Whether you’re looking for a high-power air rifle for deer hunting and taking down other large game or just looking for an effective pest control solution, Benjamin Airguns has you covered with distinctive air rifles that deliver the power, accuracy, and shot-to-shot consistency that hunters require.
Hunting is so much more than a hobby. It’s a way of life. It’s an opportunity to connect with the great outdoors, spend time with family and friends, improve your skills, and maybe even fill your fridge if you’re lucky. Every hunt is an adventure—a chance to build upon your legacy.
Bringing the right air rifle is the key to successful summer hunting. Besides improving your chances of bringing home a wall-worthy trophy, using a high-quality air rifle simply makes for an overall enjoyable and rewarding experience. Why settle for anything less than the best?
It’s time to get inspired. Here’s a look at some of the best Benjamin air guns for summertime hunts.
Best for Large Game: Big Bore Air Rifles
If you’re targeting big game, you can’t go wrong with any of our Big Bore air rifles. These dogs bite! Available in three distinctive sizes and calibers, they’re capable of delivering up to 450 foot-pounds of energy (fpe)—plenty of lethal power to handle anything your summer hunting trips may throw your way, whether you need a high-power air rifle for deer hunting or targeting African plains game.
1. Bulldog .457
The Bulldog .457 is our heaviest hitter, firing massive .457-caliber slugs at speeds up to 760 feet per second (fps). This impressive feat is achieved due to the Bulldog .457’s longer air cylinder—it has a 440cc reservoir compared to the Bulldog M357’s 330cc reservoir. While the air cylinder is longer, the .457 still maintains a compact bullpup configuration of only 36.28”, making it an easy carry, especially on those long days and nights trudging through the field.
2. Bulldog M357
The Bulldog M357 is another superb choice for summer hunting. Though smaller in size than its older sibling, the M357 still launches.357-caliber slugs up to 1135 fps and delivers up to 300 fpe. This big bore is more than capable of taking down any prey that comes your way, so it really just depends on your preferred size. If you want something a bit smaller for easier carrying and maneuvering in the field, the M357 might be right up your alley.
3. Bulldog M257
Launching in the summer of 2023, the M257 is poised to be the smallest model in our Big Bore lineup, but it can certainly still handle summer hunting duties. The M257 can fire .257-caliber slugs up to 1050 fps, delivering up to 150 fpe. Those seeking the most compact high-power air rifle for deer hunting would be wise to consider the M257’s excellent balance between size and power.
Best for Traditional Styling: Marauders
Available in a wide range of configurations, the Benjamin Marauder PCP is no stranger to experienced air gun hunters, and for good reason. While our Marauders don’t have the staggering power of our Big Bore models, they still boast impressive power, precision, and shot-to-shot consistency that will be appreciated on all of your summer hunting adventures.
4. Marauder Wood Stock
The Marauder has earned its reputation as a contemporary classic, blending traditional design schemes with modern features. The Marauder Wood Stock air rifle offers rustic styling reminiscent of the original Benjamin air rifles first produced by Walter R. Benjamin in 1882.
5. Other Marauder Configurations
We also offer the standard Benjamin Marauder. 22 with a sleek synthetic stock, as well as Benjamin Marauder Semi-Automatic PCP and Regulated Marauders.
Best Compact Air Gun for Pests: Marauder Pistol
An air rifle is the first choice for big game hunting trips, but an air pistol can be quite useful for summer hunting too, especially if you’re targeting pests and small game and a tremendous amount of raw takedown power is simply unnecessary, or even too much.
6. Marauder Pistol
The Benjamin Marauder Pistol would make an outstanding companion for your high-power air rifle for deer hunting. This handy air pistol is a great secondary air gun when you’re spending a lot of time in a deer stand, as you can use it to eliminate small game while you wait for the big game to come through.
It’s powerful enough to handle varmints like rabbits, raccoons, and squirrels, and the small size makes it convenient to carry in your pack. The repeater also lets you take a rapid follow-up shot if required.
Summertime Adventure Awaits
These summer hunting air guns are all fine choices, but we’ve only scratched the surface. Our Craftsman and Mil-Spec collections both have some fantastic hunting options too. There’s no “best” air gun for hunting—it all comes down to personal preference. We recommend choosing the air gun that calls your name, and then modifying it over time to really make it your own.
Nobody said choosing a high-power air rifle for deer hunting would be easy, but hopefully, this guide is helpful as you get geared up for some summertime hunting. Any Benjamin will deliver the quality and performance you need, so explore our catalog and get inspired. Make this year’s summer hunting the best season yet with distinctive air rifles from Benjamin Airguns.