Air rifles have gained popularity for both recreational shooting and small game hunting, and finding a reliable brand is crucial for a satisfying experience. While the market is flooded with several options, a few standout brands consistently receive praise for their quality and performance. Among these, names like Gamo, Crosman, and Benjamin are often recommended by enthusiasts for their durability and precision. If you're looking to invest in a top-tier air rifle, explore the brands below to discover which one suits your needs best.
Illustration of air rifles
Best brands of air rifles in 2025
Gamo
Gamo is renowned as the largest airgun manufacturer in Europe, with a history dating back to the late 1880s when it was known as Antonio Casas, S.A. The company began specializing in high-quality airgun pellets in 1950 and introduced its first airguns in the Spanish market in 1961, quickly gaining popularity across Europe and beyond. Today, Gamo airguns are used in over 50 countries worldwide, known for their excellent performance, accuracy, and power. Gamo undergoes rigorous quality control, including torture tests where air guns are shot 10,000 times to ensure durability and reliability. The company continues to innovate, producing top-quality airgun ammunition and maintaining its leadership in the global air gun market.
Crosman
Crosman, a leading manufacturer of high-performance air rifles, boasts over 90 years of experience in the industry. The company produces approximately 1.1 million airguns annually and has sold 17 million of its iconic 760 Pumpmaster model since 1966. Crosman's innovative technologies include Nitro Piston, PCP, and CO2-powered airguns, ensuring a wide range of options for various shooting needs. Their products are known for their accuracy, power, and durability, making them a favorite among airgun enthusiasts. Crosman also manufactures a significant amount of airgun pellets and BBs, with over a billion pellets produced each year. For more information, explore their offerings on the Crosman website.
Benjamin
Benjamin Airguns, founded in 1882, is renowned for its superior craftsmanship, precision, and power, offering a variety of air rifle models, including the highly acclaimed Marauder range which can launch pellets at up to 1100 feet per second. The brand, now owned by Velocity Outdoor, has maintained its sterling reputation since its inception, particularly with the launch of its inaugural pump-style .22 air rifles capable of firing at 400 feet per second. Benjamin air rifles are available in multiple calibers such as .177, .22, .25, and .357, and feature various power sources including PCP, spring, Nitro Piston, pump, and CO2. The Marauder series has held the title of the best-selling airgun for five years, highlighting the brand's commitment to quality and performance. With a rich history and continuous innovation, Benjamin Airguns remain a favorite among air gun enthusiasts.
Umarex
Umarex is a leading brand in the airgun market, renowned for its high-powered and precise air rifles, which are ideal for Field Target shooting and other sports. The company, based in Arnsberg, Germany, offers authentic replicas that closely match the originals in appearance, handling, and weight. Umarex airguns utilize advanced technology, including compact CO2 capsules, ensuring reliable performance. With a strong presence in the global market, Umarex contributes significantly to the airgun industry, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of up to 8.5% from 2023 to 2031. The airgun market, valued at $2.41 billion in 2023, is expected to reach $4.65 billion by 2031. For more information about their products, visit their official website.
Hatsan
Hatsan, a Turkish arms company established in 1976, is renowned for producing high-quality air rifles, air pistols, and accessories, with a global presence in over 90 countries and exporting approximately 95% of its products. Known for their reliability, accuracy, and budget-friendly options, Hatsan air guns feature innovative designs such as the advanced two-stage Quattro trigger and the QuietEnergy full barrel shroud. Their air rifles range from .177 to .50 caliber, including the powerful Piledriver model which produces up to 800 FPE in .50 caliber. Hatsan's commitment to quality is underscored by their ISO 9001 certification and their extensive 376,737-square-foot manufacturing facility in Izmir, Turkey. The company's products are highly regarded for their performance and value, making them a leader in the airgun market. More information can be found about their air guns and accessories on this dedicated page.
Diana
Diana is renowned as one of the best producers of air rifles, with a rich history dating back to 1890 in Germany. The brand has consistently innovated, as seen in models like the Diana 34 EMS, which showcases modern manufacturing excellence. Diana air rifles are known for their accuracy and power, such as the Diana XR200 PCP air rifle, which exceeded manufacturer claims by achieving up to 35.92 Ft/Lbs of muzzle energy, 16% above the claimed maximum. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in their use of high-grade components, like the Lothar Walther barrel in the XR200. With over 130 years of experience, Diana continues to be a leader in the airgun industry. For more detailed insights, you can watch a comprehensive video review on YouTube.
RWS
The Remote Weapon System (RWS) market, though not specifically focused on air rifles, highlights the technological advancements and market growth in remote-operated weapon systems. However, if we consider the broader context of advanced weapon systems, companies like Rheinmetall, General Dynamics, and BAE Systems are leading players in the RWS market, known for their innovative integration of sensors, AI, and automation. This sector is experiencing a significant 12.5% CAGR from 2023 to 2030, with a market size expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2030.
Air Arms
Air Arms is renowned as one of the premier manufacturers of air rifles, particularly known for their high accuracy and aesthetic design. Historically, Air Arms was considered the "holy grail" of PCP air guns, with models like the S410 and S510 rifles being highly sought after. However, recent years have seen a decline in innovation, with the Galahad not achieving the expected sales success. Despite this, Air Arms remains a significant player in the global air gun market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2020 to 2027, reaching a market size of US$ 3,987.0 million by 2027. For more insights into the current status of Air Arms, check out what's going on with Air Arms.
Weihrauch
Weihrauch, a renowned German manufacturer, has been a benchmark for quality air rifles since its founding in 1899. Known for their precision and power, Weihrauch air rifles, such as the HW 35 and HW 77, have set standards in the industry with their superior construction and excellent accuracy. The HW 35, in particular, is Weihrauch's best-selling and longest-produced air rifle, highlighting the company's enduring success. Weihrauch's collaboration with Theoben Engineering led to the introduction of the HW 90, which utilizes a patented gas-spring system and has been highly successful in markets like Great Britain and the United States. With a legacy spanning over a century, Weihrauch continues to innovate, as seen in their pre-charged air rifles like the HW 100 and HW 110 models. For more details, explore their comprehensive range of air rifles.
Beeman
Beeman is a renowned brand in the air rifle market, known for its high-quality and highly desirable airguns. The company has a rich history, with the first production of .20 caliber rifles in a limited lot of 40-60 units, making these models extremely rare and highly collectible. Beeman airguns are distributed and serviced by Pyramyd AIR, ensuring continued availability of high-end models like the R-series rifles and P-series pistols. The global air gun market, which includes Beeman products, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2020 to 2027, reaching a market size of $3.89 billion by 2027. Beeman's legacy and quality have made it a significant player in the air gun industry. For more detailed insights into Beeman's history and impact, visit this thorough exploration of Beeman's journey.
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