Are you looking for something to kill time with your kids? Then going through our best BB gun reviews will help.
These guns will not only give you a fun time but will also hone your marksman skills and target shooting. And if you’ve got livestock to tend to, these guns will keep them in line.
Choosing the right BB gun or rifle can be confusing as there are so many different models and brands out there. That’s why we’re here to tell you about the most accurate and powerful BB guns out there.
Read our comprehensive reviews and buying guide, and you will find the right one for you.
5 Best BB Guns for the Money-Top Picks
To help you make the right pick, we’ve brought you our well-researched recommendations.
1. Daisy 1938 Red Ryder BB Gun
Things We Liked
- 650 shot capacity
- A traditional stained wooden stock
- Come with targets and protective glasses
- Maximum velocity is 350 fps
Things We Didn’t Like
- Range and velocity is limited
- Cheaply made lever
This classic BB gun is the perfect starter kit for any young shooter. The look and feel of it are very traditional. It is sturdy and has a solid wooden stock and forearm that are stained. The shot capacity of this BB rifle is 650. And given that it fires .177 caliber BB ammo, the shots are pretty powerful.
Just try it out, and you’ll be surprised at how far you can shoot. The BBs will shoot at a maximum velocity of 350 feet per second through the steel smoothbore barrel. With this velocity, you can also use it on vermins and chase and hunt small animals.
If you’re looking for something for your child to play with or practice target shooting, then you’ll love this one. The lever, trigger, and front sight are all plastic, and it comes with paper targets and a pair of protective glasses. If your teen thinks paper targets are too lame, try using soda cans instead
What makes this air rifle so popular and loved is the way it looks like a real rifle yet is lightweight and easy to operate. All you need to do is load, cock, and shoot. Reloading is just as easy. Just fill the slot up with BB ammo, and you’re good to go.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWjB5FO7CvQ
Moreover, this BB rifle is also spring-powered, which means that the spring propulsion mechanism will limit the velocity and max range of the shot. This is another reason why this one is perfect for young learners who are just beginning.
The iron sights that come with it help with improving the aim and accuracy of the shot. For a little extra cost, you can get the rifle with the Scope Bundle, which will help you teach your child sight-in basics.
Verdict
The classic stained wooden stock, 350 feet per second velocity, the easy-to-operate mechanism, and the extra paper targets make this one the best BB gun for kids.
2. Smith & Wesson M&P 40 BB Gun Air Pistol
Things We Liked
- Ergonomic grip
- Maximum velocity of 480fps
- Fiber optic rear sight improves accuracy
- Fits standard firearm holster
Things We Didn’t Like
- CO2 cartridge is not included
This BB pistol is the exact replica of the Smith and Wesson M&P (Military and Police) model by Umarex. It even fits the firearm holsters making this a great pistol for practice.
With a .177 caliber, it can reach a maximum velocity of 480 feet per second. Like a standard gun, you’ll be able to hit your target accurately with double or even triple taps as far as 25 feet.
Also, this semi-automatic pistol makes efficient use of CO2 to launch steel BBs that can easily reach at least 410 feet per second. With the fiber optic rear sight and the white dot front sight, you won’t have to worry about missing your targets. The gun is super easy to operate and load.
All you have to do is push the release button of the magazine at the bottom of the grip, and the magazine will drop. You can load 19 rounds in it and attach the magazine back onto the gun and start shooting.
As we mentioned before, this is a great gun for target practice. There is a bright green continuous fiber rod that glows and makes two green dots. When you want to shoot, you have to put the white dot in between the two green dots, and you’ll be able to acquire your target quickly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB32XuBWU34&feature=emb_title
Although the body is made of plastic, the metal parts of the gun make it a comfortable fit in your hands, weighing at 1.2 pounds. The CO2 power chamber is hidden inside the backstop of the grip. Puncturing of the capsule is made easy with the well-designed puncture screw that flips down.
If you don’t like the all-black tone of the pistol, you can opt for the one with a dark earth brown frame. An overall length of 7.5 inches with 4.25 inch of the smoothbore barrel will make it a snug fit in your hands.
The manual safety and double-action trigger bring it as close to the real thing as possible, and even a BB gun with a 480 fps velocity can cause some serious injury as it’s powerful enough to penetrate the skin, so you need to be careful.
Verdict
The polymer body, combined with a 480 fps, makes this semi-auto perfect for plinking in the backyard and also serious target shooting practice.
3. Crosman M4-177 Pneumatic Pump
Things We Liked
- Can use both BB and pellets
- Pica tinny rails allow mounting of accessories
- Maximum velocity of 660 feet per second
- Good for left-handed shooters
Things We Didn’t Like
- Pump action mechanism limits the mounting of some accessories
The M4-177 is perfect for those shooters of the new generation who love the adaptability of the AR platform. This pump air rifle can not only shoot BBs but also pellets at high velocity. If you’re using BB, then it can hold up to 350 BBs, while for pellets, you’ll get to store 5 pellet clips.
When it comes to velocity, you’ll be quite happy with 660 feet per second when using BBs. For pellets, expect a good 625 fps if you’re using .177 caliber, 7.9 g pellets.
