The Best Air Rifle for Predators and Big Game: AirForce Texan. 257 caliber rifle version as a long range varmint and predator gun, and believe this is another interesting option for a hunter looking for a primary predator gun. The Texan is light, the carbine version is compact, and it works well for a gun that might be carried with a lot of additional lights and calling gear. The 490cc onboard air tank is used as the buttstock and provides around 10 shots per fill depending on power adjustment. There is both a rifle and a carbine version, and though I generally prefer a carbine, in this caliber, I like both equally. The auto-deployed safety can be reached without moving the hand off the pistol grip, and the rifle features a nice, crisp, two-stage trigger. Like all of the Texans, this single shot rifle is easy to cycle and load using the side lever cocking and accessible loading port. 308 caliber bullet at over 1000 fps, which is very impressive for this caliber in an air rifle. This configuration of the Texan can launch a. 308 caliber Texan, which has become my go-to predator hunting rifle. The AirForce Texan lineup spans several calibers - from. The Best Air Rifle for Small Game and Predators: FX Impact In my opinion, this is the perfect rifle to carry into the woods when heading out on a fall squirrel hunt. The Commander’s sound signature is reduced by the shrouded barrel, and you can achieve further noise reduction by mounting a third-party suppressor on the 1/2 UNF threaded muzzle. Versions are available with folding or fixed buttstocks in black or tan with a Cerakote or black-action finish. The Commander XR is designed to use an AR-15-compatible buttstock and an AK-47 fitted grip. When paired with the right pellet, it hits hard with an impressive terminal performance on small- to medium-sized game. The accuracy is very good, and I feel very comfortable shooting this rifle off sticks at 75-100 yards. There is a power adjustment dial located on the right-hand side of the breech that permits external tuning of the rifle. Onboard air storage uses either a carbon fiber bottle or aluminum cylinder, and a dual-gauge assembly monitors regulator pressure settings and air supply fill status. The Commander employs a regulated air delivery system that works with an adjustable hammer and valve to provide a very consistent shot string. The side lever action is smooth as silk and cycles the 10-shot magazine reliably and quickly. The Brocock Commander has a tactical design that is ergonomic and fits most shooters well. Once you’ve decided on the game you’d like to pursue you can narrow down your choices to the proper caliber, power, and features. With today’s accurate and powerful air rifles you can hunt squirrels, predators, wild pigs, and deer. The first consideration for choosing a hunting air rifle is deciding what you’d like to hunt. Within each of these categories, there are several purpose-designed guns for just about any application or budget. Using that experience, I’ve selected the best air rifles for small game PCP, cross-over guns that can be used for small game and predators, primary predator guns, crossover guns for predators and big game, and primary big game guns. I’ve used air rifles to hunt small game, predators, and big game species all across the continent and I’ve shot every major air rifle brand. The guns for hunting these varied species include spring piston rifles, Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) powered air rifles in standard calibers, and larger-caliber PCP rifles for predators and big game. While airguns are most commonly thought of for small-game hunting, they have expanded into predator and big-game hunting. In recent years, there’s been significant development focused on airguns for recreational shooting, competition, and - my particular area of interest - hunting.