If you were a kid growing up in rural America, you might have owned a BB or airsoft gun. Oftentimes, these introductory firearms are given as coming-of-age gifts to young folks destined to be hunters. Pellet guns can fall into this category, too, but they're also great multi-purpose firearms for adults. Whether you're looking to snipe rabbits or practice shooting skills at the range, pellet guns are an accessible, affordable option. Technically, pellet guns are air guns, just like your classic BB and airsoft guns. However, they're more accurate than BB guns because their barrels are rifled. Pellet guns shoot lead or alloy-based non-spherical ammunition, commonly called pellets.
When it comes to pellet gun selection, there's a variety of different action types and fuel sources. These options have given way to four main types of pellet guns: pump, spring or gas, CO2, and pre-charged. The most commonly found pellet guns are pump pneumatic. Generally, they come in single-pump or multi-pump formats and are easy for novices and expert shooters to use. Spring or gas piston pellet guns are also common. Instead of pumping an action to compress air, a spring or pistol launches your pellet at your target. Gas piston pellet guns are known to be much quieter and more reliable under a variety of temperatures than spring-based guns. Critics of spring guns mention that springs can act differently in very cold temperatures and they can also lose tension if they remain cocked for a long time. That isn't an issue with gas piston guns; they can stay cocked as long as you'd like. CO2 pellet guns feature a carbon dioxide tank or cartridge that provides the energy needed to propel your pellet at your target. Most cartridges come in either 12-gram or 88-gram sizes. CO2 pellet guns are commonly found in pistol formats all well as a variety of rifle calibers. CO2 rifles are known for both their power and affordability, not to mention they're a decent option when it comes to small game hunting. Pre-charged pneumatic (or PCP) pellet guns are the most powerful pellet guns on the market. Many retailers tout their ability to shoot accurately at the range and even be used while hunting. Whether you're looking to target shoot or take longe range shots on groundhogs, there's a budget-friendly pellet gun out there for you.
What You Should Look for When Buying a Pellet Gun
Before you buy a pellet gun, have a good idea of what you'd like to use it for first. Are you planning on taking it to the gun range and shooting it between 10 and 50 yards? Are those pesky, tasty rabbits feasting on your garden veggies? Or are you looking to take down a coyote at close range during hunting season with a quiet, powerful, and affordable firearm? All of these factors will come into play when you're pellet gun shopping.
The length, weight, caliber, action type, and materials should be considered prior to a pellet gun purchase. Shorter lengths, lighter weights, and stainless steel barrels will be excellent for hunting applications. Longer, heavier pellet guns will be a better fit for the range because the long barrel increases accuracy at longer distances and the heavier weight reduces recoil. Smaller calibers will be great for range time and small game hunting, while larger calibers are absolutely necessary for hunting medium-sized game.
Pellets are important when it comes to thinking about a new pellet gun, too. Lighter pellets have decreased drag, so they'll travel farther and drop less post-shot. These types of pellets are great for range shooting out to 100 yards. Heavier pellets don't travel as far and drop lower and faster than light pellets, but they have the knock-down power necessary to quickly dispatch wildlife. Be sure to purchase the pellet gun that shoots the right types of pellets you need to successfully complete your task at hand, whether it's hunting or target shooting.
Now that you've got a good idea of the type of pellet gun you need, here are some fantastic wallet-friendly options when it comes to pellet guns for hunting and target shooting.
Best Affordable Pellet Gun For Small Game Hunting
Why we selected it:
This pellet gun is the ideal low-cost, accurate, lightweight choice for target practice or squirrels and similar-sized game.
Favorite features:
- Bolt action
- Wooden stock
Pros:
- TRUGLO fiber optic sights
- Long barrel for accuracy
- Adjustable trigger
Cons:
- Overall length may be too long for youth
- Requires emptying the gas before unscrewing the cap
If you're looking to hunt squirrels, rabbits, or pests around your yard, consider the CO2-powered Beeman QB78 Deluxe. It's just $139 and comes in .22 caliber with a velocity of 550 fps. It's recommended to have at least eight foot-pounds of pressure to dispatch a squirrel or rabbit at 15 yards; this gun is capable of doing that as long as your pellets weigh more than nine grains. This gun is also neat because it features a bolt-action and a wooden stock. Instead of looking like a military-inspired firearm, it looks like a classic, wooden bolt-action rifle that many would identify with hunting applications. It's also a relatively light gun, weighing just six pounds, and has a barrel length of 21.5 inches. This length is long enough to keep you shooting accurately at close ranges.
Best Affordable Pellet Gun for Medium Game Hunting
Why we selected it:
A big bore air gun is needed for longer distances and larger game, and this feature-rich Hatsan does it with power to spare while significantly reducing report.
Favorite features:
- Quiet Energy Technology
- Anti-double-feed system
Pros:
- Great power levels
- Adjustable comb height
Cons:
- Automatic safety may cause missed opportunities
- Inconsistent ammo fittings in magazine
Although pellet guns don't exactly have the power needed to hunt big game like whitetails, mule deer, and elk, they are able to take down medium-sized game like groundhogs, nutria, raccoons, or skunks. If you're looking to do some pest control on your property for medium-sized critters, check out the Hatsan BT Carnivore QE SL. This PCP pellet gun features Quiet Energy Technology supported by an integral silencer. That combined with a built-in sound moderator is said to reduce report by 50 percent. This is also a repeating firearm, so you don't have to reload after one shot. Shooters can load another pellet into the action by using the side lever. For the sale price of $399, this ambidextrous firearm is a great deal.
Best Affordable Pellet Gun for Target Shooting and Hunting
Why we selected it:
This is the pick for a youngster just starting out with PCP pellet guns, and one that can prove itself at the range and in the hunting woods.
Favorite features:
- Premium regulated cylinder
Pros:
- Out-of-the-box accuracy
- 10-round magazine
Cons:
- Synthetic stock lacks character or aesthetics
- Accuracy decreases as distance increases
If you're want to shoot at the range just as much as you want to hunt up to medium-sized game, the highly-rated Benjamin Marauder is for you. It's powered by PCP and provides 90 shots at 950 fps (in .177) and in 800 fps (in .22). The clean-breaking single stage trigger is ideal, and an 11mm Dovetail rail lets you mount your choice of optics. Ultimately, it's the accuracy that counts the most, and online reviewers can't seem to say enough about this "tack driver" The Marauder can be found for well under $400, making it an important addition to anyone's firearm colleciton.
Whether you're prepping for competitions or shooting that wily squirrel that keeps getting into your bird feeders, there are plenty of affordable pellet gun options to get you in the game.
