If you love air rifles for hunting or target shooting,
If you’re unable to decide which you should buy, then look no further.
We have reviewed the best air rifles for you in the top price range
With the best features and benefits, the speed with accuracy, robustness, and quietness available on the market today.
After reading the article, you will be able to decide for yourself which air rifle you wish to buy for your next hunting trip!
Table of Contents
TOP 5 PCP AIR GUNS UNDER $1000
If you are in a hurry, here is an overview of the best PCP air rifles under $1000 candidates in our list:
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | LINK |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
 | Benjamin Marauder |
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Best Bullpup
 | Hatsan Bullboss QE |
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Best Long Range
 | Airforce Condor |
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Best Regulated
 | Umarex Gauntlet |
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Most Versatile
 | Seneca Sumatra 2500 |
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1. Benjamin Marauder
In 1882, the St. Louis Air Rifle Company introduced the Benjamin, a highly-powered compressed air rifle.
The Benjamin Marauder can be adjusted for different velocities, and this PCP air rifle is manufactured for both hunting and target shooting.
=> See this post for an in-depth Benjamin Marauder review
This air rifle is known for its extreme accuracy and reasonable price.
With its synthetic stock, the air rifle allows the shooter to have a quieter gun.
For more on the in-depth comparison between synthetic and wood stock, see this post.
The Benjamin marauder bolt-action allows 32 shots per fill in .177 caliber.
Here are the specifications of the Benjamin Marauder at a glance:
Benjamin Marauder Specifications:
- .177” Caliber
- Max velocity: 1100 FPS
- Stock: Synthetic
- Color: Black
- Grip: Ambi
- Loudness: 2-Low Medium
- Barrel length: 20.”
- Front / Rear sight: None
- Trigger: Two-stage adjustable
- Scope: 11mm dovetail
- Triggers pull 1.5 lbs.
- Bolt action
- Safety Manual: Yes
- Type: Pre-Charged Pneumatic
- Repeater: Yes
- Shots per fill: 32
- Body type: Rifle
- Weight: 7.3 lbs.
- Cylinder size: 215 cc
- Upgrades: Crosman Barrel
Accuracy And Speed
Below are the HAM test results for the accuracy and speed of the Benjamin Marauder air rifle.
| Pellet | Muzzle Velocity-Average | Muzzle Energy-Average | Accuracy |
| Gamo Raptor Platinum 9.7 Grain | 1041 fps | 9.8 ft/lbs | GOOD |
| H & N field target trophy green 14.66 grain | 1024 fps | 23.3 ft/lbs | POOR, VERTICAL STRINGING |
| RWS hobby 11.9 grain | 980 fps | 25 ft/lbs | GOOD |
| Crosman premier HP 14.3 grain | 935 fps | 27.8 ft/lbs | GOOD |
| JSB Jumbo exact 14.35 grain | 941 fps | 28.2 ft/lbs | BEST TESTED |
| H&N field target trophy 14.66 grain | 941 fps | 28.8 ft/lbs | GOOD |
| H&NBarracuda match 21.14 grain | 843 fps | 33 ft/lbs | GOOD |
The results are satisfactory as the rifle shoots accurately at lightweight pellets.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
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Price
The rifle has an estimated market value of $400-$500.
Keeping in view the accuracy and reliability, it’s a great choice for those who want a high-performing rifle without breaking the bank.
As a shooter, this is the end of your wait for a reliable and affordable air rifle.
Customer Reviews
Around 90% of users recommend the air rifle due to its accuracy.
The reviews reveal that the air rifle has extreme accuracy for shooting and hunting.
Ian with Terry Tate from Team Wild used Benjamin Marauder for their hog-hunting trip in the video below:
Many shooters are even considering extending their backyard area to make full use of the rifle’s attributes.
Moreover, those who are first-time users also find the air rifle very user-friendly and reliable.
In addition to this, the Marauder is being lauded by ex-armed forces members.
Moreover, the customers are very appreciative of the price, which is very low for the features provided.
Key Features
- One of the quietest air rifles
- Outstanding accuracy
- Inexpensive magazines
- Transfer port and hammer spring allow for adjustment of the power
- Accessories such as regulators, barrels, and air reservoirs are readily available on the market
- Best for shooters and hunters
- Reasonable price
- Sleek hardwood stock
- Attractive appearance
Conclusion
With outstanding accuracy, reliable performance, and reasonable price, the Benjamin Marauder is the perfect choice for shooters and hunters who don’t want to spend the likes of $1000.
