Rating of the best air rifles for hunting without a license for 2022

From the very beginning of life on earth, a man has been attracted to hunting. This trait persists to this day in many men. But firearms are now banned in many countries around the world. Therefore, the strong half of humanity has to be content with pneumatic weapons. Air rifles designed for hunting are suitable for small game, such as hares or pheasants.

Types of air rifles

All pneumatic weapons can be divided into several types.

Spring piston rifles

The principle of operation of such a weapon is to compress air in a cylindrical chamber with a piston, which is equipped with a tight cuff. This type of weapon, in turn, also comes in two types:

• Rifles cocked by breaking the barrel;
• Rifles in which the barrel is fixed, but there is an underbarrel or side platoon.

• Simplicity of design;
• The possibility of replacing the spring, in case of its failure;
• Affordable cost.

• A rifle with a breakable barrel loosens the barrel mount quite quickly, especially if you use the weapon regularly (rifles with a fixed barrel do not have such a drawback);
• Strong recoil, which can adversely affect the installation of an optical sight;
• Exposure to low temperatures;
• Noisy during the shot, which can scare off potential prey.

With all the disadvantages of such weapons, spring-piston rifles are the most popular among most hunters due to their affordable price.

Compression Air Rifles

The name reflects the principle of operation of such weapons: compressed air is pumped into a reservoir designed for this purpose by means of a special built-in pump. The pump is started manually, the lever for this can be on the side or be built into the forearm.

• autonomy;
• no tangible return.

• low shot power;
• as a consequence of the first disadvantage, the need to carry out a certain amount of pumping before firing;
• the interval between shots reaches 30 seconds, which is not very attractive in the process of hunting;
• it is difficult to achieve the same pressure for a shot, due to manual inflation.

Of all the shortcomings that make such weapons not the most popular among hunters, low starting power is more often noted.

Carbon dioxide air rifles

A shot in such a weapon is provided by the energy of carbon dioxide, which is in liquefied form in a special cartridge. When carbon dioxide evaporates, pressure builds up in the canister, which forms the shot.

• the possibility of a large number of shots from one cartridge;
• a wide range of such weapons.

• low accuracy of the shot;
• weak shot power;
• exposure to environmental influences;
• low rate of fire.

PCP - Pneumatic

Pre-Charged Pneumatics (PCP) or pre-charged rifles are considered one of the best pneumatic options for hunting. The design feature of such weapons is the presence of a special cylinder, where air is injected under high pressure, which can reach 200-300 atmospheres.

The location of the compressed air cylinder can vary: it can be in the butt of a rifle or under the barrel.

Air is supplied by a special pump or compressor.

• high power;
• high accuracy of the shot;
• independence from external environmental conditions;
• rate of fire.

• Additional injection equipment is required: pump, compressor or high pressure cylinder.

PCP - pneumatics is characterized by a high cost in comparison with the above-mentioned varieties.

Pneumatic power and the need for a license

The need to obtain an appropriate permit to use an air rifle for hunting purposes directly depends on the power of the weapon and the caliber of the barrel.

So air rifles with a power of up to 3 J can be purchased without any restrictions, since it cannot be considered a full-fledged weapon.

An air rifle and pistols with a power of 3 to 7.5 J and a barrel caliber of up to 4.5 mm can be purchased by anyone over the age of 18. You do not need a special permit to purchase, just confirm your age.

If the power of pneumatic weapons is more than 7.5 J, and the caliber exceeds 4.5 mm, then the issuance of the appropriate permit is mandatory.

How to determine power?

Many manufacturers indicate the value by direct marking. Others, instead of power, indicate the initial speed of the bullet. You should know that:

• the letter F denotes low-powered air rifles, the power rating of which is in the range from 3 to 7.5 J.
• letter J - from 7.5 to 16.3 J.
• letters FAC - over 16.3 J.

Popular models of air rifles

Crosman Inferno

This model from the American manufacturer Crosman refers to spring-piston pneumatics.

Crosman Inferno has a small size. Its total length is 1045 mm, and the barrel length is 426 mm. This rifle weighs about 2 kg. It should also be noted the high recoil force when fired. The charge is carried out by breaking the barrel, which brings the gas spring into working position. But at the same time, the rifle automatically becomes on the safety, which eliminates the risk of making an accidental shot. The caliber of the rifle is 4.5 mm and fires lead bullets. The speed of the bullet is 190 m/s.

