Best PCP Air Rifles

Air-powered rifles are a type of rifle that takes regular air--the kind that's everywhere--and compresses it to create the pressure needed to propel ammo from its barrel. Rifles like this use different methods to accomplish this, but one of the best kinds is the pre-charged pneumatic air rifle, or the PCP air rifle for short.

Many people are surprised to learn that PCP air rifles are not a recent development. In fact, some of the earliest air rifles were PCPs, such as the legendary Girardoni repeating air rifle that was one of the first-ever repeating rifles of any type, and was made all the way back in the late 1700s.

What can you do with a PCP? So many things, including backyard plinking, pest control and small-game hunting, target practice and shooting competitions, and hunting of medium and larger game, depending on the type of rifle you get. No matter what you plan to do with your PCP rifle, make sure to get the right one to fit your needs and intended use.

A great place to start is with this list, starting with our overall best, and then looking at the list of the best we've picked out for specific uses.

PCP air rifles are perfect for:

• Pest control and hunting, depending on energy and size of game
• Backyard plinking
• Training, target practice, and competition

We sell a wide variety of high-quality PCPs suitable for many different uses, but our best picks start with these:

How We Picked These Products

When picking products to feature, we rely on the deep expertise and hands-on experience of our expert Insyders, who continuously test and use the products out in the field. Our recommendations are a combination of carefully curated top sellers, best reviewed and hand-picked products that our experts want to highlight. Drawing on more than 20 years of expertise, we understand the features that matter - from performance metrics to crucial model-specific nuances. When we recommend a product, you can trust that these picks come from experts who have extensive product knowledge and understand the equipment inside and out.

Top 5 Expert Picks

1. FX Impact M4

Adjustability is the name of the game when it comes to the FX Impact M4. It has a large variety of adjustments you can make to the performance and shooting characteristics of the air rifle, including the Quick Tune System for reliable and consistent macro and micro power adjustments to the hammer spring, as well as the externally-adjustable AMP MKII regulator for tuning, an external valve adjuster for power control, the adjustable Quick Set Trigger, and more.

In addition, you can also purchase barrel liners to use different calibers or different twist rates, allowing you to get the best possible performance for a specific combination of ammo and use, which pairs perfectly with the adjustability and tuning options.

If you're looking for the ultimate degree of control over your PCP air rifle's performance and tuning characteristics, consider the FX Impact M4.

"My favorite part about this gun is the endless amount of upgrades accessories you can throw at it. The fact that you can just swap barrels between different calibers instead of having to purchase a whole new gun is just awesome."

Why We Like It

Precision, power, tunability, innovation--this air rifle has it all. It's one of the most complete and feature-filled PCP air rifles available. It has improved ergonomics because of its upgraded grip and its updated stock that features a forward mounted reversible cocking lever.

Finally, the Power Plenum and the Power Block combine to deliver consistent and efficient use of air and power.

Things to Consider

This air rifle typically requires a chronograph and extensive tuning to achieve the type of results that shooters praise so highly. In addition, it is a high-end PCP air rifle designed for demanding shooters, and because of this it is perhaps more than is needed for beginners and casual shooters. Also, you will need a reliable source of high-pressure air to keep this air rifle working at its best.

2. RAW HM1000X Mini Chassis

The RAW HM1000X Mini Chassis takes what worked from the bigger model and puts it into a smaller and lighter body. It uses an updated dual-ported barrel design to achieve similar power even though it is smaller.

The aircraft-grade aluminum chassis gives shooters tactical features and styling, with plenty of M-LOK slots for adding accessories.

"Out of the box this gun comes ready to air up and shoot. It is pre-tuned at the factory although they don't tell you to what pallet it's tuned to. The trigger is perfection out of the box. It's extremely accurate add 50 m."

Why We Like It

This air rifle is powerful and accurate like the larger version, but uses an efficient design to get this as well as added maneuverability. It also features a versatile AR-compatible grip and buttstock that provide adjustability, and they can be swapped out for other AR-compatible parts if desired.

In addition, it is built using a trusted and successful action and is proudly made in the USA.

Things to Consider

Shooters say that this PCP air rifle could be a little louder than desired without a moderator. In addition, some reviews say it is not quite as easy to adjust and tune for performance as some people might want, although most shooters say it has excellent performance without needing any adjustments. Finally, it is best used for small-game and medium-game hunting, depending on caliber, and is not best suited for casual shooters.

