For any shooter, the best air rifle is that which fulfills their personal core requirements like accuracy, power, and affordability.
There are plenty of air rifles on the market, so many in fact that you might get confused and even buy the wrong one due to the lack of proper guidance on the rifle.
However, there are gun experts who know the worth of buying an air rifle.
The demand of every person is different as some cannot deal with a heavy rifle,
Some dislike noise, some prioritize accuracy and power, people have different budgets, and of course, there are different tastes in style.
If you are searching for the best CO2 air rifle, here are the best choices for you.
From your wish to enjoy yourself on weekends in your backyard by target shooting or your wish to go small game hunting or even pest control, you will have options to choose from.
So sit tight as we take you through our list of best CO2 air rifles in 2024 at pocket-friendly rates.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Best-Rated CO2 Air Rifles On The Market
If you are in a hurry, here is an overview of the highlight candidates in our list of best CO2 air rifles 2024:
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | LINK |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
 | Crosman 1077 |
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Top Pick
 | Winchester M14 CO2 |
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Top Pick
 | Hammerli 850 |
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Top Pick
 | Beeman QB78 |
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Top Pick
 | Crosman DPMS |
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1. Crosman 1077
The Crosman 1077 is a 12-gram CO2 air rifle that has been in continuous manufacture since 1994.
Of course, it is incredible to know that with just a few changes over 20 years in production, the company has been delivering the best models for the Crosman 1077 CO2 air rifle.
In recent years, the Crosman 1077 has become more popular in big box sporting goods stores.
The Crosman 1077 is available for $145.
It is a fun air rifle to shoot, with its 12 shot clip and rapid-fire capability .
This is an outstanding plinker, but this is the only purpose of this air rifle.
There is not enough power for hunting any birds or animals.
For its combination of quality, usability, value, and performance, the Crosman 1077 air rifle receives a HAM silver award.
The air rifle is easy to shoot, simple and light in use.
Specifications
- Model number 1077
- Lead pellet velocity is up to 625 fps
- Weight is 3.69 lbs.
- Length is 36.88 inches
- The power source is CO2 power let
- .177 caliber
- Ammunition pellets
- 12 shot clip capacity
- Rifled steel barrel
- Cross-bolt safety
- Black in color
Speed And Accuracy
Following is the table to show the speed and accuracy of the Crosman 1077 CO2 air rifle.
| Pellet | Muzzle velocity-Average | Muzzle energy- Average | Accuracy |
| Gamo Raptor Platinum 9.7 Grain | 558.61 FPS | 3.25 Ft/Lbs. | Good |
| H&N Field target trophy grain 10.03 | 548.13 FPS | 3.70 Ft/Lbs. | Good |
| RWS Hobby 11.9 grain | 579.24 FPS | 5.21 Ft/Lbs. | Very Good |
| Crossman Premier HP 14.3 Grain | 529.82 FPS | 4.92 Ft/Lbs. | Very Good |
| JSB Jumbo exact 14.35 grain | 531.25 FPS | 5.28 Ft/Lbs. | Poor |
| H&N Field target trophy 14.66 grain | 486.89 FPS | 4.54 Ft/Lbs. | Poor |
| H&N Baracuda match 21.14 grain | 418.03 FPS | 4.13 Ft/Lbs. | Excellent best tested |
The accuracy of the Crosman 1077 CO2 air rifle was good, with 5 of the seven standard HAM test pellets.
As expected, precision with the Crossman premier hollow point pellets was good.
=> Read our Crosman 1077 semi-automatic CO2 air rifle review here.
Noise
The Crosman 1077 CO2 air rifle is not powerful, therefore it is not loud.
There is no silencer, but one isn’t at all necessary.
It is a “backyard friendly” air rifle.
Therefore, you can have fun with the family at weekends or in the evening without any risk of disturbing the neighbors.
Appearance
The Crosman 1077 looks very much like a Ruger 10/22 firearm.
The design of the Crosman air rifle is traditional, with black synthetic stock .
There is bluing on the barrel. Honestly, the barrel shroud executes and matches the plastic parts well.
Trigger
The Crossman 1077 does not have semi-automatic action.
In reality, it is a double-action revolver.
Price
The Crosman 1077 is available on the market at the lowest possible cost of $96.
It fulfills the need of those who are in love with the use of an air rifle but cannot afford the expensive guns.
Customer Reviews
Most customers have given a positive response after using the air rifle Crosman 1077 CO2.
Shooters find it precise and steadfast, light and quiet.
2. Winchester M14 CO2 Air Rifle
During the ’60s and ’70s, the Winchester M14 CO2 air rifle is was seen as a tribute to U.S military veterans.
