It wasn’t long ago that there weren’t many options for arrow launching pneumatic air rifles. The pursuit began in 2016 with Benjamin and Seneca. They are the first manufactured arrow launching pcps.
Benjamin Pioneer Airbow
Benjamin came out with the Benjamin Pioneer Airbow, here are some of the features:
- Velocity: 450 fps
- Energy: 168 ft-lbs 375 grain arrow
- Power Source: 3,000 PSI compressed air reservoir
- Capacity: 8 consistent, full-power shots per fill
- Weight: 6.9 lbs bare
- Length: 33.5 inches
- Arrows: .357 caliber 26 inch, 375 grain custom arrows
- Action: Bolt action
Seneca, Right There With Them
Seneca launched their Seneca Dragon Claw much earlier but it didn’t have the capabilities to shoot arrows until 2016. Here are some of its features:
- Velocity: 450-600 fps
- Energy: Avg 230 fpe
- Low Power and High Power options
- Power Source: 3,000 PSI compressed air reservoir
- Capacity: 3-4 full-power shots per fill
- Weight: 8.5 lbs bare
- Length: 42.1 inches
- Caliber: .50 caliber
- Action: Bolt action
Those are a couple of the first options available and like anything else that supported success, it caught on and other manufacturers began to dive into the arrow launching realm. Each one showcasing their individuality, from the classic rifle style to the Benjamin M600 bullpup and tactical versions.
Seneca has the most classic type rifle options with the Seneca Dragon Claw and the Seneca Double Shot. The Umarex has a few offerings, but the most classic rifle style from Umarex is the Umarex AirSaber.
The original AirSaber gave the shooter the option to send one arrow at a time down range before loading another one. The AirSaber Elite X2 comes with dual barrels and a selector switch. Once the first arrow has been launched, push the selector switch to engage the second barrel and launch the other arrow.
Umarex Can’t Give Enough!
Also from Umarex are the Umarex Air Javelin the Air Javelin Pro and the newest, Umarex Nitro Javelin. Those are very different options, the first is powered by Co2, the Pro was transformed into a pcp and the Nitro, well it’s in its name, is Nitro powered. A few options to choose from in the same sort of platform.
We hope you are not feeling overwhelmed with the choices out there, we want you to be well informed on what you have to choose from without limitations. Bare with us, there are a few more.
These are a little different; the Hatsan Hydra Synthetic Arrow is similar to a classic rifle style with some tactical features integrated into it. It can be converted to a pellet rifle in calibers .177, .22, and .25. If you like convertibles, you may like this.
From AirForce, there’s the single-shot AirForce Talon Bolt with a fully tactical body and feel. AirForce is known for some of the highest power air rifles, and this one fits their reputation with a max velocity of 440 FPS and 146 FPE.
Is the Latest, the Best?
The last one to be mentioned is the latest one to the table, and possibly the most preferred: FX Redback Arrow! This one is similar to a multi-shot pcp, except you’re shooting arrows. It’s sort of an arrow shooting replica of the Gatling Gun with rotating barrels.
With the FX name, you can only expect the best from this 8 arrow shooting master piece. If you love shooting, but hate the reload, check this one out to satisfy your appetite! It offers a bottle stock, pistol grip, and multiple accessory mounting points with the Arca-Swiss M-Lok slots fore end.
The max velocity to be expected is 424 fps and 150 FPE with a 375 grain arrow. With a max fill pressure of 250 bar, you’ll get 8 powerful regulated shots with every fill! There are many great options for just punching a bag or doing a bit of hunting.
