More and more states are opening up big game hunting to big-bore airguns, and there are more airgun options than ever. Prices range from affordable to fairly expensive. What are our best picks for big-bore hunting airguns under $1500? That’s what we’ll talk about today. We’ll put them in order from highest to lowest based on price. Let’s get started.
AirForce Texan LSS, .45 / .51 Caliber
At just under $1500, the AirForce Texan LSS tops our list. It’s available in .45 and .51 calibers and packs one of the most impressive punches from an airgun. It has some other important features as well. The integrated moderator keeps the report to a minimum. If you like to deliver stealthy hunting power, then the AirForce LSS line is the place to look. The side lever cocking system is very easy to operate, and the carbon fiber tank helps keep the weight more manageable. For those who like the look and function of the Texan but want to spend a little less, there are multiple versions of this design.
Ataman M2R Bullpup, .35 Caliber
Also sitting just under $1500, the .35 caliber Ataman M2R Bullpup delivers multiple regulated shots pushing close to 150 foot-pounds. Designed to shoot pellets, the multi-shot M2R may not be the best option for slugs, the mag is too narrow, but you can reach out to 100+ yards with repeatable accuracy. It’s a great long-range target gun or varmint gun for those who want to have multiple shots on tap.
Benjamin Bulldog, .35 /.457 Caliber
The Benjamin Bulldog was one of the first home-grown big-bore airgun models. Initially released in .35 caliber, it delivered significant hunting power with a convenient 5-shot magazine. Most big-bore airguns at the time were single-shot only, so it was a big deal to be able to cock the side lever and take your next shot.
The .45 model was created to answer the trend for bigger calibers with more power. Utilizing a 3-shot gravity fed magazine, the Benjamin Bulldog .45 delivers over 450 foot-pounds with great 50-yard accuracy. It may not be a 100-yard gun (due to flight time, not accuracy), but anything inside 50 yards won’t want to be in front of this beast.
Umarex Hammer, .510 Caliber
The Umarex Hammer is another multi-shot marvel that puts a lot of energy on target. The two-shot magazine, super easy cocking, 4500 psi carbon fiber tank, and regulated valve are just some of the key features that make up the Umarex Hammer. Pushing up to 750 foot-pounds, the Hammer has proven itself as a big game hunting monster. So whether you are looking to take trophy deer, bear, huge hogs, or just want to target shoot with one of the most powerful airguns on the market, the Hammer will put a big smile on your face.
Seneca Big Bore Airguns
The Seneca big bore airgun line gives airgun hunters many choices and is the most affordable option on our list. There’s the .35 cal Recluse, .45 Cal 909 Light Hunter, and the .50 (.495) cal Dragon Claw. The .35 cal Recluse, as with all the Seneca big-bore airguns, uses a single-shot breach and multi-position cocking hammer. The large breech allows for a wide range of pellets and slugs, and the multi-position hammer allows shooters to shoot on high or low power, optimizing the output based on ammo choice.
The .50 cal Dragon Claw is perhaps one of the most iconic big-bore airguns, as it’s been around for a long time. Pushing 230+ foot pounds out of the box, it has the power and accuracy to easily take hogs and deer. And, since all these airguns have been around for so long, many 3rd party tuners and tweakers have worked to improve their power, some more than doubling the factory performance.
Need More Help?
That’s it for this article on some of the best big-bore airguns for under $1500. Of course, there’s more than just the price that goes into getting a big-bore hunting rifle. You need a way to fill it, a way to scope it, and you need to know what ammo will give you the results you want. If you have more questions, please call us, and we’ll be more than happy to help and ensure you have all the right gear to succeed on your next airgun hunt.