The most potent Winchester M14 pellet bb gun is a semi-automatic that can shoot both steel bbs and .177 caliber pellets.
The Winchester model M14 semi-automatic CO2 air rifle has two cartridges of 12g CO2.
The cartridges are stored in the lower clip, so you can easily access them for reloading.
There are 8 round magazines on each end which allows you to have 16 rounds before reloading.
Under supervision, young shooters can quickly learn and hone their abilities, and they would love it.
It is light in weight, and the whole family can handle it quite easily .
The Winchester M14 semi-automatic CO2 air rifle is your choice if you are not just looking for a target shooting weapon, but to experience a rifle that resembles the military rifle.
Specifications
- Semi-automatic air rifle
- Manual safety guide
- The front side is fixed
- Adjustable sight
- Synthetic stock
- Sling swivels
- Steel barrel
- 12g CO2 cartridge
- .177 caliber
- Manufacturer is Winchester
- 700 fps velocity
- Ammo type is Pellet & BBs
- Gun weight is 2.9 lbs.
- Length is 44.5
- Barrel length 21
- Loudness is four medium-high
- Magazine capacity 16
- Warranty is 30 days limited
Accuracy, Reliability, and Speed
Below is the table to have an idea regarding the accuracy and speed of the air rifle.
| Rifle Pallet | Average Muzzle Velocity | Average Muzzle Energy | Result/Accuracy |
| Gamo Raptor Platinum 4.7 Grain | 549.8 fps | 3.13 ft/lbs | POOR |
| H & N Field Target Trophy Green 5.56 grain | 510.5 fps | 3.22 ft/lbs | POOR |
| RWS Hobby 7 grains | 447.7 fps | 3.12 ft/lbs | POOR |
| Crosman Premier HP 7.90 Grain | 439.1 fps | 3.38 ft/lbs | POOR |
| JSB Exact Diabolo 8.44 Grain | 417.4 fps | 3.27 ft/lbs | POOR. BEST TESTED |
| H & N Field Target trophy 8.64 grain | 396.2 fps | 3.01ft/lbs | POOR |
| H & N barracuda match 10.65 grain | 354.8 fps | 2.98ft/lbs | POOR |
In the above table, you can see that the highest muzzle velocity is achieved with Gamo Raptor Target Trophy green 5.56 grain, which is 549.8fps.
This speed is accomplished at 61 Fahrenheit.
The highest muzzle velocity can be found at 95 Fahrenheit at the value of 620 fps.
After the HAM test, I can say that the accuracy is not as expected.
It was correct at 10 yards but no more than that.
All the targets were vertically displayed, maybe due to the reason for falling muzzle velocity during the shot strings.
Remember that if you choose to shoot at a high temperature, then you may have reduced stringing because the cooling effect of each shot would be less.
Noise
The Winchester CO2 M14 does not come with a silencer.
However, you can judge the noise level from shooting this gun, which is moderate because of the lower muzzle velocity.
If you have neighbors then the Winchester M14 is still quite suitable.
Appearance
The Winchester M14 pellet bb gun is designed in the exact same style as the real firearm.
Price
$70 is the price you will pay to buy the Winchester M14 semi-automatic CO2 air rifle.
Given the features mentioned above, this is a very low price.
For those people who have an army background or have done any military-style training, this rifle is of great appeal given its likeness to the real thing.
Customers Reviews
Naturally, most reviews focus on the price.
That it costs so little actually makes the Winchester M14 CO2 air rifle a popular gift for others.
The reviews detail how it is easy to handle above all else.
3. Hammerli 850
The high powered Hammerli 850 CO2 air rifle, by German manufacturer Umarex,
Introduced the world to the first mass-produced, affordable, and full-power 12 ft/lbCO2 hunting rifle — the Hammerli 850 Air Magnum.
Liquid gas powers the Hammerli 850 airMagnum, which is built with synthetic material, is light in weight and economical.
The Hammerli 850 airMagnum has been marketed as a solution for those who want a firearm, but cannot afford or own the real deal.
The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum is famous for small game hunting and pest control.
It comes with a smooth blacked-steel cocking and a generous bolt.
It has just about everything you could hope for in a CO2 repeater!
The Hammerli 850 air rifle not only looks like a firearm, but it works like one in terms of accuracy.
All told, it gives users the feeling of firing a real gun without actually doing so.
Specifications
- The manufacturer is Umarex USA (old name Hammerli)
- .22 caliber in Hammerli 850 airMagnumxt kit
- The Umarex HammerliairMagnum 850 xt has the 650 fps velocity
- Ammo type is pellets
- The Hammerli 850 CO2 is Bolt-action
- Barrel style is rifled
- Firing mode is a repeater
- Weight of rifle is 5.65 lbs.
