The Best 25 Cal Air Rifle For 2025

Hailey Abbott By, Hailey Abbott
Updated
Best 25 Cal Air Rifle
Best 25 Cal Air Rifle

The Quick List

Best Overall

Umarex Gauntlet PCP Pellet Gun Air Rifle

If you’re searching for a high-powered air rifle with serious precision, the Umarex Gauntlet PCP Air Rifle is a top-tier choice for .25 caliber fans. This pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) rifle is built for consistency, power, and long-range accuracy.
Best For The Price

Hatsan Mod 95 Spring Air Rifle

The Hatsan Mod 95 Spring Air Rifle is a strong, accurate, and well-made air rifle for small game or target shooting. German steel barrel, adjustable Quattro Trigger, and walnut stock make this break barrel rifle functional and attractive.
Best Powerful

Benjamin Trail NP XL 725 Air Rifle

A strong yet silent break barrel in.25 caliber, the Benjamin Trail NP XL 725 Air Rifle performs well. Fueled by Nitro Piston technology, it offers excellent energy output for small game hunting while keeping noise and recoil to a minimum.

If you're serious about air rifle performance, a .25 caliber model offers the power and accuracy needed for demanding shooting tasks. Larger and more forceful than smaller calibers, .25 cal air rifles are ideal for small to medium game hunting, pest control, and long-range target shooting. They deliver impressive muzzle energy and better impact retention, especially at greater distances, making them a top choice for those who prioritize stopping power.

While these rifles tend to be a bit heavier and louder than their .177 or .22 counterparts, their enhanced performance more than makes up for it. Among the top contenders, the Umarex Gauntlet PCP Pellet Gun Air Rifle stands out for its powerful PCP system and ergonomic bullpup design that balances compact size with high velocity.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best .25 cal air rifles available today, highlighting the models that offer the best mix of reliability, power, and value.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Umarex Gauntlet PCP Pellet Gun Air Rifle
Our Score:
9.7
Umarex

The Umarex Gauntlet PCP comes with a regulated PCP system, offering consistently accurate shots by keeping FPS variation to a minimum. This makes it ideal for precision-demanding activities like hunting or field target competition. In the .25 caliber version, it packs excellent stopping power while maintaining a high level of accuracy, even over longer distances.

Its 13-cu. in. air tank provides up to 27 full-power shots per fill, and you can refill it using a high-pressure hand pump or a compressor. Moreover, the built-in 8-round rotary magazine allows for rapid follow-up shots, and the bolt-action design ensures a smooth shooting experience.

This air rifle is not only powerful but remarkably consistent, thanks to the regulator’s ability to stabilize air pressure for each shot. You’ll appreciate this precision if you're hunting small game or engaging in target competitions. One minor drawback is that it's relatively noisy, especially compared to other PCP rifles in its class. You may want to use hearing protection or shoot in areas where noise isn’t a concern.

TOP Choice #2 Hatsan Mod 95 Spring Air Rifle
Our Score:
9.5
Hatsan

The Hatsan Mod 95 is built to impress with both aesthetics and performance. Its Turkish walnut stock offers a classic, elegant feel while also ensuring durability in the field. In the .25 caliber configuration, it delivers powerful shots with a maximum velocity that makes it ideal for small game hunting or high-impact target practice.

Its precision-rifled German steel barrel contributes to excellent accuracy. The Quattro 2-stage adjustable trigger allows you to fine-tune the shooting experience to your preference, improving both comfort and control. The included 3-9x32 Optima scope adds immediate long-range capability, and the rifle also features fiber-optic iron sights for versatility.

To manage its considerable power, Hatsan includes a Shock Absorber System (SAS) that reduces felt recoil, and the muzzle brake makes cocking easier. It’s a spring-powered rifle, so you don’t need any additional CO2 or air tanks. However, the rifle is on the heavier side, which might be tiring during long hunting sessions. But if you value power and precision, the Mod 95 is an excellent investment.

TOP Choice #3 Benjamin Trail NP XL 725 Air Rifle
Our Score:
9.4
Benjamin

The Benjamin Trail NP XL 725 is a heavy-hitting .25 cal air rifle that excels in backyard pest control and small game hunting. Thanks to the Nitro Piston (NP) technology, this rifle delivers 28 ft-lbs of muzzle energy with significantly less noise and recoil than traditional spring-piston models—up to 70% quieter, in fact. With shot velocities reaching up to 900 FPS, you get a potent combination of power and stealth.

