Spring-powered airguns have been around for a very long time. However, while PCP airguns have become increasingly affordable and popular, they need more gear, very expensive gear, if you want to shoot them regularly. Springers, as they are affectionately called, only need pellets and elbow grease. In this article, we’ll list a few springers that are fun to shoot, accurate, and come in under $350.
Why are gas ram airguns considered springers?
We’ll keep this part short, but it’s an important question that deserves an answer. A spring is defined as a mechanical device that stores energy. A metal spring is inert when at rest. But, put those coils under pressure, and you have stored energy just waiting to be released. When you allow the spring to decompress, it pushes the piston forward, creating pressure in the compression chamber that propels the pellet down the barrel.
A gas ram works in the same way. You are simply replacing the coiled metal spring with compressed air. When the air is compressed further, it creates stored energy, which is released when the gas ram is allowed to decompress.
Power, features, multi-shot – Gamo Swarm Magnum 10x Gen II
Very few springers can compare to the Gamo Swarm Magnum 10x Gen II. Not only is it a true 1000+ FPS airgun (shooting lead pellets), but it incorporates the best of what Gamo has to offer. The Gen II Swarm system is a ten-shot multi-shot feeding system that loads a pellet when the shooter cocks the rifle. No more single-shot loading.
It has open sights, lightweight stock, an aggressive whisper moderator, and a great trigger, and the new inertia-driven magazines help prevent double feeding. Topped with Gamo’s 3-9×40 duplex airgun scope, the Swarm Magnum Gen II is hard to beat.
Big bore break barrel – Hatsan Mod 135 QE .30
Bigger can be better, especially if you are talking about the Hatsan Mod 135 QE. The Model 135 from Hatsan comes in .177, .22, .25, but it’s the .30 cal that we are most impressed with. Able to push over 30 foot-pounds, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more powerful break-barrel on the market.
The beautiful Turkish hardwood stock has an adjustable cheekpiece and adds weight to the 135, making the recoil more manageable. The integrated QE moderator helps keep the report more manageable, and the open sights satisfy shooters that may want are more traditional, simplified shooting and hunting experience. Lastly, the Quatro Trigger allows shooters to custom tailor the trigger for 1st and 2nd stage travel and pull weight.
Two is always better than one – Beeman Gas Ram Dual Caliber
Which is better, .177 or .22? Well, you get both with the Beeman Gas Ram Dual Caliber. This combo from Beeman comes in under $200, includes a basic scope, open sights, and both .177 and .22 caliber barrels. It has a beautiful hardwood stock and a decent trigger.
Want to target practice in the backyard with inexpensive .177 pellets? Go for it. Want to go small game hunting in .22? No problem. Just swap the barrel, sight in your scope, and hit the woods. It’s a great option for those on a budget that want the best of both worlds.
Traditional Hunting Power – Benjamin Trail NP XL
Like the Hatsan Mod 135, the Benjamin Trail NP XL comes in multiple calibers, up to .25. It’s a traditional gas ram airgun that was one of the first models on the market to shoot consistently over 1000 FPS in .22 caliber with lead pellets. It’s bundled with a decent AO scope, making it better than most in the bundled optics department. A unique feature of many of the Benjamin break-barrels is their integrated sling mounts. If you are into hunting, you’ll love how well Benjamin thought out your ability to sling their rifle for those long days out in the woods. Simple, powerful, fun to shoot, the Benjamin Trail XL is another great airgun in the mix.
The budget option – Umarex SurgeMax Elite Combo
For shooters on a budget, take a look at the Umarex SurgeMax Elite Combo. Available in .117 and .22 caliber, this airgun features Umarex’s Turbo Nitrogen Technology Gas Ram, Nucleus Integrated Rail, 4×32 scope, open sights, and 5 chamber integrated noise suppressor.
The .177 boasts velocities up to 1050 FPS, with the .22 topping out at around 900 FPS. The best part is that all this comes in around $130. Just add pellets, some elbow grease, and get to shooting.
Need more options?
We have pages and pages of great break-barrel airguns to choose from. If you have questions as to what would be the best option for you, just give us a call and we’ll be very happy to help you narrow down your option. We are always here to help at Airgun Depot.
