Finding the best .50 air rifle can be a daunting task. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to know which is the right one for you. In this blog post, we will outline some of the best .50 air rifles on the market and what makes them stand out from the competition. Keep reading for our top picks!
Table of Contents
Top-rated .50 caliber Air Guns
If you are in a hurry, here is an overview of the highlight candidates in our list of best .50 air rifles in 2024:
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | LINK |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
 | Airforce Texan LSS |
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Best Price
 | Umarex Hammer |
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Best Shotgun
 | Seneca Wingshot II |
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Best For Hogs
 | Airforce Texan Big Bore |
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Most Versatile
 | Seneca Dragon Claw |
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1. Airforce Texan LSS
The AirForce Texan LSS PCP air rifle gives shooters the best of both worlds by combining the power of a full-sized Texan with the sound suppression system of the Texan SS.
The concept for the LSS comes from direct feedback from hunters in the field who wanted the extra power and ability to shoot heavier slugs provided by the traditional Texan with the added benefits of a quieter gun like the Texan SS.
Easy to load and simple to use, this Big Bore air rifle will let you focus on hunting with the knowledge you have enough power to get the job done.
The addition of .357 and .308 Calibers provides greater flexibility for predators, varmints, and other small to medium size games. So if you’re looking for an air rifle that can do it all, look no further than the AirForce Texan LSS!
Chrony tests
| Calibers | Pellets | FPS | FPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| .457 | Hornady Round Balls 143 Gr | 1050 | 350.16 |
| .257 | 72 grain bullet | 1130 | 204.2 |
| .457 | 290 grain | 813 | 426 |
| .457 | 350 grain | 780 | 473 |
Features:
- Velocity: Up to 1100 FPS
- Pressure relief device
- Max Fill Pressure: 3000 psi/200 bar
- Energy: up to 700 foot-pounds
- Adjustable power
- 490cc air tank
- Two-stage, adjustable trigger
- Safety: automatic on cocking
- Lothar Walther barrel
- Low-effort, sidelever cocking
- Features acoustic baffle system
Recommended uses
- Pest control – small/medium/large game hunting: deer, hogs, rabbits, squirrels, coyotes.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
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2. Umarex Hammer
When it comes to air rifles, there is simply no comparison to the Umarex Hammer.
This incredible rifle can shoot a 550-grain pellet at a staggering 760 FPS, making it one of the most powerful air rifles on the market today. With an impressive 705 ft-lbs of energy, the Hammer can take down even the largest game with ease.
And because it uses compressed air instead of gunpowder, it produces very little noise and recoil, making it ideal for hunting situations. Whether you’re looking for power and accuracy, or want an air rifle that is in a class all by itself, the Umarex Hammer is a perfect choice.
Features:
Umarex Hammer .510/.50 PCP Air Rifle
- Precharged pneumatic (PCP)
- German made Barrel with .510 diameter grooves
- 2-round chamber magazine (includes 2)
- Rifled barrel
- Straight pull speed-bolt with 2 lbs cocking effort
- 3-lb trigger weight
- Regulated to 3,000 psi per shot
- 4,500 fill pressure (24 cubic inch carbon fiber tank)
- Built-in manometer (pressure gauge)
- Weaver/Picatinny optics rail
- PolyOne designed and manufactured stock
- AR Magpul style grip
- Integrated rear sling stud
- 3 slots in forearm grip to accept M-LOK attachments
- Quick Disconnect Foster fitting
- 43.75-inch overall length
- 8.5 pound overall weight unloaded without scope
- 29.5-inch barrel length with full-length composite shroud
- Made in the USA
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
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3. Seneca Wing Shot II
The Seneca Wing Shot II Air Rifle is a versatile and powerful air rifle that is perfect for hunting small to large games. With a caliber of 0.50″ and a barrel length of 22.5″, this shotgun air rifle has the power and accuracy you need to take down your prey.
