Teddy Roosevelt and Ishi.

I greatly admire these two men.

And I haven’t yet got tired of re-reading their hunting stories – time after time.

Of course, they didn’t have the best break barrel air rifle on the market,

But they still made it to the list of greatest hunters of all time.

If you are not so well versed in American history, Ishi was the very last member of the Yahi tribe.

The rest of the tribesmen had perished in the California genocide between 1849 and 1870. 

For the next 44 years, Ishi survived in the wilderness with a few relatives of his, until he was “discovered”.

Two other well-known hunters, Art Young and Saxton Pope took him in as a refugee.

That is when Ishi passed on his unrivaled hunting skills to the native American Tribe known as Yahi. 

Ishi had really mastered the art of stealth hunting.

Additionally, he would call quite a number of game animals with his own mouth!

And that’s how he survived for decades in the wilderness.

Then came the beloved Teddy Roosevelt – the 26th US president from 1901 to 1909.

How he loved wildlife!

So much so that he traveled with 250 men to the jungles of Africa for a hunting trip.

By the close of the trip, they had hunted down 1,100 game animals – of which 500 were large species – think of buffaloes, rhinos, elephants, and the like.

While Ishi mainly used the bow and arrow, Teddy Roosevelt gloried in his .500/450 caliber Holland & Holland double rifle, as well as the .405 Winchester firearm. 

Now, firearms and crossbows aside, can an air rifle sneak you into the hunter’s hall of fame?

That is actually the thought that ignited my interest in air rifles.

For now, let us focus on break-barrel air rifles.

Top-rated Break Barrels Air Rifle

If you are in a hurry, here is an overview of all the candidates in our list of best break barrel air rifles 2023:

Best break barrel air rifle Overall: Beeman R9

This had to top our list.

Germany has been known to produce some of the best goods around the world, and the German-based Beeman is no exception.

Statista’s Made-In-Country Index reveals that: 

“Made in Germany” is the most highly regarded quality label for goods and services around the world, outshining other major exporting nations’ trust marks such as “Made in USA” or “Made in UK”.

Perhaps the first feature of Beeman R9 you’ll fall in love with is the Rekord trigger. 

Certainly, it is of the two-stage adjustable design – with the first stage comfortably light and the second stage adequately crisp.

You only need a 2.1-pounds pull on the trigger to fire the airgun.

Additionally, you’ll marvel at the exceptional attention to detail employed in manufacturing.

Talk of a splendidly stained hardwood ambidextrous stock onto which other fittings and moving parts are attached with the highest achievable level of precision. 

The Beeman R9 is equally good in performance, on top of the looks.

The .177 caliber gives you an average of 14 FPE, while the .22 model yields about 17 FPE.

That should be enough for all your plinking, targeting shooting, pest eradication, and small game hunting needs. 

Accuracy

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.22	Crosman Premiere Hollow Point 14.3 gr	20 yards	dime size
.22	Air Arms Diabolo Field 16 Gr	25 yards	dime size
.177	H&N Baracuda Match 10.65 gr	10 yards	0.16"
.177	H&N Baracuda Match 10.65 gr	20 yards	0.17"
.177	H&N Baracuda Match 10.65 gr	30 yards	0.49"
.22	Predator GTO 11.75 Gr	25 yards	0.5"
.22	Predator GTO 11.75 Gr	50 yards	1"
.22	H&N Barracuda Hunter Extreme	20 yards	1/4"
.22	RWS Meisterkugeln 14 gr	50 yards	dime size
.177	Beeman Kodiak Match 10.65 gr	60 yards	quarter size
.22	H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 gr	25 yards	0.5"
.177	H&N Baracuda Match 10.65 gr	25 yards	0.4"
.22	Beeman FTS Double Gold 14.66 Gr	25 yards	one hole
.22	JSB Exact pellet	25 yards	dime size
.22	RWS Hobby pellet	30 meters	dime size
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Express 14.3 gr	50 yards	quarter size
.177	H&N Field Target Trophy 8.64 Gr	25 yards	dime size
.177	H&N Baracuda Match 10.65 Gr	25 yards	dime size
.177	RWS Supermag 9.3 gr	25 yards	1/2"
.177	Crosman Premier Heavy 10.5 gr	20 yards	dime size
.177	Predator Polymag 8.0 gr	25 yards	1/4"
.177	Beeman FTS 8.64 gr	50 yards	7/16"
.22	RWS Meisterkugeln 14gr	20 yards	0.22"
.22	JSB Hades 15.89 gr	25 yards	0.44"
.22	H&N Terminator 16.36gr	25 yards	0.35"
.22	H&N Terminator 16.36gr	50 yards	0.65"

Chrony tests

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.22	H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 gr	750	18.32
.20	JSB Exact 13.9 gr	708	15.48
.20	H&N Field Target 11.42 gr	772	15.12
.22	Predator GTO 11.75 Gr	757	14.95
.20	H&N Field Target 11.42 gr	780	15.43
.22	RWS Meisterkugeln 14 gr	741	17.07
.22	H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 gr	730	17.35
.20	Beeman H&N Match 10.03 Gr	820	14.98
.22	Beeman FTS Double Gold 14.66 Gr	680	15.06
.177	JSB Match Diabolo Exact 8.44 Gr	860	13.86
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 14.3 Gr	725	16.69
.22	H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 gr	700	15.95
.177	JSB Match Diabolo Exact 8.4 Gr	803	12.03
.177	Crosman Premier 7.9 Gr	830	12.09
.22	RWS Meisterkugeln 14gr	713	16
.22	JSB Hades 15.89 gr	656	15.19
.22	H&N Terminator 16.36gr	658	15.73
.22	H&N Baracuda 18.21 gr	651	17.14
.22	Predator GTO 11.75 gr	814	17.29
.22	JSB Exact Jumbo 13.43 gr	674	13.55
.177	Beeman Kodiak 10.6 gr	770	13.97
.177	RWS Hobby 7.0 gr	931	13.45

Recommended uses

• Target shooting/plinking
• Pest control/ small game hunting: squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, possums, starlings, pigeons.

Pros and Cons

Best High-End break barrel: Weihrauch HW90

The Weihrauch HW90 Breakbarrel Air Rifle combines quality construction with superior accuracy.

With over 50 years of manufacturing experience, Weihrauch sets the standard for air rifles. The natural proportions and beautiful deep bluing give the rifle a classic aesthetic that is sure to stand the test of time.

While many modern airguns provide accuracy, those familiar with Weihrauch’s products know no other brand delivers the same level of precision and reliability as this model.

Whether shooting with or without a scope, you can be sure that you will hit the 10-ring time and time again.

The Weihrauch HW90 break barrel air rifle is a powerful, reliable hunting rifle that you can depend on for decades of use.

Perfect for small to medium-sized pests and games, the gas spring ensures easy cocking while you wait for the ideal shot.

Unlike traditional metal mainsprings that may weaken with time, the HW90 consistently performs at its best no matter how often it’s used.

With hunting with air rifles becoming increasingly popular, this product is perfect for states that are specifying particular games which can be hunted with them.

If you’re not a hunter but still have an interest in quality air guns then the Weihrach HW90 break barrel rifle won’t ever let you down.

Extremely sturdy and long-lasting, this gun will give you optimal performance on a day out at target practice or plinking. With extraordinary craftsmanship embodying German engineering standards, this gun will be sure to bring many years of fun and service.

