Best Air Rifles Under $300 Reviews

Best Air Rifle Under 300 Dollars – Our Top Choices, Look No Further!

At this particular price point, you start to see some excellent air guns on the market.  Great quality, accurate and fun to shoot.

We decided to look at what we consider to be some of the best air rifle under $300 and give you our thoughts on each.

Recommendations For The Top Rated Best Air Rifles Under $300

Diana RWS 34 Breakbarrel Air Rifle

Diana RWS 34 Break Barrel Air Rifle

The Diana RWS 34 Break Barrel Air Rifle is the most well-known product of the German manufacturer RWS. With excellent engineering and premium materials, owners can expect to use their rifle for many years down the road.

It isn’t the cheapest one out there but neither is it extremely expensive. Expect to pay a good amount for a quality airgun that has all the essentials and a little bit more. This is ideal for use in plinking, target shooting, and game hunting.

Features

This air rifle is 45 inches long with a 19-inch barrel and an overall weight of just 7.5 pounds. That’s quite a bit lighter than many of its rivals in this category. Its power comes from a spring piston that can launch ammunition in single shots.

It comes in two calibers, being .177 and .22 cal, with the latter being more suited for game hunting. The rated loudness of 3-medium is not whisper quiet but it is better than other models.

The pellets can reach a max velocity of 1000 fps which is generally acceptable for more shooters. Cocking effort is up to 30 pounds so be prepared for a bit of the workout.

Trigger pull is rated at 3.3 pounds of force and can be adjusted in two stages. The rifled barrel features a fiber optic front sights and an adjustable rear sight for windage and elevation.

The scope is an 11mm dovetail while the butt plate features a thick rubber padding. This break barrel air gun has an automatic safety feature for the benefit of its users.

Pros

  • Lightweight frame
  • Automatic safety
  • Good value for money
  • Classic design
  • Impressive accuracy

Cons

  • Single shot function
  • May not be powerful enough for some
  • Plastic rear sight may break

The Diana RWS 34 Break Barrel Air Rifle is high quality product with excellent accuracy at a reasonable price.

Gamo Whisper Fusion Air Rifle

Gamo Whisper Fusion Air Rifle

The Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle is single cocking barrel rifle with composite stock. It’s a modest section level rifle incredible for the youthful shooter or those that simply need to do some light target practice or little amusement hunting.

Features

The Mach 1 comes stacked with awesome features right out of the box. Other than the single cock action, different features incorporate 1420fps (feet per second) speed for pellets, Gamo sights, CAT or custom action trigger, recoil reducing rail, ambidextrous stock, and an IGT Mach 1 gas piston.

Pros

This is one of those rifles that shows signs of improvement with time. When I removed it from the container it was somewhat boisterous however after you fire it twelve times or so it gets way better.

I likewise saw that a portion of the manufacturing plant screws were somewhat loose however not certain if that was just on this particular unit.

Subsequent to fixing them everything was all good. It’s a truly strong rifle for the cost particularly on the off chance that you are simply getting into air rifles. I can see this one being a reliable one in my collection

Cons

One bad parts is that on the off chance that you aren’t paying attention, the magazine will load two pellets into the barrel and you’ll end up jamming the gun. I think if you simply make an effort not to move too quickly that won’t occur.

When it does however it’s really annoying. Another negative is that if you need to buy additional equipment like a new scope, you have to add adapters to mount it. These two things aren’t that much of a headache but just a heads up.

Benjamin Maximus Air Rifle

Benjamin Maximus PCP Air Rifle - 22 Cal

The Benjamin Maximus air rifle is designed for a first-time user of a pre-charged pneumatic air rifle. Benjamin is a trusted name when it comes to high-powered performance, and this particular gun does not disappoint.

The price is the rifle’s biggest selling point. The Benjamin Maximus is the cheapest of its class. Even with the aftermarket parts needed, it still beats the competition. Reviews from users and testers classify it a solid air rifle that is easy to learn, making it perfect for beginners.

This rifle is the ideal starting point for shooters who are new to PCPs. Light in weight, accurate, reliable, and simple to use, are among the numerous qualities that this amazing little rifle boasts of. Its price range is pocket friendly, and unbeatable by competitors of the same class.

Despite being rugged enough for field use, this rifle has a low learning curve. As the Maximus operates only at 2000 PSI, users can refill it with a hand pump, making it the ideal choice for people who do not want to depend on air tanks to refill their rifles. The front and rear fiber optics are the icing on the cake.

It is a suitable air gun for hunting and target shooting, especially small game like sparrows. The Benjamin Maximus air rifle delivers a consistent trigger performance.

