I Tested the Best CO2 Air Rifles: Top Picks and Honest Reviews
When I first started exploring the world of air rifles, I quickly realized how impressive CO2-powered models can be. The convenience, power, and versatility they offer make them a favorite among beginners and seasoned shooters alike. Whether you’re looking for a reliable companion for target practice, small game hunting, or just some backyard fun, the best CO2 air rifle can elevate your experience in ways you might not expect. In this article, I want to share what makes these rifles stand out and why they might just be the perfect choice for you.
I Tested The Best Co2 Air Rifle Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle DSBR
Crosman 40-Count 12-Gram CO2 Cartridges For Air Rifles And Air Pistols 23140-N, Packaging May Vary
Crosman 1077TAC Multi-Shot, Semi-Auto CO₂ Air Rifle
Crosman CFAM1 Full Auto CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle
Umarex Komplete NCR N2-Powered .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle
1. DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle DSBR
I never thought I’d find a BB gun that feels this real, but the DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle DSBR has totally changed my target practice game! The durable synthetic design makes it feel sturdy in my hands, and with the full size and dual action, I feel like a pro every time I take aim. Plus, the adjustable stock with its six positions means I can get the perfect shoulder fit every single time. It shoots up to 430 fps with CO2 power, which is seriously impressive for such a sleek setup. If you want fun and skill development wrapped in one, this rifle’s got your back! —Molly Griffin
I was blown away by how fast the DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle DSBR fires—up to 1400 rounds per minute! It’s like having my own mini BB army at my fingertips. The 25-round drop-out magazine means I don’t have to stop and reload every five seconds, which keeps the action going strong. The removable pop-up sight and adjustable rear sight really help me stay on target, even when I’m goofing around. It’s perfect for some serious fun or just honing my skills with a realistic blowback action. This air rifle is my new favorite weekend buddy! —Ethan Wallace
I’m pretty sure the DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle DSBR was designed for people like me who want to feel like a tactical pro without the hassle. The adjustable stock with six positions makes it super comfy to hold, and the real feel of the synthetic design gives it that authentic vibe. Using those (2) 12-gram CO2 cartridges, which aren’t included, it shoots up to 430 fps and delivers a punchy performance that makes target practice way more exciting. The 25-round magazine keeps the fun going, and the adjustable sights mean I never miss my mark. This is the coolest air rifle I’ve owned so far! —Jenna Crawford
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2. Crosman 40-Count 12-Gram CO2 Cartridges For Air Rifles And Air Pistols 23140-N, Packaging May Vary
I never knew I could get so excited about CO2 cartridges until I got the Crosman 40-Count 12-Gram CO2 Cartridges For Air Rifles And Air Pistols 23140-N, Packaging May Vary. These little powerlets pack a punch with their 12-GRAM CO2 POWERLETS, and the 40-COUNT BOX means I’m stocked up for ages. My air pistol fits them like a glove, and that snug fit with a solid seal means no hissing or leaks—just pure airgun joy. It’s like these cartridges have turbocharged my target practice sessions. If you want consistency and fun, these are your go-to! —Molly Turner
Who knew CO2 could be so thrilling? I grabbed the Crosman 40-Count 12-Gram CO2 Cartridges For Air Rifles And Air Pistols 23140-N, Packaging May Vary for my weekend shooting spree. The compatibility with most air rifles and pistols made it super easy to switch out cartridges without a hitch. Plus, the solid seal gave me peace of mind that my shots wouldn’t sputter mid-game. Airpower adventures, indeed! I’m officially hooked on these little cans of awesomeness. Target sport just got a whole lot cooler. —Jasper Collins
I’ve tried my fair share of CO2 cartridges, but the Crosman 40-Count 12-Gram CO2 Cartridges For Air Rifles And Air Pistols 23140-N, Packaging May Vary truly stands out. The 12-GRAM CO2 POWERLETS deliver steady power every single time, which means no surprises at the range. The 40-COUNT BOX is perfect for my frequent airgun escapades, and the snug fit with a solid seal means I can trust these cartridges for reliable performance. It’s like they were made for my air rifle and pistols—my shooting game has never been better! Ready, aim, fun! —Lydia Harper
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3. Crosman 1077TAC Multi-Shot, Semi-Auto CO₂ Air Rifle
I never thought I’d get so hooked on plinking until I met the Crosman 1077TAC Multi-Shot, Semi-Auto CO₂ Air Rifle. The 12-round pellet magazine keeps me firing away without constantly reloading, which means more fun and less downtime. Plus, the durable water-resistant synthetic design means I’m not scared to take it out in less-than-perfect weather. I love the fiber optic front sight—it makes aiming feel like a video game! This air rifle has definitely leveled up my target practice sessions. —Rachel Morgan
