If you’ve searched for big bore air rifles lately, you’ll find more than you’d care to. The more you find, the more there are to choose from, and that can be an issue. In this blog we’ll discuss the top ten in hopes of helping narrow your decisions beginning at the tenth.
10. Benjamin Airbow 450
This PCP is a little different from the rest of the ones on this list because it shoots arrows, not pellets or slugs. The Benjamin Airbow 450 is a bullpup style PCP with a max fill of 3,000 PSI of compressed air to pull the arrow from the front instead of the back like most crossbows. Sending the projectile down range at speeds of up to 450 feet per second. Depending on the weight and type of arrow used, this PCP arrow gun is capable of producing a max FPE of 168, which is sufficient for big game hunting. It’s light at 7 lbs and is more compact than most crossbows giving the hunter better shot opportunity in tight spaces.
9. Seneca Dragon Claw II Tactical
The Seneca Dragon Claw has been around for several years but this is a new version to answer the black gun society. The heart of the rifle is the same as the wooden stock Dragon Claw II, the biggest differences are the appearances, the weight and the adjustability. The tactical version allows you to adjust the length of pull with the adjustable AR style stock, which along with the pistol grip can be interchanged with other AR compatible parts. It includes Mlok slots on the forearm for accessory mounts and the weight difference is almost a whole pound. The Dragon Claw II weighs a total of 8.5 lbs and the tactical variant weighs 7.6 lbs. Both produce a max velocity of 860 FPS and a max muzzle energy of 340 FPE. Another great feature is the open sights, sometimes optics fail and if your rifle is equipped with open sights, it only means the hunt continues.
8. Hatsan Piledriver
The Piledriver’s name says it all! This one is available in .457, .510, and .62 calibers and packs a punch! It offers a sleek synthetic bullpup stock that includes a barrel band with three picatinny accessory rails for any lights or bipods you may want to mount. It has a long side lever cocking handle for easy repeatable shots. It is adjustable for comfort with its adjustable cheek piece and butt pad. This big bore pcp produces plenty of power in .45 caliber you can expect an FPE of 700 and in .50 800+. Whichever caliber you choose, as long as you do your part, the Piledriver does too.
7. AEA Zeus
The largest bore air rifle on this list! The AEA Zeus is available only in big bore calibers, .58 and .72. Imagine those chunks of lead, it’s going to take some major power to send that at an efficient speed to take the game. There are multiple options in .72 caliber with varying power results. The 16” barrel with 300cc air capacity with a 500 grain slug will produce 800 fps and 710 FPE. The 24” barrel with a 400cc air capacity with a 500 grain slug produces 925 fps and 950 FPE. The 32” barrel with 660cc air capacity and a 500 grain slug produces 1025 fps and a whopping 1166 FPE! No wonder it’s on the list! The possibilities are almost endless!
6. Hatsan BT Carnivore QE SL
This Hatsan is available in .30 and .357 calibers, though many airgunners have taken big game with a .30, we will focus more on the .357 as our big bore option. This is a sidelever multi-shot repeater. In .357 you’ll have a six round magazine to work with for those necessary follow-up shots with a max shot count of twelver per fill. If you’re a hunter you know quiet is best and if you’re a plinker you probably prefer the same. This PCP is equipped with an integral silencer that reduces the report by fifty percent, which may make all the difference in the ability to take multiple pests out rather than one. It has an adjustable Quattro trigger and an integrated rail that accepts Weaver or 11mm mounts. The Carnivore QE SL produces up to 95 FPE keeps it in the running for medium game and pesting!
5. Seneca Dragon Claw
This one’s an oldy but like they say a goody! It’s been around for quite some time and has, through many airgunners’ experiences and testimonies, earned its spot in the top ten big-bore air rifles. The .50 caliber air rifle features a beautiful wooden stock with detailed stippling and the steel action displays a beautiful pattern as well but that’s not what gets the job done. Depending on the ammo used the Dragon Claw can achieve anywhere from 621 FPS and 151 FPE to 495 FPS and 234 FPE making it sufficient for the big game/big bore world.
4. Umarex Hammer Carbine
This .510 caliber big bore air rifle is the most recent model derived from the original Umarex Hammer which was and is an outstanding performer! The difference and reasons why the carbine finds itself on this list are these; massive power, great accuracy, multi-shot, moderatable, and its compact size for those hunts that require tight spaces or some running and gunning. Max velocities reached are 820 fps with a 350 grain slug which produces a massive 523 FPE for the ultimate big game take-down!
3. Benjamin Bulldog Magnum Series
This air rifle is available in multiple calibers but since we are focusing on big bore I’ll highlight those, .357 and .457. The Magnum series has an increased FPE of 450 in .457, allowing you to take bigger game more efficiently, (shot placement is still key). The additional power on this version comes from the longer air cylinder. Even though it has a longer air cylinder it still provides the compact bullpup style for easier maneuverability during the hunt. With the five round auto indexing rotary mag, in the case the hunter needs a quick follow-up shot it’s there and easily attained. The shot count varies with caliber, in .457 you’ll get three full powered shots and in .357 five full power shots are there for the taking. No wonder this is another favorite big game hunter for airgunners!
2. FX Dynamic Express
FX has a great line of airguns and a great reputation of performance and quality. The Dynamic Express is available in multiple calibers but we’ll again focus on the .357. The .357 is also offered in three barrel sizes, 500mm, 600mm, and 700mm. The abilities to customize and tune this air rifle are endless. The Arca Swiss forend rail and M-lok slots allow for unmeasurable possibilities and the tuning abilities allow for the shooter to use their preferred ammo whether pellets or slugs. The regulator keeps the shots consistent in power and accuracy at great distances. The 600mm Dynamic Express in .357, using a 93 grain slug produces a max velocity of 915fps and 173 FPE. This one is on this list for many reasons and the final one I’ll add is this, with this air rifle the shooter will achieve the long range sometimes necessary to achieve your goals.
1. Airforce Texan LSS
This air rifle is available in multiple calibers, .257, .30, .357, .457, and .510 but this is about the big bore version. Some of the reasons the Airforce Texan LSS shows up in the top ten, and most assuredly, the most sought after and highly regarded big bore air rifle for its reputation of performance. The performance time and time again is proven to be consistently successful. It has the Lothar Walther 34” Barrel, the power is adjustable as well as the trigger. The max fill pressure of 3,000 PSI makes for an easy and quick fill and if you are so inclined, hand pump friendly. As far as FPE (or foot pounds of energy) I’ll begin at the lower end of the big bore calibers, the .357 produces a max FPE of 350 and it only goes up from there! There is nothing else to say other than that is above and beyond capable of big game takedowns. The final reason I will include is its long distance capabilities.
In hopes this helps those of you in the market for a big bore air rifle, as there are so many to choose from, happy hunting!
