Top 5 Best Air Rifles for Beginners in 2025

Starting your airgun journey in 2025 is an exciting time, with more high-value, feature-packed rifles available than ever before. For a new shooter, the ideal beginner rifle is accurate, reliable, easy to use, and offers great performance without a huge investment. This list focuses on PCP rifles that deliver on all fronts, getting you from the box to the backyard with confidence.

Air Venturi Avenger, Green Mountain Camo Laminate
The Avenger has been a top recommendation for years, and for good reason. It offers features usually found on much more expensive rifles, including an externally adjustable regulator and a sidelever action. The Green Mountain Camo laminate stock adds a rugged, weather-resistant finish, making it a fantastic all-around package for hunting and target shooting that is very easy on the wallet.
Benjamin Armada PCP Air Rifle Combo
The Benjamin Armada is the perfect “ready-to-hunt” solution for a beginner. It comes as a combo, often including a scope, and its fully modular AR-style chassis is both intimidating and incredibly versatile. Built on the proven Marauder action, it’s known for being quiet and reliable right out of the box, saving you the guesswork of building your first setup.
Barra 250z Veil Camo
Barra continues to impress by offering modern tactical designs at an accessible price point. The 250z in Veil Camo is a great example, providing a sharp-looking, full-featured PCP rifle with a bottle-fed design for high shot count. It’s an excellent entry point for beginners who are drawn to the tactical aesthetic and want a high-performance platform without a custom build price tag.
AEA Zeus Tactical 16″
For the beginner who wants to dive into the deep end of power, the AEA Zeus Tactical in a compact 16″ barrel is a compelling option. This rifle brings big-bore performance to the table in a more manageable size. While it requires more respect for its power, it allows a new hunter to confidently take on larger pests from the very start.
Bush Buck .452
Simplicity and raw power define the Bush Buck. This big-bore air rifle is a straightforward, robust tool perfect for those whose primary goal is hunting larger game. Its uncomplicated design makes it easy to understand and operate, offering a no-frills introduction to the world of high-caliber airgunning for hunting.

Getting Started with Your First PCP
Remember, PCP rifles require a source of high-pressure air, like a hand pump or a carbon fiber tank. Factor this into your initial budget. Whichever rifle you choose from this list, you can be confident you’re starting with a capable platform that will help you develop your skills for years to come.

What are you most looking forward to with your first air rifle? Let us know in the comments