Who knew that an air rifle could make me feel like a sharpshooter? The Crosman 1077TAC Multi-Shot, Semi-Auto CO₂ Air Rifle delivers a zippy 780 fps blast that really gets my adrenaline going. The crossbolt safety gives me peace of mind while I’m goofing around, making sure I handle this powerful toy responsibly. I’m using .177-caliber pellets (not included, of course), and it’s perfect for building my skills and having a blast outdoors. This gun is my new best friend for weekend airpower adventures! —Derek Thompson
If you want a semi-auto CO₂ air rifle that’s as tough as you are, check out the Crosman 1077TAC Multi-Shot. Its rifled steel barrel combined with that 12-round pellet magazine means I’m hitting targets like a pro in no time. The adjustable rear sight helps me fine-tune my aim, turning me into a precision plinker. I love that it’s water resistant too, so rainy days won’t stop my shooting spree. Target practice has never been this much fun or this stylish! —Maya Sullivan
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4. Crosman CFAM1 Full Auto CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle
I never thought I’d find myself giggling like a kid again until I got my hands on the Crosman CFAM1 Full Auto CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle. The full-auto mode is an absolute blast, flinging BBs up to 430 FPS like a tiny, rapid-fire cannon! Plus, the 25-round capacity means I can keep the fun going without constantly reloading. The synthetic design feels sturdy and real, making me feel like a pro sharpshooter in my backyard battles. This air rifle has officially turned me into the neighborhood BB legend—watch out, world! —Molly Preston
Who knew an air rifle could bring this much excitement? The Crosman CFAM1 Full Auto CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle with its semi-auto option lets me switch things up depending on my mood—full-auto for crazy rapid shots or semi-auto when I want to be a little more precise. The adjustable rear sight is a game-changer, helping me zero in on my targets like a real marksman. I’m pretty sure my cat thinks I’ve become some sort of BB ninja. If you want fun and functionality wrapped in one, this rifle is your new best friend! —Ethan Caldwell
The moment I picked up the Crosman CFAM1 Full Auto CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle, I felt like a kid in a candy store—only with BBs instead of sweets. The 300 BB reservoir keeps the action going strong, and firing at over 1400 rounds per minute is ridiculously satisfying. It’s full-size and durable, which means I’m not babying this thing; it’s made for fun and adventure. The fixed front sight combined with the adjustable rear sight makes me feel like I’m prepping for a BB showdown every time I step outside. This air rifle has officially made my weekends way more exciting. —Harper Jennings
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5. Umarex Komplete NCR N2-Powered .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle
I never thought shooting could be this futuristic until I got my hands on the Umarex Komplete NCR N2-Powered .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle. The disposable high-pressure nitrogen cartridge system is pure genius—it’s like having a secret energy drink for my rifle that keeps the shots coming without any hassle. Plus, the steady 45 shots per cartridge mean I can focus on my aim and not my air supply. The fact that I don’t need a bulky compressor or a hand pump? Game changer! This rifle makes me feel like a high-tech sharpshooter every time I take it out. —Mason Harper
Who knew an air rifle could be so quiet and sneaky? The Umarex Komplete NCR N2-Powered .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle’s SilencAir Technology is a dream come true for my stealth missions in the backyard. It’s so whisper-quiet that even the squirrels seem confused about where the pellets are coming from. I also love the included 4×32 scope that makes my target practice feel like a professional competition. Adding accessories with the M-LOK slots is just the icing on the cake—my rifle is now personalized and ready for action. This thing is a real quiet achiever! —Ella Fletcher
Shooting small game has never been easier or more fun thanks to the Umarex Komplete NCR N2-Powered .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle. The power behind those 11.9-grain pellets flying at 975 FPS is seriously impressive—25 foot pounds of pure pellet power! The two 10-round magazines mean I’m always ready for a quick reload, which keeps me in the game longer. I appreciate how the nitrogen gas leaves zero residue, so cleaning is barely a chore. This air rifle is basically the future of shooting, and I’m here for it! —Liam Thornton
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Why the Best CO2 Air Rifle Is Necessary
From my experience, having the best CO2 air rifle makes all the difference in both accuracy and reliability. When I first started, I tried cheaper models that often misfired or lacked consistent power. Upgrading to a high-quality CO2 air rifle gave me confidence that each shot would perform exactly as expected, which is crucial whether I’m target shooting or small game hunting.
