Guns

Best Air Guns for Self Defense

Best Air Guns for Self Defense

Best Air Guns for Self Defense

Air guns are mostly ideal for small and medium game hunting or even pest control. They are not always used for self-defense but what happens if you find yourself in danger and an air gun is all you have? It might help in scaring away an intruder or even immobilizing them. Even though they are not as lethal as the average tactical gun, air guns have been known to come to your aid in case you need protection. The best air guns for self defense help you in your time of need and can also serve other purposes like small game hunting

However, before getting an air gun, it is important to consider whether you need to get a permit or license and if you are even allowed to own one in the first place. This guide is to help you choose the best air guns for self defense on the market. 

Here is a quick list if you are pressed for time

PRODUCT IMAGE PRICE

#1) Umarex 2252109 Brodax Air Pistol .177 BB

Umarex 2252109 Brodax Air Pistol .177 BB - Best Air Guns for Self Defense  

#2) Crosman M4-177 Tactical Style Bolt Action Variable Pump .177-Caliber Pellet And BB Air Rifle

Crosman M4-177 Tactical Style Bolt Action Variable Pump .177-Caliber Pellet And BB Air Rifle  

#3) DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle with Dual Action Capability

DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle with Dual Action Capability  

#4) Sig Sauer MCX .177 CAL Co2 Powered (30 Rounds) SIG20R Red Dot Air Rifle

Sig Sauer MCX .177 CAL Co2 Powered (30 Rounds) SIG20R Red Dot Air Rifle  

#5) Magnum Air Rifle

Magnum Air Rifle Best Air Guns for Self Defense  

#6) GLOCK 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol

GLOCK 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol  
#7) Umarex SA10 .177 Caliber Pellet or BB Gun Air Pistol Umarex SA10 .177 Caliber Pellet or BB Gun Air Pistol  
#8) Gamo 611006325554 Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle .22 Cal Gamo 611006325554 Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle .22 Cal  
#9) Crosman SNR357 0.177 Pellet/4.5 MM BB CO2-Powered Revolver Black/Grey 2.5″ Snub Nose Crosman SNR357 0.177 Pellet/4.5 MM BB CO2-Powered Revolver Black/Grey 2.5″ Snub Nose  

 

 

Let’s get right into it!

Best Air Guns for Self Defense Guide

To start us off is the…

#1) Umarex 2252109 Brodax Air Pistol .177 BB

Umarex 2252109 Brodax Air Pistol .177 BB - Best Air Guns for Self Defense

 

 

 

 

Its durability and strength make this pistol one of the best air guns for self defense. Vented ports positioned at the barrel top housing and a Picatinny rail at the top rear allow you to place a dot sight. Its durability comes from the fact that the polymer flame on this rifle, has internal metal parts which include the hammer and trigger.

To hold accessories like lasers and lights the Umarex Brodax Air comes with another Picatinny rail located below the barrel. The material combination of this pistol makes it one of the best air guns for self defense on the market. The rotary magazine holds 10 rounds and an extra two magazines.

Features

  • Vented and sleek barrel housing.
  • 10 round rotary magazine of .177 caliber steel BBS.
  • Durable.
  • Lightweight.
  • Can shoot BBs up to 375 fps.
  • A 12-gram CO2 cartridge powers this pistol.

Specifications

  • Gunpower type: CO2
  • Magazine: Rotary
  • Velocity: up to 375  fps
  • Type of Ammo: BB

 

 

 

 

#2) Crosman M4-177 Tactical Style Bolt Action Variable Pump .177-Caliber Pellet And BB Air Rifle

Crosman M4-177 Tactical Style Bolt Action Variable Pump .177-Caliber Pellet And BB Air Rifle

 

 

 

The Crosman m4-177 is an air rifle that is perfect for target shooting, plinking, pest control, and overall skill development. It is water-resistant and comes with a sleek synthetic design. As one of the best air guns for self defense, this air rifle comes with easy-to-use variable pump features that help you control power from 350 to 700 fps.

It features an adjustable post-front sight and a dual-aperture rear sight that helps you sight and stay on your target. You can use .177 caliber pellets or the BBs, it is compatible with both.  This makes this air rifle one of the best air rifles for self defense. The kit comes with five official airgun targets, 50 .177 caliber pellets, 50 copperhead BBs, Crosman safety glasses with high impact glasses. 

Features

  • Cross Bolt safety.
  • The stock is adjustable.
  • Windage and elevation adjustments.
  • You can use the .177 caliber pellets or BBs.
  • Dual-aperture rear sight and an adjustable post-front sight.
  • 5-shot pellet clip

Specifications

  • The material used: Synthetic
  • Type of Barrel: Rifled.
  • Magazine: Reservoir/clip
  • Caliber: .177
  • Power plant: The variable pump.

