The 177 caliber air rifle is best renowned for its versatility. Offering a blend of speed, accuracy, and affordability, it is a favorite for many shooters, mostly for basic tasks like small-game hunting and pest control. Air rifles are also used for target practice or plinking.
Choosing the right .177 air rifle can significantly enhance your shooting experience. Here’s a detailed look at some of the top .177 air rifles currently available, to make your shooting fun and effective.
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| 1) Daisy 1938 Red Ryder BB Gun
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| 2) Hatsan 95 Walnut Stock Air Rifle
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| 3) Umarex unisex adult Ruger Blackhawk
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| 4) Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle
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| 5) Springfield Armory M1 Carbine
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| 6) Crosman 1077 CO2-Powered
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| 7) Raptor Whisper
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Advantages of using a .177 air rifle?
- The .177 caliber typically offers higher velocities and a flatter trajectory compared to larger calibers like .22, which is why it’s good for accuracy.
- The smaller pellets are lighter, which means you can carry more pellets and spend less on ammunition over time.
- 177 air rifles generally have less recoil, making them easier to shoot accurately and more comfortable for beginners or those sensitive to recoil.
Disadvantages of using a .177 air rifle?
- The lighter .177 pellets can be more affected by wind, so you may need to account for windage more than with larger caliber pellets.
- While .177 pellets are fast, they may not have the same stopping power as larger calibers, making them only effective for hunting small game and fun activities like plinking.
Best 177 Air Rifles of 2025-Top picks
1) Daisy 1938 Red Ryder BB Gun
The Daisy Outdoor Products Model 1938 Red Ryder BB Gun with an overall length of 35.4 inches is a timeless choice for anyone looking to relive old memories. This rifle remains popular for its classic design, which features a Stained solid wood stock, reminiscent of old Western firearms. It also features a lever-action mechanism, which adds to the charm.
The Red Ryder’s accuracy is quite impressive for a BB gun, especially considering its price point. With an adjustable rear sight, users can tune the gun to hit targets quite accurately up to around 12-20 yards.
Its muzzle velocity is about 350 fps (feet per second), and it can hold up to 650 BBs. This enables you to shoot for a considerable amount of time before needing to reload.
Pros
- Maintains a classic design
- Decent build quality
- Includes a cross-bolt safety mechanism
- Can hold up to 650 BBs
- Accurate over shorter distances
- Great for beginners
Cons
- The spring bolt action can be stiff
2) Hatsan 95 Walnut Stock Air Rifle
As the name suggests, this break-barrel air rifle features a Turkish walnut stock, which not only makes it look beautiful but also feels sturdy and well-made.
The rifle is equipped with a precision rifled German steel barrel, contributing to its accuracy and longevity. Moreover, it integrates several advanced features like the Quattro Trigger, which is a fully adjustable two-stage trigger system, known for its crispness and precision
The rifle can achieve high velocities of up to 1300 fps in .177 caliber with alloy pellets, offering considerable power for pest control or small-game hunting.
You get added value on the purchase, with the incorporated 3-9×32 Optima scope which isn’t the best on the market but gives decent performance for simple tasks.
Pros
- The Turkish walnut stock is visually appealing
- Effective quattro 2-stage trigger
- Has an ambidextrous design
- Capable of high velocity with the .177
- Comes with a 3-9×32 Optima scope
Cons
- Weighs 8.5 lbs.
3) Umarex unisex adult Ruger Blackhawk
The Umarex Ruger Blackhawk is a spring-piston, break-barrel air rifle that has garnered attention for its blend of affordability, power, and reputable Ruger branding. The rifle features an all-weather composite polymer black stock with an ambidextrous design in addition to a checkered grip for better control.
Its spring-piston system with a break-barrel action, is straightforward and reliable and doesn’t require much effort (40lbs) to cock. In addition, the rifle comes with a 4x32mm scope, which is appreciated for its out-of-the-box usability.
The Blackhawk delivers good power for its price point. It can shoot up to 1000 fps with .177 caliber pellets, which is sufficient for small game or pest control.
Many users commend the Blackhawk for providing good bang for the buck, offering Ruger’s quality at an entry-level price
Pros
- Bang for the buck
- Durable composite all-weather stock
- Includes a decent 4x32mm scope
- Sufficient power with 1000 fps velocity
- Ambidextrous design
Cons
- Louder than most of the competition.
4) Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle
The Gamo 6110017154 has established itself as a go-to choice for shooters looking for an affordable yet powerful .177 caliber air rifle for varmint hunting, or pest control.
Powered by a break-barrel spring-piston mechanism, the Gamo Varmint delivers impressive speeds of up to 1,250 fps with .177 caliber pellets. Users have reported good accuracy, at distances up to 50 yards.
The Varmint rifle features a synthetic all-weather stock, which is both lightweight and durable, making it suitable for various outdoor conditions. An ambidextrous design, an adjustable trigger, a Monte Carlo cheekpiece, and a non-slip texture on the grip enhance user comfort and control.
