Target shooting and hunting with great accuracy using an arrow gun isn’t the only thing that matters to make it worth spending the money.
Most beginners fall for the shooting speed and overlook must-needed things while getting the best arrow gun.
I have seen airbow guns that allow more arrows to fire per filling, but the shooting accuracy is way less than ones that offer half the shots per filling.
One must test a gun, or at least be well-aware of the customers’ feedback in different shooting styles to come to the right decision, which I have already covered in the last few days.
So, here are the top recommendations from dozens of options out there.
Umarex Umarex AirSaber PCP Powered Arrow...
Umarex AirJavelin CO2 Arrow Gun Air...
Benjamin Bulldog BPBD3S .357 PCP Hunting...
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Umarex Umarex AirSaber PCP Powered Arrow...
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4 Best Arrow Gun Reviews
Contents
We have tested the most reputed items on the market to get a first-hand experience. But these airbows are relatively new and we could not choose too many products. So, here we came up with the 4 arrow guns for the review.
The list includes arrow guns for both beginners and pro-level shooters. Regardless of your budget and preferences, you will find the most suitable one for yourself.
1. Elite Force Umarex AirSaber PCP Powered Arrow Gun Air Rifle
The first one on the list is from Elite Force, and this model is quite popular among beginners and pro shooters for all-purpose shooting. It delivers a decent shooting speed to take down big games with the first strike and comes with essential features for a more convenient shooting experience.
With up to 169 ft-lbs of kinetic energy, this bad boy can make serious impacts on a big game. In a real-life hunting test, the arrow manages to drop deers dead like a bullet. The arrow may even come out from the other side of the game due to its 450 FPS of velocity, making it the best arrow gun for hunting.
The arrow gun is extremely accurate within 70 yards. With little shooting experience, you can hit targets with great accuracy.
Once you fill its pressure tank fully, you can shoot up to 25 times. The total capacity of the tank is 3,625 PSI, which takes a few hundred strokes to refill using a hand pump. Be sure to use an SCBA tank or HPA compressor to refill the tank effortlessly.
Features
- Fires at 450 FPS at 169 ft-lbs kinetic energy
- 3,625 PSI max tank pressure
- Up to 25 shots per fill
- Rubber recoil pad
- Picatinny rail
Pros
- Hits targets within 70 yards with excellent accuracy
- Takes down big games due to its high kinetic energy
- Comfortable stock construction takes minimum recoil
- Lightweight for its size compared to others of similar sizes
Cons
- Included scope isn’t of good quality
2.Wearable4U Umarex AirJavelin Arrow Gun Air Rifle
Another Umarex airbow review on the list! At a low price tag, Umarex AirJavelin arrow gun model offers pretty much all that you will need as a beginner for plinking, target shooting, and hunting games.
Unlike the previously reviewed one, it comes with a CO2 cartridge, which is a less expensive propulsion system. Once it’s fully loaded, you can shoot up to 2 dozens of arrows at targets.
With kinetic energy of 35 ft-lbs and 300 FPS velocity, shooting from a short and medium distance comes accurate using this airbow gun. However, for long-distance shooting, you won’t find it much accurate.
For ease of operation, it’s equipped with easy to co*ck bolt action. Also, there’s a push safety button to make sure it doesn’t fire unwillingly.
Moreover, due to the rubber recoil pad, your shoulder won’t get hurt while shooting.
If you want to mount a scope and other accessories, you will find its picatinny rail compatible with pretty much all mounting options.
Features
- CO2 cartridge, 25 shots per fill
- 300 FPS with 35 ft-lbs kinetic energy
- Rubber pad recoil with all-weather stock
- Full length picatinny rail
Pros
- Decent accuracy within a short-range
- Effortless co*cking and bolt action for beginners
- Lightweight construction, ideal for teenagers
- Mountable picatinny rail to increase its shooting accuracy
Cons
- Not for long-distance shooting
3. Hatsan Harpoon PCP Air Arrow Rifle
When it comes to shooting down large games from a distance, you need a reliable and accurate arrow gun like this one from Hatsan. This beast is able to shoot at 580 FPS with 310 FPE energy to drop animals on the ground with a single shot.