The rifle’s checkered hardwood stock not only looks great but also provides a stable, solid grip. It’s paired with a 3-9x40 CenterPoint scope, giving you enhanced accuracy right out of the box. The scope includes an adjustable objective and range-estimating reticle, further improving your shot placement at varying distances.

While the Trail NP XL offers a premium feel and top-end performance for a break barrel, some users may find the thumbhole grip slightly awkward, especially those with smaller hands. Overall, it is one of the best .25 cal air rifles for those who prefer the simplicity of a break barrel without sacrificing power or accuracy.

The Hatsan 1000X Striker is a reliable and stylish break-barrel air rifle available in .177, .22, and .25 caliber. For those opting for the larger .25 cal, you’ll enjoy solid stopping power with velocities up to 1,300 FPS (with alloy pellets). It’s great for target shooting or light pest control and stands out in its price range with features typically seen in higher-end models.

The rifle is equipped with a hardwood stock and ambidextrous Monte Carlo cheek piece, delivering a traditional, comfortable feel whether you're a left- or right-handed shooter. It also comes with a 3-9×32 Optima scope for improved accuracy and fiber optic sights for fast target acquisition in daylight conditions.

While the overall shooting experience is smooth, the metal trigger blade can feel sharp and uncomfortable, especially during longer sessions. A trigger shoe or glove may help. Despite this minor downside, the Hatsan 1000X is an excellent starter .25 cal air rifle for those wanting serious power in a no-fuss package.

5 Benjamin Armada BTAP25 PCP Air Rifle
Our Score:
9.0
Benjamin

The Benjamin Armada BTAP25 is a powerful and feature-rich .25 caliber PCP air rifle, designed with a modular layout that appeals to tactical enthusiasts. Its rifled barrel, integrated sound suppression, and onboard air pressure gauge ensure consistent and quiet performance. The 8-round rotary magazine provides fast follow-up shots with speeds reaching up to 900 FPS, making it ideal for small to medium game hunting or extended target sessions.

The reversible bolt-action makes it user-friendly for both right- and left-handed shooters. The rifle’s 5-inch Picatinny rail and machined receiver allow for easy mounting of optics and accessories, making it incredibly versatile.

Unfortunately, the Armada comes with a higher upfront cost, not just for the rifle itself but also due to the need for an external air source, such as a hand pump or high-pressure compressor. That said, it’s a worthwhile investment for serious shooters, as the performance, accuracy, and customization options more than justify the initial expense.

6 Hatsan Mod 95 Vortex Air Rifle
Our Score:
8.8
Hatsan

The Hatsan Mod 95 Vortex offers a well-balanced mix of craftsmanship and power. It’s powered by a Vortex gas piston, which replaces traditional spring mechanisms, giving you smoother cocking and reduced vibration during firing. In .25 caliber, the rifle delivers up to 24 foot-pounds of energy, making it a great option for small game hunting and backyard target shooting.

It has Quattro Trigger, a fully adjustable 2-stage match-grade trigger that enhances control and precision. The precision-rifled German steel barrel and included 3-9x32 Optima scope further support long-range accuracy. The Turkish walnut stock with its ambidextrous design is not only visually appealing but also ergonomic, offering a comfortable shooting experience for both right- and left-handed users.

Nonetheless, the cocking effort can be demanding, especially for newer or smaller-framed users. However, the power and performance it delivers are well worth it for those who can manage the effort.

7 JTS Airguns Airacuda PCP Air Rifle
Our Score:
8.7
JTS Airguns

The JTS Airacuda delivers solid PCP performance in a refined and ergonomic package. With a 3,000 PSI fill pressure, it offers up to 40 consistent shots per fill, making it a dependable option for extended range sessions or field use. In .25 caliber, the Airacuda reaches velocities up to 900 FPS, providing plenty of stopping power for small game.

A 10-round rotary magazine allows quick follow-up shots, while the sidelever action ensures smooth and intuitive cycling. The adjustable power setting gives shooters the flexibility to tune performance based on their needs, whether conserving air for plinking or maximizing impact for hunting.