3. RTI Arms Mora II

Step up to the firing line for repeatable performance with the RTI Mora II. It has a side lever action, the largest magazine capacity of any gun on this list, and, thanks to its wide range of advanced features, is an excellent choice for any serious airgunner.

"One of the best airguns made very minimum O-rings in this airgun easy to fix highly recommend it."

Why We Like It

It has a free-floating, fully shrouded Lothar Walther barrel for excellent accuracy with less noise. The air rifle can be fine-tuned thanks to its dual, externally adjustable regulators, which is great for tuning specific pellets or slugs. It also has a multi-adjustable, two-stage pole trigger that can be adjusted down to 200 grams. This tunability makes it great for game animals and pushing accuracy to longer distances.

Things to Consider

Despite the bullpup design, it is stout. It tips the scale at 9lbs (Compact), unscoped, and isn't a gun most will want to carry around in the field, even if that weight does make it a pleasure to shoot from the bench or tripod.

4. Skout Semi

The Skout Semi is a semi-auto air rifle with a 15 round magazine capacity. The 300cc cylinder fills to 4,351 PSI and provides about 50 shots per fill while launching pellets up to 900 FPS. This is great for small game and target practice.

"What's not to like. Great shooter easily tune the magazine work great. Buy it you want be disappointed."

Why We Like It

This regulated air rifle has a two-stage adjustable trigger and weighs under 8lbs. It is the perfect combination of maneuverability, high shot count, and good magazine capacity. Plus, it comes with a Plano Hard Case. Thanks to its semi-auto action, it allows for fast follow-up shots with great reliability. As a bonus, it also won the Gunslynger Speed Competition at the 2026 Pyramyd AIR Cup.

Things to Consider

The Skout Semi is currently only available in .22 caliber and is a bit loud without a moderator.

5. FX King

This air rifle offers incredible performance for hunting, with the expected innovations and accuracy that have made FX famous. It has an attractive stock made by the renowned stock makers from Norway that provides ergonomics that lead to exceptional comfort and control.

Rounding out the highlights of this air rifle are the tuning adjustments made possible by the AMP MKII regulator and the Quick Tune System for micro and macro hammer spring adjustments. This air rifle immediately became one of the go-to PCP air rifles for anyone looking for a premium hunting experience.

"Great gun well made. Over the barrel plenum makes the barrel very rigid. 22 cal 600mm amazing accuracy with slugs. Dime size group at 40 yds 1 inch at 75 and 100 depending on wind and the shooter."

Why We Like It

It offers many tuning features for hunting performance that make it especially useful for heavier slugs. The over-the-barrel Dynamic Plenum and the Dynamic Block work together to provide consistency and extreme accuracy. The GRS stock is handsome, has an ergonomic offset and angled GRS grip, and features tool-free adjustments for maximum convenience and customization.

Things to Consider

The included grip is designed for right-handed shooters, meaning it might not work as well or be very comfortable for left-handed shooters. Not all shooters will want to tune and tweak an air rifle to achieve the best results. The price and options for this PCP air rifle make it better suited to experienced shooters rather than beginners.

Best PCP Air Rifle for Small Game Hunting: Air Venturi Alpha

The Air Venturi Alpha is a lightweight precharged pneumatic air rifle that excels in small game hunting. It launches .22 caliber pellets up to 1,025 FPS with excellent accuracy for quick, clean takedowns and comes in different sizes. Max shots per fill is 20 - 60, depending on the tube size.

"The accuracy. This full sized Alpha is a definite thumper, putting the smack down on any critter from trash panda sized down to squirrels and rabbits with pinpoint accuracy."

Why We Like It

It is a full-featured, capable, and lightweight airgun that can be carried for longer with reduced fatigue for the shooter and is available in a few different sizes and options. Sizes range from compact to standard (33.5" and 4.1lbs to 42" and 5.15lbs). It is a great option for small game and pest control due to its light weight.

Things to Consider

The Alpha is available at an excellent price for the number of features it has, and sells out quickly. Also, the length of pull is short without the ability to adjust it.

