Top 5 Air Rifles for Survivalists
We’ve already discussed the reasons why air rifles are ideal survival weapons. If you haven’t read our article, “3 Reasons The Best Gun in a Collapse is NOT a Firearm,” we highly recommend that you check it out (especially if the title makes you skeptical).
In short, factors like price, effectiveness, and the availability of ammo, give air rifles some pretty strong advantages, even when stacked up against traditional firearms. Air rifles have come a long way since the days of the Daisy Red Rider
and it’s high time that most survivalists took a serious look at these
powerful plinksters.
Not only are they fun to shoot, they’re quiet, can take out small game, and shoot as fast as a rimfire weapon. However, please believe us when we say, we haven’t lost any fondness for the smell of gunpowder.
As effective as these pellet guns are, especially when considered how quiet they are, all air rifles are not created equal. So, true to form, we’re not just going to tell you to go get an air rifle without recommending a few of the models that will give you the best (whisper-quiet) bang for your buck.
If your favorite air rifle is not on this list, don’t get upset. There are lots of great options out there.
These picks are based on reliability, affordability, and most of all effectiveness.
Gamo Hornet Air Rifle
What impresses us about this rifle? For starters, it shoots a .177 caliber pellet at a velocity of 1,200 feet per second with PBA Raptor ammo. That’s as fast or faster than a standard rimfire 22lr (another great survival caliber).
This rifle comes with a 4×32 scope, an 18″ fluted barrel, and has an overall adult-sized rifle feel to it. The scope is nothing great, but fine for grouping at 40 yards. As with all rifles, ammo quality can have a great impact on accuracy. Considering how inexpensive even premium .177 ammo is, there’s no reason not to buy the good stuff.
Retail: $89.99