Best Air/Pressure Gun for Hunting and Self-Defense?

I’m looking for recommendations on air guns that are cost-effective and suitable for both small game hunting and, if necessary, self-defense.

I’m not asking for specific brands (though examples are welcome), but I’m more interested in:

  • The best caliber for my needs
  • Reloading methods
  • Power sources (spring, CO2, PCP, etc.)

I know some people will tell me to get a real firearm, and that is my long-term goal, but it’s expensive and difficult to obtain in my country. For now, an air gun seems like a practical option. Any recommendations?

A .22 caliber (5.5mm) air rifle with at least 1,000 fps (305 m/s) muzzle velocity is a good choice for small game hunting.

Larger calibers like .25 or .30 exist, but they are generally more expensive than .22.

If legal in your country, look into airbows. They shoot arrows using compressed air and work well for both hunting and defense. There are also large-bore air rifles in .30, 9mm, .45, and .50 cal that have serious stopping power.

For hunting:

  • .22 or .177 caliber air rifles are good for small game.

For self-defense:

A .50 caliber PCP air rifle can take down almost anything. A full air tank gets you about three shots at high power.

Nico said:
A .50 caliber PCP air rifle can take down almost anything. A full air tank gets you about three shots at high power.

Yes, but something like the Umarex Hammer costs around $850. For that price, you might as well get a firearm.

Nico said:
A .50 caliber PCP air rifle can take down almost anything. A full air tank gets you about three shots at high power.

There are $250-$400 .22-.25 caliber air rifles that are much more versatile. A .50 cal isn’t ideal for small game since it’ll destroy too much meat.

Avoid the Ruger AirHawk Elite. Heavy, awkward, and not much better than a cheap .22 rifle. If self-defense is a concern, look into crossbows or a Byrna pepper gun.

Any .22 air rifle over 1,200 fps is at least comparable to a .22LR in terms of power and should be sufficient for small game and limited self-defense.

Bran said:
Any .22 air rifle over 1,200 fps is at least comparable to a .22LR in terms of power and should be sufficient for small game and limited self-defense.

Most .22 air rifles don’t actually reach .22LR energy levels. Even high-end PCP models are closer to .22 Short or CB. If you want true .22LR performance, you’d need a .25 or .30 caliber air gun.

If you’re in Europe, check out crossbows. They are powerful, reusable, and legal in many places where firearms are restricted.

The GoGun.de shop has some interesting options, including pneumatic crossbows.

For self-defense, I would not trust an air gun. If you can, save up for a real firearm. That said, .50 caliber PCP air rifles can pack enough punch to stop a threat if necessary.

If you’re on a budget, consider modifying an old paintball gun to fire pepper or rubber balls. It won’t be as strong as a firearm, but it’s better than nothing.

Air guns lack rapid-fire ability unless you go with CO2 or high-capacity PCP models. The old Girandoni air rifle (used by Lewis and Clark) could fire multiple shots without reloading, but modern air rifles don’t usually have that kind of capacity.

I use a Gamo .177 air rifle with a good hunting scope. Supersonic pellets give extra range and power, but they make a loud crack.

For serious small game hunting:

  • .22 (5.5mm) caliber or larger
  • 1,000 fps (305 m/s) or faster muzzle velocity

If self-defense is a real concern, a .50 caliber PCP air rifle is your best bet. At full pressure, it has energy similar to a .38 Special handgun, which is considered about the minimum for defense.