Accuracy

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.177	Beeman Kodiak 10.65 Tapered dome	25 yards	dime size
.25	Diana magnums 20gr	20 yards	3/4"
.22	H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 Gr	40 yards	0.15"

Chrony tests

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.25	JSB Match Diabolo Exact King 25.39 Gr	562	17.81
.25	JSB Diabolo Exact King Heavy 33.95 Gr	426	13.68
.25	Eun Jin 35.8 Gr	460	16.82
.22	Webley Mosquito 14.35gr	726	16.8
.25	Beeman Kodiak Extra Heavy 31.02 gr	590	23.98
.22	Crosman Premier Hollowpoint 14.3 gr	787	19.67
.22	H&N Hollow Point 12.65 gr	879	21.71

Recommended uses

• Target shooting/plinking
• Pest control/ small game hunting: squirrels, rabbits, rats, pigeons.

Pros and Cons

read review here

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Best break barrel for small game hunting: Diana 350 Magnum

Jim Chapman of Airguns of Arizona laments how hunters are obsessed with pellet velocity and muzzle energy, as opposed to accuracy.

He claims that it only takes a few FPE to humanely kill a rabbit, provided the shot is well placed. 

Therefore, the following FPE chart by Airgun Depot should only serve as an average guide

As you can kill the listed animals with less FPE than the stated values if you are more accurate.

Game	Minimum acceptable caliber	Minimum energy (FPE)
Small birds	.177	5
Medium birds	.177	7
Large birds	.22	11
Squirrel sized game	.22	9
Rabbit sized game	.22	9
Racoon sized game	.22	25
Possum sized game	.22	25
Fox sized game	.22	35
Coyote sized game	.30	50
Javelina sized game	.357	90
Small deer	.357	100
Medium deer	.40	150
Larger deer	.45	200
Hog	.45	200

The above narration is meant to show what you are capable of doing with the Diana 350 Magnum – which shoots pellets at a maximum muzzle velocity of 1250 fps, delivering a killing power of about 23 FPE on average.

That is sure enough for many small-sized and medium-sized games.

The Diana 350 Magnum is a high-powered spring piston air rifle that is perfect for plinking and small game hunting. With its streamlined Monte Carlo beechwood stock and adjustable 2-stage T06 trigger, the Diana 350 Magnum is a force to be reckoned with on the backyard range.

Available in .177 and .22 caliber, this springer can send rounds flying at speeds up to 1,250 fps, making it more than capable of taking down small games at long range.

Each Diana 350 Magnum comes with adjustable rear sights for quick and easy target acquisition, and an 11mm Dovetail scope mount for adding a scope for even more precision.

Add in the Diana T06 2-stage adjustable trigger, which allows you to customize the pull weight, sear engagement, and length of the first stage, and you have a recipe for success on your hands.

So whether you’re looking to take down some tin cans on the range or put meat on the table, the Diana 350 Magnum is sure to get the job done.

Features

• Deep blued
• Rear is adjustable
• Raised cheekpiece
• Monte Carlo buttstock with ventilated buttpad
• Beech stock
• 11mm scope rail
• Ideal for hunting
• T06 Trigger

Accuracy

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.22	JSB Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr	30 yards	0.5"
.22	JSB Diabolo Jumbo 15.89 Gr	30 yards	3/4"
.22	Crosman Premium Ultra Domed 14.3gr	60 yards	1"
.22	Beeman Crow Magnum 18.21 gr	30 yards	nickel size
.177	Beeman Kodiak 10.65 gr	25 yards	dime size
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 18.13 gr	100 ft	nickel size
.22	H&N Crow Magnum 18.21 Gr	20 yards	1/2"
.22	Beeman FTS Copper 14.72 gr	25 yards	1/2"
.177	Crosman Premier 7.9 gr	25 yards	dime size
.22	Beeman Kodiak	50 yards	one hole
.22	JSB Predator	30 yards	one hole
.22	Predator pellet	50 yards	one hole
.22	Crossman premier hollow point	30 yards	0.5"
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 18.13 gr	25 yards	0.58"

Chrony tests

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.22	JSB Diabolo 18.13 gr	775	24.19
.22	JSB 15.89 gr	769	20.87
.22	JSB Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr	738	21.93
.22	RWS Superdome 14.5 gr	875	24.66
.22	Crosman Premier Pellets 14.3 Gr	850	22.95
.177	H&N Baracuda Hunter 10.49 gr	980	22.38
.177	Air Arms Field Heavy Pellet 10.34 gr	986	22.33
.177	Beeman Kodiak 10.65 gr	930	20.46
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 18.13 gr	788	25
.22	RWS Meisterdugeln 14.0 Gr	815	20.65
.22	H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme Pellets 19.09 Gr	752	23.98
.177	Crosman Domed Field 10.5gr	930	20.17
.177	RWS pellet 8.2 gr	1055	20.27
.22	RWS Superdome 14.5 Gr	949.8	29.05
.22	Crosman premier 14.3 gr	855.44	23.24
.22	JSB Exact 15.8 gr	757.9	20.16
.22	RWS Superdome 14.5 Gr	847	23.1
.177	Crosman Premier Light 7.9 gr	850	12.68
.177	Crosman Premier 10.5 grain	810	15.3
.22	RWS Hollow Point 14.2 Gr	825	21.47
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 18.13 gr	778.4	24.4

Recommended uses:

• Target shooting/plinking
• Pest control/small game hunting: woodchucks, possums, gophers, rabbits, eastern grays, crows, squirrels, raccoons, jackrabbits, feral cats, groundhogs, and small foxes.

Pros and Cons

The most powerful break barrel air rifle: Hatsan 135 QE Vortex

The Hatsan Model 135 Vortex QE Breakbarrel Air Rifle is the perfect choice for serious outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and air gun shooters.

Built with Hatsan’s Vortex gas piston, this air rifle provides smoother cocking and shooting with no spring torque or spring fatigue.

Its QuietEnergy shroud and integrated sound moderator make it approximately 50% quieter than without it. The precision rifled, German steel barrel allows for superior accuracy.

The Quattro 2-stage adjustable match trigger is adjustable for trigger-pull weight, first stage, second stage, and length of travel; plus it features a gold-plated metal trigger blade for an extra touch of style and luxury.

Cold weather? No problem: the Hatsan 135 was designed to function perfectly in cold climates.

The Hatsan 135 Vortex QE Breakbarrel Air Rifle is the perfect addition to any outdoors enthusiast’s arsenal, delivering maximum performance and power.

With a max muzzle velocity of 1550 feet per second and a max energy of 34 FPE, this high-powered air rifle offers powerful shooting capabilities.

Hatsan’s patented Shock Absorber System (SAS) and rubber recoil pad work together to reduce felt recoil for comfortable shooting and ease of use.

This air rifle also boasts an 11mm dovetail & Weaver optics rail with an included scope stop, so you can pair it with your preferred scope for precise accuracy.

Even without one, you won’t experience difficulty hitting your target — each Model 135 QE comes standard with micro-adjustable green fiber optic rear sights and a fixed red fiber optic front sight.

To ensure your safety while in use, this air rifle includes manual safety, automatic cocking safety, and an anti-bear trap mechanism.

