If you’re looking for the best PCP pellet air rifle under $400, some great options balance power, accuracy, and affordability. Models like the Hatsan, Gamo, and Beeman Chief II stand out for their solid performance. They offer good shot consistency and decent power for target shooting or small-game hunting. Most rifles in this price range come in .177 or .22 calibers, giving you flexibility depending on your needs. While they may not have all the high-end features of more expensive models, they still deliver impressive accuracy and reliability, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced shooters on a budget.
1. Sig Sauer MCX Virtus PCP Pellet Air Rifle
Headlight: The MCX Virtus Air Rifle is the latest expansion to the SIG AIR precision line of airguns; Also this SIG SAUER Airgun is the introduction of SIG AIR products to the pre-charged pneumatic category of guns perfect for target training.
Constructive Review: I love it is very accurate. fun gun-bought Vevor hand pump. takes a while to pump up at first but after shooting 5 magazines it’s not too bad.
I filled my tank with it not connected to the gun it was leaking so I took it off and filled it with no problems since. -Deanna L. Oliver
Trending Review: Nice rifle, very accurate out of the box. Air holding in the tank very nicely, hasn’t lost any pressure yet very happy with purchase so far.
The only negative is it only comes with 1 magazine and 1 pellet strip, so if you don’t buy extra mags (pretty expensive BTW) you’ll spend more time loading than shooting. I bought 2 extra mags and they both came with 2 additional pellet strips, I would’ve had zero complains if it came with at least another strip, especially how much this cost for a pellet gun.
Something important I had not realized before purchase is that you need a PCP compressor or hand pump to fill the tank, I made the assumption I’d be able to at least partially charge with my shop compressor before realizing the tank was 3000psi.
So this will be an investment and probably not for your average consumer, if you’re not shooting a lot something cheaper might be the way to go. all in I’m over $700 already for just the rifle, compressor and mags.
You’ll also need optics that fit a regular rifle, air gun optics would not fit. I am very satisfied with the purchase, and will be buying more sig airguns. -Anthony S
Reassuring Review: As anyone looking at this would know this pcp rifle is made to look like an AR15. Has a nice rail to support scopes, red dot or any accessories you want to add. Even comes with a thread barrel that will accept 1/2×28 screw on accessories.
Very nicely made and so far I’ve put about 100 rounds through it and have not had one misfeed. Still working out consistently. Switched over to a scope to see if I can get it dialed in.
It has a number of dummy details to make it look like a standard AR but I was surprised at the build quality and packaging.
For the price, it’s a lot of fun and feels like the real thing. So far have not had any issued other than it desperately needs a can on the front to lower compressed air noise.
Another thing I noticed is that you need to count rounds because the gun does not stop firing when your out of pellets.
Another thing, it has significant barrel droop. Had to shim my rear scope mount way up. Would do better with an adjustable scope ring set.
Very satisfied with my purchase. -dc-in-md
2. Umarex Origin PCP Pellet Gun Air Rifle
Highlight: Ever-Pressure EPT Tank System features a patented Air Tube design that makes it easier to pump and fill the entire tank.
Constructive Review: I like the feel of this rifle. It holds pressure well. The pump works well after you break it in. Worth the money.
My only complaint is that they didn’t offer a .25 cal which would have been nice. It is made out of some composite type plastic. I wouldn’t want to drop it too many times.
All in all, it is light and packs a punch. I took the rabbit and squirrel with it. My Gamo .177 breaks open kills but the pellets from this gun go through them.
It’s a good way to get into PCP if you are looking for more hunting power and distance. Looking forward to having more fun in the sun with my gun. -LEE busby
Trending Review: If you do the research on PCP hand pumps and do the maintenance on the pump before you ever pump a stroke this is a fantastic combo. From the factory the pump will be poorly lubricated and probably dirty inside the tubes.
For this to be a lasting combo you must take the pump apart, lube everything with plenty of silicone oil – especially the inside of the pump on the o-rings at the bottom of the center rod – and you must learn to pump it correctly. 40-50 pumps max done the correct way, with a 1-sec pause at the top and bottom of each stroke, and after 40-50 strokes you must let the pump cool a bit before continuing again. Heat is the biggest killer of o-rings in these pumps.
