Which Airgun Is the Most Powerful? Comparing Top Models
When it comes to choosing the most powerful airgun, there are several factors to consider, such as the type of power source, calibre, and intended use. We take an in-depth look at some of the top contenders for the title of the most powerful airgun, comparing their features, specifications, and performance.
It’s also important to note that iIn the UK, the maximum legal limit for an unlicensed air rifle is 12 ft-lbs, while for air pistols, it’s 6 ft-lbs.
Top Contenders for the Most Powerful Airgun
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BSA R12 CLX PRO PCP Air Rifle
The BSA R12 CLX PRO is a high-end PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) air rifle that boasts an impressive power output of 11-11.5 ft-lbs. This rifle features a mono-block side lever action, a regulated air system, and a classic thumbhole stock available in both walnut and black pepper laminate.
BSA has put the R12 CLX PRO through rigorous testing, with over 50,000 test shots fired using their automated test equipment. This ensures the rifle’s reliability and consistency, making it a top choice for hunters and target shooters alike.
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Weihrauch HW100T:
The Weihrauch HW100T is another powerful PCP air rifle, with a power output of 11-11.5 ft-lbs. This rifle is known for its exceptional build quality, accuracy, and quiet operation, making it a favourite among hunters and field target shooters.
The HW100T features a comfortable thumbhole stock, a removable quick-fill air cylinder with a pressure gauge, and Weihrauch’s excellent ½ inch UNF silencer. It also comes with two 14-shot magazines, allowing for quick and easy reloading.
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Weihrauch HW100 BP K
The Weihrauch HW100 BP K is a compact, bullpup version of the original HW100, offering the same power output of 11-11.5 ft-lbs in a more compact package. This rifle features an adjustable two-stage match trigger, a soft-touch stock with an adjustable butt pad, a Picatinny rail, and Weihrauch’s high-efficiency silencer.
The bullpup design of the HW100 BP K makes it an excellent choice for shooters who prefer a more compact rifle without sacrificing power or accuracy.
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FX DRS
The FX DRS is a high-performance PCP air rifle with a power output of 11-11.5 ft-lbs. This rifle features a unique 4CC plenum design, disguised as a traditional magazine, which provides consistent performance and a better overall shooting experience.
The FX DRS is available with either a black synthetic soft-touch stock or a luxurious Minelli walnut stock, catering to different shooter preferences. The rifle’s ergonomic design and innovative features set it apart from other air rifles in its class.
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BSA Lightning SE Spring Air Rifle
For those who prefer spring-powered airguns, the BSA Lightning SE is a powerful option, with a power output of 11-11.5 ft-lbs. This rifle features a shortened carbine-length barrel fitted with BSA’s Volumetric silencer, which significantly reduces muzzle blast and provides a comfortable cocking grip.
The Lightning SE has a balanced, ambidextrous beech stock with traditional checkering for maximum grip, making it a popular choice among hunters and professional pest controllers.
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Kral Champion Arboreal .22
The Kral Champion Arboreal .22 is a full-power break barrel spring air rifle with a power output of 11-11.5 ft-lbs. This rifle features fibre optic open sights, a sculptured muzzle-brake, a ventilated recoil pad, and a scope dovetail.
The Kral Champion Arboreal .22 has a synthetic stock with a wood effect, providing a durable and attractive finish.
Powerful Air Pistols
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Reximex Mito Synthetic PCP Air Pistol
The Reximex Mito is a regulated PCP air pistol with a power output of 5 ft-lbs, making it suitable for close-range pest control or target shooting. This pistol comes with a removable shoulder stock, two multi-shot magazines, a single-shot tray, a filler probe, a 1/2″ UNF silencer adaptor, and open sights.
The Mito is well-balanced and features an ambidextrous palm swell grip, ensuring a comfortable and stable shooting experience.
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Crosman 2240 CO2 Air Pistol .22
The Crosman 2240 is a .22 calibre CO2-powered air pistol with an improved bolt design for easier cocking and loading. This pistol is ideal for target shooting, plinking, and small pest control.
The Crosman 2240 features an ergonomically designed ambidextrous grip with checkering and a thumb rest on both grip panels. The rifled steel barrel provides excellent accuracy, and the 12-gram CO2 Powerlet delivers a muzzle velocity of 460 feet per second.
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Weihrauch HW44 PCP Air Pistol
The Weihrauch HW44 is a high-end PCP air pistol with a power output of 5.5 ft-lbs. This pistol utilises an action based on Weihrauch’s HW100 and HW110 rifles, ensuring exceptional performance and reliability.
The HW44 features a fully adjustable two-stage trigger, a regulator for consistent shot-to-shot performance, and is suitable for both competition target shooting and short- to mid-range pest control.
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Weihrauch HW45 Spring Air Pistol
The Weihrauch HW45 is one of the most powerful spring-powered air pistols on the market, with a power output of 2-5.5 ft-lbs, depending on the cocking angle. This over-lever spring-powered air pistol can be cocked to 90 degrees for around 2 ft-lbs or cranked all the way over for approximately 5.5 ft-lbs.
The HW45 features a fully adjustable two-stage match trigger, a dry firing facility, an ambidextrous safety, and fibre-optic enhanced inserts on both the front and fully adjustable rear sights. The German quality hand-finishing on all design models adds to the pride of ownership of this classic air pistol.
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Browning Buck Mark Magnum .22
The Browning Buck Mark Magnum .22 is a classic spring-piston air pistol that matches the design of the popular Browning Buck Mark Magnum rimfire pistol. This airgun promises excellent shooting fun and performance, requiring no external power source.
The Buck Mark Magnum .22 fires a 5.5 mm pellet through its rifled barrel with an energy of 7.5 joules (approximately 5.5 ft-lbs). The open sight and effective light collector in the rear sight ensure outstanding precision even in poor lighting conditions, while the intuitive trigger safety prevents accidental firing.
Comparing the Models
When comparing the airguns mentioned, it’s clear that the PCP rifles, such as the BSA R12 CLX PRO, Weihrauch HW100T, Weihrauch HW100 BP K, and FX DRS, offer the highest power output at 11-11.5 ft-lbs. These rifles are suitable for hunting and long-range target shooting, thanks to their consistent performance and accuracy.
The BSA Lightning SE and Kral Champion Arboreal .22 are powerful spring-powered rifles, also offering a power output of 11-11.5 ft-lbs. These rifles are a good choice for shooters who prefer the simplicity and reliability of spring-powered airguns.
Among the air pistols, the Weihrauch HW44 and Browning Buck Mark Magnum .22 stand out with a power output of 5.5 ft-lbs, making them suitable for target shooting and short-range pest control. The Reximex Mito and Crosman 2240 offer slightly lower power output at 5 ft-lbs and 460 FPS, respectively, but are still capable of delivering excellent performance for their intended purposes.
The Weihrauch HW45 is unique in its ability to offer variable power output, ranging from 2-5.5 ft-lbs, depending on the cocking angle. This feature makes it a versatile choice for shooters who want to adjust the power level to suit their specific needs
The Wolfman’s Range of Airguns
When it comes to determining the most powerful airgun, it’s essential to consider the specific needs and preferences of the shooter. At The Wolfman, we take pride in offering a wide range of high-quality airguns to suit every shooter’s needs.
Our extensive collection includes many of the powerful models mentioned above, such as the BSA R12 CLX PRO, Weihrauch HW100T, and FX DRS.
Contact us today to learn more about our impressive range of powerful airguns and accessories.
About the Author: The Wolfman Store