From its stylish ambidextrous Turkish walnut stock featuring an adjustable Monte Carlo comb and stylish checkering on both the grip and forend, to its powerful design that shoots pellets up to 1000 feet per second in .177 cal, this gun will give you everything you need to take on small game.

But that’s not all – it also has built-in sling mounts so that wherever you go shooting, carrying your rifle will be easier than ever before.

If you’re an outdoors enthusiast or hunter with a taste for the finer details in rifle design, the Hatsan Model 135 QE is the perfect fit for you; reliability and precision combined with elegance and comfort.

Features:

• Single shot, break barrel
• Vortex gas piston
• QuietEnergy shrouded barrel with an integrated sound moderator
• Rifled German steel barrel
• Quattro 2-stage adjustable trigger, with metal trigger blade
• Automatic cocking safety
• Resettable manual safety
• Anti-bear trap safety
• 11mm dovetail and Weaver optics rail with metal scope stop
• Ambidextrous stock with adjustable Monte Carlo cheekpiece
• Turkish walnut stock with checkering on grip and forend
• SAS (shock absorber system) and rubber butt pad for recoil absorption
• Micro-adjustable rear sight, for both windage and elevation, with green fiber optics
• Fixed front sight with red fiber optic
• Built-in sling mounts
• 6 lbs.
• Max Velocity* – Lead-Free Pellets – .177 cal – 1550 FPS, .22 cal – 1250 FPS, .25 cal – 900 FPS
• Max Velocity* – Lead Pellets – .177 cal – 1300 FPS, .22 cal – 1000 FPS, .25 cal – 850 FPS
• Max Muzzle Energy** – .177 cal – 28 FPE, .22 cal – 33 FPE, .25 cal – 34 FPE

Accuracy

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.25	JSB Diabolo Exact King Heavy 33.95 Gr	25 yards	dime size
.25	JSB Diabolo Exact King Heavy 33.95 Gr	35 yards	nickel size
.30	JSB Diabolo Exact 44.75 Gr	25 yards	quarter size
.25	H&N Grizzly 31 gr	40 yards	1"
.30	JSB Diabolo Exact 50.15 Gr	30 yards	one hole
.30	Predator Polymag 44.75 gr	50 yards	.75"

Chrony tests

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.25	JSB Diabolo Exact King Heavy 33.95 Gr	746	42
.30	JSB Diabolo Exact 50.15 Gr	553	34.06
.30	Predator Polymag 44.75 gr	533	28.24
.30	JSB Exact 44.75gr	534	28.34
.25	H&N Field Target Trophy 20.06 gr	780	27.11
.25	H&N Hornet 22.07 gr	750	27.57
.30	JSB Diabolo Exact 44.75 Gr	570	32.29
.25	H&N Grizzly 31gr	692	33
.22	JSB Match Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13gr	810	26.42
.25	JSB Diabolo Exact King 25.39 gr	820	37.92
.30	JSB Diabolo Exact 50.15 Gr	595	39.43
.22	H&N Slug HP Heavy 36 Gr	716	40.99
.30	Predator Polymag 44.75 gr	550	30.07
.30	JSB Diabolo Exact 50.15 Gr	553	34.06
.22	Crosman Premier 14.3 gr	924	27.12
.25	H&N Field Target Trophy 20.06 Gr	785	27.46
.22	Predator Polymag 15.89 gr	938	31.05

Recommended uses

• Pest control/small game hunting: squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, coyotes, groundhogs.

Pros and Cons

read review here

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Best break barrel air rifle under $150: Black Ops Tactical Sniper Combo

Meet the Black Ops Tactical Sniper Spring piston Breakbarrel Air Rifle. With its outstanding accuracy and range, it is the perfect tool for outdoors enthusiasts and avid air rifle shooters.

This high-powered pellet gun is capable of firing .177 caliber (4.5mm) pellets at speeds up to 1,250 FPS with incredible consistency and power.

You don’t need to worry about spooking the game when using this Sniper Rifle as it was designed to be extremely quiet, in fact, it comes with an attached suppressor for sound control.

With a simple cock break loading mechanism and durable construction materials, you can trust that you are getting quality and performance from this air rifle every time you use it.

The Black Ops Tactical Sniper Spring piston Breakbarrel Air Rifle is the ultimate tool for all outdoor enthusiasts and hunters who strive for accuracy and precision.

This high-caliber air rifle boasts a smooth trigger pull, blued steel construction for incredible toughness and durability, as well as a comfortable grip for hours of comfortable shooting.

The sniper piece also comes with a 6-inch Picatinny rail for mounting any compatible optics or accessories, plus an adjustable bi-pod to ensure you hit your target every time.

And if that wasn’t enough, this air rifle also comes with a 4×32 rifle scope with cover and an adjustable cheek rest so that you can get into proper shooting form even faster.

Features:

• Powerplant: Gas-piston/Spring -piston
• Break barrel
• Single-shot
• Muzzlebrake for extra cocking leverage
• Weaver/Picatinny optics rail
• Adjustable comb
• Synthetic stock
• Automatic safety
• 44 lbs. cocking effort
• 44 inches long
• Bipod legs extend from 8″ to 10″
• Bipod legs fold up out of the way
• Includes 4×32 scope (unmounted), mount, and adjustable bipod attached to the forearm
• Includes detachable open sights (.22 cal version only!)

Accuracy

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.177	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 7.9 gr	20 yards	0.5"
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point Pellets 14.3 Gr	10 yards	nickle size
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point Pellets 14.3 Gr	20 yards	dime size
.22	H&N Crow Magnum 18.21 Gr	35 yards	quarter size

Chrony tests

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.177	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 7.9 gr	947	15.74
.22	RWS Hyper Velocity 11 gr	833	16.95
.177	Crosman Destroyer 7.90 gr	1081	20.5
.177	H&N Baracuda Match 10.65 gr	925	20.24
.177	RWS HyperMAX 5.2 Gr	1232	17.53
.177	RWS Hobby 7gr	1057	17.37
.177	RWS Superdome 8.3 gr	937	16.19
.177	JSB Match Diabolo Exact 8.44 Gr	986	18.22
.177	H&N Field Target Trophy 8.64 Gr	938	16.88
.177	H&N Crow Magnum 8.80 Gr	918	16.47
.177	Gamo Rocket 9.6 Gr	902	17.35
.177	Crosman Premier Heavy 10.5 Gr	855	17.05
.177	Beeman Silver Arrow 11.57 gr	808	16.78

Recommended uses

• Target shooting/plinking

• Pest control/small game hunting: rats, raccoons, quails, doves, rabbits.

Pros and Cons

read review here

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Best break barrel air rifle for the money: Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X Gen3i

The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10x Gen3i Gas-piston Break-barrel Air Rifle is the perfect embodiment of cutting-edge air rifle technology for outdoors enthusiasts and air rifle shooters alike.

An innovative 10X GEN3i Inertia Fed Magazine allows for the rapid reloading of 10 shots in a lighter, more compact, and low-profile package.

An upgraded mechanism makes the magazine rotate to rapidly insert pellets into the breech using the inertia of the recoil when shooting.

The improved accuracy, smoother operation, and terminal penetration make this air rifle a must-have for any competitive marksman.

Ultimately, experience maximum performance in an outdoor setting with IGT Mach 1 high-power gas piston technology.

With more precision, less vibration, and true knockdown power, this 33-millimeter cylinder sends pellets up to 1650 FPS with alloy ammo – allowing you to strike targets with maximum force and accuracy.