 

 

 

#3) DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle with Dual Action Capability

DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle with Dual Action Capability

 

 

 

This easy-to-use, highly reliable air rifle is one of the best air guns for self defense. It’s premium features place it at the top amongst its peers. It is ideal for small and big game hunting as well as target practice. It comes with an adjustable stock that can be adjusted to six different positions which make the handling of the rifle easy and easy to shoulder.

This DPMS Full Auto Air Rifle can fire up to 1400 rounds per minute and features a BB speed loader. To help you stay on target, this rifle comes with a removable adjustable rear sight and pop sight. What is more, it features a quad rail for mounting flashlights and lasers, and other accessories. With a dual-action selector, you free to choose between semi or full auto action. Cool right?

It is a lightweight, full-size air rifle that allows you to quickly swing into action in the face of danger.

Features 

  • The foregrip is angled.
  • A quad rail forearm that helps in mounting accessories.
  • An adjustable stock that can be adjusted in 6 different positions.
  • Thumb-selector safety.
  • 25 round drop-out magazine.
  • The adjustable rear and pop-up sights are removable.
  • Can fire up to 1400 rounds per minute.
  • Steel barrel.
  • A semi-automatic/full blowback action.
  • CO2 power.

Specifications

  • Caliber: 177
  • Propulsion method: CO2
  • Velocity: Up to 430 fps
  • Barrel material: steel
  • Length: 26.5
  • Weight: 6.21 lbs
  • Safety: Thumb-selector

 

 

 

 

#4) Sig Sauer MCX .177 CAL Co2 Powered (30 Rounds) SIG20R Red Dot Air Rifle

Sig Sauer MCX .177 CAL Co2 Powered (30 Rounds) SIG20R Red Dot Air Rifle

 

 

 

The Sig Sauer MCX .177 CAL Co2 Powered is the ideal air rifle for target practice and tactical drills. It is a durable and high-quality firearm that delivers on performance and power. Its propulsion method is CO2 and is chambered in .177 caliber pellets that enhance accuracy. 

This air rifle comes with a tactical front grip, synthetic handguard, Micro Red Dot Sight, picatinny rail, flip-up front and rear sights

Features

  • Picatinny rail
  • A rifled steel barrel
  • 30 round rpm magazine
  • Chambered in .177 pellet
  • Comes with a red dot.

Specifications

  • Weight: 7.75 lbs
  • Caliber: .177
  • Sights: Red Dot
  • Velocity: up to 700 fps

 

 

 

 

#5) Magnum Air Rifle

Magnum Air Rifle Best Air Guns for Self Defense

 

 

 

Accuracy, power, and reduced stock vibration are among the features you will get from this magnum air rifle. As one of the best air guns for self-defense, this air rifle comes with a rubberized all-weather thumbhole that ensures a good grip of the rifle.

It comes with a 3-9×40 scope that has an adjustable objective lens. This enhances your accuracy and makes sighting easy. Any outdoor enthusiast will appreciate this rifle’s velocity of 1300 fps. To ensure reliable power and reduced stock vibration, it is fitted with the IGT Mach 1 technology.

The magnum air rifle is an air rifle that will help you protect yourself from any dangers!

Features

  • A 3-9×40 scope with an adjustable objective lens
  • IGT Mach 1 system
  • Custom action trigger
  • A shock wave absorber recoil pad.
  • An all-weather thumbhole black spot

Specifications

  • Weight:6.88 lbs
  • Velocity: for .177 is 1650fps for .22 1300fps
  • Caliber: .177, .22
  • Power Plant: Piston
  • .177 (1650fps), .22(1300fps)
  • Length: 49.2
  • Barrel length: 21.3
  • Mechanism: IGT Mach 1

 

 

 

 

#6) GLOCK 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol

GLOCK 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol

 

 

 

As one of the best air guns for self defense, the Glock 19 is an ideal air gun for self defense for its versatility and performance. Its length is 7.25 inches and even though this might be considered small, the Glock 19 Gen 3 is powerful enough to fire .177 caliber steel BBs with up to 410 fps of muzzle velocity. It is compact and weighs 25.6 ounces which means you can easily swing into action when need be.
This air gun comes with a textured grip which makes it easy to handle, aim, grip, and even makes it easy to practice magazine reloading drills. What’s more, it comes with a drop-free 15-shot magazine that is not only durable but you can load up to 15 steel BBs. An integrated push button and a trigger blade help prevent accidents and allow for easy storage.

