Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles – Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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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!

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:

IMAGEPRODUCTDETAILSLINK
Best Overall
Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)
Airforce Texan LSS
  • Calibers: .257,.30,.357,.457,.510
  • Max Velocity: 960 FPS
  • Max Muzzle Energy: 800 FPE

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Best Price
hammer Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)
Umarex Hammer
  • Calibers: .50, .51
  • Max Velocity: 1000 FPS
  • Max Muzzle Energy: 705 FPE

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Best Shotgun
wingshot Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)
Seneca Wingshot II
  • Calibers: .50
  • Max Velocity: 1130 FPS
  • Max Muzzle Energy: 360 FPE

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Best For Hogs
Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)
Airforce Texan Big Bore
  • Calibers: .257,.30,.357,.457,.510
  • Max Velocity: 960 FPS
  • Max Muzzle Energy: 700 FPE

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Most Versatile
seneca Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)
Seneca Dragon Claw
  • Calibers:  .50
  • Max Velocity: 679 FPS
  • Max Muzzle Energy: 230 FPE

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1. Airforce Texan LSS

Texan 50 cal Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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!

PY 4890 AirForce Texan LSS Moderated 1649270317 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

Chrony tests

CalibersPelletsFPSFPE
.457 Hornady Round Balls 143 Gr1050350.16
.25772 grain bullet1130204.2
.457 290 grain813426
.457 350 grain780473

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.
PY 4890 AirForce Texan LSS Moderated 1649270342 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

Pros and Cons

PY 4890 AirForce Texan LSS Moderated 1649270322 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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2. Umarex Hammer

hammer1 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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.

PY 4336 Umarex Hammer 50 PCP 1580841622 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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
PY 4336 Umarex Hammer 50 PCP 1580841590 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

Pros and Cons

ProsCons
  • Affordable price
  • Well-built and powerful
  • Can take down deer and Cape Buffalo
  • Well-balanced and not too heavy (8.5 lbs)
  • The bolt is not of great material and does not like cold weather
PY 4336 Umarex Hammer 50 PCP 1580841597 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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3. Seneca Wing Shot II

PY 3777 Seneca Wing Shot Shotgun 1673015116 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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

CalibersPelletsFPSFPE
.50Air Venturi 177gr739215
.50Air Venturi 430 gr Air Bolt507246
PY 3777 Air Venturi Wing Shot 1486066340 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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
PY 3777 Air Venturi Wing Shot 1486066334 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

Pros and Cons

PY 3777 Seneca Wing Shot Shotgun 1673015112 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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4. Airforce Texan

OL Texan 5 scaled 1 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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!

LUKES DALE RIVER BUCK 1 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

Accuracy

CalibersPelletsDistancesGroups
.308JSB EXACT DIABOLO, 50.15 Gr50 yards1/2"
.308JSB Exacts....50.15 gr25 yardsnickel size
.457340 grain 100 yards0.75"
.457143 grain round ball50 yardsone hole
.457150 gr ball75 yards3/4"
.457Air Venturi FP 350 gr50 yards0.73"
.357Aero Magnum 50 yards0.66"
.357Predator Polymag50 yards1.42"
.357Aero Magnum 100 yards1.31"

Chrony tests

CalibersPelletsFPSFPE
.357JSB Diabolo Exact 81.02 gr1100217.74
.30Slug 85 grains 1040204.19
.457Air Venturi Round Ball 143 Grains1016327.85
.357Air Venturi Round Ball 66 grain1066166.58
.357Air Venturi Flat Point 127 grain847202.36
.30Nielson 122 gr. hollow point
692129.76
.30Hunter Supply 134 gr. s.p.
721154.71
.457Semi-wadcutters 215 Grains835332.94
.457Air Venturi Round Ball 143 Grains, 1044 346.17
.457Slugs Nielsen 350 gr809508.77
.457Slugs 405 gr765526.42
.457Air Venturi FP 350 gr710391.87
.257Nielsen 85gr1048207.35
.257Areo Magnum 70gr1139201.7
.457Air Venturi PHP 250gr813367.01
.457Air Venturi SWC 265gr820395.76
.457Air Venturi FP 350 gr746432.62
.457Air Venturi FP 405 gr704445.82
.357Aero Magnum 128gr915238.02
.357Predator Polymag 81gr989175.97
.457Roundball 143 gr907261.28
.457Hollow point 200 gr848319.43
.457Round Nose 350 gr791486.38
.457Round Nose 405 gr750505.98
.457Hunters Specialty 310gr806447.29
.457Hunters Specialty 350gr769459.7
PY 3575 AirForce Texan Big Bore 1649428416 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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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.
PY 3575 AirForce Texan Big Bore 1649428411 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

Pros and Cons

PY 3575 AirForce Texan Big Bore 1649428382 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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5. Seneca Dragon Claw

DragonClaw Airbolt Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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.

PY 2500 Dragon Claw Dual Tank 1691155800 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

Chrony tests

CalibersPelletsFPSFPE
.50Air Venturi Round Ball 177 gr630156.03
.50Air Venturi FP 336 gr556230.7
.50300 grain Pellet738362.9
.50Air Venturi 210gr640191.04
.50Air Venturi 336 gr545221.66
PY 2500 Dragon Claw Dual Tank 1691158161 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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
PY 2500 Dragon Claw Dual Tank 1691155818 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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Recommended uses:

  • Small/medium/large game hunting: hogs, buffalos, deers, groundhogs, coyotes, javelinas.

Pros and Cons

ProsCons
  • Great looking
  • Powerful and consistent
  • Can shoot multiple projectiles (bullets or arrows)
  • Very little recoil
  • Save a ton of ammo
  • Easy cleaning
  • Two power setting
  • A little bit heavy
PY 2500 Dragon Claw Dual Tank 1691155844 Best .50 Caliber Air Rifles - Top 5 Hard-hitting Pellet Guns for Big Games (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

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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.

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