- Noise is 3-medium
- CO2 mechanism
- Automatic safety
- Fiber option for the rear sight
- Trigger pull is 3 in Hammerli 850 airMagnum accessories
- Target shooting/ Small game hunting/ backyard shooting/ plinking
- 1-year warranty
- Testers were Doug wall
- Model number 2251001
- Serial number G038251
- Price $250 – 280
- 200 – 250 shots per cartridge
- Quick firing 8-shot rotary magazine
- Monte Carlo stock
- 2 stage adjustable trigger in Hammerli 850 hPa in Hammerli 850 accessories
- Product dimensions 12 * 45.1 * 4.2 inches
Accuracy And Speed
The speed of the Hammerli 850 CO2 air rifle can never be compared with the real thing as it does not fulfill the need for the smallest number of shots per fill.
Here is the breakdown of performance for the accuracy and speed of the Hammerli 850 CO2 air rifle.
| Pellet | Muzzle Velocity calculated at 67F-Average | Muzzle Velocity calculated at 75 F-Average | Muzzle Velocity calculated at 90F- Average |
| Gamo Raptor Platinum 9.7 Grain | 674 fps | 690 fps | 720 fps |
| H & N field target trophy green 14.66 grain | 668 fps | 684 fps | 714 fps |
| RWS hobby 11.9 grain | 640 fps | 656 fps | 686 fps |
| Crosman premier HP 14.3 grain | 606 fps | 622 fps | 652 fps |
| JSB Jumbo exact 14.35 grain | 610 fps | 626 fps | 656 fps |
| H&N field target trophy 14.66 grain | 609 fps | 625 fps | 655 fps |
| H&N barracuda match 21.14 grain | 519 fps | 535 fps | 565 fps |
The table mentioned above clearly shows an increased muzzle velocity with an increase in temperature.
But there is a limit on the rise, it cannot be said that it would progress ad infinitum.
At around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, there is an enhanced pressure in the “Valve lock”, which makes the muzzle velocity fall rapidly.
Therefore, it is right to say that around 90 degrees Fahrenheit is the high shooting temperature for CO2-powered air rifles.
The Rateagun score is just 4.1, which is a fantastic score.
Stock
The Hammerli 850 air rifle stock is synthetic, making it a great all-weather air rifle.
Noise
No doubt, it makes a bang!
Appearance
The Hammerli 850 AirMagnum combo comes within the forearm, and of course, it is removable.
The CO2 cylinder is well concealed inside, which makes it more appealing-looking.
The finish of the Hammerli 850 airMagnum air rifle is very impressive because of the well-finished metal part and the well-molded black ambidextrous synthetic stock.
Price
The price of Hammerli 850 AirMagnum in the market is $250-$280.
At such a low price, all the tests conducted by the HAM team are very satisfactory even after winning a bronze medal, I would recommend you to buy the rifle as it passes the major tests with good marks.
Customers Reviews
Customers like it for its exceptional accuracy, easy loading, and changing of the magazine.
Moreover, the very smooth trigger pull is also appreciated.
The safety is also well received.
It’s safe to use and this, of course, makes shooting a more enjoyable experience.
It does not leak CO2 even at a lower temperature or pressure.
Rick Eutsler, the owner of AirGun Web, confessed he’s a fan of the Hammerli 850 Air Magnum for many years:
4. Beeman QB78 CO2 Air Rifle
The Beeman QB78 CO2 air rifle is the best option for those who are searching for a classical look, exceptional accuracy, and affordability.
If you are looking for an air rifle at the lowest possible price yet coming with great features and benefits
The Beeman QB78 and Beeman QB78 deluxe are the best options for you to choose from, whether you’re sport shooting or messing around in the backyard.
The CO2 Bolt action rifles of the QB series have become the first choice in the world of air gunning.
Accuracy, Velocity, And Trajectory
The best accuracy is achieved from 10 meters at 20 inches.
For those who are shooting in their backyard, participating in any sport, or wishing to buy a gun for a child, the Beeman QB78 is the perfect plinker.
While testing the accuracy, we elected to use .177 caliber rounds.
Additionally, the trigger is on the spongy side, with clean engagement and a light break making it good for shooting quickly.
While compared to other low-cost rifles, the Beeman QB78 Deluxe is a perfect choice.