Combining these top-tier features, Gamo Swarm Magnum 10x Gen3i Gas-piston Break-barrel Air Rifle provides both recreational shooters and serious marksmen alike with an exceptional tool of modernity that simply cannot be rivaled by conventional firearms.

The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10x Gen3i is the ideal choice for any outdoors enthusiast, hunter, or air rifle shooter.

With its Whisper Fusion technology and CAT Trigger, you get the perfect combination of silence and precision.

The Whisper Fusion technology utilizes a double-integrated sound moderator to make it the quietest air rifle in Gamo’s line of products. As you fire off shots, the pellet travels through two different chambers, compressing and preventing any noise expansion.

With its independent adjustable 1st and 2nd stages, the CAT Trigger allows you to tailor your trigger to how you want it – giving you complete control over your shot.

Thanks to its Recoil Reducing Rail and All-Weather Thumbhole Synthetic Stock, you get recoil reduction that’s almost 100%, plus lightweight construction that provides steady and reliable performance in any weather.

The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X Gen3i features a two-piece aluminum construction rail separated by dual polymer struts to absorb shock waves produced by the recoil.

The size and shape of the stock have been carefully crafted to fit most shooters, providing a perfect alignment with your scope for optimal accuracy.

Not only does it look impressive, but this lightweight, the tough design allows for all-weather shooting when outdoors – so you can enjoy shooting no matter the weather!

Features:

• 10X GEN 2 Quick-Shot inertia-fed magazine
• Max velocity: 1300 fps with alloy, 975 fps with lead
• Break barrel
• .22 cal
• IGT Mach 1 gas piston
• 2 stage adjustable Custom Action Trigger (CAT)
• Checkered grip and forearm
• Whisper Fusion noise suppression
• Automotive grade glass-filled nylon all-weather thumbhole stock
• Shock Wave Absorber (SWA) recoil pad
• Recoil Reducing Rail (RRR)
• Barrel length: 21.3″
• Overall length: 49.2″
• 5-year limited warranty

Accuracy

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.177	Gamo Precision	60 yards	1"
.22	Gamo Red Fire 15.4 Gr	30 yards	one hole
.22	JSB Match Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr	40 yards	1"

Chrony tests

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.22	Gamo Red Fire 15.4 Gr	934	29.84
.22	H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme 19gr	833	29.28
.22	JSB Match Diabolo Hades 15.89 Gr	835	24.61
.22	H&N Baracuda Green 13gr	935	25.24
.22	H&N Hornet 16.2 gr	895	28.82

Recommended uses

• Pest control/small game hunting: squirrels, rabbits, pigeons.

Pros and Cons

Best nitro piston break barrel under $100: Crosman Diamondback SBD NP Elite

Perhaps you are skeptical of spending big on your first airgun. Don’t let that worry you though.

The Diamondback SBD Nitro piston air rifle is the best bet. Only 100 bucks and you are ready to start your shooting.

With a Nitro Piston as the main power plant, this airgun is already advantageous over other break barrel air rifles with metal springs in the following ways:

• Nitro piston allows smoother cocking than metal springs
• Nitro piston is more durable than metal springs
• Nitro Piston does not experience spring fatigue as metal springs do when left cocked for extended periods of time
• The performance of air rifles with Nitro Piston power plants is not compromised during cold weather – as is the case with metal springs

The Crosman® Diamondback .22 Break Barrel Air Rifle offers the perfect combination of power, accuracy, and convenience.

With Nitro Piston Elite technology, this gun is up to 70% quieter than other models in its class.

It also delivers a noticeably lighter, smoother cocking force.

Featuring a durable synthetic stock that stands up to any weather conditions and a rifled steel barrel for longer-range shooting, this rifle is fit for even the most serious hunter or outdoors enthusiast.

Equipped with QuietFire sound suppression technology and an adjustable two-stage CleanBreak Trigger, you can make your shot cleanly and quietly time after time with the Diamondback air rifle.

And with velocities of up to 1100 FPS, this gun has the power and accuracy needed for both short and long-range shooting. Outfitted with adjustable rear and front sights for easy target acquisition, this makes this one package that you’ll be sure to love!

Features:

• Nitro Piston Elite (gas piston)
• Break barrel
• Single-shot
• Rifled steel barrel
• Adjustable 2-stage trigger CBT=Clean Break Trigger
• Front and rear sights
• 11 Dovetail rail
• Manual safety
• All-weather black synthetic stock
• SBD sound suppression system (Gold Level)
• Sling mounts (rear post/front loop)
• Includes CenterPoint 4×32 scope

Accuracy

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 14.3 Gr	65 yards	quarter size
.22	Rifle Premium 18.67gr	25 yards	one hole
.22	Seneca Hunting Pellets 32.4 gr	30 yards	nickel size
.22	CPHP	50 yards	1"

Chrony tests

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 14.3 Gr	841	22.46
.22	Crosman Essential Domed 13.7 Gr	906	24.98
.22	RWS Hobby 11.9gr	923	22.52
.22	JSB Match Diabolo Hades 15.89 Gr	790	22.03
.177	Crosman Premier Pointed 7.4 gr	1025	17.27

Recommended uses

• Target shooting/plinking

• Pest control/small game hunting: rats, skunks, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits.

Pros and Cons

Best break barrel air rifle under $200: Ruger Air Magnum

Imagine FPEs of up to 26 with the .177 model and 32 with the .22 caliber!

Calling the Ruger Air Magnum a beast wouldn’t be exaggerating.

And remember you are getting this at less than 200 USD.

As such, buy this if your intent is to go shooting.

You really don’t need that power for soda can plinking – unless you simply find joy in really disfiguring your targets.

Be sure the black synthetic stock will last you for years and years to come.

You’ll also find its 2-stage adjustable trigger nice – not to mention the reliable fiber optic sights and the automatic safety.

Features

• Spring-piston
• Breakbarrel
• All-weather synthetic stock
• Ambi Monte Carlo stock
• Rubber recoil pad
• 2-stage adjustable trigger
• Fiber optic sights (fully adj. rear)
• Weaver scope rail
• 42 lbs. cocking effort
• 14.25″ length of pull
• 3.5 lbs. trigger-pull
• 9.5 lbs.
• Incl. 4×32 airgun scope & rings

Accuracy

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.22	H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme 18.52 gr	20 yards	3/8"
.22	Predator Polymag 15.89 gr	35 yards	1/2"
.177	Beeman Kodiak Match 10.65 gr	60 yards	1/4"
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point Pellets 14.3 Gr	25 yards	dime size
.177	H&N Baracuda Match 10.65gr	25 yards	0.44"
.22	JSB 18.13gr	20 yards	0.13"

Chrony tests

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.177	Crosman Premier Piranha sawtooth Hollow Point 10.5 gr	886	18.31
.22	Crosman SSP 9.5 Gr	1114	26.18
.22	RWS Hobby 11.9 gr	952	23.95
.22	Crosman Premier Domed 14.3 Gr	911	26.36
.22	Crosman Premier Destroyer 14.30 gr	935	27.77
.177	Crosman Premier Ultra Magnum 10.5 gr	990	22.86
.22	H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme 18.52 gr	781	25.09
.22	H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 Gr	825	22.16
.177	RWS Hobby 7.0 Gr	1036	16.69
.177	Winchester Hollowpoint 9.75 Gr	1201	31.24
.177	Crosman Heavy 10.50 gr	992	22.95
.177	Beeman Kodiak Extra Heavy 10.65 gr	979	22.67
.177	Stoeger X-Speed PBA 5.56 gr	1378	23.45
.22	RWS Hobby 11.9 gr	925	22.61
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point Pellets 14.3 Gr	821	21.41
.177	H&N Barracuda 10.65 gr	1018	24.51
.177	Gamo TS-10 10.49 gr	1029	24.67
.177	Beeman Pointed 8.53 gr	1212	27.83
.177	H&N Baracuda Match 10.65gr	1019	24.56
.22	RWS Meisterkugeln 14 gr	897	25.02
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr	779	24.44

Recommended uses

• Target shooting/plinking
• Pest control/small game hunting: squirrels, raccoons, birds, gophers, skunks, possums.