The hardwood stock provides a smooth, comfortable grip while the bead front sight ensures precise aiming. The ventilated rib makes it easy to acquire your target, making this air rifle perfect for any hunting situation.
Whether you’re looking to take down a big buck or some pesky varmints, the Seneca Wing Shot II Air Rifle has the power and performance you need to get the job done right.
Chrony tests
| Calibers | Pellets | FPS | FPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| .50 | Air Venturi 177gr | 739 | 215 |
| .50 | Air Venturi 430 gr Air Bolt | 507 | 246 |
Features:
- Precharged pneumatic (PCP)
- Single-shot
- Smoothbore
- Bead front sight (no rear sight)
- Built-in manometer (pressure gauge)
- Ambidextrous hardwood stock
- Removable choke
- Single air reservoir (244cc)
- Shoots .50-caliber lead bullets or .50-caliber shotshells
- Shoots .50-caliber Air Venturi Air Bolts
Recommended uses
- Small/Medium/big game hunting: javelinas, deer, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, prairie dogs
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
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4. Airforce Texan
The AirForce Texan is the world’s most powerful production air rifle, and it just got even more powerful. With .45-caliber bullets reaching up to 1,000 fps and 600+ ft-lbs of force, thanks to the updated TX2 valve, the AirForce Texan is a real powerhouse.
With its adjustable power settings, you can customize the rifle to your specific needs.
It also features a pressure relief device, making it safe and easy to use. The low-effort side lever cocking system makes cocking the rifle a breeze.
The Texan is available in .257, .308, .357, .457, or .510 caliber and comes in an original black finish.
Easily load a projectile, cock the gun, take aim, squeeze the trigger, and deliver jaw-dropping power. Because the gun doesn’t come with open sights, you’ll need to mount a scope. But that’s no problem because an entire world of hunting opportunities has just opened up to you!
Accuracy
| Calibers | Pellets | Distances | Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| .308 | JSB EXACT DIABOLO, 50.15 Gr | 50 yards | 1/2" |
| .308 | JSB Exacts....50.15 gr | 25 yards | nickel size |
| .457 | 340 grain | 100 yards | 0.75" |
| .457 | 143 grain round ball | 50 yards | one hole |
| .457 | 150 gr ball | 75 yards | 3/4" |
| .457 | Air Venturi FP 350 gr | 50 yards | 0.73" |
| .357 | Aero Magnum | 50 yards | 0.66" |
| .357 | Predator Polymag | 50 yards | 1.42" |
| .357 | Aero Magnum | 100 yards | 1.31" |
Chrony tests
| Calibers | Pellets | FPS | FPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| .357 | JSB Diabolo Exact 81.02 gr | 1100 | 217.74 |
| .30 | Slug 85 grains | 1040 | 204.19 |
| .457 | Air Venturi Round Ball 143 Grains | 1016 | 327.85 |
| .357 | Air Venturi Round Ball 66 grain | 1066 | 166.58 |
| .357 | Air Venturi Flat Point 127 grain | 847 | 202.36 |
| .30 | Nielson 122 gr. hollow point | 692 | 129.76 |
| .30 | Hunter Supply 134 gr. s.p. | 721 | 154.71 |
| .457 | Semi-wadcutters 215 Grains | 835 | 332.94 |
| .457 | Air Venturi Round Ball 143 Grains, | 1044 | 346.17 |
| .457 | Slugs Nielsen 350 gr | 809 | 508.77 |
| .457 | Slugs 405 gr | 765 | 526.42 |
| .457 | Air Venturi FP 350 gr | 710 | 391.87 |
| .257 | Nielsen 85gr | 1048 | 207.35 |
| .257 | Areo Magnum 70gr | 1139 | 201.7 |
| .457 | Air Venturi PHP 250gr | 813 | 367.01 |
| .457 | Air Venturi SWC 265gr | 820 | 395.76 |
| .457 | Air Venturi FP 350 gr | 746 | 432.62 |
| .457 | Air Venturi FP 405 gr | 704 | 445.82 |
| .357 | Aero Magnum 128gr | 915 | 238.02 |
| .357 | Predator Polymag 81gr | 989 | 175.97 |
| .457 | Roundball 143 gr | 907 | 261.28 |
