For recreational purposes and training the next generation how to shoot, nothing beats a BB rifle considering affordability and the value these guns offer. Why spend much for occasional or recreational shooting purposes? Also, before you get an air gun for the teenager, introducing a BB rifle would be a wise and effective option to go for.
In your search for the best BB gun rifles, you probably have seen that there are several types of these guns. Whether this is the first time that you are buying a gun, or your enthusiasm wants to make sure you invest in the right weapon, you will find the perfect one among the 8 top suggestions below.
Top BB Gun Rifles On The Market
Benefits of BB Gun Rifle
When BB guns come to mind, most people think that these guns are only for kids to play with. Based on that, average people feel discouraged to buy it, and look for a better alternative. However, there are some truly capable and great performing BB guns that might change your views towards these weapons.
- Nothing comes more budget-friendly than a BB gun when it’s about training and plinking purposes.
- For short-range pest control, these guns with high-velocity standout to be very effective. Higher FPS models can even kill rats and squirrels.
- When it’s about backyard fun and recreational shooting, these guns are more than enough for both kids, teenagers, as well as adults.
- Some high-end models come great for target shooting as well. Most of these guns come with a rail that you can mount different accessories on to have a great shooting experience.
- When you need a clone or replica gun to have fun, you will find BB guns to be realistic enough. People often get confused about BB guns to be replicas as it’s quite impossible to identify just by looking at the gun.
8 Best BB Gun Rifles On The Market Reviews
After days of research and going through tons of customer reviews, I found these BB guns to provide great value to the customers.
1. Best Overall - Crosman M4-177 Bolt Action BB Air Rifle
Making a list of guns without including Crosman’s product would have been incomplete! This pump air rifle offers a great shooting experience for pest control and plinking. Also, for those who are looking for an inexpensive gun to train young people, it's worth considering this deal.
What makes it an ideal bolt action bb rifle is the accuracy and sturdy feels.
Apart from traditional BBs, you can use .177 caliber pellets rifle for more precise and accurate shots. So, while paying for one, you get the advantage of two.
For more convenient shooting sessions, the gun allows you to adjust the velocity from 350 to 700 fps. Depending on the shooting range, you can adjust the FPS for more precision shots.
Because of its black tactical-style, the gun easily makes much appeal among youngsters and enthusiasts. Its synthetic design feels quite sturdy in hands. The entire housing is water-resistant, so there is no room for complaining about its durability. No need to put an end to your shooting sessions due to weather issues.
Before someone gets used to this rifle, accidental trigger pulling can happen. Crosman seems to understand the fact really well and came up with adding a cross bolt safety feature on its trigger. You will be able to safely handle the gun without any miss-firings.
To provide you a precise vision of the target, the gun features a rear and adjustable post front sight. This dual-aperture sight will be more than enough when you shoot at targets within a short-range.
When you take the gun in the field for hunting purposes, you can adjust its stock according to your preference to make sure you don't feel uncomfortable while shooting.
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2. Best Co2 Powered - DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle
Using a BB rifle, you don't need to compromise with convenient shooting like what you would typically get from a regular air gun. With the ability to shoot 1400 rounds per minute using its 25-round magazine, this can be a reliable weapon for hunting, target shooting, as well as pest control.
Considering your comfort, the gun allows you to adjust its holding positions with 6 different adjustments in both handle and shoulder. There is also a safety mechanism that assures you about safety when you handle and use the gun.
The given magazine is compatible with traditional steel BBs of 4.5mm size. BBs of this size will be more than enough, whether it's the beginner level or recreational target shooting. It can be a super convenient and fun way to increase your skills as well as shooting experience.
To be able to shoot more accurately, the gun features an adjustable rear and removable pop-up sight. Shooting short-range targets will not be much of an issue for this weapon. However, long-distance shooting might not be much accurate.
For different shooting purposes, the rifle provides a decent velocity of about 430 FPS. You will find it accurate enough to be able to perfectly hit on targets.
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3. Top Rated BB Gun for Youth - Daisy Adult Red Ryder BB Rifle
Typically, you would want a BB rifle for your son or daughter to learn how to target and shoot without spending much. This rifle from Daisy seems to fit into this requirement while offering some useful features and great durability to add more value to your money.
Even though it’s made for youths, they can pretty much have the experience of what it feels like to shoot with more realistic guns. With a maximum muzzle velocity of 350 FPS, the trainee will be able to shoot BBs at the given targets with great accuracy.
As the manufacturer claims, the gunman can shoot 195 yards of distance using this weapon. For training purposes, this shooting range will be more than enough regardless of the skills.
