Airguns, also known as gas guns, use compressed air or gas to cause bullet acceleration; this contrasts with traditional firearms that use the ignition of explosives to propel a projectile.
Technological innovations have increased the muzzle velocity of air weapons, exceeding the critical velocity to penetrate the human skin, which is between 38 and 70 meters per second. In the UK, air guns usually discharge a 0.177-inch or 0.22-inch caliber pellet of the diabolo waisted type.
But whether you’ll use it for recreational purposes or as part of your military resources, we listed here the top five air weapons for this year.
Best For Beginners: Springfield Armory XDE CO2 Blowback BB Pistol (XDE)
This slim and compact CO2 airgun is the top replica of the steel model. It has a unique double action/single action feature, an authentic leather grip texture, and ambidextrous safety—making it the best air weapon for practice or plinking.
The Pistol also has an 18-round magazine with a functional takedown lever so that it will be easy to load and take apart.
Best for Self Defense: UMAREX USA Prepared 2 Protect (P2P) HDP 50 Less-Than-Lethal Pepper Ball Air Pistol
The P2P Air Pistol is known as “less-than-lethal” self-defense developed by the family-owned business UMAREX. The company said they created the Pistol to empower people to protect themselves and loved ones against various external threats.
Its integrated magazine carries 60 rounds; the weapon also includes a .50 Caliber Pepper and Rubber Rounds. Additionally, it can fire at a distance of up to 60 feet, just enough for an individual to prepare and escape from intense situations.
Best Budget-Friending Hunting Air Gun: Hatsan FlashPup SYN Quiet Energy
This affordable weapon is the synthetic polymer stocked version of the original FlashPup, which features a durable and lightweight build. In addition, it boasts of QuietEnergy (QE) system, a fully-moderated bar that is used to lessen the sounds of your shots by more than 50% more than the regular Pistol, best for practice shooting or mini hunts right in your backyard.
While its rifles weigh more than three kilograms, this version can pack up to 40 ft-lb of energy-generating wallop. Moreover, Hatsan, the air gun manufacturer, notes that it could power up lead pellets at speeds around 1150, 1000, and 900 fps in its .177-, .22- and .25-caliber versions, respectively.
Best for Practice Shooting and Hunting: Stoeger S800-E TAC Suppressed Airgun
The S8000-E TAC suppressed airgun features Gas-Ram technology that improves accuracy by eliminating vibrations. Likewise, it also has an Airflow Control (AFC) suppressor and Dual-Stage Noise Reduction System that reduce vibrations from a traditional spring-driven airgun.
Indeed, this air weapon is best for activities like hunting that require stealth and accuracy in shooting.
The Stoeger also maximized its functionality as its Multi Grip System. This allows shooters to adapt their air rifles for a personalized style and shooting comfort. The user may either choose an embossed grip or the innovative ProAdaptive Checkering. It also has two Picatinny rails located on each side of the forend for mounting accessories such as lasers and sling studs.
Best Tactical and Modern Air Rifle: Rapid Air Weapons HM 1000x LRT Chassis Rifle
Last on our list is the Raw HM1000X Chassis, the flagship model of the RAW range offering long-range precision. It is one of the flagship models of Rapid Air Weapons, a manufacturer of top-of-the-line precision air rifles worldwide.
This weapon highlights excellent accuracy and reliability. It has a fully regulated design, giving the shooter approximately 400 shots per fill of the 480cc carbon fiber bottle. The rifle carries a rotary magazine that can hold 12 shots. It also has a side lever action that enables the rotation of the magazine at ease.
Meanwhile, its other features include a 20 MOA Picatinny rail which is perfect for long-distance air-gunning.
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