Best PCP Air Rifle for Big Game Hunting: AirForce Tex Rex Carbine

The AirForce Tex Rex Carbine was created to provide incredible precision and power in a carbine package, with a Lothar Walther barrel and an adjustable two-stage trigger for improved accuracy and customization. It is designed for hunting, and unlike some other high-powered hunting air rifles, it can get up to five shots per fill, allowing hunters to get more than one shot without needing to refill the air bottle.

Why We Like It

It has extreme power and accuracy. It's one of the most powerful PCP air rifles on the market, and at .510 caliber, it's definitely a big bore. As a carbine, it is overall more compact and weighs less than other larger models from AirForce while delivering plenty of power. It's proudly made in the USA from high-quality components and materials for reliability.

Things to Consider

It's very powerful and best suited to hunting big game, so it could be more than many casual shooters are looking for. It gets fewer shots per fill because of its high power, leading to more frequent refills. As a big bore PCP air rifle with a large 500cc carbon fiber air tank and a 4500 PSI/310 BAR fill pressure, it needs a robust filling solution.

Best PCP Air Rifle for Beginners: Umarex Notos G2

The Umarex Notos Gen 2 is an easy-to-use airgun that is great for new airgunners, as it helps build confidence in shooting.

"Perfect first PCP rifle. Good adjustable stock. Very nice 15 round magazine. Perfect for target practice or pest control (pigeons)."

Why We Like It

The Gen 2 has strategic updates over the original, including a longer barrel for faster shots, a bigger air cylinder for 30 shots per fill, and a redesigned side lever for smoother operation. It also boasts an updated rotary magazine with a 15-round capacity to help you shoot more and reload less. These changes enhance the already impressive accuracy for the price that the Notos Gen1 was known for.

Things to Consider

Polymer is a primary material in its construction, from the moderator and scope rail to the shroud assembly. Some airgunners may prefer less polymer.

Best PCP Air Rifle for Long Range: FX Impact M4

The FX Impact M4 is making its second appearance on this list because it is just that good. The adjustability of this platform from FX provides shooters with the ability to tailor this PCP air rifle to their needs, especially when using the Quick Tune System for micro and macro hammer spring adjustments, which combine with the externally-adjustable AMP MKII regulator to enable precise and reliable tuning for specific ammo and long-distance use.

It also allows shooters to purchase barrel liners that further help to optimize the use of specific ammo because they are available in different twist rates, and to switch calibers. The FX Impact M4 enables shooters to control many aspects of the shooting process, which makes it perfect for the shooter who demands the best in terms of control and long-range performance.

Why We Like It

It offers so many features and options for tuning to go along with its power and accuracy, making it ideal for long-distance performance. The Power Plenum and the Power Block work together to provide a better application of air power and extreme accuracy, especially important with heaver slugs at longer distances. The updated grip and better ergonomics of the stock are appreciated, including the forward mounted reversible cocking lever for convenience.

Things to Consider

This air rifle might be more than casual or beginning shooters are looking for because it has so many adjustable options and so many premium features. It needs a high-pressure air source capable of providing dependable air to allow this PCP air rifle to deliver top performance. To enable the type of tuning and adjustment that make this air rifle famous, a chronograph is required.

Best PCP Air Rifle for Budget: Air Venturi Avenger

The Air Venturi Avenger PCP Air Rifle quickly became the air rifle to beat when it entered the market because reviews showed it was capable of incredible accuracy, challenging celebrated airguns that cost nearly five times more. You simply can't find an air rifle at this price level that has the features and performance of the Avenger.

The only way to improve on the Avenger is to look at a different model of the Avenger, like a wood stock or bullpup model, or to get even more performance for a higher price with the Air Venturi Avenge-X.

"I just love it. The most enjoyment I have had in shooting and the gun is very accurate. You just can not go wrong with this gun."

Why We Like It

For the price, no other PCP air rifle can beat the performance, accuracy, and adjustability of the Air Venturi Avenger. It has an externally-adjustable regulator to deliver smooth and consistent performance. It is convenient and easy to use, and although accurate out of the box, it has many features for tuning to a specific use and pellet.

Things to Consider

It requires an air source capable of providing high-pressure fills to achieve its maximum shot count. Proper tuning for specific ammo and uses requires equipment such as a chronograph. Some shooters may prefer a shorter air rifle or one with a wood stock (and the Avenger comes in a bullpup model and a wooden stock model).