The rifle is extremely well-built to be able to withstand tough and wild conditions when you go hunting. Its side lever action is pretty easy to deal with. In hunting situations that require taking quick action, you can rely on its action mechanism.
You can use commercially made crossbow arrows on this rifle, which is a huge plus point over others — no need to spend more on specialized arrows to get the best results. With 2 arrow storage, this unit offers you more space to store the arrows than conventional ones.
For long-distance target practice, it’s one of the favourites among pro shooters as well.
To tackle recoil and stuff, the stock butt got soft rubberized padding. You can further adjust it as per your comfort and shooting style.
Features
- PCP propulsion mechanism
- 580 FPS velocity with 310 FPE kinetic energy
- Compatible with commercial crossbow arrows
- Side-lever action
- Adjustable buttstock
- Picatinny rail for mounting
Pros
- Great accuracy for large distance target shooting and hunting down large games
- Easy to co*ck side lever action for young individuals
- Adjustable stock enhances shooting convenience in different circ*mstances
- 20 inches long arrow makes a powerful impact on targets
Cons
- Expensive option
- Doesn’t come with a scope even at such a high price tag
4. Benjamin Pioneer Airbow, by Crosman
Just because this airbow is listed in the last position, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the money. In fact, if you are looking for a powerful airbow gun, you will find this one insanely accurate within 50 yards.
With your shooting expertise and a quality scope, the gun can even take down targets within 100 yards of range. Among all the PCP ones that I listed here, it’s the best PCP arrow gun that you can buy if you are okay with its price.
co*cking and deco*cking this rifle is super easy. It features a lifting lever, which even a kid can handle. Talking about its pressure tank, you will need to refill it with 3,000 PSI.
Be sure to get an SCBA tank to make refilling an effortless job. Then, you can refill using a hand pump after every few shots.
The included scope is a useless one, which is something as expected. But, the good thing is, it has got a picatinny rail system. You can mount a serious scope any time for a more accurate target shooting and hunting experience.
Features
- 3000 PSI tank capacity
- 160 FPE at 450 FPS
- Top co*cking bolt mechanism
- 8 shots at 450 FPS
- Picatinny rail
Pros
- Great accuracy for long-range hunting
- Effortless co*cking makes it a breeze to use
- Easy to handle and shoot at targets, extremely beginner-friendly system
- Comes with 3 specialized arrows
- Fairly lightweight and easy to carry in the field
Cons
- Below average scope
- Expensive option
Features to Look for Before Buying the Best Airbow and Arrow Gun
Not all arrow guns are equally good for different shooting purposes. To make sure you don’t end up purchasing the wrong one, it’s a must that you keep your eyes on the things to get the best bow and arrow gun within your budget.
Velocity and Kinetic Energy
The higher the FPS is, the faster your arrow can travel towards the target. More than 400 FPS is fast enough for hunting and stuff. If you have a low budget, below 400 FPS will still provide decent short to medium-range accuracy.
If you will mostly target or hunt down games from a distance, be sure to get one with a higher FPS rating to make no compromise with the accuracy.
The kinetic will determine how much impact the arrow will make on your target or game. Ideally, for small games like a rabbit, 25 ft. lbs. of energy is more than enough.
If you want to hunt down deer and similar predators, a unit with 25-41 ft. lbs. would be the best airbow for this type of hunting purpose.
Large games such as elk, wild boar, black bear, etc., will require you to shoot arrows with 42-65 ft. lbs, of kinetic energy.
For Cape buffalo, musk ox, grizzly, and other similar tougher games, you will need 65 ft. lbs. of kinetic energy or more to hunt down the prey with a single shot.
co*cking Effort
I have reviewed arrow guns with both side bolt action and top bolt action mechanism. Side bolt action isn’t that hard, except for a few arrow gun models. If you have strong arms, there won’t be any issue co*cking it.
However, top bolt action is the easiest one out there. If you aim for a large arrow gun, having this kind of bolt mechanism will get you a convenient shooting experience in the wilderness.