Similar care must be taken with the rifle. Tighten all screws, add Loctite as necessary, lubricate every o-ring with plenty of silicone oil.
Get on YouTube. Watch the videos on PCP pump disassembly and maintenance, and on PCP gun lubrication in general, and do what needs to be done before pumping the pump and shooting the gun.
Once these things are done you will have a fantastic gun that has amazing accuracy. -Jared C
Reassuring Review: This is my first PCP airgun and I am truly amazed with my purchase. It is incredibly accurate with the scope I purchased for it.
I zeroed this gun at 25 yards and very quickly was shooting a .5″ shot group. The trigger is smooth and crisp out of the box and one of the best I have ever felt. I have not made any trigger adjustments as of yet but may in the future with more use.
The tide gauge is easy to read and seems accurate as I compared it to the pump gauge. The aesthetics are pleasing and the weight is acceptable for a gun this size.
The pump is simple to assemble and it seems to work flawlessly. It does get harder to pump as the pressure rises and I do not believe everyone will be able to pump the gun up to 3600 lbs. It came with 2 magazines which have worked without issue thus far.
The instruction manual is probably the best I have ever seen with any item I have purchased. It is well-written and has numerous illustrations to assist in explaining procedures such as pump assembly, loading the magazine, etc.
I have recommended this gun to my 33-year-old Son and he is very excited to have it. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase in both price and quality. -CLJ_wv
3. Hatsan Flash QE PCP Air Rifle
Highlight: As for the rifle itself, well it’s a little gem that handles and balances well, has a very low muzzle report, and is very accurate.
Constructive Review: I have a tin of pellets through this PCP. I like it. Quiet, lightweight, and accurate with my SIG buck master scope on it.
The mags fit loose but have NOT jammed once. I get 4 magazines till the bottom of the green line. I am hitting a 2″ spinner at 30 yards consistently.
No complaints here. I bought a tripod to stand up while shooting. So much easier to grab the tripod and go anywhere and target shoot.
I shoot more now the tripod holds my gun, swivels it, and sets up in seconds. This gun is worth the money to me. Thanks -Peter Frost
Trending Review: I have been around air rifles for quite some time. I shoot USA Olympic shooting sports handgun spring loaded Feinwerkbau.
I bought the Hatson Flash QE in 25 caliber on the advice of a fellow shooter. It is NOT a high-end gun but the gun does not know this as it is Very accurate out of the box.
It is very well made with good materials. If using it occasionally a high-pressure hand pump would be ok BUT if used quite a bit I would recommend an electric compressor pump, or SCUBA tank to fill the gun’s air chamber.
It is sold at a really good price considering the quality of the air rifle and its accuracy. It is partial to JSB Match Diablo Exact King Heavy 33.95 grains. -DrDavid S DeMasi
Reassuring Review: I was hesitant about getting the 25, but it is consistently accurate. The air cylinder is not a quick swap.
The cylinder lasts long enough for hunting but is not idea for targets unless you have an electric pump.
Need to use tall mounts for scopes because of the rotary magazine location. Mine barely fits. Overall great for the price. -Mike W.
4. Beeman 1518 Commander Pneumatic Multishot PCP Air Rifle
Highlight: Bolt action; integrated sound suppressor; built-in pressure gauge.
Constructive Review: The only thing I dislike was that I ordered a 22 and made it cleared but I got a 177 they were cool enough to fix their mistake but I decided to open the box as carefully as I could and it looks so amazing almost like a 6to$900 airgun.
I have a Beman 79 that I converted to PCP so I decided to put the 22 barrel and it’s perfect I haven’t taken it apart to see the valve because I’m hitting half-inch groups with 21 gr pile driver I might just leave the valve alone till.
I chrony it plus I need to try more pellets to 100 yards I recommend this one before any budget except for the 25 cal gauntlet it’s my next and last was waiting on Sight Vortex 22 but reviews are awful.
The only difference on both calibers is the barrel, mags size, and valve transport hole size I assume, I love that it comes with a power adjuster to the hammer spring: CV -“Shyne pestsniper”
Trending Review: Not Amazon’s not the seller. The rifle arrived late and the packaging was destroyed. The muzzle end of the barrel has a noticeable ding and seems to be slightly twisted on the barrel.