This product also features many Pica tinny rails so that you can attach any accessories you want. If you want, you can remove the front and rear sight as well as the stock and mount upgraded ones in their place.
It doesn’t need CO2 cartridge as it has a high pressurized tank containing air. And it’s important that you pump 6 to 10 times you shoot since this is a single-shot gun.
You can do a pretty good shooting with three pumps, and it’ll reach 20-25 feet easily. The telescopic stock on this thing can be extended and detached. You can also very easily adjust it to four different positions to see which one’s the most comfortable for you.
Moreover, the best thing about this is that even left-handed shooters can easily pump it. It’s a good gun when you’re trying to chase vermin away, and for beginners to practice shooting. With a velocity of over 600 fps and an affordable price tag, this is our pick for the best BB gun for the money.
Verdict
The M4 is easy to use at 3.45 pounds and has an extraordinary velocity of 625 to 660 fps. It’ll give you the power and accuracy of a pro yet keep you safe from any real danger.
4. Crosman CCP8B2 Vigilante CO2-Powered BB Revolver, FFP
Things We Liked
- Manual safety feature
- Accommodates both BB and pellet shots
- Ergonomic grip
- Maximum velocity of 465 feet per second
Things We Didn’t Like
- The front sight is not adjustable
- Not appropriate for children
The Crosman Vigilante is a CO2 powered revolver that can shoot BBs up to 465 feet per second and pellets up to 435 fps.
With the revolver, you’ll be getting a 6-shot BB clip and a 10-shot pellet clip. The entirety of the gun is made of metal to give you the feeling of a real gun. And the tactical rail system that’s included also makes it feel like a professional gun.
Also, the metal body brings the weight of the gun to 2 pounds with a body length of 11.38 inches. The finger-groove grip is a comfortable design for handling the gun, which also makes it easier for left-handed shooters.
Although the front sight is fixed and can’t be changed, the rear sight is adjustable. To further improve accuracy, the gun has a 6-inch rifled steel barrel. It also has Pica tinny rail where you can add a flashlight or a laser
Moreover, the revolver offers single or double trigger action. While most BB guns are made with steel and plastic, this one uses metal even on the trigger. The metal body and the powerful CO2 cartridge make this gun a very noisy one, so it’s not really appropriate for children.
Verdict
This is a powerful gun and not safe for young shooters. Its two-fold trigger action, the 6-inch steel barrel, and adjustable rear sight improve accuracy and power.
5. Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle
Things We Liked
- Maximum velocity of 1000 fps
- Includes a 4×32 scope
- Easy to operate
- Gives maximum accuracy
Things We Didn’t Like
- High pressure is needed for cocking the rifle
- Not appropriate for children
You can say that we saved the best for last. This particular air rifle is well known for its accuracy and slick design. It is a .177 caliber rifle that can reach a maximum velocity of 1000 feet per second
With a single shot capacity, this gun gets its power from a spring-piston. The composite polymer black stock, which has areas of checkered grip, is on both sides, making this gun usable by both right and left-handed shooters.
This kind of stock is more long-lasting than the classic wooden stocks as they can endure sun, rain, and dirt and need minimal cleaning.
The accuracy of this gun is increased through the inclusion of a 4×32 scope. Along with the built-in fiber optic rear sight, this scope gives you the chance to see your target more clearly and aim more accurately.
Moreover, this velocity of 1000 fps will give you enough power to chase away pests. You can easily get rid of squirrels, starlings, and possums. A high velocity not only provides power to shoot at small animals but also increases the accuracy of the shot.
So even if you’re just plinking or target shooting at tin cans, this Ruger Blackhawk promises to give you a fun time.
Furthermore, this is a break barrel air rifle, which means you’ll be sort of ‘breaking’ the stock of the rifle to cock it as a preparation for the next shot. As we mentioned before, this gun uses a spring-piston action to create the 1000 fps power.
What this means is that it’ll take quite a bit of strength of cock the gun. According to Ruger, it might take an approximate amount of 30 pounds of pressure to cock it.
Verdict
The most powerful BB gun on the list, this one will provide you with highly accurate target shooting and will last you a long time.
Types of BB Gun
Below, we’re gonna tell you about different types of BB guns.
- Single Pump/Spring Powered
This is the most common and easiest type of BB gun. Spring-powered guns are moderately powerful, given that they are restricted by the air pressure created by a single pump.
Although the velocity and max range is not as good as some of the other types of guns, it is ideal for beginners and children.
- Pneumatic
They are also known as a multi-pump gun as you’ll be able to get more power out of them the more you pump them. Since they can be made stronger with multiple pumps, they have higher velocity and max range than single pump guns.
Pneumatic guns are more suited for target shooting practice and those who already have experience with guns.
- CO2 Powered
BB guns that are powered by compressed carbon dioxide can be as powerful as multi-pump guns, but as the cartridge gets lower, the velocity and the max speed also goes down. A major disadvantage of CO2 powered guns is the cost of replacing the cartridges.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Before you decide on a product, you should consider these factors. They will help you to make the right decision.
Firing Rates
Let’s get to know about different firing rates.