2. Hatsan Bullboss QE
The air rifle Hatsan Bullboss is available in .177, .22, and .25 calibers.
(For more on how to choose the right air gun caliber for your game, see this post)
The manufacturers claim that the rifle has many advanced features.
Moreover, the shooter will appreciate the shot consistency and easy use of the rifle for having safety located inside of the trigger guard.
The rifle is amongst the best PCP air rifles for under $1000.
.22 caliber allows you to experience 50% less noise as it diminishes downrange.
The Bullboss has provided the anti-double pellet feed which prevents more than one pellet from loading into the barrel.
=> See this post for an in-depth Hatsan Bullboss review
Specifications
- Average power: .177 caliber- 27ft/lbs ( 1070 max fps); .22 caliber – 38 ft/lbs (1070 max fps); and .25 caliber – 42 ft/lbs (970 max fps)
- Manual and automatic safety
- Fully adjustable 2-stage Quattro Trigger System
- Quick fill nozzle and air cylinder discharging cap
- Detachable ten-shot .177 or .22 caliber magazine or 9-shot .25 caliber magazines
- Detachable 255cc air cylinder for 200 bar fill (2900 PSI) with built-in pressure gauge
- Pre-charged pneumatic power with side lever cocking action
- Bullpup design for bulldog 357 PCP hunting rifle
- Hardwood stock
- Ventilated rubber butt pad
- Extra magazine
- Metal trigger
- Weight is 8.6 lbs
- Spare air cylinder regulators are available.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Price
The Bullboss air rifle has a market price of $499
HatsanBullboss QE is known for its reasonable price, so if you’re not too tight on the budget, it might be a great gun for you.
Customer Reviews
The feedback of the customers for the Bullboss is mixed.
Some recommend it, while others have actually returned the HatsanBullboss QE.
Many users, however, do like the air rifle for its exceptional accuracy.
Moreover, the use of the trigger has also been appreciated as the trigger is much smoother.
Finally, the shooting range has been widely lauded.
In addition to this, shooters do have some complaints as well.
For example, they recommend not using the gun unless it is empty.
Due to the higher price, it might not sell as well as Benjamin Marauder.
The accuracy is commendable, but customers actually find it to be the best bullpup air rifle.
Key Features
- Excellent accuracy
- Quietness
- Smooth trigger
- 2-stage Quattro Trigger System
- Hardwood stock
- Ventilated rubber butt pad
Conclusion
The above-mentioned description reveals that the Hatsan Bullboss QE is one of the best hunting air rifles under $1000, for users who need an accurate air rifle with useful features.
You can see the price is not so low, but it is reasonable given the features and performance.
Unlike our first air rifle, the HatsanBullboss QE does have some undeniable flaws.
Therefore, if you wish to buy an air rifle that is accurate, good-looking, less noisy and you do not care much about the price.
Then HatsanBullboss QE can be among your options.
3. Airforce Condor
The Airforce condor is built in the USA.
It delivers 600 FPS and is recoilless.
The Airforce Condor air rifle is accurate (1” at 50 yards) and exceptionally powerful.
Moreover, it comes with a 24” Lothar Walther barrel (1:16 twist).
It’s worth noting here that .20 caliber pellets are slightly longer than the .22 caliber of the same weight.
Moreover, you will need an adaptor to refill the reservoir with air.
In terms of volume, there’s no denying that it’s a noisy weapon.
Specifications
- Manufactured in the USA
- .177/.20/.22/.25 Caliber
- Maximum velocity: 1150 fps
- Noise: 5-high
- Barrel length: 24.”
- Overall length: 38.75.”
- Shooting capacity: 1
- Cocking effort: 5lbs.
- Rifled barrel
- Front / rear sight: None
- Scope: 11mm
- Trigger pull: 3 lbs.
- Bolt-action
- Automatic safety
- Max shots per fill: 50
- Weight: 6.1 lbs.
- Cylinder size: 490cc
- Color: black
- Grip: Ambi
- Synthetic stock
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
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Price
The market value of the Airforce Condor is $740.