All of the foam packing inside the manufacturer’s box was broken and the barrel had punctured through at some point. The seller had put it in a plain white plastic shipping bag which added no further protection.
The scope isn’t great. Out of the box, it was shooting all over but after a couple of hundred pellets, it got consistent. You do get 80-90 shots out of a charge. Once it got consistent it dialed in within 10 to 20 pellets at 25 yds. The scope holds zero on this gun very well.
The iron sights will be worthless with the front being slightly twisted. Amazon’s help-bot system would never give me a clue how to talk to anyone about whether it was insured in shipping.
Anyway, I said all that to say this, this rifle was put through a ringer of some kind during shipping and was dropped hard on the end of the barrel.It would take a very close examination to realize it isn’t mint condition. This rifle is well made sturdy and accurate. I got two different grains of pellets and they both shoot 3/4″ groups at 25yds. I expected there to be more bad pellets in a tin than I am getting fliers.
It is a bargain and you can use the free scope well enough to pest control or hunt small game at 25 to 50 yards. I am going to get a 3-9 or 4-12 with a mil-dot reticle 2nd focal plane when I find the right one on sale but the Beeman ain’t bad.
I just wish I’d gotten the NIB item I ordered instead of the mediocre item I received. But I know the thing can take a beating. -Coleman
Reassuring Review: For the money shooting out to 50yrds no problem, has been shooting nicely put 500 pellets threw it in no time with 80 shoots per fill.
My gun like 18gr pellets can shoot the heads off a golf tee @ 40yrds with no problem. Off a bench. Nice would stock, the action could be a lot smoother, but for the money it great gun. -Chris
5. Gamo Urban PCP Air Rifle
Highlight: The Gamo URBAN PCP is a quiet, short, lightweight PCP .22 Caliber, it features a thumbhole synthetic stock and 10 10-shot repeater with bolt action.
Constructive Review: This gun is super cool. This is my second PCP rifle…I also have a Benjamin Bulldog .357.
The box this one came in was opened. Lucky for me, the manual and fill probe were still in the box, but the slim end of the box was pretty much nonexistent. As soon as the mailman dropped it off, I could pull the entire thing out from the side with the open end. Anyway, I am not sure what’s up with the shipper, but it seems to be a new gun.
The fill probe worked great. They must’ve changed it because I read a lot about needing some kind of adapter. The one I received clicked right into my fill hose quick connect.
It took me about 10 minutes to pump it up to full pressure with a $60 hand pump I got here. I also have a compressor l but didn’t need it for this. I use that for Benjamin. I highly recommend this gun. It’s light, accurate, and easy to fill with a hand pump.
This is a perfect hunting rifle. I keep the Bulldog for home defense since it is extremely difficult to own a black powder firearm where I live. This Gamo gets way more shots per fill but doesn’t hit nearly as hard as the .357, but for plinking or light hunting, you can go all day with the Gamo Urban. -Jack the Rabbit
Trending Review: This is an amazing deal. It is a British-made BSA Buccaneer with a Gamo stock for less than half the cost.
The Gamo stock is very nice once you take some 220 sandpaper and sand down the mold lines, they will disappear. The stock is a very solid Plastic and very ergonomic. The gun is about the same noise level as a Daisy 880 pumped up about 8 or 9 times (pretty quiet).
It shoots crossman premiers HPs into 3/4 inch groups at 50 yards. The power level is pretty easily adjusted thru a screw on the back of the receiver. it is fairly easy to pump up by hand, even at 6,000 feet where I live.
It is too much to hand pump at 9,000 ft where it takes over twice the pumps as it does at sea level. The bottom line is, you can’t do better than this for less than 3 bills. -silkyjohnson
Reassuring Review: This is a very high-quality precharged pneumatic airgun. It is manufactured in the BSA plant in Birmingham England and has a hammer-forged barrel known for exceptional accuracy.
Don’t confuse this airgun with other Gamo airguns of dubious quality. I purchased this Urban to replace a very nice Diana RWS 34P .22. I was not able to shoot consistently good groups with Diana after attempting to do so for four years.