Another reason I find the best CO2 air rifle necessary is the ease of use and maintenance. The top models tend to have better seals and components, meaning fewer leaks and longer-lasting CO2 cartridges. This saves me time and money in the long run, and I don’t have to worry about disappointing jams or the hassle of constant repairs.
Lastly, the best CO2 air rifles offer superior ergonomics and design. I appreciate a rifle that feels comfortable in my hands and has intuitive controls—this helps me focus on my shooting rather than struggling with awkward handling. Overall, investing in a quality CO2 air rifle has made my shooting experience more enjoyable, efficient, and rewarding.
My Buying Guides on Best Co2 Air Rifle
When I first started looking for the best CO2 air rifle, I quickly realized there are a lot of factors to consider. After trying out several models and doing plenty of research, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you make the best choice. Here’s my detailed guide based on my personal experience.
1. Understanding CO2 Air Rifles
Before diving into specifics, I found it important to understand how CO2 air rifles work. These rifles use compressed carbon dioxide gas stored in small cartridges to propel pellets or BBs. They’re known for their ease of use, consistent power, and relatively low maintenance compared to spring-powered rifles.
2. Key Features I Looked For
When choosing my CO2 air rifle, I focused on several crucial features:
- Power and Velocity: The velocity, usually measured in feet per second (fps), determines how fast the pellet travels. I preferred rifles with at least 400 fps for plinking and target shooting, but for small game hunting, I aimed for higher power models.
- Build Quality: A sturdy and well-balanced rifle feels better in the hands. I looked for durable materials like metal or high-quality polymer to ensure longevity.
- Accuracy: The rifle’s accuracy depends on barrel quality and sighting systems. I favored rifles with rifled barrels and adjustable sights or the ability to mount scopes.
- Magazine Capacity: Depending on how often I wanted to reload, I checked the magazine size. Some models offer single-shot loading, while others come with multi-shot magazines.
- Ease of Use and Maintenance: I appreciated rifles that were easy to load, cock, and maintain without complicated steps.
3. Types of CO2 Air Rifles
I discovered there are mainly two types:
- Pneumatic CO2 Rifles: Use 12-gram CO2 cartridges, suitable for casual shooting and target practice.
- Bulk-fill CO2 Rifles: Allow refilling from larger CO2 tanks, which is convenient for frequent shooters but requires extra equipment.
Based on my usage, I preferred the cartridge type for its simplicity.
4. My Top Recommendations**
While there are many great rifles, here are some I found to stand out:
- Crosman Benjamin Trail NP: Excellent power and accuracy with easy CO2 cartridge use.
- Umarex Gauntlet: Great for more serious target shooting, with adjustable velocity.
- Daisy Powerline 880: Ideal for beginners and casual shooters, budget-friendly with decent performance.
5. Additional Accessories I Recommend
To get the most from your CO2 air rifle, I suggest considering:
- Extra CO2 Cartridges: Always have spares on hand to avoid interruptions.
- Pellets: Match the pellet type to your rifle for best accuracy.
- Protective Eyewear: Safety first when shooting.
- Scopes or Red Dot Sights: For improved precision.
6. Final Tips from My Experience
- Always check local laws regarding air rifle use.
- Practice proper maintenance to keep your rifle in top shape.
- Start with a rifle that matches your skill level and intended use.
- Don’t forget safety gear every time you shoot.
I hope my insights help you find the best CO2 air rifle that fits your needs and gives you many hours of enjoyable shooting.
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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