This air rifle offers a lot of performance for its price, making it an attractive option for those not looking to invest heavily.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- High muzzle velocity (1250 FPS)
- Durable, weather-resistant stock
- Good accuracy for its price range
- 2-stage adjustable trigger
Cons
- There is a noticeable recoil
5) Springfield Armory M1 Carbine .177 Air Rifle
The Springfield Armory M1 Carbine .177 Air Rifle is a CO2-powered, bb air rifle. This rifle is an exceptionally detailed replica of the original M1 Carbine, complete with Springfield Armory’s crossed cannons logo. It maintains the iconic look of the WWII-era firearm, with options for either a faux wood or real hardwood stock.
It operates on a 12-gram CO2 cartridge, which is housed in the 15-round drop-free magazine. With each pull of the crisp two-stage trigger, you’ll send .177 steel BBs downrange at speeds of up to 425 fps. The air rifle offers commendable accuracy, especially at shorter ranges.
The Springfield Armory M1 Carbine .177 Air Rifle is a niche product aimed at those who appreciate historical firearms. It excels in its aesthetic and functional replication of the original M1 Carbine, providing both fun and a touch of history.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Rustic designs appeal to historians
- Easy to use by both beginners and pros
- Blowback actions give a realistic shooting experience
Cons
- Variable performance due to CO2 cartridge quality
6) Crosman 1077 CO2-Powered .177-Caliber
The Crosman 1077 is a semi-automatic, CO2-powered air rifle that has earned a reputation for being one of the best entry-level air rifles for plinking and target practice. This CO2-powered air rifle features a 12-shot rotary magazine, allowing for rapid-fire shooting without the need to reload after each shot.
The 1077 will shoot pellets up to speeds up to 780 fps. It comes with a synthetic stock, which is lightweight and durable. Moreover, it includes a fiber optic front sight and an adjustable rear sight for windage and elevation.
It’s relatively quiet compared to spring-piston rifles, making it more neighbor-friendly in urban or suburban settings.
Pros
- Lightweight (3.5lbs)
- Very user-friendly
- Allows for rapid-fire shooting
- Relatively quiet operation
Cons
- The maximum velocity could be better.
7) Raptor Whisper Air Rifle
The GAMO Raptor Whisper pellet rifle features the IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston that allows higher velocity, less vibration, and a longer lifespan than traditional spring-powered air rifles.
It’s a great choice for a shooter, who needs a solid rifle for tackling pests, or target practice. This is enabled by the impressive power reaching up to 1,200 fps with .177-caliber pellets.
The Raptor Whisper is equipped with a precision rifled steel barrel, which ensures good accuracy at medium ranges (up to 30-50 yards). Build quality is great with a synthetic stock that’s lightweight yet durable.
Other features include; Automatic cocking safety system, Manual trigger safety, Fluted polymer jacketed steel barrel, and a Standard trigger with an adjustable second stage. You also get a 4×32 shockproof scope with mounts after purchase.
Pros
- Good balance of features and performance
- Whisper technology significantly reduces noise
- Good accuracy
- Durable, lightweight stock
Cons
- The included 4×32 scope is subpar
Factors to consider when buying the best .177 air rifle
Let’s first address some of the things to consider when choosing a .177 air rifle.
Accuracy
The 177 caliber is generally selected because of its flatter trajectory at longer distances, making it ideal for target shooting. Not all, thougHowever, not all are accurate, which is why this article is here to help you choose which ones are.
Power
While .177 air rifles are not as powerful as larger calibers like .22, they are still potent for target shooting, plinking, and pest control. The power is mPowern foot-pounds (ffoot-poundsfor adequate power, look for a rifle that delivers at least 12-15 ft-lb of energy.
Noise Level
Some air rifles can be louder than others. For urban environments or pest control, a quieter model is often preferred. Many high-quality .177 air rifles offer proprietary silencing technology.
What powers it
Air rifles come in various forms we have Co2, PCP, or spring-piston, powered. Choosing the right air rifle depends on what you plan to use it for, your budget, and personal preferences in shooting style
Price
The .177 pellets are generally cheaper than those of larger calibers, which is beneficial if you shoot frequently. Air rifles come in a wide range of prices but the best .177 air rifles don’t always have to be the most expensive, the price should, however, give you the best value
Build Quality
A good air rifle should feel solid, with a durable stock and a well-constructed barrel. High-quality rifles are made with longevity in mind and are designed to withstand the elements.
FAQs
How far can a .177 air rifle shoot accurately?
The accuracy of a .177 air rifle can vary significantly based on a variety of factors such as pellet quality and environmental conditions. In most cases, however, 177 air rifles manage up to 50 yards.
What is the velocity of a .177 air rifle?
The velocity of a .177 air rifle can vary depending on the model and power source, but it typically ranges between 600 to 1,300 fps.
Conclusion
When choosing the best 177 air rifle you have to go through various options on the market. This article however breaks it down to you based on customers’ reviews and general features.
Remember, the “best” rifle is subjective and largely depends on what you value most in your shooting activities. Whether it’s for fun, sport, or necessity, the rifles listed here represent the pinnacle of .177 caliber performance. Always ensure you’re familiar with local laws regarding air rifle ownership and usage, and consider trying out different models at a local range if possible before purchasing.
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