If you are seeking a lower-priced air rifle, this is likely not for you.
However, in the grand scheme of things, it’s not such a high price.
=> See our picks of top PCP air rifles under $500.
Customer Reviews
The reviews for the Airforce Condor are 80% in favor.
Most shooters appreciate excellent accuracy.
Moreover, being synthetic, it’s one of the lightest best long-range rifles under $1000.
Therefore, for shooters who wish to have an enjoyable time in their backyard on weekends, the Airforce condor is a great option, as long as the noise isn’t an issue for you.
Additionally, most game hunters are satisfied with the performance, and also safety as well as power and accuracy.
Key Features
- Exceptional Accuracy
- Loud
- Light in weight, therefore easy to use
- Lifetime warranty
- Highly adjustable power wheel
- Lothar Walther barrel
- Maximum velocity is 1150 fps
Conclusion
A serious air rifle for the serious shooter!
It is one of the best hunting rifles under $1000 in 2021.
4. Umarex Gauntlet
The Umarex Gauntlet air rifle is an accurate, consistent, silent, and magazine-feed regulated PCP shooter for the masses, available at under $300.
The Umarex Gauntlet is a stand-out HAM gold award winner!
Therefore, it is easily one of the best PCP air rifles under $1000.
The Umarex Gauntlet allows you to have consistent shots, even by removing the barrier if worried about the shot curve.
Moreover, HAM tested the trigger, which was weak, but it can be adjusted and improved.
The Umarex Gauntlet comes with a synthetic stock.
Specifications
- .25” Caliber
- Maximum velocity: 900 fps
- Muzzle velocity: 45 ft/lbs.
- Loudness: 3-medium
- Barrel length: 23.5.”
- Overall length: 46”
- Shot capacity: 8
- Barrel is rifled
- Scope: 11mm
- Single stage trigger
- Suitable for small game hunting or target practice
- Bolt action
- Triggers pull: 2.9 lbs
- Pre-charged pneumatic
- Ten shot repeater
- Maximum shots per fill: 28
- Weight: 8.5 lbs.
- Cylinder size: 213cc
- Synthetic stock
- Color: Black
- Grip: Ambi
- Pressure release key
Accuracy And Speed
Below is the HAM test to check the accuracy and speed of the Umarex Gaunlet.
| Pellet | Muzzle Velocity-Average | Muzzle Energy-Average | Accuracy |
| Gamo Raptor Platinum 9.7 Grain | 932 fps | 36.5 ft/lbs | EXCELLENT |
| H & N field target trophy green 14.66 grain | 938 fps | 38.9 ft/lbs | VERY GOOD |
| RWS hobby 11.9 grain | 880 fps | 42 ft/lbs | POOR |
| Crosman premier HP 14.3 grain | 874 fps | 43 ft/lbs | EXCELLENT |
| JSB Jumbo exact 14.35 grain | 865 fps | 43.2 ft/lbs | VERY GOOD |
| H&N field target trophy 14.66 grain | 843 fps | 43.9 ft/lbs | VERY GOOD |
| H&N Barracuda match 21.14 grain | 779 fps | 45 ft/lbs | EXCELLENT |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
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Price
The Umarex Gauntlet is available for $300.
The HAM test has revealed that at this price, the features are very good, and manufacturers have carried out the engineering very cleverly.
Therefore, the air rifle offers better performance at such a reasonable price.
Moreover, Umarex claims that the air rifle is tailor-made to perform like a $1000 model.
The HAM test confirmed that the Umarex Gauntlet works very well all around.
Customer Reviews
Most reviews are heavily in favor of the Umarex Gauntlet.
The air rifle has been declared by users as the most accurate air rifle around for target practice.
Moreover, hunters have used it at 50 yards for small pest control .
Many users have compared the Umarex Gauntlet with the Crosman Premier Domed.
The shooters also like the PCP regulation.
Likewise, many shooters were in search of an air rifle with perfect features but at an affordable and reasonable price.
The Umarex Gauntlet has provided them with quality and price.
Key Features
- Reasonable price
- Small and medium target shooting & hunting
- Fully shrouded barrel
- Higher shot count
- Synthetic stock
- User-friendly trigger
Conclusion
A gun is useless if there is no accuracy.