The barrel of the rifle is made of steel, and the stock is made of matte plastic, which will prevent slipping during use. This rifle model is equally suitable for right-handers and left-handers. There is a rubber pad on the back side of the buttstock that reduces recoil by “taking” some of it onto itself.

There is a dovetail rail that will allow you to use a rifle with sighting optics. The fly has a fiberglass thread, due to which you can hunt in the dark, because. it will make it easier to center on the target.

The average price is 6000 rubles.

• Suitable for beginners;
• Optimal weight;
• Rifled barrel type;
• Convenient butt;
• Suitable for lefties and righties.

• Reload after each shot;
• Low bullet speed.

Crosman Vintage NP R8-30021

This model from Crosman will appeal to lovers of classic design. It has a steel barrel and natural wood stock. This combination of materials gives the weapon elegance and style.

The length of the rifle is 1140 mm, where 430 mm is the length of the barrel. The bullet's flight speed is 365 m/s, and the muzzle energy reaches 7.5 J. The weight of the weapon is 3.1 kg. Caliber - 4.5 mm. Nitrogen is pumped into the rifle piston, which creates a smooth shot. The Crosman Vintage has a gas spring that reduces recoil when fired and allows you to mount an optical sight.

The rifle is loaded by breaking the barrel. In this position, the barrel can be for a long time, it does not affect its performance. It is also worth noting that the Crosman Vintage model has a Center Point optical sight with a 4x zoom.The sight has individual settings that do not go astray during prolonged use. Using the scope, you can shoot at a distance of up to 70 meters. For shooting at close range, a special TruGlo device is provided, where you can adjust the bar and front sight. And the presence of fiber-optic threads makes the sight accurate.

Such weapons are suitable for hunting small game and rodents, and are also used in sports and recreational shooting.

The average price is 11,500 rubles.

• Classic design;
• Does not create strong noise when fired;
• There is an optical sight;
• High bullet speed;
• There is TruGlo.

• The fuse is not automatic.

Hatsan Torpedo 150MW

This model of a spring-piston rifle from a Turkish manufacturer will appeal to lovers of high-quality pneumatics. The rifle has a black and brown color. The case is made of durable plastic, resistant to external damage and stylized as a tree. The barrel is made of weapon steel and covered with bluing. This gives protection from moisture and other adverse environmental factors. The rifle combines reliability, efficiency, durability and elegance.

The cocking of this rifle model is carried out not due to a broken barrel, but with the help of a lever. Bullets of 4.5 mm caliber are used. The spring mechanism generates energy with a power of 7.5 J and provides a bullet speed of up to 380 m/s.

The rifle has a shock absorption system that will prevent rapid wear of parts and allow you to use the weapon for many years. There is a mechanism for adjusting the descent, which will avoid accidental shots.There is also a TruGlo scope with fiber optics. Due to this, the aiming range under conditions of insufficient visibility is 60 meters.

For ease of aiming, there is a cheek pad on the butt. And to reduce recoil, there is a Triopad butt pad made of special rubber. You can also additionally install an optical sight, for this there is a special rail.

The length of the rifle is 1210 mm., of which 430 mm. makes up the stem. Weight is 4.3 kg.

The average price is 20,000 rubles.

• The charge is carried out at the expense of the lever;
• Ability to install an optical sight;
• High bullet speed;
• The presence of an automatic and mechanical fuse;
• Adjustable trigger.

• No.

Hatsan Flash

The Hatsan Flash belongs to the Air Precharged (PCP) rifle category. A non-removable 163cc aluminum tank is used. see, and a pressure gauge is provided for the possibility of constant monitoring. A full charge of the tank is enough for 100 shots.

Safety in the event of a fall or impact of a rifle is provided by an explosion protection system. You can load the rifle with the help of a magazine or using an adapter, one bullet at a time. The kit comes with 2 magazines, designed for 14 bullets of 4.5 mm caliber. It is possible to adjust the length and force of the descent. Above the trigger guard is a non-automatic fuse. It is also worth noting that the barrel allows the installation of a silencer.