Features

  • Maximum velocity of 1000 fps
  • Muzzle energy 18 ft/lbs
  • Built-in pressure gauge
  • Single-shot rifle with up to 30 shots per fill
  • Metal breech
  • Rifled steel barrel
  • Fiber optic rear and front sight
  • Bolt action
  • Precharged pneumatic
  • 2000 PSI
  • Single stage trigger
  • Black colored synthetic all weather stock
  • Dovetail mounting rail
  • 0.117 caliber

Pros

  • The pocket friendly price of the Benjamin Maximus Air Rifle makes it possible for a beginner to own the gun without spending too much. It’s affordability, however, doesn’t compromise the build or performance.
  • It offers great accuracy, but the exact speeds will depend on the type of pellets used.
  • The location of the manual safety in the trigger guard allows better control from the user, which improves safety.
  • Aftermarket kits fit well to boost the performance of the rifle.
  • It is light, which makes it easier for beginners to handle
  • Accurate and powerful
  • Easy to fill reservoir, relatively easy hand pumping effort
  • Ideal for first time users

Cons

  • The air rifle doesn’t have a noise suppression system, which makes it a loud gun to operate, especially the .177 caliber.
  • The plastic trigger blade doesn’t offer the most comfortable handling, and the pull weight is a bit too heavy for this type of rifle.
  • Loading long pellets may require a bit of effort due to some clearance issues.
  • Some users find the hose on the pump a bit short, requiring the gun to be on the ground to fill it.
  • Hard end on stock
  • Sloppy bolt
  • Breech is small
  • Small pressure gauge

Crosman Benjamin Discovery PCP Dual Fuel .22 Cal Air Rifle

Benjamin Discovery PCP Air Rifle

The Crosman Benjamin Discovery is a nice lightweight rifle. It is the perfect rifle for small game, pest control and a little plinking.

The hand pump fills the rifle easily. The dual fuel feature allows you to choose between a PCP and a CO2 powered rifle.

Features

  • Pellet velocity of 900 FPS
  • One shot capacity rifle
  • Single stage trigger
  • Bolt action rifle
  • Changeable power source allows you to switch from PCP to CO2
  • Weighs in at 5.2 pounds
  • Fires 25 shots per fill
  • 2000psi fill capacity
  • Cross bolt safety
  • Fiber Optic front sight
  • Adjustable rear sight
  • Dovetail mounting rail
  • Polymer butt pad
  • Rifled steel barrel
  • Hardwood ambidextrous stock
  • Shoots .22 caliber pellets
  • Muzzle energy of 25.7 FPE

Pros

The dual fuel fill adapter allows you to switch between a PCP and CO2 power source. You can purchase the specific hand pump that easily fills the low 2000 psi fill capacity.

You can choose to fill the rifle from an air tank by using a K valve. It comes with step by step instructions for filling and switching the power source.

Once it is charged it will hold that charge from weeks to months. It has a high pellet velocity considering the low psi requirements.

Cons

The accuracy of the rifle greatly diminishes once the pressure drops below 1000 psi. The poor packaging can cause damage during shipping, typically to the stock.

You have to fire off a few dry shots to set the seal before your initial seal. If you fill without setting the seals the rifle may leak air. The rifle is loud even for an air rifle and needs a muzzle break.

Umarex Octane Air Rifle

Umarex Octane Elite Pellet Gun Air Rifle

There are a number of German manufacturers in this space and Umarex has carved out a name for itself among them. The brand is known for different types of firearms, air guns, and paintball markers.

The Umarex Octane Air Rifle is a high power device that can deliver a big blow to small game and vermin while staying relatively quiet. You get a lot of bang for your buck thanks to the low cost of the rifle.

Features

It comes in 0.177 and .22 caliber variants. Thanks to its incredible power, the rifle can send a .22 alloy pellet up to 1,250 feet per second in the air.

When using a .177 caliber alloy pellet, the speed can go up to 1,450 fps. Caution is advised when using the device to prevent accidents and injuries.

This is among the first break barrel rifles introduced to the market under this brand name. The secret to its success lies in the powerful gas piston.

But don’t worry about noise as it has a dampener to reduce the sound produced after a shot.

The overall length is 48.5 inches while the barrel length is 19.5 inches. The Octane weighs in at 9.5 pounds.

It features break barrel action and a two-stage adjustable trigger that requires 3.5 pounds to pull. Cocking effort, on the other hand, is up to 42 pounds which is quite a bit more than many of its rivals.

The kit includes a bipod for stability that is particularly useful when shooting from afar. It comes with a 3-9×40 scope and mount as well.

Pros

  • Complete kit for hunting
  • Reasonable price
  • High-speed pellets
  • Good accuracy

Cons

  • A bit heavy

The Umarex Octane Air Rifle Kit is for beginners who want a complete set of equipment and reliable performance at a reasonable price.

Gamo Big Cat 1250 Air Rifle with Scope

Gamo Outdoor is a noted airgun manufacturer from Spain that is considered to be the largest producer of airguns in Europe.

