Best Air Rifles Under $200 on Amazon
Let’s face it—buying an air rifle shouldn’t feel like you’re negotiating a custom AR build. If you’re looking for a great airgun to plink cans, deal with backyard pests, or get your kids into shooting, you don’t need to spend a fortune or hunt across five different websites.
That’s why I put together this list of the best airguns you can buy right now on Amazon for under $200. These are guns I’ve either owned, shot, or have enough experience with the brands to recommend.
Every single one is easy to get your hands on, ships fast, and offers real-world value for hobbyists, new shooters, and anyone who just wants something fun and functional without buyer’s remorse.
Whether you’re stepping up from a budget break-barrel or looking for your first .22 plinker, this list has you covered.
Gamo Varmint Air Rifle
Affordable, High Power, and Ready for Action
The Gamo Varmint is exactly what you want when you’re moving up from the bottom tier but still want something wallet-friendly and effective. It’s a simple spring-powered, break-barrel rifle chambered in .177, delivering around 1,250 fps with alloy pellets enough to take care of cans, pests, and a squirrel or two.
The synthetic stock is both ambidextrous and textured, making it easy to grip whether you’re hauling it through a thicket or shooting by the porch. You also get fiber-optic open sights plus a 4×32 scope to start shooting the moment you unbox.
Overall, it doesn’t feel like a toy it feels like a tool, finished and tuned well for what it’s supposed to do.
Why I Picked It
I picked the Gamo Varmint because it’s a no-frills performer that delivers solid power and reliability without dipping into premium pricing. It’s a great step-up option when you want real performance not just upgrades on a tight budget. I’ve used it to introduce shooters to real airguns and also to get consistent backyard pest control done quickly. It does the job, every time.
Stoeger S4000‑E
Quiet, Customizable, and Fun to Shoot
The Stoeger S4000‑E is one of those rifles that surprises you. On the surface, it looks like a typical break-barrel gas ram setup, but after a few sessions in the backyard, it quickly becomes a favorite.
It’s built with backyard-friendly power, pushing alloy pellets around 1,200 fps in .177 or about 1,000 fps in .22, more than enough to handle tin cans, squirrels, or that annoying chipmunk that’s been chewing your shed.
What makes it stand out is how user-focused it feels. The integrated suppressor makes it noticeably quieter than most rifles in its price range, so you can shoot longer without bothering the neighbors. It also has Stoeger’s Multi-Grip System, meaning you can swap out grip panels for different textures and colors.
It’s a small touch, but when you’re sharing the rifle with family or just want to dial in the feel, it matters. The ergonomic checkering, ambidextrous design, and included scope all make this a ready-to-go setup straight out of the box.
Why I Picked It
I picked the Stoeger S4000‑E because it brings just the right amount of personality to the table. It’s accurate, easy to cock, and comfortable for newer shooters. It’s also one of the few rifles under $200 that lets you customize it without cracking it open. I’ve used it for everything from informal target shooting to pest control, and it’s one of those rifles I keep reaching for just because it’s fun.
Ruger AirHawk Elite
Classic Feel with a Scope and Thumbhole Grip
The Ruger AirHawk Elite is a great example of how a budget-friendly spring-piston air rifle can still feel refined. It delivers a satisfying blend of power, weight, and comfort—especially for shooters who want something that looks and feels a bit more “real rifle” than polymer-heavy modern designs.
The AirHawk Elite ships with a wood-style synthetic thumbhole stock that gives it a more traditional, grounded feel in the hand, and the shape naturally helps manage recoil and steady the gun. Out of the box, it pushes alloy pellets around 1,000 fps and lead close to 900 fps, putting it squarely in the backyard pest control and plinking category with a little extra punch.
It also includes a 3–9×40 scope, which, while not a premium optic, is more than capable for most casual shooting and target practice. The built-in fiber optic sights are a nice backup and surprisingly easy to use in low light.
What makes the AirHawk stand out for newer shooters is its overall balance—it’s not too light, not too heavy, and with the thumbhole grip and smooth two-stage trigger, it just feels more intuitive than a lot of rifles in this price range.
Why I Picked It
I picked the AirHawk Elite because it gives off that classic airgun feel while still being practical for modern use. It’s a workhorse that doesn’t feel like a compromise. The thumbhole grip adds real control and comfort, especially when dialing in on small targets or pests.
I’ve used this rifle to get beginners hooked on airguns because it looks serious, shoots straight, and holds up well. For under $200, it’s one of the few springers I keep around and actually enjoy shooting.