Pros and Cons

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Best break barrel air rifle under $300: Hatsan MOD 130S Vortex QE

Yet another beast from Hatsan Arms Company. 

This is specifically built for the hunting games – the reason is it comes in .30 caliber only.

Shooting the .30 pellets will give you muzzle velocities of 590 fps and muzzle energy of up to 34 FPE.

That is pretty enough to authoritatively knock down many small and medium-sized game animals. 

What’s more, it features the patented QE (Quiet Energy) by Hatsan.

This significantly reduces the air rifle noise so as not to scare away animals before hitting them. 

To reduce the recoil and prevent scope damage, this powerful air rifle is fitted with a Shock Absorber System, in addition to the rubber buttplate. 

The Hatsan MOD 130S Vortex QE Gas piston Break-barrel Air Rifle is an optimal choice for any air rifle enthusiast or hunter. For durability in any weather, this rifle features a solid all-weather stock with integrated swivel sling mounts, making it perfect for the trail.

The included adjustable comb ensures you are set up properly and get your ideal cheek relief with each shot.

The ergonomic design makes this a great shooter and easy to maneuver in the wild; checkering on the grip gives improved control, while a rubberized buttpad allows for a customized length of pull.

With its .30 cal ammo power capability backed by heavy-duty construction, you can rest assured that this is more than just your average break-barrel airgun. It’s as dependable and accurate as it is powerful, offering added stability and minimized recoil – perfect for pest elimination, target shooting, or small game hunting.

The 130S features a 2-stage Quattro trigger that allows you to set your own precise pull preference, so every shot is on target.

Your .30 caliber ammo will be launched at an impressive 590 feet per second with a whopping 34 ft-lbs of energy delivering increased accuracy and power even at longer distances.

Convenient and versatile, the 130S features an 11mm Dovetail/Picatinny combination rail capable of accepting the most popular optics choices.

Additionally, the rifle includes Hatsan’s Quiet Energy integrated suppressor reducing sound upon firing, plus a Shock Absorber System (SaS) to reduce recoil and stress on the scope.

Features

• Break barrel
• Vortex Gas Piston
• SAS Shock Absorber System reduces recoil
• Quiet Energy (QE) integrated suppressor 
• Anti-bear trap safety
• Tru-Glo Fiber optic sights
• 11mm Dovetail / Picatinny Combo Rail
• Automatic safety
• Integrated swivel slings

Accuracy

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.30	JSB Diabolo Exact 44.75 Gr	20 yards	3/4"
.30	JSB Diabolo Exact 44.75 Gr	50 yards	quarter size
.30	Predator Polymag 44.75 gr	20 yards	one hole
.30	JSB Diabolo Exact 50.15 Gr	10 yards	one hole

Chrony

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.30	JSB Diabolo Exact 44.75 Gr	615	37.59
.30	FX Airgun Pellets 44.8 Gr	541	29.12
.30	Hatsan Vortex Strike 48.6gr	560	33.85
.30	Predator Polymag 44.75 gr	563	31.5
.30	JSB Diabolo Exact 50.15 Gr	564	35.43

Recommended uses

• Target shooting/plinking
• Pest control/small game hunting: squirrels, raccoons, beavers, rats, coyotes.

Pros and Cons

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Best break barrel for youth: Weihrauch HW50S

You’ll agree with me that some youthful hunters may not have the stamina of their adult counterparts.

That’s the reason they need a Weihrauch HW50S break barrel air rifle that has:

• Light cocking effort of only 24 lbs
• Total weight of only 6.8 lbs.
• The overall length of only 40.5”.

As such, a 20-year-old will be able to carry the gun around the hunting trail without getting tired. 

The beautiful brown beech hardwood stock is also fanciful enough for the youth.

(For more on the best air rifle for beginners and youth, see this post)

What’s more? The Rekord trigger shortens the learning curving curve by a lot. 

With 820 fps in .177 caliber and 650 fps in .22 caliber, you can enjoy endless plinking and target practice.

Designed and manufactured in Germany using the latest sporting arms technology by a company with decades of experience and an eye for detail, this air rifle is perfect for all types of leisure and sporting use.

It is easy to handle yet packs a powerful punch thanks to its solid construction and reliable piston spring. Its excellent accuracy ensures that you’ll be able to hit your target every time when you pull the trigger.

This well-crafted weapon features an automatic safety, match-type trigger “Rekord” for enhanced accuracy and power, tunnel front sight with interchangeable inserts for clear target acquisition, and micrometer sight adjustable for windage and elevation with four different notches for personalized shooting.

The beechwood ambidextrous stock is both accomplished in its style and comfortable to hold, featuring a long and handy forearm and cheekpiece on both sides as well as checkering on the pistol grip and forearm for secure handling even in adverse conditions.

Features

• Single-shot
• 24 lbs. cocking effort
• Checkered beech stock with raised cheekpiece
• 2-stage adjustable Rekord trigger
• Globe front sight accepts inserts (included)
• Adjustable rear sight
• Steel barrel & receiver
• Rubber buttpad
• Incl. front sight inserts

Accuracy

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.22	H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme 18.5 gr	20 yards	1/2"
.177	H&N Field Target Trophy 8.64 Gr	10 meters	dime size
.177	H&N Excite Spike Pointed 8.64 Gr	25 yards	0.5"
.177	Predator Polymag 8 Gr	15 meters	dime size
.22	Crosman Hollow Point 14.3 gr	25 yards	0.5"
.177	JBS Exact	25 yards	5/16"
.177	Crosman Premier 7.9gr	10 yards	one hole
.177	H&N Field Target Trophy 8.64 Gr	35 yards	dime size
.177	JSB Match Diabolo Exact 8.44 Gr	10 yards	0.16"
.177	H&N Field Target Trophy 8.64 Gr	30 yards	1/4"
.177	RWS Superdomes 8.3gr	25 yards	0.5"

Chrony tests

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.177	RWS Hobby 7 Gr	864	11.61
.177	H&N Excite Spike Pointed 8.64 Gr	765	11.23
.177	Predator Polymag 8 Gr	775	10.67
.177	Crosman Premier 7.9gr	765	10.27
.22	Crosman Premiers 14.3 gr	610	11.80
.177	H&N Field Target Trophy 8.64 Gr	754	10.91
.22	RWS Superdome 14.5 gr	630	12.78
.22	H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 Gr	616	12.36
.177	JSB Exact 8.4 gr	775	11.21
.177	RWS Super Point 6.9 Gr	815	10.18
.22	RWS Hobby 11.9 gr	650	11.17
.177	Crosman Premier 7.9 gr	770	10.4
.177	JSB Exact heavies 10.5 gr	660	10.16
.177	Crosman Premier 7.9 Gr	769	10.38

Recommended uses:

• Target shooting/backyard plinking
• Pest control: crows, iguanas, rats.

