For many of us, an air rifle was our first gun. Ideal for target practice, pest control, and even hunting small game, most air rifles cost between $200 and $500. Meaning you can get a high-quality air rifle for less than $300.
Some of the best air rifles under 300 pack quite a punch. With some having a muzzle velocity of up to 1400 FPS. However, not all air rifles in this price category are worth your time. When searching for the best PCP air rifle under 300, you will have to sample many different models.
To help you narrow it down, here are my top 6 picks. Also, I have included a buying guide to help you know what to look for.
A Quick Comparison Of My Best Pick Under $300 and $350
Last update on 2025-01-14 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Air Rifles Under 300 USD Review
Gamo Swarm Magnum, Multi-Shot Air Rifle
- Powerful Air Rifle: Delivers next-level power with 1,300 fps in .22 caliber, featuring IGT Mach 1 33mm cylinder power plant
- 10X Quick-Shot Technology: Enables you to shoot up to ten pellets without reloading, single cocking system
- Advanced Noise Dampening: WHISPER FUSION technology for reduced noise while shooting
Last update on 2025-01-14 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One of the most powerful .22 Caliber Break Barrel air rifles on the market is the Gamo Swarm Magnum multi-shot air rifle. The latter is the most powerful in Gamo’s Swarm series. Gamo improved on the much popular swarm maxim original.
With this new version, you get an improved IGT Mach 1 gas piston. This is capable of a muzzle velocity of up to 1300 fps when using lead .22 pellets. Paired with Gamo’s trusted whisper fusion technology, it is as quiet as it is powerful.
Being a multi-shot break barrel rifle, you get a 10 round rotary magazine. The latter provides faster loading for repetitive shooting. Given its power, you can expect it to have some bit of recoil. To reduce the impact of the recoil on the scope, it is equipped with a recoil-reducing rail.
Pros
- With a muzzle velocity of 1300 fps, it is powerful enough for taking down small game
- The whisper fusion technology delivers exceptional noise dampening
- Comes fitted with a 3-9×40 scope and a recoil-reducing rail
- The 10 round rotary magazine provides faster loading for repetitive shooting
Cons
- It is a bit hard to cock
- At 49.75 long it may feel a bit too long for some people
Verdict
This is by far the one of the best .22 air rifle from Gamo. It packs quite a punch and is capable of taking down small games. It is also very accurate, and you will be able to hit targets from 100 yards.
Beeman PCP Underlever Review
- PCP Underlever Air Rifle
Last update on 2025-01-14 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Beeman PCP Underlever Air Rifle should be your first choice. This 0.177 pellet air rifle can reach velocities of up to 1,050 fps which makes it one of the fastest on the market at this price range. Additionally, its 32” length and 7.28 lbs weight make it easy to transport and handle.
Beeman PCP underlever air rifle also has a 0.22 cal variant which can propel pellet at a rate of 880 fps. Except for the velocity difference, all specs are the same as the 0.177. So if you need the 0.22 model, you can also try that version.
When we looked at the Beeman PCP Underlever Air Rifle, we were impressed with its shooting performance and affordability. If you are in the market for an affordable PCP air rifle that can shoot fast and accurately, this is one option to consider. In addition, it is almost recoilless for not having a spring, making it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone who wants a rifle that is easy to use.
To load the pellet, all you need to do is pull back the bolt and place the pellet in the barrel. This rifle is really handy and easy to use, perfect for anyone who wants an air rifle that is not difficult to operate. Using this rifle, you can quickly shoot targets or pests at distances of up to 50 yards. So whether you need a gun for pest control or target practice, the Beeman PCP Underlever Air Rifle is a great option.
The only downside we found on this air rifle comes with the poor instruction manual. However, the quality of the Beeman PCP would not be the same as the 1000 dollar PCP rifles, but we still recommend the Beeman PCP Underlever Air Rifle as one of the best PCP air rifles for its price range, even with this inconvenience.
Swarm Fusion 10X GEN2 Air Rifle
- ✅ [High Powered Air Rifle] Up to 1,300 FPS with alloy .177 Cal. Pellets
- ✅ [Inertia Fed] 10X GEN3i technology includes our revolutionary horizontal inertia fed magazine integration
- ✅ [10 shot Pellet Rifle] 10 shot Magazine: Simply break the barrel and fire for lightning-quick follow-up shots
Last update on 2025-01-14 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The original swarm fusion 10x has always been a fan favorite. The Swarm Fusion 10x Gen 2 incorporates everything we loved about the original with additions. These additions make the Gen 2 rifle a much better offering.
While most air rifles have grooves for mounting air rifle scope rings, not the swarm fusion gen2, this rifle comes equipped with a secure five screw-mounted rail. The latter helps reduce the impact of the gun’s recoil on the scope.