The youngster will not struggle much cocking this lever cocking spring rifle. It doesn’t require much effort to cock. There is a trigger blocking safety lock that ensures BBs don't get shot accidentally. The rear sights are adjustable for you to target more precisely.
This 36.75 inches gun is made of durable materials. Both wood and metal combined build make the gun feel great in hand.
As far as the weight goes, this model weighs a little over 2.95 lbs. Even when you take the rifle in the field, it will not make you feel uncomfortable carrying it in your hands.
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4. Best Bolt Action bb Rifle - Crosman Legacy 1000
When your hunting and target shooting requires more velocity and accuracy, this model from Crosman can be a good deal to consider. In terms of durability, performance, and user convenience, Legacy 1000 stands out to be one of the best BB air guns on the list.
Made of durable synthetic material, the gun can withstand abuses pretty well. Its water-resistant housing makes it a piece of ideal equipment to continue shooting even when the weather isn't favorable to you.
The good thing is, you can use both alloy and lead pellets alongside steel BBs with great velocity. Using BBs, the gun can reach up to 800 FPS while maintaining accuracy. Unlike conventional ones, the accuracy is much higher in this gun, which makes it a great weapon for hunting as well as pest control.
Like most Crosman guns, this one also features their patented crossbolt safety trigger locking mechanism. When you carry the gun, the feature will make sure you don't accidentally pull the trigger and fire BB or pellet.
As this one is for people who need a more advanced air rifle, the unit comes with a 4x15mm fiber optic sight. This scope allows you to accurately shoot targets from a long distance out of the box.
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5. Best Gun for Short Range - Umarex USA Legends Cowboy BB Air Rifle
Another classic looking realistic air rifle on the list. This one from Umarex offers some decent specs to start beginner level target practice. What's more in this gun compared to the others on the list is that you can shoot .177 caliber steel BBs using the gun up to 600 FPS, which complements its overall accuracy significantly.
If you are looking for durable with decent velocity within a short range then this one is a perfect choice in 2021.
Talking about its accuracy, you will have a great experience with the gun for target practice and plinking purposes. For young people, the gun is easy to handle and shoot. The lever requires minimal effort to reload the BBs. It has an under-barrel tube style magazine where you need to insert BBs.
The gun allows you to fire 10 shots simultaneously. Unlike conventional ones, you don't need to reload for each shot. That’s the reason why the rifle stands out great for target shooting purposes where you need to shoot more BBs within a short time.
Due to its full metal frame construction, the gun feels quite sturdy in hand. The plastic stock doesn’t feel cheap. At this price range, I expected it to have a wood option. With such construction, you can still expect it to last for years regardless of abuses.
If you are looking for a cowboy-style durable and great performing gun, the deal is worth considering. With a little practice, you can hit on the bullseye within 30 yards of range without any issues.
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6. Lightweight Choice - GameFace Ghost Affliction Full Auto Airsoft BB Rifle
This deal offers more than an air rifle, you also get a spring-powered piston with some useful shooting accessories. Although the accuracy isn’t that great compared to the guns I have reviewed so far, this can be a great recreational shooting gear for young individuals.
You can use this combo pack for some backyard fun time and airsoft combat. The automatic airsoft rifle is capable of shooting 500 rounds from its gravity fed hopper at a decent velocity of 200 FPS. In addition to that, the pistol comes extremely useful as a sidearm that can shoot 15 rounds at 280 FPS.
The most selling point of this rifle is that the manufacturer left a lot of space for customizing it. Apart from attaching or mounting accessories, you can also customize its design. For every shooting purpose, freely customize the rifle to meet the requirements.
However, if you need accuracy, this deal isn't for you. The accuracy is quite manageable for short-range shooting within 25 to 30 yards. It struggles to hit targets accurately when the distance is a bit further. Otherwise, the fixed front and rear sights are good enough for recreational purpose shootings.
The package includes 200 airsoft BBs along with safety glasses for your convenience. Considering how both the rifle and pistol looks, your weapons will surely impress the competitors when you engage in plinking or in a fun game.
For such purposes, the manufacturer used lightweight and minimal materials to construct both the gun and pistol. Overall, it feels great and lightweight in hands and allows you to move quickly without any issues.
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7. Best BB Rifle for Adults - Bear River Barra Airguns Sportsman 900
Compatible with both .177 pellets and BBs, this one is one of the versatile guns on the list that provide owners great value for their money. Be it target shooting, plinking, pest control, and other purposes, and the gun can outperform most of its competitors within this price range.