Gamo Wildcat Whisper
Powerful, Quiet, and Built for Everyday Use
The Gamo Wildcat Whisper brings a lot to the table for shooters looking to upgrade without overspending. It uses Gamo’s IGT gas piston system instead of a spring, giving you smoother cocking, better cold-weather performance, and more durability overall.
Power-wise, it easily reaches high velocities with .177 alloy pellets, and the .22 version hits hard enough for pest control or small game hunting.
Gamo’s Whisper noise-dampening technology actually makes a difference, keeping your shots quiet and neighbor-friendly. The synthetic stock is comfortable, ambidextrous, and weather-resistant, and it comes with a decent 4×32 scope to get you started. This rifle feels solid and refined, not like a toy—and that makes a huge difference in actual use.
Why I Picked It
The Wildcat Whisper hits that perfect blend of performance and practicality. It’s quiet, powerful, and reliable, and it looks and feels like a real tool, not a backyard plinker. I chose this because it’s just plain fun to shoot, has enough punch for real work, and stays affordable.
You’ll reach for this one more than you think.
Crosman Vantage Plus (.22)
Rapid-Fire Gas Ram with Quiet Suppressor
- .22-CALIBER BREAK BARREL AIR RIFLE
- DURABLE ALL-WEATHER DESIGN – synthetic stock and foregrip
The Crosman Vantage Plus feels like a smart hybrid of thoughtful features and no-frills value. This .22-caliber break-barrel air rifle isn’t your grandpa’s pellet gun it integrates a manually indexed 6-shot rotary clip for fast follow-up shots, so you’re not digging through pockets between rounds.
Under the barrel, it houses QuietFire sound suppression to keep your fun loud but your neighbors calm. Powered by Nitro Piston technology, it delivers smoother cocking, reduced recoil, and better consistency compared to traditional springers.
Out of the box, it includes a 4×32 scope mounted on a 11mm dovetail, ambidextrous synthetic stock with grip texturing, a two-stage trigger, and rubber buttpad for comfort. Performance-wise, expect alloy pellets to hit up to 950 fps and lead pellets around 800 fps enough snappy power for plinking targets or handling pests in the backyard.
Recoil stays manageable, and that clip system makes shooting feel almost like a semi-auto without being over the top.
Why I Picked It
I chose the Vantage Plus because it blends convenience with confidence. The rotary clip keeps the action flowing, and QuietFire lets me shoot without drawing unwanted attention.
Between its all-weather design, smooth Nitro piston, and that included scope, it’s as close to “ready to roll” as you can get for under $200. It’s a knockaround rifle that doesn’t feel cheap and that’s rare in this price tier.
Benjamin Trail Mark II Pistol
- SYNTHETIC FRAME WITH RIFLED STEEL BARREL – Velocities up to 625 fps
- SINGLE-SHOT, NP BREAK BARREL TECHNOLOGY – .177-Caliber
Compact Gas‑Ram Plinker Built Tough
The Benjamin Trail Mark II flips the script on your average air pistol by trading out old-school springs for Nitro Piston power. That means smoother cocking, nearly no vibration, and way less spring fatigue—even if you leave it cocked for a while.
The synthetic tactical frame is sturdy yet light enough to carry on trail hikes, and the rifled steel barrel delivers crisp consistency in every shot. Out of the box, you’re looking at around 625 fps with alloy pellets and a still-respectable 525 fps with lead.
Sight acquisition is painless thanks to a fiber-optic front and adjustable rear, with room to add your own optics via the dovetail rail under the barrel.
Why I Picked It
I picked the Trail Mark II because it’s a no‑excuse plinker that feels built, not thrown together. Smooth cocking, precise shooting, and solid build quality make it a go-to in the $200 or under class. I’ve tested it on cooler mornings, at the range, and even on lightweight varmints—and it consistently performs without complaint.
Hatsan Model 95 Spring Combo
- Caliber – .25 Cal; Single shot; Break barrel; Spring piston; Quattro Trigger – 2-stage fully adjustable match trigger
- High quality, genuine Turkish walnut stock – with ambidextrous design; Precision rifled German steel barrel
Elegant Walnut, Spring Power, and Built to Last
The Hatsan Model 95 Spring Combo isn’t your average under‑$200 air rifle—it’s more like the class valedictorian of break‑barrel springers. The Turkish walnut stock gives it a certain gravitas—weighty, well‑finished, and sturdy in hand.
Inside, a rifled German steel barrel delivers consistent accuracy. The Quattro two‑stage trigger is fully adjustable, letting you finesse your pull just how you like it. Hatsan’s SAS system helps soak up that spring recoil, and the big muzzle brake makes cocking feel more manageable.
