If you are new to airguns, you’re probably going to start with either a pump-pneumatic or spring/gas ram powered airgun. The advantage of spring and gas ram driven airguns (from this point on, we will refer to them as spring powered airguns) is that they deliver a lot more power for your buck, making them the most popular airgun type sold in the world.
It’s no wonder why spring-piston air rifles rule the market. They deliver a lot of power, and they only need your elbow grease and pellets to get the job done. But, with so many options on the market, all promising theirs is better than the rest, how are new airgunners supposed to know what to buy? We hope this guide helps you make the right choice for your needs.
Air Arms
As with most things, you get what you pay for
Most spring airguns sit at the lower end of the price table, but there are many that run closer to $1000. New airgunners may find this crazy, but there’s a good reason they bring that price, and it’s in the build quality and heirloom craftsmanship that comes along with them. The manufacturer that sits at the top of the group would have to be Air Arms. Their TX200 and ProSport underlevers are simply works of art. With match barrels and trigger systems, they represent the top of the spring airgun food chain and are worth every penny. Don’t take our word for it. Find anyone who owns a TX or ProSport and they will let you know how well these guns are built and how well they shoot.
Weihrauch
European build quality, durability and accuracy for discriminating airgunners
Weihrauch has been building high-quality airguns for decades. Imported from Germany, these airguns boast a pedigree that equals Air Arms. For many years they were imported under the Beeman brand, and some still are, like the Beeman R9 or R1. Today the Beeman brand also includes many Asian imports, which are not like the Weihrauch air rifles. If you are looking at just the Beeman name, make sure you are looking at the fine print. The Beeman R9, also called the HW95, maybe one of the best break barrel airguns ever produced. It’s compact, accurate, and delivers consistently on target. The match-grade trigger is touted as perhaps the best spring airgun trigger ever made.
SIG Sauer
Budget-friendly but still awesome
A new player in the spring airgun field, SIG Sauer hit the scene with their ASP20. SIG is undoubtedly a premium brand in the firearm world, and that’s also the case here. But, their premium name does not necessarily come at a premium price. Arguably the ASP20 is the most accurate break barrel airgun at a mid-range price point. SIG addressed the main Achilles heel of all break barrel airguns: the barrel joint. With their patented lockup system, shooters have ensured an exact barrel position each time they take aim. The SIG Sauer ASP20 delivers power, range, and accuracy in a very stylish hardwood stock or tactical synthetic stock. Available in .177 and .22 caliber, the SIG ASP20 is a no-brainer for anyone looking for an excellent first airgun or a significant upgrade from their budget springer.
Gamo
The budget brand that delivers accuracy, features and a lot of power
The most popular spring airgun brand sold in the USA is Gamo USA. Their airguns are built in Spain and undergo a rigorous testing process to ensure quality, function, and accuracy. Where Gamo air rifles shine is in their feature set. Specifically, they were the first manufacturer to re-introduce a multi-shot break barrel back into the mainstream. This feature gives break barrel shooters the same advantage as PCP and CO2 shooters by having a ten shot magazine right on tap. Recently, a few imitators hit the market with their version of a multi-shot spring gun, but none have matched the Gamo Swarm system’s function and ease. Gamo’s line of spring guns range from great shooting youth guns to ultra magnum guns pushing PCP power.
It’s always a good time to add a new springer to your airgun collection!
We hope this guide helped navigate the many options on the market these days. Whether you are looking for a high end, heirloom airgun, or a budget-friendly first break barrel, an airgun from these brands will undoubtedly fit the bill. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team here at Airgun Depot. We are always ready to help!
