Air Rifles for Sale — CO2, PCP & Spring Air Rifles

Air Rifles

Air rifles use compressed air, CO2, or a spring-piston mechanism to propel pellets or BBs — no gunpowder, no FFL transfer required in most states, and no minimum age restriction under federal law. They’re used for backyard target shooting, small-game and pest control, competitive 10-meter Olympic-style shooting, and firearm training where live fire isn’t practical. Impact Guns carries CO2, pre-charged pneumatic (PCP), and spring-piston air rifles from leading airgun manufacturers.

Read our full Air Rifles Buying Guide ↓

Types of Air Rifles: CO2, PCP, and Spring-Piston

CO2 air rifles use disposable 12-gram CO2 cartridges for power — convenient, repeating action, consistent velocity, but CO2 is sensitive to temperature (performance drops in cold weather). Spring-piston rifles use a single cocking stroke to compress a spring that drives a piston; they’re self-contained with no external power source needed, but require a deliberate hold technique (the “artillery hold”) for accuracy. PCP (pre-charged pneumatic) rifles use a high-pressure air tank filled with a hand pump or dive cylinder — the most accurate type, capable of hunting-level power, but require a fill system.

Air Rifle Calibers: .177 vs. .22

.177 caliber (4.5mm) is the standard for target shooting and 10-meter Olympic competition — lighter pellets, higher velocity, flatter trajectory. .22 caliber (5.5mm) pellets are heavier, slower, and deliver more energy on impact, making them the preferred choice for pest control and small-game hunting where terminal performance matters. A few air rifles are available in .25 caliber for maximum energy at short range. For a general-purpose air rifle, .22 is the more versatile pest-control choice; .177 is the target-shooting standard.

Air Rifles for Pest Control and Small Game

PCP air rifles in .22 or .25 caliber are the most effective for pest control and small-game hunting at ranges under 50 yards. At adequate power levels (12+ ft-lbs for .22), a well-placed pellet is lethal on squirrels, rabbits, and similar-sized animals. The advantage over .22 LR for backyard pest control is minimal noise — a PCP air rifle with a shrouded barrel is significantly quieter than any firearm. Many suburban and rural property owners use air rifles specifically because they can be used safely in areas where discharging a firearm is restricted.

Air Rifles for Training

Air rifles are a cost-effective training tool for firearm fundamentals — trigger control, sight alignment, breath control, and follow-through all transfer directly to centerfire rifles. The low cost per shot and ability to shoot in a backyard or indoor range makes consistent daily practice feasible. Some competitive shooters use air rifles specifically for dry-fire alternative training; .177 spring-piston rifles with iron sights are the traditional tool for this application.

Top Air Rifle Brands

Crosman and Benjamin (both American brands under the same parent company) are the most widely distributed air rifle brands in the US market, covering everything from entry-level CO2 rifles to serious PCP hunting airguns. Gamo produces accurate spring-piston rifles at competitive prices. Umarex manufactures licensed replica airguns patterned after popular firearms — including AR-style and MP5-style air rifles — popular for both training and recreation. Impact Guns carries selections from these and other leading airgun manufacturers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an FFL to buy an air rifle?
No. Air rifles are not firearms under federal law and do not require an FFL transfer or background check. They can ship directly to your home address. Some states have age restrictions or other regulations for air rifles — check your state’s laws before purchasing.

How powerful are air rifles?
Air rifle power varies enormously by type. Entry-level spring-piston .177 rifles produce 400–600 fps with standard pellets. Mid-range CO2 and PCP rifles in .177 reach 800–1,000 fps. High-powered PCP hunting rifles in .22 or .25 can exceed 1,000 fps and produce 20–30 ft-lbs of energy — sufficient for clean kills on small game. Velocity alone is misleading; energy (ft-lbs) is the meaningful number for pest control and hunting applications.

What is the best air rifle for a beginner?
A mid-range CO2 or spring-piston .177 rifle is the best starting point for most beginners — no fill equipment required, low cost, and adequate for target shooting and general plinking. The Crosman 1077, Gamo Whisper, and Benjamin Trail series are popular entry-level options. If pest control is the primary use, step up to a .22 PCP or spring-piston with at least 12 ft-lbs of muzzle energy.