Therefore, it is of utmost importance that an air rifle should be accurate and reliable.
The Umarex Gauntlet is a quiet gun, and your neighbors do not get disturbed when you are shooting in the backyard.
The Umarex Gauntlet’s sound suppression system in the form of barrel sleeves and baffles performs terrifically well.
Overall, if you’re looking for an air rifle that would be accurate and reasonable, the Umarex Gauntlet is the best option for you!
5. Seneca Sumatra 2500 – Best Hunting PCP air rifle under $1000
The Seneca Sumatra 2500 is a pre-charged pneumatic air rifle
This is a high-power air rifle for varmint hunting and pest control.
(For more on the best air rifle for squirrels, see this post)
The air rifle has been making a splash in the market with profound quality and price.
For maximum knockdown power, the accuracy is exceptional for the Seneca Sumatra 2500.
Without any doubt, the Seneca Sumatra 2500 is loud and heavy.
The Seneca Sumatra 2500 is a combination of usability, reliability, and value.
Based on the performance, the Seneca Sumatra 2500 air rifle received the HAM silver award.
=> See this post for an in-depth Seneca Sumatra 2500 review
This air rifle is not family-friendly.
The shooters are most welcome to use the Seneca Sumatra 2500 and be the winner!
Specifications
| Caliber | .22″ (5.5mm) |
| Max Velocity | 1100 fps |
| Loudness | 5-High |
| Barrel Length | 24.0″ |
| Overall Length | 43.0″ |
| Shot Capacity | 6 |
| Barrel | Rifled |
| Front Sight | Blade & Ramp |
| Rear Sight | Adjustable for windage & elevation |
| Scope-able | 11mm dovetail |
| Trigger | Two-stage adjustable |
| Buttplate | Rubber |
| Suggested for | Hunting |
| Action | Lever-action |
| Safety | Manual |
| Powerplant | Pre-charged pneumatic |
| Function | Repeater |
| Max Shots per Fill | 33 |
| Body Type | Rifle |
| Weight | 8.0 lbs |
Accuracy And Speed
Below is the HAM test to check the accuracy and speed of Seneca Sumatra 2500 air rifle.
| Pellet | Muzzle Velocity-Average | Muzzle Energy-Average | Accuracy |
| Gamo Raptor Platinum 9.7 Grain | 1357 fps | 39ft/lbs | GOOD |
| H & N field target trophy green 14.66 grain | 1345 fps | 40 ft/lbs | EXCELLENT |
| RWS hobby 11.9 grain | 1286 fps | 43ft/lbs | EXCELLENT |
| Crosman premier HP 14.3 grain | 1232 fps | 48ft/lbs | EXCELLENT |
| JSB Jumbo exact 14.35 grain | 1225 fps | 47ft/lbs | EXCELLENT |
| H&N field target trophy 14.66 grain | 1231 fps | 49ft/lbs | EXCELLENT |
| H&N barracuda match 21.14 grain | 1110 fps | 57 ft/lbs | EXCELLENT |
The results are satisfactory and outstanding as the air rifle produces a high muzzle velocity with dense pellets.
It is the best long-range rifle for under 1000 dollars.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Read our in-depth Seneca Sumatra 2500 review here:
Price
The Seneca Sumatra 2500 has a market price of $650.
The air rifle is very accurate and authoritative, therefore if you consider the amount you would love to buy Seneca Sumatra 2500.
With this accuracy, the air rifle is reasonable and worth having in your collection.
Customer Review
Most views of the shooters for this air rifle are positive.
Customers find the Seneca Sumatra 2500 very reasonable due to its quality at such a reasonable price.
Mostly, shooters are leaving reviews for the Seneca Sumatra 2500 which claims it to be very accurate and authoritative.
Moreover, shooters claim that the Seneca Sumatra 2500 is much louder than other rifles.
But the noise is not shown as a complaint.
The customers are okay with it.
Shooters with experience in hunting games as big as coyotes have lauded the abilities of the Seneca Sumatra 2500.
Most customers find it to be the best air gun for under $1000.
Key Features
- Accurate air rifle
- Loud
- Affordable price
- Best for shooting and hunting
- Hardwood Stock
- 2-stage adjustable trigger