Pros and Cons

Quietest break barrel air rifle: Beeman R7

The Beeman R7 Air Rifle will be useful if your aim is backyard plinking.

You’ll produce less than 70dB – with .177 pellets shooting at 700 fps and 7 FPE. 

This customized version of Weihrauch’s HW30 offers superior comfort and fit with a North American-style stock as well as availability in a .20 caliber option in addition to the traditional .177 version marketed by Weihrauch.

Crafted for ultimate function and form, the Beeman R7 features metal surfaces of superior quality exhibiting a high level of machining and polishing.

Fitted with the renowned Rekord trigger, this two-stage adjustable unit offers no creep and a smooth let-off – allowing you to get on target faster and remain there longer than ever before.

Beeman offers their renowned R7 in a unique .20 caliber, giving shooters access to exclusive models.

However, when it comes down to cost and pellet options the classic .177 caliber is unbeatable; we recommend light pellets between 7-8 grains for optimal performance from your R7 – such as Beeman Silver Bear or HW/RWS Match Pellets.

Features:

• Spring-Piston
• Break barrel
• 2-stage adjustable Rekord trigger
• Rubberized buttpad
• 18 lbs of cocking effort
• 11mm Dovetail rail
• Adjustable rear sight and globe front sight
• Automatic safety

Accuracy

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.177	FX Air Rifle 8.4 Gr	25 yards	one hole
.177	JSB Match Diabolo Exact 8.44 Gr	25 yards	1/4"
.177	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 7.9 gr	50 feet	dime size
.177	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 7.9 gr	20 yards	quarter size
.177	JSB Exact RS 7.33 gr	22 yards	one hole
.177	RWS Hobby 7 gr	10 yards	one hole
.177	JSB Match Diabolo Exact 8.4 Gr	20 yards	dime size
.177	H&N Field Target Trophy Cal, 8.64 Gr	25 yards	0.5"
.177	JSB Match Exact Express Diabolo 7.87 Gr	27 meters	3/8"
.177	RWS Hobby 7 gr	27 meters	0.5"
.177	Beeman Hollow Point Coated 7.2 gr	15 yards	.323"
.177	RWS Superdome 8.3 Gr	15 yards	.323"
.177	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 7.9 gr	15 yards	.573"
.177	Air Arms Diabolo Field 8.44 Gr	15 yards	.198"
.177	Air Arms Falcon 7.33 Gr	15 yards	.448"
.177	Beeman Hollow Point Coated 7.2 gr	20 yards	.698"
.177	RWS Superdomes 8.3 gr	20 yards	.698"
.177	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 7.9 gr	20 yards	.823"
.177	Air Arms Diabolo Field 8.44 Gr	20 yards	.448"
.177	Air Arms Falcon 7.33 Gr	20 yards	.511"
.177	Beeman Hollow Point Coated 7.2 gr	25 yards	.761"
.177	RWS Superdome 8.3 Gr	25 yards	.948"
.177	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 7.9 gr	25 yards	.823"
.177	Air Arms Diabolo Field 8.44 Gr	25 yards	.636"
.177	Air Arms Falcon 7.33 Gr	25 yards	.573"
.177	Beeman Silver Bear 7.1 gr	40 yards	5/8"

Chrony tests

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.177	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 7.9 gr	745	9.74
.177	JSB Exact RS 7.33 gr	679	7.51
.177	H&N Field Target Trophy 8.64 Gr	555	5.91
.177	RWS Hobby 7 gr	649	6.55
.177	RWS R10 Light 7 gr	660	6.77
.177	Beeman Silver Bear 7.1 gr	637	6.4
.177	RWS Super-H-Point 6.9 gr	637	6.22
.177	Napier ProHunter 7.69gr	611	6.38
.177	JSB Match Exact Express Diabolo 7.87 Gr	623	6.78
.177	Crosman Premier Light 7.9 Gr	592	6.15
.177	Predator Polymag 8.0 gr	618	6.79
.177	H&N Match Heavy 8.18 Gr	611	6.78
.177	RWS Superdome 8.3 gr	563	5.84
.177	RWS Superpoint 8.2 gr	556	5.63
.177	RWS-R-10 Match Heavy 8.2 Gr	575	6.02
.177	RWS Meisterkugeln 8.2 Gr	586	6.25
.177	H&N Field Target Trophy 8.64 Gr	624	7.47
.177	Beeman Silver Sting 8.64 Gr	615	7.26
.177	Beeman FTS Double Gold 8.64 Gr	607	7.07
.177	H&N Crow Magnum 8.80 Gr	568	6.31
.177	RWS SUPERMAG 9.3 gr	478	4.72
.177	JSB Diabolo Exact Heavy 10.34 Gr	527	6.38
.177	Crosman Premier Heavy 10.5 Gr	470	5.15
.177	Beeman Kodiak Match 10.65 gr	514	6.25
.177	Beeman Kodiak Double Gold 10.65 Gr	502	5.96
.177	Beeman Silver Arrow 11.57 gr	446	5.11
.20	Beeman Silver Bear 9.88 Gr	546	6.54
.20	Beeman Silver Sting 12.81 Gr	505	7.26
.20	H&N Spitzkugel 10.96 Gr	551	7.39
.20	Beeman Field Target Specials 11.42 Gr	496	6.24
.20	H&N Field Target Trophy 11.42 Gr	527	7.04
.20	Beeman FTS Double Gold 11.42 Gr	463	5.44
.20	H&N Baracuda Match 13.58 gr	527	8.38
.20	H&N Crow Magnum 12.81gr	451	5.79
.20	Beeman Kodiak Extra Heavy 13.27 gr	417	5.13
.20	JSB Exact 13.73 gr	417	5.3
.20	Predator Polymag 13.89 gr	411	5.21

Recommended uses:

• Target shooting/backyard plinking
• Pest control: crows, snakes, rats.

Pros and Cons

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Frequently asked questions

1. What is a break barrel air rifle?

Air rifles come in different types.

One major way to categorize them is through the type of power plant they use. 

Some of the most popular power plants for air rifles include CO2, Pre Charged Pneumatics (PCPs), coiled metal springs, Gas pistons (including Nitro Piston), and multi-pump.

For air rifles with coiled metal springs and gas pistons, cocking involves breaking the barrel down, loading the pellet, and then breaking the barrel up.

That act of swinging the barrel on a hinge back and forth is what led them to be called break barrel air rifles. 

2. Are break barrel air rifles good?

Break barrel air rifles are some of the most popular air rifles in the shooting world.

They are advantageous over PCPs and CO2 air rifles in more ways than one:

• They are fully self-contained – no need for additional cartridges and pumping devices
• They are generally budget friendly and easy to operate
• They have more recoil, which enhances your shooting skills
• They are easy to tweak for improved performance
• Break barrels are the easiest air rifles to load since you fully expose the breech when you break down the barrel
• By the fact that springers don’t need a separate cocking mechanism, they tend to be lighter than sidelever or underlever airguns
• Springers are easier to repair than the other airgun types – their shooting mechanism is less complicated
• The ability to break the barrel makes it easy to clean the break barrel airguns
• In your effort to make more accurate shots, the break barrel air rifle will help you learn how to hold and use an air rifle properly, more than the PCPs and Co2 airguns can 

3. Are break barrel air rifles accurate?

The accuracy of airguns is subjective.