With a maximum velocity of 800 FPS, the gun can shoot pellets and BBs with a powerful impact on targets. Thus, you can use it for hunting small game as well. Reloading this air gun is super convenient. It got a large chamber opening; using the magnetic pin, you can effortlessly reload without wasting much time.
It comes with a front and a rear fiber optic sight; you will be able to shoot with great accuracy regardless of the distance. The rear sight allows you to adjust the windage and elevation as per the conditions require to hit targets without losing much accuracy. This is something you will not find in the air rifles of its class.
Whether you are an enthusiast or a regular person who is looking for a decent performing air gun, the look of this one will surely create an appeal to you.
The manufacturer used good quality material to construct the rifle. Also, its drop stock feels comfortable and able to provide an overall good sight while shouldering the rifle.
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8. Best for Pest Control - Heckler & Koch MP5 Silver Storm Air Rifle
Last but not least, this one is pretty similar to the previously reviewed one. Even though it comes with relatively low velocity, with 400 FPS, you should be able to have great gun and shooting sessions in your backyard. Also, the gun seems to perform decently for plinking and other similar shooting purposes.
The CO2 compartment of this airgun got a metal construction that you can rely on. However, the exterior of the gun is mostly made of hard polymer plastic. Unlike conventional and cheaper ones, it will not get damaged or broken without any reason. It will survive occasional drops without cracking at all.
Even at this price, you are assured about this aspect. However, don't expect it to withstand abuses and weather conditions.
For pest control, you can use it as the shooting sound is very low. But, you have to take close distance shots. Due to its construction, the gun has a bit of weight. Not that it’s difficult to carry, you will be fine carrying it for a long time. It’s not much lightweight compared to other lightweight units on the list.
When it comes to reloading, it’s much easier to load. So, regardless of your experience with guns and age, you can handle it and shoot BBs well.
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Things to Consider Before Buying
Depending on purposes and the intention of buying, you need to know things that make a BB gun perfect to use. There are so many different types of guns in the market, and finding one is a bit confusing, especially if this is the first time you are about to get such a gun.
BB Gun Types
Depending on the loading and shooting mechanism, these guns are of four types.
• Spring Powered or Single Pump
A tightly compressed spring mechanism is responsible for the reloading and shooting system of these guns. Although the BBs will be able to hit targets with great impact, the velocity is terrible for spring powered guns.
You need to cock or pump the lever and push back a piston that compresses the spring. This allows the piston to reach the latch, which makes the spring compressed. Pulling the trigger, unlatches the piston, and this is when the spring expands quickly and moves the piston forward.
• Variable Pump
If the gun is for newbies and teens for hobby or plinking purposes, a variable pump gun will suffice the needs. In these guns, each stroke amplifies the air pressure and leads to shots for whatever reason you use the gun.
• CO2
These guns initiate ammo through compressed gas inside the chamber instead of burning propellants. Good quality CO2 rifles use the power of multiple pump BB guns. However, most units are a bit weak due to low velocity. It even gets lowered when the cartridge gets low.
The maintenance of such gun costs relatively more because you need to replace the cartridges after a certain period of time. For those who prefer using a semi or fully-automatic BB gun, this is the only type to go with.
• PCP Pneumatic
To be able to shoot, these guns use an outside air resource to boost to the high pressure. This much power allows a PCP gun to convey ammo of bigger caliber and weight. That’s why enthusiasts prefer using this gun to be able to take down bigger game with excellent accuracy.
Semi-Auto, Full-Auto, or Single-Shot?
Most BB airguns in the market are single-shot ones. You can get the advantage of a few extra rounds using such a gun. As the name tells you, it requires reloading every time before you take the shot.
Semi-auto models, on the other hand, self-reload the next round for you using a repeater. This allows you to fire one round each time when you pull the trigger, similar to single-shot models. Without losing much accuracy, these guns fire quickly and are ideal for plinking and pest control.
Velocity
If you are not familiar with this particular term, velocity refers to the speed per second with which BB can reach its target. Higher velocity allows the gun to hit targets of long-distance. It also contributes to the overall accuracy.
So, when accuracy is something you must ensure, go for a gun with high velocity. If you are only to shoot within 30 yards, no need to spend more money on a high FPS gun.
Final Words
Although BB guns are underrated, the best BB gun rifles can provide great value for money when the purpose is to introduce someone to a gun and its accessories. For beginners, teenagers, and occasional adult shooters, these guns can be great equipment for fun and recreation purposes.
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