This model does not have sights; in the manufacture, emphasis was placed only on the installation of an optical sight.

The bullet's flight speed is 170 m/s, but after amplification it can reach speeds up to 325 m/s.

Hatsan Flash body is made of black plastic and has a steel rifled barrel. The handle has notches that are designed to improve the grip. The overall length of the rifle is 915 mm and the barrel length is 450 mm. It has a small weight, tk. made from lightweight materials.

The average price is 24,000 rubles.

• Light weight;
• Fully adjustable trigger;
• One tank charge is enough for 100 shots;
• The presence of a protective system against an explosion;
• Bolt Platoon.

• Without amplification, it has a low bullet speed.

Ataman ML15 Bullpup 5.5

Ataman ML15 is a modern rifle that will make its owner stand out from the crowd.

This model has become more compact due to the location of the trigger in front of the percussion mechanism. Thus, it was possible to reduce the length of the rifle. The overall length is 800mm and the barrel length is 605mm. The weight is 3.2 kg. The ML15 stock is made of wood. The magazine is designed for 8 rounds of 6.35 mm caliber.

The compressed air tank has a volume of 250 cubic meters. see, it is enough for 150 shots. The pressure gauge is located on the stock of the rifle. Now, to control it, you do not need to turn the rifle. It is possible to install an optical or collimator sight.

The speed of the bullet is 300 m/s.

If you follow the rules of care, the rifle will last for many years, even with daily shooting.

The average price is 50,000 rubles.

• Compact size;
• Little return;
• Convenient recharge;
• Trigger lock.

• High price;
• Unusual center of gravity;
• Reduced trigger sensitivity.

Kral Temp

This model from a Turkish manufacturer is known in the world under the name Kral Puncher, but on the territory of the Russian Federation it is certified as Kral Temp. Appearance - in a classic style. The compressed air tank is located under the barrel of the rifle and has a capacity of 280 cc. see this is enough for 60 shots. The speed of shots is 380 m/s.

The magazine holds 14 rounds of 4.5 mm caliber. Comes with 2 magazines. The platoon is carried out using the shutter. The trigger is adjustable. It is possible to change the course and force of the descent. You can also adjust the pressure force according to your desires and needs.

The stock is made of Turkish walnut and has a lacquer finish. What makes the appearance of the rifle very presentable. Metal parts are blued, which will protect them from external factors. The buttstock has a universal cheek piece that will fit both left-handers and right-handers. The manual fuse, power regulator and pressure gauge are on the right side and are easily accessible. There is a dovetail rail for mounting an optical sight.

The overall length of the rifle is 1000mm and the barrel length is 480mm. This model weighs 3.2 kg.

The average price is 29,000 rubles.

• Suitable for both sports and hunting;
• All rifle settings are made at the factory;
• High bullet speed;
• Adjustable pressure force;
• Flawless appearance.

• Not suitable for professionals due to weak cutting of the barrel.

Crosman Benjamin Marauder BP1763

This model from an American manufacturer is suitable for both hunting and target shooting.Although the design of the rifle is antique, the technical characteristics are in no way inferior to modern models.

A reservoir that can be filled with compressed air or carbon dioxide is located below the barrel. With a full tank, you can make up to 60 shots, the range of which will be up to 100 meters. The speed of shots can reach up to 335 m / s. The magazine holds 10 rounds of 4.5 mm caliber. The weapon is loaded using a bolt platoon.

The stock is made of walnut and the barrel is made of steel. In the bed there is a manometer to control the pressure in the tank. There is a mechanical fuse that will prevent accidental shots. The trigger mechanism is two-stage, with the ability to control the power of the shot. To do this, you just need to remove the bed, and turn the screw.

The rifle has a weight of 3.5 kg, with a total length of 1090 mm.

The average price is 41,000 rubles.

• Multicharge;
• Built-in silencer;
• Low recoil when fired;
• High speed shots;

• Air pump not included;
• High price.

When choosing a rifle, one cannot say that one model is worse than another. Each rifle is good for certain purposes. The main thing is to determine the purpose of the purchase. For entertainment, one of the inexpensive options is also suitable. It also works great for hunting small game. Choosing the right rifle model for yourself, you will use it for more than one year, the main thing is not to forget about proper care.