Best Air Rifle in Australia: Straight Picks for 2026

G'day. If you're after the best air rifle in Australia, start with the job you want it to do. Pest control around sheds and paddocks, quiet practice, or a serious PCP set-up all point to different rifles. Here's the straight version, with the in-stock picks we'd point you at today.

Prices below are as at 18 October 2026. Stock changes, so if a pick has sold out, have a look through our air rifles or ask us what is landing next.

Shop the picks

• Gamo Swarm EVO 10x Gen 3i (.22, scope included) — from $635. A simple way in if you want a spring rifle that is ready to shoot without sorting a scope on day one.
• FX Crown MkII (.22) — from $2,665. A PCP for shooters who like to tune and tinker until the rifle shoots exactly how they want.
• AirMaks Katran Pro NL (.22 PCP) — from $2,919. A compact PCP that suits pest work where you're moving about rather than sitting over a bench.
• FX DRS MkII (.22) — from $2,999. It looks like a classic rifle, but it is a modern PCP underneath. Good pick if you don't want a tactical look.
• FX Impact M4 — from $3,960. The adjustable one. If you like changing set-ups and chasing accuracy, this is the rifle people keep coming back to look at.

Spring or PCP?

A spring rifle is simple. No bottles, no filling gear, just cock it and shoot. That makes it a good pick for occasional pest control and for keeping costs down. The trade-off is the shot feel. A spring rifle moves when it fires, so it takes a bit more practice to shoot well.

A PCP runs on pre-charged air. The shot is smoother and follow-up shots are quicker, which is why most serious air rifle shooters end up here. The trade-off is the extra gear. You'll need a way to fill it, and that needs to go in the budget from the start.

Neither one is better on its own. If you'll shoot a few rounds on a weekend, spring is hard to beat for simplicity. If you'll shoot a lot and you care about pushing accuracy, PCP earns its keep.

What calibre?

Most of our in-stock picks above are .22, and for good reason. Pellets and slugs are easy to get, and .22 suits pest control and practice for most people. Smaller and larger calibres have their place, but if you're unsure, .22 is the sensible place to start. Have a look at pellets and slugs while you're here, because the right ammo matters as much as the rifle.

How to choose

Be honest about how you'll actually use it. Carried about the property, a lighter and handier rifle gets used more. Shooting mostly from a rest, a heavier set-up sits steadier and can feel easier to shoot well. Then think about noise, filling gear, and whether you want a scope included or you'd rather pick your own glass.

One more thing. In Australia an air rifle is treated as a firearm, so you'll need the right licence and paperwork for your state. If you're not sure what applies to you, ask us and we'll point you in the right direction.

Getting the set-up right

An air rifle is only half the purchase. Think about how you'll fill a PCP, where you'll store bottles safely, and what pellets the rifle likes. Two rifles of the same model can prefer different pellets, so buy a few types at the start and test them properly before you judge accuracy. A scope with a suitable reticle and clear glass at dusk helps too, but you don't need to overdo it. Start simple, shoot it a lot, and upgrade the bits that actually annoy you. That order saves money and it teaches you what you really want from the next rifle.

If you're buying for a younger shooter, fit matters more than features. A rifle that is too long or too heavy gets left in the safe. Get the length and weight right, keep the first sessions short and successful, and let confidence build from there.

FAQ

What is the best air rifle for pest control? For most people, a .22 PCP such as the Katran Pro NL or the FX DRS MkII. They are smooth to shoot and quick to follow up. On a tighter budget, the Gamo Swarm EVO does the job with no filling gear to buy.

Is a PCP worth the extra money? If you shoot often, yep. The smoother shot cycle and adjustability are the reasons people upgrade. If you only shoot now and then, a spring rifle is the no-fuss pick.

Do I need a licence for an air rifle in Australia? Yes, in general you do. Rules vary by state, so check what applies where you live before you buy.

More guides

Also comparing centrefire or rimfire rifles? Have a look at our guides to the best .223 rifles, the best .22 rimfire rifles and the best .308 rifles. Or browse the full air rifle range and tell us how you shoot. We'll tell you straight which one suits.