Hunting With Air Rifles

Air rifles use pressurized tanks to store and release compressed air to propel projectiles. They generally require a high-quality, precision scope. Serious airgunners invest in a quality optic because the vibration dynamics of tank-powered rifles can shake a conventional scope.

In the past, most air gun enthusiasts used pellets or BBs in their guns. These days slugs (actual bullets) are taking over the airgun industry. Hollow point slugs provide terminal performance two to four times greater than their pellet counterparts, enabling shooters to get off shots that five years ago would have been considered long distances for an air rifle. Ammo manufacturers are jumping on board and offering slugs in a variety of designs, sizes and weights so shooters can find the best ammo for their gun.

Some of the most advanced airguns are designed for combined small-game and predator hunting. They can be incredibly accurate with proper, precision optics and some have magazine systems that allow you to shoot multiple rounds continuously. These airguns also produce enough power to take coyotes and wild hogs at reasonable distances.

Big bore air rifles generate enough power to hunt deer and antelope in many states. Check your state laws to see if there are caliber and/or ft-lb of energy requirements to use big bore airguns for big game hunting. Check out videos by guys like Chris Turek on “Upnorth Airgunner” to see what these powerhouses can do. air rifles