In this table we can see the Beeman QB78 Deluxe 0.22 caliber trajectory, using a fiber optic sight, Crosman Premier HP 14.3gr pellets, and with a sight elevation above the bore of 0.75 inches.
| Range (yds) | Trajectory (in) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft.bls) |
| 5 | 0 | 494 | 7.7 |
| 7 | 0.2 | 487 | 7.5 |
| 10 | 0.4 | 478 | 7.2 |
| 13 | 0.45 | 468 | 7 |
| 17 | 0.3 | 456 | 6.6 |
| 20 | 0 | 447 | 6.4 |
| 23 | -0.4 | 438 | 6.1 |
| 25 | -0.8 | 433 | 6 |
The gun fires round very flatly out to 20 yards, after which there is a drop-off.
For testing hunting capability, we used the Beeman QB78 Deluxe 0.22 caliber, and it was capable of penetrating at 21 yards.
=> Read Beeman QB78 review here
Therefore, it left no doubt that it is capable of killing the birds within 20 yards.
Barrel Length
The length of the barrel of the Beeman QB78 air rifle is 21.5 inches.
Noise
The rifle is quite loud at 2 low-medium.
Trigger
The Beeman QB78 Deluxe air rifle is available with a two-stage trigger as an upgrade.
The trigger is smooth, and quite easy to handle since the total weight of the gun is around 6.5 pounds.
Price
The price of the Beeman QB78 air rifle is $99.
Customers Reviews
Customer reviews are largely positive, but at only $99 dollars it’s hard to complain about the subpar quality.
80% of people were very much satisfied with the product, due in large part to its unbeatable price.
The Beeman QB78 standard and deluxe both come with quality features and benefits.
Moreover, the lightweight is appreciated by most.
Keeping your pocket light, the Beeman QB78 offers a great experience all the same!
5. Crosman DPMS
The Crosman DPMS is a short barrel rifle andCO2 facsimile of an AR-15/M4 platform that shoots 25 BBs in either fully or semi-automatic mode at 1400 rounds/minute.
If you are searching for an AR-15 replica for your training purposes or just to have fun, then the Crosman DPMS is the perfect powerful CO2 air rifle for you.
The Crosman DPMS gives you the feel of an authentic firearm.
You can really feel the full blowback with this one.
The DPMS SBR measures 26.5” & weighs in at 6.5 lbs with the stock collapsed, and with the stock fully extended it measures 30.5”.
The Crosman DPMS has a body made of a premium polymer that looks and feels great.
Specifications
- .177” caliber
- Maximum velocity is 430 fps
- Loudness is 3-medium
- The overall length is 30.4.”
- The shot capacity is 30
- Smoothbore barrel
- Flip-up front sight
- Adjustable for windage rear sight
- Weaver scope able mounts
- Adjustable butt plate
- Suggested for plinking and shooting fun
- Manual safety
- CO2 power plant
- Repeater in function
- Blowback
- Rifle in body
- Adjustment power is fixed
- Weight is 6.5 lbs.
- Stock is synthetic
- Ambi grip
- Black in color
Performance And Accuracy
The Crosman DPMS allows you to experience high accuracy and fun at the same time.
| Ammo tested | Grain | Shot HI | Shot Avg | Energy |
| Crosmancopperheated BBs | 5.1 gr | 420 fps | 403 fps | 1.84 ft-lbs |
| Hornady black diamond BBs | 5.1 gr | 419 fps | 395 fps | 1.77 ft-lbs |
| Air venture dust devil BBs | 4.35 gr | 442 fps | 426 fps | 1.75 ft-lbs |
| H&N smart shot BBs | 7.4 gr | 339 fps | 329 fps | 1.78 ft-lbs |
Noise
On semi-auto, it is not a particularly loud gun, reading 88.5 decibels. This makes it absolutely fine for backyard use.
Trigger
The trigger pull is not light, averaging 10 lbs 7 Oz, which is a speck heavier than typical AR/M4 triggers, which tend to run from 5.5-8.5 lbs.
Loading the CO2
To stack the CO2, lift the front cover off by popping it up.
Insert the initial CO2 cartridge on the left side and utilize the integrated Alien wrench to penetrate it.
If you are not shooting much, then stop here with your CO2 cartridge.
Note that this should be finished in this order or the right cartridge will discharge all of the CO2 at once.
To reduce the loss, warm up the piercing bolt by giving it a quick twist to pierce and seal it completely.
Price
The market price of the Crosman DPMS is about 200 dollars, which is reasonable – neither cheap nor expensive.
It’s a good value though, for the amount of fun you will have with it.
Customer Reviews
The majority of the customers have been satisfied with the air rifle, as it’s been designed and manufactured for simply having fun in the backyard and scaring off pests.
Moreover, the look of the air rifle has been well received.
This air rifle does not feel cheap in your hands – it’s quite tight and robust to touch.
Overall, customers find that the Crosman DPMS is of high quality.
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