It also comes with fiber‑optic open sights and a 3‑9×32 Optima scope right out of the box, so you’re ready to shoot cans or dispatch squirrels immediately. Whether you’re blowing through backyard cans or testing small‑game capabilities, this rifle feels like it was meant to last.
Why I Picked It
I picked the Model 95 because it’s rare to find something that looks this good, shoots this well, and still sits under $200. That walnut stock isn’t just for show—it’s built tough and comfortable for heavier use.
Add the adjustable trigger, solid accuracy, and reliability, and here’s a rifle that doesn’t just impress in specs—it earns it with every shot. This one’s a keeper when you want performance that outpaces the price tag.
Umarex Iconix PCP Air Rifle
- Side lever action for quick and smooth follow-up shots
- Shoot 8 shots without reloading!
- Get 25 shots per fill with the 3000 PSI 6.1 cubic inch (100 cc) tank
Cheapest PCP—but Don’t Forget the Pump
The Umarex Iconix is one of the rare finds in this price range: a bona fide PCP airgun that’s almost under $200. Out of the box, the rifle itself might fit your budget, but don’t forget a hand pump—or the extra gear—will push you over the threshold.
That said, the Iconix delivers what PCP users rave about: fast, consistent shots with minimal recoil and a smooth, crisp trigger pull. It skips the whole spring or gas-piston drama and delivers clean, repeatable performance. Ergonomically, it’s sleek and easy to handle, making follow-up shots intuitive and direct.
Why I Picked It
I added the Umarex Iconix because it’s the most affordable way into PCP territory—and if you’re willing to invest in the pump, you’re rewarded with fast shots and unbeatable smoothness.
It’s perfect for someone ready to level up from springers but isn’t ready to jump into the big-dollar gear. If you can stretch the budget just a bit, this is a surprisingly capable little rifle.
Stoeger XM1 PCP Air Rifle
- POWERFUL – The XM1 delivers up to 2900 PSI with PCP action and integrated regulator. Features include a two-stage adjustable trigger, ambidextrous safety, and THRIDION bolt lever for enhanced grip. Hand pump not included.
- ACCURATE: Choose between .22 and .177 caliber rifles with alloy pellet muzzle velocities of up to 1,200 fps. Both include a fiber-optic front sight with interchangeable red and orange inserts and a fully adjustable fiber-optic rear sight.
PCP Power with Suppression and Custom Fit Under the Radar
The Stoeger XM1 quietly shakes up the under‑$250 category by packing in features that usually bump you well above that price. It delivers regulated PCP performance with alloy pellets reaching close to 1000 fps in .22 — fast enough for squirrels or can‑plinking — while staying smooth and consistent from shot to shot thanks to the onboard regulator.
Thanks to Stoeger’s S4 suppressor, reports stay muted, making it surprisingly backyard‑friendly for a powerful PCP. Even better, the ergonomics are top tier: interchangeable cheekpieces, grip panels, and buttpad spacers let you dial in the feel, while Pro Adaptive checkering gives you confidence in wet or sweaty conditions.
You get an adjustable two‑stage trigger, bolt‑action loading with both a rotary mag and single‑shot tray, plus open fiber‑optic sights and a 4×32 scope to get aiming accurate from the start.
Why I Picked It
I picked the XM1 because it’s the most refined PCP you can get right around $200 when it dips on sale. It’s not just powerful — it’s tailored, customizable, and whispers when you shoot. For someone stepping up from springers but not ready to go deep into premium territory, this rifle lets you have the benefits without the buyer’s remorse.
I’ve hunted squirrels, scoped cans, and packed this one on multi‑day hikes, and it’s shown up every time—not as flash, but as tool you can trust.
Final Thoughts on This List of Airguns
There’s never been a better time to grab an affordable air rifle. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade from your first plinker, these sub-$200 options on Amazon offer a ton of value without the guesswork. I picked every rifle on this list based on real-world use, long-term reliability, and the kind of fun that keeps you coming back to the backyard or range.
If you’re into pest control, prepping, or just love punching holes in soda cans, there’s something here that’ll fit the bill—and still leave enough in your wallet for pellets and a target or two.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I’ve used, trust, or believe is worth your money. Nothing here is sponsored, and no one paid me to say something nice. If it sucks, I’ll say it.
Blair Witkowski is an avid watch nut, loves pocket knives and flashlights, and when he is not trying to be a good dad to his nine kids, you will find him running or posting pics on Instagram. Besides writing articles for Tech Writer EDC he is also the founder of Lowcountry Style & Living. In addition to writing, he is focused on improving his client’s websites for his other passion, Search Engine Optimization. His wife Jennifer and he live in coastal South Carolina.