Instead of the spring power plant that most air rifles ship with, this one comes with a pneumatic cylinder. The latter is capable of propelling a .177 PBA pellet at 1300 fps. It is also capable of propelling a .22 PBA pellet at 975 fps.
It also comes with a custom action trigger that allows you to adjust both the first and second stages of the trigger.
Pros
- Comes fitted with a 3-9×40 scope and recoil reducing rails
- The whisper fusion sound dampening technology does a superb join of noise reduction
- The IGT gas power plant propels pellets at speeds of up to 1300 fps
Cons
- The scope it comes with is not the best, and you may be forced to buy another
- It is tiring to cock
Verdict
The Gen2 version of the Swarm Fusion keeps all the things we loved about the original. It comes with added improvements. In terms of quality, it is one of the best, if not the best, 177 air rifles on the market.
Gamo 611006325554 Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle .22 Cal
- caliber: 0.22
- velocity: 1020.00 ft/sec
- Warranty: One year limited warranty
Last update on 2025-01-14 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Gamo air rifle is not a kid’s rifle. It is one of the most powerful air rifles out there. As will the other Gamo air rifles on the list, it features the IGT power plant. This is capable of propelling a .177 pellet at speeds of up to 1020 fps.
Thanks to the IGT technology, it has less vibrations while maintaining its power. It also has a consistent and constant smooth cocking mechanism. Also, similar to the other Gamo air rifles on the list, it features a custom action trigger.
This custom action trigger it is possible to adjust the first and second trigger stage. A powerful recoil pad is also included in the rifle. This helps minimize the impact of the gun recoil significantly.
Pros
- Is capable of shooting both a .22 and .177 caliber pellet
- The recoil reducing rails helps reduce the impact of the rifle’s rail on the scope
- The IGT power plant gives it a muzzle velocity of up to 1020 fps
- The custom action trigger makes adjusting the trigger’s first and second stage easy
Cons
- Is quite loud compared to other air rifles
- The cocking mechanism is rather complicated for some
Verdict
Capable of using a .22 pellet, this is one of the best hunting air rifles in its price range, for hunting small game. Small animals such as rodents will not stand a chance. With this rifle, you can also improve your shooting skills at the range.
Hammerli 850 Air Magnum .177 Caliber Pellet Air Gun Rifle
- Caliber: .177 Pellet
- Action: Bolt
- Optic Compatible: 11 mm integrated rail
Last update on 2025-01-14 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gamo isn’t the only company that produces high-quality pellet air rifles. Another is Hammerli. The company’s 850 air magnum closes my list. Compared to what Gamo has to offer, this is not the most powerful.
However, it still makes it on my list thanks to its amazing features. You get a rotary magazine that holds eight pellets. This bolt-action rifle can fire up to 200 shots from one 88grams co2 cylinder. It shoots .177 pellets.
Nevertheless, there is a .22 caliber version. Thus it can be used for target practice as well as for pest control.
Pros
- It comes with a rotary magazine that holds up to 8 pellets
- Compared to other products it is quite accurate
- It comes with an auto-safety feature that makes it ideal for young shooters
- It is reasonably quiet
Cons
- Compared to other air rifles it is relatively less powerful
- Compared to other co2 air rifles this is relatively pricier
Verdict
This Harmmerli air rifle is not the most powerful, but it does have its benefits. What it lacks in power it makes up for in shooting accuracy. For plinking, this is an ideal option and will be a better choice than most.
Things To Consider Before Spending $300 on A Best Air Rifle
When shopping for an air rifle under $300, there are some factors you need to consider. These are the factors that will help determine which air rifle is best for you.
Power
The muzzle velocity is determined by the caliber of the pellet you are using. In this article, all the air rifles fire a .177 pellet. This means they have a higher muzzle velocity than a .22 air rifle. A lighter round, such as the .177, will have a higher velocity and limited kill force. High muzzle velocity is ideal for target practice.
The trigger
A heavy trigger may pull you off the target slightly. On the other hand, a lighter trigger may lead to premature firing. It is important to get an air rifle that allows you to adjust the trigger sensitivity. This way, you can adjust it to your needs.
Balance and weight
Balance and weight are dependent on an individual person. Ultimately it makes sense to acquire an air rifle that you feel comfortable using.
Sound dampening
Similar to conventional rifles, air rifles produce a sound when fired. For target practice in your backyard, this sound can be annoying. This is why it is wise to invest in a rifle with sound dampening technology. The latter helps reduce the sound produced by a rifle when fired.
About The Author:
Lake Streeter, A Gun enthusiast, and loves to hunt in the middle of the wood. Always check the latest hunting gears out in the market and try to share his honest opinion with the audience in Tarheel3Gun.