AIR RIFLEVILLAGE

Editors Choice 10 Best Air Rifles Under $300 Review

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The $300 budget is a significant milestone in the air rifle market. Below $300, you’re mostly working with spring-piston and CO2 rifles. At and above $300, pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) technology enters the picture — and PCPs are a fundamentally different level of performance. This roundup covers the best options across both worlds at the $300 ceiling.

Editor’s Top Picks Under $300

  1. Benjamin Marauder PCP — Best Overall Under $300

The benchmark for mid-range air rifles. PCP-powered, 10-round magazine, fully adjustable match trigger, fully shrouded barrel that’s genuinely quiet. 30 consistent shots per fill at hunting-capable velocity. If this is in your budget, nothing else in this roundup competes on pure performance.

[Check
    Price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Benjamin+Marauder+PCP+air+rifle&tag=airrifles8-20)

2. Benjamin Trail NP .22 XL — Best Gas Piston Under $250

Nitro Piston .22 break barrel with a genuine hardwood stock and 3-9x40 scope. Cold-weather reliable, smooth shot cycle, hunting-capable in .22. The included variable-power scope justifies the price point over fixed-scope competitors.

[Check
    Price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Benjamin+Trail+NP+22+XL+air+rifle&tag=airrifles8-20)

3. Hammerli 850 Air Magnum CO2 — Best CO2 Rifle in Class

The finest CO2-powered air rifle in this price range. Dual CO2 cartridges deliver 88 shots per fill. Genuine hardwood stock. 8-round magazine. Match fiber optic sights. Available in .177 and .22. Built to a noticeably higher standard than typical CO2 rifles.

[Check
    Price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Hammerli+850+Air+Magnum+CO2&tag=airrifles8-20)

4. Gamo CFR Whisper — Best Fixed-Barrel for Scope Accuracy

Underlever fixed-barrel design means the scope holds zero session to session. Whisper noise dampening. Thumbhole stock for improved ergonomics. Ideal for accuracy-focused target shooting where scope consistency matters.

[Check
    Price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gamo+CFR+Whisper+air+rifle&tag=airrifles8-20)

5. Benjamin Varmint Power Pack — Best Complete Hunting Setup

Benjamin Trail NP with a 3-9x40 scope, bipod, and hunting hollow-point pellets included. Complete varmint hunting kit in one purchase. If you need to be hunt-ready immediately with no additional purchases, this bundle delivers.

[Check
    Price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Benjamin+Varmint+Power+Pack&tag=airrifles8-20)

How to Choose

Top performance, period? → Benjamin Marauder (if PCP fill equipment is available to you)

Best gas-piston hunting rifle? → Benjamin Trail NP .22 XL

Want a premium CO2 experience? → Hammerli 850

Scope accuracy is #1 priority? → Gamo CFR Whisper

Need a complete hunting kit from one purchase? → Benjamin Varmint Power Pack

Final Thoughts

Under $300, the Benjamin Marauder is the standout — assuming you can handle the PCP fill requirement. If PCP infrastructure is a barrier, the Benjamin Trail NP .22 XL delivers the next best real-world hunting performance at a competitive price. Every pick in this list is a proven performer — choose based on what matches your shooting style and practical needs.