- Single Shot
As the name suggests, when you pull the trigger, only one round will come out of the gun.
- Semi-Automatic
For a semi-automatic gun, you won’t have to cock the gun every time, but you’ll have to pull the trigger for every shot. You have to keep doing that until the magazine runs out of rounds. Most of these guns are CO2 powered.
- Full Auto
To operate a full-auto gun, you just have to pull the trigger once and hold it, and the gun will keep firing until you let go of the trigger. Full-auto guns are banned by the government; however, it doesn’t apply to BB or pellet guns.
Velocity/Max Range
Velocity or max range of a BB gun is the maximum speed a BB or pellet can reach. It’s important to know the velocity of a gun before you buy one because it tells you how far you can shoot with the gun.
The number is an approximation, but you can expect a speed close to it. The length of the barrel also determines the velocity of the gun.
Your required velocity will depend on the kind of activity you plan on doing with your gun. Remember, higher velocity may mean longer distance but will reduce accuracy and stability.
If you want a gun for target shooting, then opt for velocity in the middle range. And if you plan on just fun and plinking, then choose accordingly. For hunting, you want to be accurate and precise. So a velocity in the middle range is a better choice.
Different Caliber/Ammo
BBs are .177 caliber projectiles. You can fire them using a gun that has a smoothbore barrel or rifled barrels. But you have to be careful when using BBs in a rifled barrel because if you fire BBs out of a rifled barrel, it’ll wear out the rifling faster. This will result in a short life of your rifle barrel.
A pellet, on the other hand, is an aerodynamic projectile. This leads to pellets having higher velocity and max range. Like bullets, they come in different calibers like .177 (BB size), .22 or .25 caliber.
The way pellets work is they need to be able to spin in order to shoot straight. That’s why pellets are used in rifled barrels so that they have the chance to spin. If you want to rid your garden of pests or you want to go on short hunting trips, we suggest you use pellets because they’ll be able to give you the power that BBs won’t.
Top BB Gun Brands
Here are the brands you want to check out for BB guns.
- Crosman
One of the largest airgun distributors in the world, Crosman, produces both pistols and rifles. If you’re in the market for a reasonably priced air pistol with good features, go for a Crosman pistol.
The ones we reviewed above both have some excellent features, including good velocity and ergonomic grip.
- Umarex
Umarex makes the best replicas out there. If you’re looking for something that looks like the real thing and gives a decent performance, then look for a Umarex BB gun.
The Smith & Wesson M&P on our list is one of the highest reviewed and top-rated BB guns.
- Daisy
Daisy makes some of the best BB guns for children. They combine fun, power, and accuracy in their guns to give young shooters an enjoyable time.
The Red Ryder is among the most famous models of BB guns. Its classic look with an easy-to-operate mechanism makes this an ideal pick for young beginners.
- Ruger
Ruger specializes in power, quality, and accuracy. If you’re looking for good BB guns, not just for recreation but hunting, pest control, and competition, then check out Ruger’s collection. The Blackhawk on our list is not just a good looking rifle but is accurate, well-built, and not to mention powerful.
Maintenance Tips
Most BB guns have pretty good durability, given that you do good maintenance regularly.
- Cleaning Barrel
You’ll know that it’s time to clean the barrel when you see that the BBs are straying vertically when you fire. When the barrel is dirty, it’ll result in lower velocity. It might get jammed or even end up damaging the gearbox.
To clean your barrel, all you have to do is wrap a clean cloth around your cleaning rod, moisten the clean cloth with lubricant, put the rod inside the barrel, and spin the rod as you move it down the length of the barrel. Repeat if necessary, and keep doing it until the cloth comes out clean.
- Lubrication
Without proper and regular lubrication, your gun may jam or misfeed. You need to lubricate the gearbox and the hop-up regularly.
Spray silicone oil or the lubrication you used to clean the barrel into the hop-up. Lubricate the gear in the same way after removing the motor.
- Resting the Spring
Shoot one or two times after you’re done with your activity. This will help keep the pressure away from the spring. It’ll make the spring more durable.
- Magazine Care
Empty the magazine after each use if you’re using a spring BB gun. This, too, will help preserve the strength of the spring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most commonly asked queries regarding the best BB guns:
- Can a BB gun kill you?
A high-velocity BB gun like one with a velocity of over 200 fps can cause serious injury to a person, like bone fractures, and can eventually lead to death.
- Is it illegal to shoot a squirrel with a BB gun?
It’s not illegal to shoot a BB gun inside your private land to control vermin, but remember that it is a criminal offense to fire within 50ft of a public road.
- Can a BB gun kill a coyote?
It can, but only if you can shoot directly at its head with a powerful gun. If you miss, you’ll just end up hurting and injuring the animal.
- What can you shoot with a BB gun?
You can shoot target papers, tin cans, disks, even small animals like squirrels, rabbits, possums, or rats.
Final Words
BB guns can be a fun way to spend summer days. Whether you want to practice target shooting or just to plink in your backyard, or maybe you’re a serious shooter looking for a hunting rifle, this article’s got it all.
This article has the best BB gun reviews. And with our detailed buying guide, you’re sure to find the perfect BB gun for yourself.