Their Gamo Big Cat 1250 Air Rifle with Scope is an incredibly popular product that is primarily used for hunting game but can also feel at home in other applications.

The price is reasonable for a rifle of this quality. Most owners have expressed their satisfaction with its performance citing ease of setup, high power, and great accuracy.

Features

This rifle uses a synthetic stock to reduce weight while improving strength and climate protection. It is ideal for owners who are out in the wild a lot as the stock will not have any problems with moisture or extreme temperatures.

This high-tech polymer has helped to reduce the weight of the rifle to just 6.1 pounds making it easy to carry around all day if you need to. The overall length is 43.3 inches while the barrel length is 18 inches.

This is a break-barrel system with a single cocking mechanism that can produce a max velocity of 1250 fps with PBA or 1000 fps with lead. I

t has an automatic cocking safety system and manual trigger safety. The buttplate is made from ventilated rubber to protect the shoulders from recoil. The cheekpiece has twin cheek pads on either side for comfortable shooting.

The grip and forearm both have non-slip texture for better grip. The scope offers 4x magnification with an objective diameter of 32mm. Ammunition can be any .177 pellet.

Pros

  • Lightweight stock
  • Very powerful
  • Durable materials

Cons

  • Single shot function
  • Scope could be better

The Gamo Big Cat 1250 Air Rifle with Scope is ideal for the outdoor lover with a passion for game hunting. It offers great power for long-range shots with high accuracy and impressive durability in a lightweight package.

Hatsan HC125SN22 125 Sniper Combo

Hatsan HC125SN22 125 Sniper Combo Air Rifle

The Hatsan HC125SN22 125 Sniper Combo is a one round single-shot air rifle that guarantees a powerful performance when hunting. You can expect great trigger accuracy with different pellets shots.

Its power makes it ideal for hunting medium game like squirrels. At just under $300, the price is not too bad for an air rifle that comes complete with the kit- scope, sling, and bipod. It is a good-looking gun that is not fussy with pellet loading.

For a hunting enthusiast looking for an air gun that is not too expensive and can handle itself, the Hatsan 125 Sniper Combo is a good buy.

Features

  • Quattro trigger system
  • Anti bear trap safety
  • A comb with adjustable elevation
  • MonteCarlo cheekpiece
  • Metal triangular blade
  • The rear sight is micro-adjustable with TruGlo fiber optics.
  • Large-sized muzzle break
  • Shock absorber system
  • Synthetic stock
  • Manual and automatic safety
  • Rubber butt pad

Pros

  • Weighs 9 lbs., which is not too heavy to carry around when hunting.
  • The rugged synthetic stock can take a lot of punishment, which makes it perfect for an air gun that is used in rough hunting terrains or bad weather.
  • Precision is excellent with an average speed of 950-1000 fps with grain pellets.
  • It has a Triopad butt system, which is one of the best for recoil absorption. You can pull the trigger without worrying about taking in too many vibrations, which increases accuracy. The SAS shock absorbers contribute as well.

Cons

  • Some users find the scope too small to use, which interferes with the optics, so you may have to fit a new scope.
  • The muzzle is a bit too large for comfort.
  • The silencer is not removable, meaning you cannot try out another one to see if it works better with this air rifle.
  • The bipod is not necessary and only adds to the weight of the gun.

Benjamin Trail NP2 Air Rifle Combo

Benjamin Trail Nitro Piston 2 Air Rifle

The Benjamin Trail NP2 air rifle combo is a best buy if precision combined with power is what you are looking for. With its lower cocking effort and quiet performance, it is ideal for the woods.

As its 10.0 RateAGun score indicates, this is a powerful hunting rifle. The air gun is designed to deliver anywhere between 18-20 ft-lbs of energy. The rifle has an over length of 44″ and weighs just about 8 pounds.

This overall combination is what offers it the ideal combination of power and a rifle that is easy to handle. To top it, the gun’s design also scores high on the aesthetics front too. It is perhaps the most good-looking air rifle going around in its category.

Pros

One of the biggest advantages of the model is the fact that it has twice the effective range of its earlier predecessor the NP1. T

he rifle also packs quite a punch with its power. The power factor is because of its ‘Nitro Piston 2 break-barrel’, which means lesser vibration, as well as more power.

The technology also means that the rifle is easier to cock too. Similarly, the ‘Clean Break Trigger’ (CBT) system enables much more accurate shooting too.

An integrated sound suppression system present within the rifle means that you won’t be driving others nuts, while you sharpen your shooting skills.

Cons

Perhaps the only thing that can be said to be against this rifle is the fact that it is strictly not meant for beginners. This is a powerful hunting gun period. It requires someone with strength and skills to use this lean mean device.

You may also find it a bit difficult to find the right pellet combination initially with this rifle. It is only through trial and error that you will find the right one.

Leaving aside these minor issues, the Benjamin Trail NP2 air rifle combo is an excellent value for money proposition.

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