That’s why the accuracy ratings are always accompanied by the range at which the tests were performed. 

An airgun may be fairly accurate at 10 yards but quite inaccurate at 100 yards.

That is because other forces like wind drafts and gravity come to play as the pellet moves farther away from the shooter.

So, generally speaking, there are break barrel air rifles with accuracy as high as 1” groupings at 50 yards.

Others surpass this accuracy level, while others come short of it.

(For more on everything you need to know about air rifle accuracy, see this post)

4. What does break barrel mean?

To break the barrel is essentially swinging the barrel on its hinge.

This is done for three main reasons:

• To load the pellet – usually, you need to swing the barrel on its hinge from the aligned position so as to access the port for loading the pellets
• To cock the gun – By swinging back the barrel to its aligned position, you actually compress the metal spring powerplant in readiness for the next shot.
• To uncock the gun – You are advised not to leave the gun cocked for long periods of time when not in use.
  • The metal spring may lose its strength. So break down the barrel before hanging up your gun

5. How to clean a break barrel air rifle?

It is not that necessary to clean the air rifle barrel.

Experience shows that the bore of the barrel is self-cleaning. 

Oil from the metal spring can find its way into the barrel bore, and thus attract all forms of dirt.

Lead particles from fast-flying pellets can also be deposited within the bore of the barrel. 

However, every pellet shot carries with it some portion of the accumulated dirt.

In the long run, the bore remains fairly clean.

But if you really have to clean it, run a number of clean patches through the bore.

Remember not to use any solvents – lest you damage the bore.

Also, dry the bore when you are done cleaning.

If you intend to store the airgun for long, apply a light film of good gun oil.  

Towens of Airgun Shooter proposes the following additional cleaning methods for air rifles:

i) Using Cleaning pellets 

Load the specially made felt cleaning pellet and fire the airgun as normal.

You may wish to soak the pellet in your favorite gun cleaning solution.

About 6 pellets are enough to scrub most of the accumulated lead and dirt.

ii) Pull-through method

This entails cleaning the bore of the barrel by inserting a cleaning shaft on the muzzle end of the rifle and then pulling it out. 

The patch is usually attached to a long loop to help you pull it out with ease.

Choose the right cleaning patch to match your air rifle caliber.

iii) Using the BoreSnake

This works more or less like the pull-through shaft – only that the entire body of the snake does the cleaning job – as opposed to a shaft on one end of the loop.

As such, you expect the cleaning job to proceed faster due to the large surface area of contact

iv) Using a cleaning rod

Be careful with this method lest you damage the bore.

The rod comes with jags and brushes attached to one of its ends.

This is the end you insert into the rear end of the bore.

Drive the rod until the jag comes out through the muzzle end.

v) Using bore paste

Bore paste contains grinding particles that remove dirt as well as tiny imperfections within the barrel of the bore.

You can use the bore paste with the cleaning rod or pull-through method.

To prevent the rusting of metallic parts of your air rifle, use popular gun oils such as the Ballistol Lube.

The same can as well be used to maintain wooden air rifle stocks – especially if your airgun is frequently exposed to high levels of humidity.

6. Is it necessary to break in your barrel?

The short answer is no! 

Breaking in refers to the process of seasoning your brand new break barrel air rifle after purchase.

You see, the bore of the barrel may have tiny burrs and imperfections that are thought to slightly compromise the performance of new airguns.

By shooting good quality pellets on a regular basis, the seasoning happens almost naturally without you even realizing what you are doing.

I guess that works for me, and multitudes of others.

But if you feel philanthropic enough and have the time, inquire with the manufacturer about an appropriate break-in procedure specific to your air rifle model and brand. 

Share your findings in the comment section below. We would be glad to know how it went.

7. Best scope for break barrel air rifle?

With break barrel air rifles, you don’t want to simply choose the cheapest scope on the market or any other decent option used with other airgun types like the PCPs. 

Two crucial factors make break barrel air rifles different when it comes to the choice of the scope:

• The vibrations resulting from the recoil effect with every fired shot – this can damage the scope
• The fact that you have to break the barrel down and up with virtually every pellet you fire – this tends to throw the scope out of sight, thus affecting accuracy

With that in mind, the following two are the most popular scopes for break barrel air rifles:

• Trinity hunting optics sight scope 
• Simmons rifle scope

Don’t be tempted to use any firearm scope – justifying yourself that firearms also have huge recoil.

FYI, the recoil impulse in air rifles is quite different from that of firearms. 

Also, firearm scopes are designed for long-range shooting – and in the real sense, you’ll never use your air rifle to shoot a target more than 100 yards away.

8. Best scope mount for break barrel air rifle?

Most people go for the two-piece scope rings because they are cheaper.

While they do their work most times, the stability may be compromised for the very powerful break barrel air rifles or those with much recoil.

In this case, opt for the single-piece scope mount.

9. Best oil for a break barrel air rifle?

We just mentioned the Ballistol Lube in Question No. 7 above.

It is very popular among air rifle enthusiasts because:

• It is fully compatible with all metals
• Its alkaline nature helps dissolve corrosive ammo residue
• It beautifies air rifle stocks
• It prevents air rifle stocks from drying
• It never gums up or hardens, no matter how long you store it
• It is smokeless
• It protects against corrosion
• It seals the pores in wooden stocks – thus preventing the absorption of moisture which causes thickening and warping of the stock.

Watch how the legendary Tom Gaylord lubricates his spring-piston airgun:

10. Best bipod for a break barrel air rifle?

For CO2 and PCP air rifles, using a bi-pod is not that complicated.

However, springers complicate the use of bi-pods because of the huge recoil they usually generate. 

The recoil pushes the airgun to and fro – thus randomly changing the balance point of the air rifle.

The random nature of the to and fro movements makes it quite hard to find the perfect balance point for optimum accuracy. 

I advise you to practice the “artillery hold” until you are comfortable shooting the gun without the use of a bipod.

But I do understand the learning curve is steep. 

If you wish to, you may consider purchasing the UTG Low-Profile Dragon Claw Clamp-on Barrel Bipod.

11. Benjamin Trail Nitro Piston 2 or Crosman Nitro Venom Break Barrel Air Rifle?

Here is a short comparison between the two break barrel air rifles:

Feature	Benjamin Trail Nitro Piston Air Rifle	Crosman Nitro Venom Air Rifle
Caliber	.22	.22
Maximum velocity	1100 fps	950 fps
Muzzle energy	22 fpe	21 fpe
Stock	Hardwood	Hardwood
Grip	Ambidextrous	Ambidextrous
Color	Brown	Brown
Loudness rating	3-medium	3-Medium
Barrel length	19.5”	18.63“
Overall length	48.25”	44.25”
Barrel type	Rifled	Rifled
Front sight	None	None
Rear sight	None	None
Scope mounts	Weaver mounts	Weaver, Picatinny
Scope	Comes with CenterPoint Optics 3-9×32 scope	Comes with CenterPoint Optics 3-9x40AO scope
Buttplate	Ventilated rubber	Ventilated rubber
Use	Plinking, small game hunting	Plinking, small game hunting
Trigger pull	3.5 lbs	People claim it takes long to pull
Trigger	Crosman “lawyer trigger”	Two-stage adjustable
Safety	Manual	Manual
Function	Single shot	Single shot
Power plant	Gas piston	Gas piston
Weight	9.7 lbs	7.4 lbs
Retail price	300 USD	150 USD

These two look almost the same – the differences outlined above are quite minor.

