What is a good cheap air rifle?

Answer 1

For hunting small game, a 5mm or 22 caliber rifle with a high velocity will work best. These are typically air rifles, and not gas guns. I have used a Sheridan Blue Streak for about 30 years for squirrels, rabbits, and pest control- it is good to about 40 yards. Several of the newer air rifles approach the energy of a .22 firearm. IMHO, the .177 caliber guns simply do not have the pellet weight for anything bigger than a bird.

____ I agree with everything stated above but wish to expand on this

The Mac 1 Steroid upgrade to the Benjamin 392 (.22 cal) and Sheridan Blue Streak ( .20 Cal ) just about doubles its Ft Lbs energy making far simpior to the stock version. These guns weigh about 6.5 lbs making them one of the lighter air rifles. Also the stock is held on by one bolt letting you making them into a take down rifle with a length of 24" - easy to back pack and a great survival gun. They also have near match accuracy - better then about any springer.

Some of the high end PCP rifles have equal or better accuracy, equal or more power and are repeaters. They cost a lot more and require a lot of periphials ie Scuba tanks and external hand pumps.

If you want more power to take larger game look to large bore. The upcoming Benjamin Rouge looks very promising in this class. A Quakenbush is one of the ultimates in Large bore air guns if you can acquire one - good luck on that.

Answer 2

Good and cheap don't go together with most anything. Air rifle cost anywhere between $60 and $3000. But you get what you pay for. Really good air rifles start around $200. An Olympic class air rifle will cost you $2000 to $3000. PCP (PreCharged Pneumatic) Class air rifles are the most powerful and are used for hunting medium to large game. They start at around $300 and go up. But they also fire much larger ammo then the common .177 pellet. They are capable of firing a 50 Caliber pellet. That is a big as a mans thumb.