Trigger Mechanism
It’s not that triggering requires hard efforts. But, when it comes to hunting and long-range shooting, a slightly less trigger weight is welcomed by the hunters. 3 lbs. of trigger weight is decent.
A two-stage trigger pulling mechanism is the most pleasing to have in a hunting airbow gun.
Noise Level
Most arrow guns are less noisy than crossbows or compound bows. Depending on where you will be using the gun, you have to decide whether you should get a quieter one or an average less noisy gun.
Shots per Fill
These airbow guns are either powered by CO2 cartridges or PCP compressed pressure tanks. CO2 is less expensive than the other one and less tiring when it comes to refilling.
However, guns with a compressed pressure tank allow you to shoot arrows with great power and impact. More or less 25 shots per fill is a good deal to consider.
But, popular models like Benjamin Pioneer only allow up to 10 shots at 450 FPS per filling. It’s way less than the models that offer 25 shots, but the accuracy will be much more with each of those 10 shots.
If your budget is low, go for a CO2 powered gun. A 12g cartridge should last 24 hours. But you can only hunt down small games within a reasonable distance. So, decide according to it.
What States Are Air Bows Legal?
Just because shooting with an air bow gun seems cool to you, don’t just go and buy yourself one. First, check if there’s any restriction in your state using these air bows. There are a number of states that don’t allow using arrow guns.
These specialized guns are allowed in Alabama, Arizona, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington.
So, if you live in any of these states, you are good to go with one of these guns. However, if you live in other states but plan to go to any of the above states for hunting or shooting, you won’t have to face any trouble.
Is Airbow Legal to Hunt with?
Airbow guns are legal to use in a few states. Because it is not like a bb gun, it may not be allowed in some states. In the permitted states, you can only use these guns to hunt down deer, elk, bear, turkey, and similar games.
Still, it’s highly recommended for you to know if there are any special rules about using these guns in your state.
There can be a specific time or session for using airbows in your local area. Be sure to know everything related to this type of hunting before proceeding further.
How Loud is the Benjamin Airbow?
Airbows are extremely popular when it comes to stealth hunting as these guns make very little noise, which is something you need the most in the wilderness.
If you have shortlisted Benjamin Pioneer Airbow, you have already made a good decision. It’s the best airbow rifle when it comes to speed, accuracy, and convenient shooting experience.
However, when it comes to the noise it produces when firing, within a 50 meter of distance, there will be 86 decibels of sound, which is a bit louder than other competitive airbows.
But, you can use a silencer to reduce the noise to make sure the prey doesn’t run away due to the firing sound.
Airbow vs Crossbow
Both these hunting gears shot arrows out of them. But their mechanism and way of shooting arrows are much different from each other. And that’s the reason why airbows and crossbows are aimed at people of different choices and capabilities.
Firing Mechanism
As you can expect from a traditional bow, you will have to go through a string mechanism that requires you to draw the arrow first and then fire towards the target. This entire shooting process requires quite a bit of effort.
Whereas airbows use a chamber of pressurized air to fire the arrow when you pull the trigger. This is way easier than the crossbow.
Firing Speed and Accuracy
Most crossbows fire at 150-175 FPS. If you use a higher-end model, it will get you around 400 FPS, but not more than that. These velocity ratings aren’t the same every time you shoot, which also affects the overall accuracy.
With an arrow gun, you can shoot at 400-450 FPS, with great consistency. When it comes to taking down large games from a distance, arrow guns are much more accurate and reliable.
Safety
Pulling the string to co*ck is quite dangerous even if you are a strong individual. If you cannot balance or anything goes wrong, it can injure you.
But with an arrow gun, loading or refilling, bolt action, and pulling the trigger are much safer to do.
Final Words
All the guns that I have reviewed are great, considering the specs and features at different price points. However, the best arrow gun for you would be capable of improving your shooting or hunting skills while checking all the aspects like speed, accuracy, weight, size, mounting options.
No matter which one you buy, be sure to check the state rules about arrow gun hunting. After all, you don’t want to fall into trouble buying expensive gear.
Meta
Unlike crossbows, arrow guns are exceedingly accurate for hunting and target shooting. Check the list out to get the best arrow gun of your shooting preferences.
