Hunting with air rifles is not as popular in the United States as it is in other countries around the world (especially Europe) but that trend is quickly changing as these rifles continue to show how unique and versatile they are.
Because there are no federal rules or statutes that regulate the sales and distribution of air guns, this makes them so much easier to buy and own than regular firearms. There are many people that even prefer using air rifles for things like long-term survival preparations and emergency situations since they have very affordable ammunition and it will never expire or go bad.
If you want to hunt with an air rifle, there are a few things you need to be aware of as they are very different from traditional firearms. Keep this in mind when buying and hunting with an air rifle!
Muzzle Energy
When hunting with an air rifle, always be aware of the muzzle energy as it will be different depending on the gun. Don’t worry too much about things like velocity, however, as it is not a very useful factor when you are looking at an air rifle for different types of game. While something like 1500 feet per second sounds really powerful, speed is not everything. Muzzle energy is much more important and is the better thing to remember.
Many air guns will give you their velocity or the muzzle energy, but not both so it might be helpful to learn how to calculate the muzzle energy. You should also consider the game size that you will be after. Small game, especially when hit in the kill zone, can be harvested with very little power. Heavier pellets move slower but pack a bigger punch. Lighter pellets, in contrast, move much quicker making them more accurate and better at longer ranges. Most air rifles are in the .177 caliber as many governments classify anything bigger than that as a legal firearm.
Big Game Hunting
Many people are not aware that air rifles can be used to take down big game as well. Obviously, you are going to need a bigger air rifle for these tasks than those that you would use for a small game. Most big game hunters using air guns will opt for big bore rifles like .25 caliber pellets or larger if possible. Hunting big game with these guns is very similar to hunting with archery equipment or muzzleloaders in that you have to get very close to your quarry in order to have an effective and accurate shot.
Final Thoughts
Hunting with an air rifle can be a lot of fun, but just remember that it is not the same as having a regular rifle. You must use one that is large enough to take the game you are after and try to get as close as you can!
For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.