Visually, it impresses with a laser-engraved hardwood stock, shrouded barrel, and all-metal construction. It’s fitted with a Picatinny optics rail, making scope mounting easy, and the integrated manometer provides quick pressure checks. While the rifle checks many boxes, it doesn't have onboard storage for extra magazines. Still, for under the price of more premium models, the Airacuda hits an impressive sweet spot.

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What to Look For in a best 25 cal air rifle?

Charging Systems & Air Tanks

Pre-charged pneumatic and CO2 air guns owners have many options when it comes propulsion. The rate at which you use the gun should be the main determinant of your decision. You don't have to use the large tanks if you aren't planning to take a lot of photos at once.

Budget

Just like other guns, air guns can be very expensive, but also have varying quality and capabilities. It is important to consider the intended purpose of an airgun before you make a decision. You'll need to take into account factors such as power, precision, and durability. You can then choose a budget and find the right air gun for you.

Scopes & Sights

Scopes and sights can help increase your accuracy when you shoot long distances. A scope should be able to handle your typical airgun usage. It can help you to reach greater distances in sunny weather or make it easier to plink outside on rainy Sundays. It should be weatherproof, and it must be able to cover the distances that you intend to shoot.

Precision & Power

Precision may not matter if you're using your airgun for plinking. Precision will be a key factor in choosing the right product for you if you plan to use it in target or competition shooting. Precision refers to the consistency of your pellet or BB. An air gun's velocity is determined by the propulsion method used and the speed at which it operates. An air gun's power is determined by its muzzle velocity as well as how quickly the BB can be propelled. A heavier BB will produce more impact power. High velocity combined with heavy BBs will result in a better air gun.

Durability & Safety

Safety and durability are also dependent on how the airgun is used. You'll need to be concerned about muzzle velocity, power and performance when you are looking at high-powered Olympic-grade rifles. For basic target shooting or plinking models, however, it is important to consider safety and weatherproofing. Does the trigger safety work? Is it difficult to load or operate the air gun?

FAQs

Is An Air Rifle Powerful Enough To Hunt With?

An rifle that produces just 12ft/lbs from the muzzle of.22cal at 40 yards will still be able to produce about 7-8ft/lbs when shot at headshots. There is not much room for error when shooting at the body.

Which Is The Better Air Rifle Caliber: .22 Or .177?

To determine which air rifle caliber is better, first find out what your gun will be used for. Next, consider what the performance metrics you are most concerned about. Target shooting tends to be done using.177 rifles while hunting uses.22 guns more frequently. While the.177 caliber is faster with less muzzle energy and a lower initial velocity, the.22 caliber offers more muzzle power. Both calibers are great. You just have to decide what the main purpose of your gun will be before you choose a caliber.

What Scope Should I Use For Field Target Shooting?

It is recommended that you use a high magnification rangefinder scope. However, some shooters may prefer to shoot with scopes with 50 magnification. Higher magnification will allow for more accurate range calculations.

What Rifle Should I Buy For Hunting?

It all comes down to individual preference. As long as it produces between 10.5–11.5 ft/lbs, and is accurate enough, you can use the rifle for hunting.

Will The Air Rifle Be Accurate Enough?

Air rifles can hit 50pence pieces at distances of 30 to 35 yards. If you have a scope and a rifle, your range is 35 yards.

Should I Invest In A Scope For Air Gun Target Shooting And/or Hunting?

It will vary depending on many factors. Sometimes an air gun can be used with its scope, while other times it might not. A scope may be more effective for close-range target shooting than physical locations. The shooter can determine the shooting range at which the scope is useful. This can be done by doing some target shooting. Scopes can help improve target sighting accuracy by reducing projectile drop and range.

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About Hailey Abbott

Hailey Abbott
Hailey Abbott is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for CampfireHQ. She has a passion for hunting and fishing, which she often enjoys with her family and friends. Hailey also enjoys staying active through sports such as golf, basketball, and softball. Hailey has worked as an editor for several years, providing content that is both accurate and engaging. She has also had the opportunity to interview numerous experts in various fields. This wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective when writing about the outdoors and other topics.

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