I am one of those people who cannot shoot a break barrel spring airgun accurately and be advised to try a PCP. Wow! It was a night and day difference. My first ten-shot group at 17 yards in my basement range measured .155″.
That’s what I call accurate. The best I was able to shoot with my Diana was 1.5″ to 2″ at 25 yards. I needed an airgun capable of grouping 1″, or less, at 25 yards to dispatch harassing sparrows from my bluebird nesting boxes.
The Urban exceeds that requirement with no problem. I am hoping to get outside when the weather permits and shoot at longer ranges to 50 yards. I was able to get out on one nice day and shoot a 10-shot group at 30 yards measuring 1/2″. The Urban has all the attributes I wanted.
It is lightweight, compact, does not require an artillery hold, and is very accurate with JSB Jumbo Heavy 18.13g pellets. Some reviewers are saying it is not backyard-friendly because it is noisy. I don’t find this to be true, and in fact, it is quieter than my Diana 34.
I have only had the Urban for about a month and I have dispatched seven starlings and three sparrows. One sparrow was shot 35 yards off from a nesting box. I did not buy an expensive high-pressure hand pump to fill the Urban.
I bought a Taousa pump for $85 and it does the job just fine. It takes a little effort to achieve the 3000 psi fill but it’s very doable and I’m 71. That fill will give you 30 good shots before requiring a refill. If you want a high-quality, accurate PCP airgun at a very reasonable price, you cannot go wrong with the Gamo Urban. I love mine so far. It’s a tool that gets the job done. -George Johnson
6. Beeman, QB Chief PCP Air Rifle
Highlight: Affordable – the 1317 offers many features normally found only in higher-priced rifles.
Constructive Review: As a previous reviewer noted, my rifle also came with no air. It was a challenge to get it pumped up that first time manually.
As I recall, I shot it empty several times and it finally ‘took’ and pumped up then and since. The gun ‘feels’ much better than my Maximus. It weighs several pounds more which is part of the reason.
I always felt like the Maximus was too light for such a powerful air rifle – but probably an advantage in the field. I am partial to wood stocks too, even if the Beeman stock doesn’t have a perfect finish.
The Maximus looks good but I don’t care for the feel of plastic on my cheek. This Beeman has a much better trigger than the Maximus and ‘is’ adjustable (lighter) after removing the stock. This rifle seems to be more accurate than the Maximus too using inexpensive Crosman Premier Hollowpoints.
I presume this is the least expensive, easiest to shoot, and most accurate 17+ foot-pound air rifle on the market. I love it. I have some very expensive air rifles that don’t compare. -Brian Wood
Trending Review: Wonderful Amazon service. This arrived a day earlier than originally scheduled. It appears to be a great shooter and I am impressed with the finger room for the 177 pellet at the chamber.
Incredibly disappointed with the sights though. I did not want to buy a scope but the sights are soooooo far off that they are useless. I have them lowered all the way and moved to the right as far as they will go and am still off around 1″ in both directions at 20 yards.
Medium or High scope mounts are needed for a 32mm scope to clear the rear sight. Hopefully, this is the only lemon. Buy one if you want to. -Richard Barr
Reassuring Review: I initially bought the Benjamin Maximus because of its lighter weight. That did not work out. The Maximus required a lot of force to pull back the bolt.
The bolt handle sheared off after a few shots (a not altogether rare problem, judging from online comments). The lightweight was great, but the plastic stock felt flimsy and hollow. There was a very slight but noticeable blowback on each shot.
So the Beeman was my second choice and should have been my first. The rifle feels solid and having the wood stock is great. It shoots smoothly and accurately.
Closing the breech is admittedly not silky, but it’s adequate and perhaps will improve with use. Overall it’s a good PCP, and for under $200, it’s 5-star. -raffi
Final Word For The Best PCP Pellet Air Rifle Under 400$
To wrap things up, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a solid PCP pellet air rifle. There are plenty of great options under $400 that offer accuracy, power, and reliability for both target shooting and small-game hunting. Whether you go with the Benjamin Maximus, Umarex Gauntlet, or Beeman Chief II, you’re getting a rifle that delivers great performance without breaking the bank. Just pick the one that fits your needs, and enjoy the shooting experience!