP Powered Arrow Gun Air Rifle is an air rifle perfect for coyote hunting. It is equipped with features that are just out of this world making it a favorite for many hunting enthusiasts.
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 comes included with 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
- Measures 41x 12x 4 inches
- Weighs 6.85 lbs. without scope
Cons
- Loud
3) Benjamin Armada PCP-Powered Pellet Hunting and Target Air Rifle
Benjamin is a brand that has made air rifles with unmatched performance and premium quality. The Benjamin Armada PCP-Powered Pellet Hunting and Target Air Rifle is no exception. Designed to make your coyote hunting fun and fulfilling, this air rifle is exactly what you need.
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 either left or right handed comfortably as it has a round 10 shot magazine and a bolt action system that is reversible. It is also made with durability in mind and will serve you long. A crisp and two-stage trigger makes the Armada a great addition to your air gun collection.
Pros
- Measures 45.5x 9.4x 4 inches
- 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 coyote hunting
Cons
- None
4) Umarex Hammer .50 Caliber PCP Powered Pellet Gun Air Rifle
This is another great air rifle for hunting coyotes. It 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 nonetheless 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.
For it to operate, it needs at least 3000 pounds per square inch of normal atmospheric air equivalent to 4500bpsi to reach its three full-power shots. It also delivers a very noiseless shooting making it perfect for those who love to shoot with minimal noise.
To guarantee your safety, the rifle has a magazine lock-out that doesn’t fire without a mag and a trigger block safety. It is also equipped with an AR grip that is perfectly cushy and ergonomic and can be switched out with any other AR grip.
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 a 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
The Benjamin Bulldog .357 PCP Hunting Rifle completes our list of air rifles for hunting coyotes. Benjamin is a brand that is popular for great hunting rifles, and this model is the latest in a line of robust, efficient air guns that are suitable to use for any hunter.
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 shooters who are left-handed. 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
- Very loud
See Also
Factors to Consider When Buying Air Rifles for Coyote Hunting
Power categories
Power categories are mostly based on the speed that a gun can move at a projectile and muzzle energy. This is frequently measured in feet per second (FPS). The power rating of the air rife determines exactly what it can do.
Light-powered air rifles range between 600 to 70 FPS and offer a muzzle energy around ten foot pounds. They are lighter and smaller and are made to reduce noise and recoil. Medium power air rifles range from 700 to 850 FPS, although some consider 900 medium. They have reduced noise and recoil and are the most versatile.
High-powered air rifles are anything exceeding 900 FPS. They are commonly the most expensive. They are ideal for coyote hunting and range greatly in size and caliber.
Durability
An air rifle that is poorly made is just as useless. Ensure that you get an air rifle that is made with durability in mind so that it serves you for a long time.
Air rifle scope
Using an air rifle scope can be a good idea if you intend to use an air rifle for high accuracy or velocity. Be sure to purchase an unmounted air rifle that is of good quality with a scope that you can mount for high accuracy.
Caliber
The air rifle caliber dictates the distance it can shoot with accuracy, the power of your air rifle and other aspects. There are majorly 3 caliber variants which are .20, .22 and .177 caliber. .177 is the most common caliber =, thus many manufacturers provide .177 caliber air rifles.
Types of Air Rifles for Coyote Hunting
Spring powered
The chamber in a spring-powered air rifle has a piston and a spring. When the rifle is cocked, the spring is compressed. The spring decompresses when the trigger is pulled. This air rifle is easy to use and quite cheap.
Gas piston
The gas piston has a gas cylinder instead of a spring piston. The air in the rifle is already compressed so it acts instantaneously when the trigger is pulled.
Pre-charged Pneumatic
This air rifle uses high-pressurized air to discharge the air. It is ready to use when it reaches the expected air pressure level.
Variable pump
A piston and a pressure cylinder exist in the chamber of a variable pump. The air compresses between the piston and cylinder when the rifle is cocked. The compressed air is released when the trigger is pulled, and the caliber goes out to hit the target.
CO2
This air rifle has carbon dioxide cartridges that are used as a power source. The air rifle doesn’t need much time to target with accuracy. This air gun is very convenient for constant shooting.
Advantages of Air Rifles for Coyote Hunting
Easy to maintain
This is partly because there is no excess carbon from bullets like a normal gun.
Quiet operation
They have reduced noise hence perfect for shooters who want to keep their position unknown.
Accuracy
The air rifles enable you to hit your target pretty accurately.
Disadvantages of Air Rifles for Coyote Hunting
Expensive
These rifles are quite expensive and this could be a disadvantage if on a budget. There are also additional expenses due to refilling the air tanks and replacement of seals.
See Also
- Best Scope for 20 Gauge Shotgun
- Best Rimfire Scope for 200 Yards
- 5 Best Burris Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
FAQs on Air Rifles for Coyote Hunting
1) Do air rifles shoot bullets?
Air rifles generally use a projectile that is slightly undersized and designed to obturate upon shooting to seal the bore and engage the rifling. Firearms have enough pressure to force a slightly oversized bullet to fit the bore to form a tight seal.
2) Do air rifles have recoil?
Yes, they do. The recoil is remarkably noticeable depending on the type of air rifle that you have. With others, you still feel it but not nearly as much. To reduce air gun recoil, readjust your trigger pulling to deter the aim from shifting too much on one side. Also, watch your grip by keeping your thumb relaxed. Ensure that you don’t put your thumb near or on the stock.
3) Are air rifle scopes different?
Air rifle scopes are unique and are built to handle recoil in two directions and the vibrations afterward as well. They are also advanced in the reticle design. Because a pellet moves slower than a bullet fired from a centerfire rifle, it takes more time to reach the target. This means that the more time gravity has to cause it to drop. A reticle with extra aiming points makes it possible to overcome this drop.
Conclusion
Having the right air rifle means it is accurate, robust, and pleasant to shoot. A quality air rifle makes your coyote shooting fun and fulfilling. It also saves you money for repairs, maintenance, or the purchase of a new model to replace it. So, you cannot afford to pick the wrong air rifle. The models above are good choices for you and worth your consideration.
See Also