I would personally opt for the Benjamin Trail NP air rifle because of its better online reputation and looks. What about you?

12. Best way to attach a sling to a break barrel air rifle?

If your break barrel air rifle does not have the sling swivel, go for the Gamo Gun Buddy Rifle Sling.

This fits virtually all air rifles without the need for swivels.

One end slips over the barrel, the other end over the buttpad.

13. Will mounting attachments on a break-barrel barrel affect accuracy?

It depends on where exactly you mount the attachments.

If you are using the Picatinny rails or Weaver mounts, there should be no problem at all. 

But for any attachment that mounts directly on the barrel, take care.

One guy attached a Bisley swivel nearly halfway up the barrel.

Every moment he carried the gun, the barrel twisted slightly.

In such a case, the accuracy of the air rifle is definitely affected. 

14. How long can you leave a break barrel air gun cocked? 

Numbers don’t lie. Although I haven’t tried it personally, the well known Tom Gaylord cocked these springs for one whole month – or if you like, 735 hours

• R1 spring
• Beeman laser spring
• Venom spring
• Maccari custom spring

The Beeman laser spring was the most affected, though it lost only 6.75 % of its power.

That means if the initial muzzle energy was 20 FPE, the new muzzle energy would be 18.65 FPE.

In my assessment, that is not as much loss as usually portrayed by many break barrel air gunners. 

So feel free to leave your gun cocked for an hour or two as you wait for that perfect shot.  

15. Does leaving an air rifle cocked weaken the spring?

It depends on the quality of the spring and the duration you leave it cocked.

In the aforementioned Tom Gaylord’s spring cocking experiment, the springs lost just a little strength as follows:

• R1 spring – Lost 6.11% of its strength – slightly bent
• Beeman laser spring – Lost 6.75 % of its strength – perfectly straight
• Venom spring – Lost 3.07% of its strength – was slightly bent – started vibrating
• Maccari custom spring – Lost 5.35% of its strength – perfectly straight

I suggest you do a similar experiment with some Chinese springs and share the findings.

16. How long can you leave a nitro piston pellet gun cocked?

Oh, forever! Without the slightest thought of Spring fatigue either.

That is one big advantage of the nitro piston over the coiled metal springs.

17. Can you dry fire a break barrel air rifle?

Yes, you can.

Sometimes it happens accidentally – then you have no control.

But sometimes you can do it out of curiosity – as The Dollar Sportsman did back in 2019.

The guy performed accuracy tests with his GAMO Raptor Whisper and obtained fairly tight groupings.

After dry-firing the air rifle 50 times, he did the second accuracy test.

You’d be surprised that the accuracy was as great as it was at first.

As a matter of fact, the Gamo airguns manufacturer states on their website that their rifles are designed to dry fire 10,000 times with no issue at all. 

But for safety’s sake, don’t assume your airgun is a Gamo. Get the facts first.

18. Can you shoot BBs in a break barrel pellet gun?

Yes, that’s possible – but the issue is, what happens after you shoot the BB?

If the BB is the same caliber as the pellets, the shot will proceed as normal, though the BB may jet out with a “squirreling” motion. 

If the BB caliber is smaller than the bore, there is some likelihood of it damaging the internal mechanisms of the air rifle.

It may even fail to come out through the muzzle, leaving you with the additional headache of dislodging it.

19. Do break barrel air rifles need CO2?

What for? 

Break barrel air rifles are mostly powered by coiled metal springs.

Those with gas pistons use some inert gas like nitrogen as the main power plant. Leave CO2 gas for CO2 air rifles. 

20. Best distance to sight in a break barrel air rifle?

Start about 5 yards away from the target.

Take some 3 good shots. Note where the pellets strike.

An inch or two above or below the target should be okay.

Anything more than that tells you to slightly adjust your point of aim either downwards or upwards

Or even to the left or to the right in case the pellet marks require this adjustment.

Take 3 more shots after the adjustment to see whether there are any changes.

The signal that your break barrel air rifle is properly sighted is when your 3 shots are nearly perfectly centered below the target point. 

Repeat the process at 10 yards, 15, yards, 20, yards, 25, yards, 30 yards, and so on.

Stop at the target distance you normally shoot your airgun.

This can be anything like 70 yards, 100 yards, or more.   

21. Who makes the best break barrel air rifle?

I’ll forever praise the German-based Beeman for their consistent production of state-of-the-art break barrel air rifles. 

Other companies that show great effort in upholding high-quality standards for their break barrel air rifles include:

• Hatsan Arms Company
• Crosman Corporation
• Weihrauch & Weihrauch Sport GmbH & Co. KG
• Gamo Precision Airguns
• Diana Airguns

(For more on the best air rifle brands, see this post)

22. How long do spring piston rifles last?

With good maintenance, spring-piston air rifles can last decades, maybe even a lifetime.

The durability, however, depends on many other factors such as frequency of use, conditions of storage, and build quality, among others. 

But it’s good to note that the different components wear out at different paces.

At one time, you may have to replace the mainspring, perhaps followed by the trigger – or even the piston seals.

23. How to make a break barrel air rifle more powerful?

If you have the guts, you can embark on a DIY project to change the coiled metal spring.

Use one that is superior to the current one used in your airgun.

If done, properly, you will notice a difference in punching power and muzzle velocity. 

24. Break barrel vs PCP air rifles, which one is better?

Break barrel air rifles are basically better than PCPs because they are easy to operate.

As popularly stated, springers are self-contained – just the air rifle, the ammo, and you.

For PCPs, you have to recharge the air cylinders over and over again, even when in the field.

It may feel cumbersome to carry around hand pumps or scuba tanks.

However, note that break barrel air is mostly used for hunting small to medium-sized games.

Their killing power may not handle the tougher and bigger animals. 

Some PCPs are known to deliver really insane killing power – in the realm of hundreds of FPE – that can kill big animals like the Cape Buffalo.

(For more on the best PCP air rifles on the market, see this post)

A good example is the .50 AirForce Texan Big Bore PCP Air Rifle that dumps an unimaginable 700 FPE on the target animal.

Taking all into account

It’s time to put a full stop to this comprehensive break barrel air rifle review.

It is my sincere hope that your knowledge of break barrel air rifles has increased. Knowledge is power, FYI.

With all the tips on how to choose a break barrel air rifle and the various logistics of the operation, the ball is now in your court. 

Save up some money if you haven’t started yet.

Define your reason for owning the desired air rifle.

And it is best if the intended purpose is specific.

Perhaps you need an air rifle only to hunt the squirrels that destroy your crops and property at home. 

Narrowing down helps you a lot in the choice of the air rifle.

Next, ensure you research well on your shortlisted air rifles.

Read honest air rifle reviews from airgun experts, as well as from verified buyers of the air rifles in question. 

Weigh the pros and cons of each and settle on the best.

Just remember no air rifle will be 100% perfect.

Accept the little imperfections that won’t significantly impact your hunting or target shooting.  

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