Best PCP air rifles

Top pick: Benjamin Marauder .177 — the classic do-it-all PCP. Regulated for ~32 consistent shots per fill, up to 1,000 fps, and the flat .177 trajectory makes it easy to hold tight groups on paper and still take small game cleanly. It's the safest first PCP if you want one rifle for both.

Who the others suit:

• Diana Outlaw Gen 2 (.177) — two 12-shot magazines and a 200-bar fill; a good pick if you want fast follow-up shots on targets.
• Benjamin Marauder .25 (all-weather stock) — more energy for hunting, at the cost of a loopy trajectory and fewer shots.
• Umarex Notos (.22) — compact and light, handy for pesting in tight spaces.
• Gamo Arrow (.177) — light and simple, a budget-friendly way into PCP.
• Beeman Raider (.25) — cheap way to try a bigger caliber for close-range hunting.

Skip the Ruger U-Force: it's a break-barrel, not a PCP.