| .457 | Hollow point 200 gr | 848 | 319.43 |
| .457 | Round Nose 350 gr | 791 | 486.38 |
| .457 | Round Nose 405 gr | 750 | 505.98 |
| .457 | Hunters Specialty 310gr | 806 | 447.29 |
| .457 | Hunters Specialty 350gr | 769 | 459.7 |
Features:
- Velocity: up to 1100 feet per second*
- Max Fill Pressure: 3000 psi / 200 bar (Only use compressed air or dry nitrogen)
- Action: Single shot
- Weight: 7.65 lbs
- Length: 48 inches
- Barrel:34 inches
- Trigger: 2 stages, adjustable for position
- Sights: Open or optical may be installed
- Air Tank Volume: 490cc
- Safety: Automatic on cocking
- Energy: up to 650-foot pounds
Recommended uses
- Pest control – small/medium/large game hunting: deer, hogs, groundhogs, squirrels, rabbits, coyotes.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
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5. Seneca Dragon Claw
The Seneca Dragon Claw is a powerful PCP air rifle that can shoot .50-caliber projectiles with 230 ft-lbs. of muzzle energy. This makes it a great choice for hunting larger animals like feral hogs, javelinas, coyotes, and foxes.
With two large air reservoirs, you can get more shots from a single fill, making it ideal for extended hunting trips. The Dragon Claw also features a quick-disconnect Foster fitting for easy filling, and an onboard pressure gauge so you can keep an eye on your air levels.
The Seneca Dragon Claw is one of the few .50 cal air rifles that shoot arrows. Whether you’re looking to take down some large game or just want the added power and flexibility that this rifle offers, the Seneca Dragon Claw is a great choice.
Chrony tests
| Calibers | Pellets | FPS | FPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| .50 | Air Venturi Round Ball 177 gr | 630 | 156.03 |
| .50 | Air Venturi FP 336 gr | 556 | 230.7 |
| .50 | 300 grain Pellet | 738 | 362.9 |
| .50 | Air Venturi 210gr | 640 | 191.04 |
| .50 | Air Venturi 336 gr | 545 | 221.66 |
Features:
- Precharged pneumatic (PCP)
- Single-shot
- Rifled barrel
- Bolt-action with longer cocking handle
- Fixed front sight
- Fully adjustable, removable rear sight
- Dual air chambers (500cc total air capacity)
- 3,000 psi max fill pressure
- Built-in manometer (pressure gauge)
- 11mm scope rail (use only compact scopes)
- 2 power levels (first bolt stop is low power, second is high)
- Up to 860 FPS with 177 grain round balls
- Up to 600 FPS with Seneca Air Bolts
- Up to 340 FPE with 336 grain flat nose slugs
- Hardwood Monte Carlo stock with checkered forearm & grip
- Raised right-hand cheekpiece
- Includes Male Quick-Disconnect Foster Fill Connection on rifle
Recommended uses:
- Small/medium/large game hunting: hogs, buffalos, deers, groundhogs, coyotes, javelinas.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
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FAQs
What can you hunt with a .50 cal air rifle?
.50 caliber air rifles can be used to hunt a range of games, including small animals like squirrels and rabbits, as well as larger ones such as deer or hogs. It can even take down bears or buffalos with properly placed shots.
What’s the most affordable .50 caliber air rifle?
The least expensive .50 caliber air rifle at this time is the Umarex Hammer. It is a synthetic stocked 2-shot precharged pneumatic air rifle that offers great accuracy and power at a price that is well below other rifles of the same caliber.
How powerful are .50 caliber rifles?
The power of a .50 caliber rifle can vary greatly depending on the specific model. With current .50 caliber PCP air rifles getting up to 800 ft-lbs of energy, these guns can be very powerful, making them great for hunting hogs, deer & larger predators.