Features

  • Shoots .177 caliber steel BBs
  • Can fire the steels at up to 410 fps
  • Powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge
  • Integrated Weaver rail- Helps in mounting accessories
  • 15-round drop-free magazine
  • A Glock U-shaped white dot front sight and rear sight

Specifications

  • Velocity: 450fps
  • Weight: 160 lbs
  • Overall length: 7.25
  • Rail: Integrated weaver
  • Action: Semi/Double

 

 

 

 

#7) Umarex SA10 .177 Caliber Pellet or BB Gun Air Pistol

Umarex SA10 .177 Caliber Pellet or BB Gun Air Pistol

 

 

 

This is another air gun that makes it to our best air guns for self defense guide. The Umarex SA10 can fire either pellets or BBs at up to 420fps. It also features a rifled barrel that enhances the air gun’s accuracy. The uniqueness of this gun is brought on by the fact that it comes with a slide that has been ported on the sides which reveals a gold-look barrel. This barrel complements the gold breech block on this air pistol.

The muzzle is threaded to receive a faux suppressor which gives the Umarex SA10 a very cool look. Its magazine can hold both an 8 round rotary clip and a 12-gram C02 capsule. Additionally, it can hold three more clips making target shooting super fun.

 Features

  • Dual ammo: Can fire BBs or pellets
  • Powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge
  • Tactical sights
  • Integrated accessory rail
  • Three 8-shot rotary clips
  • A realistic blowback action-means it moves with every shot
  • Can fire up to 420 fps
  • Rifled barrel
  • A threaded muzzle to accept a faux suppressor

Specifications

  • Barrel: Rifled
  • Weight: 2.05lbs
  • Barrel length: 5.0″
  • Overall length: 9.25”
  • Maximum velocity: 420 fps

 

 

 

 

#8) Gamo 611006325554 Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle .22 Cal

Gamo 611006325554 Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle .22 Cal

 

 

 

The all-powerful Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1 is among the best air guns for self defense on the market. It comes with the high rated whisper technology, a noise decreasing technology that is basically an integrated noise and muzzle blast reducer cast over the barrel that makes this a very quiet air rifle.

A 33mm cylinder makes it possible to fire pellets at a velocity of up to 1020 fps. What’s more, this air gun features a Custom Action Trigger that allows 1st and 2nd  stage adjusting to your liking. The Recoil Reducing Rail absorbs recoil thus safety is assured.  The Gamo Whisper Fusion comes with the Inert Gas Technology that boosts your accuracy and knockdown power.

Features

  • Custom Action Trigger- This allows you to adjust the 1st and 2nd  stages
  • A Gamo 3-9×40 scope with a Recoil Reducing Rail
  • Whisper Fusion technology- A noise reduction system
  •  IGT MACH 1 gas piston- Brings high muzzle velocity, smoother cocking, and less vibration
  • 5-year warranty
  • Comes in .177 cal (1420 fps) and .22 cal (1020fps)
  • Rubberized grips

Specifications

  • Barrel Length: 18″
  • Length: 46.5″
  • Trigger Pull: 3.74 lbs
  • Weight: 8.00 lbs
  • Break Barrel: Single Cocking System
  • Trigger:  Custom Action Trigger (CAT)

 

 

#9) Crosman SNR357 0.177 Pellet/4.5 MM BB CO2-Powered Revolver Black/Grey 2.5″ Snub Nose

Crosman SNR357 0.177 Pellet/4.5 MM BB CO2-Powered Revolver Black/Grey 2.5″ Snub Nose

 

 

 

This is a semi-automatic dual ammo and double action air gun that makes it possible to fire BBs at up to 400 fps velocity and .177 calibers at up to 500 fps. The Crosman Snub Nose Revolver is one of the best air guns for self defense for its power and performance. A fixed blade front sight and an adjustable rear sight helps you stay on target and a 6 shot swing out cartridge cylinder ensures its efficiency.

Fitted with a removable ergonomic grip panel, replacing CO2 is easy. It comes with the slide safety to ensure safety and correct handling. It is compatible with both .177 caliber pellets and the traditional steel BBs.

Features

  • Fueled by a 12 gram CO2 cartridge
  • An adjustable rear sight and a fixed blade front sight
  • Compatible with both the .177 caliber pellets and BBs
  • Reusable pellet and BB cartridges
  • Ergonomic grip
  • Semi-auto repeater

Specifications

  • Weight: 1.92lbs
  • Barrel length: 2:50″
  • Mechanism: CO2
  • Length:6.75″
  • Safety: Manual
  • Shots per Fill: 100
  • Barrel style: Smoothbore

 

 

 

 

#10) Crosman CCP8B2 Vigilante

Crosman CCP8B2 Vigilante Best Air Guns for Self Defense

 

 

 

Featuring a 6-shot BB clip and a 10-shot pellet clip, the Crosman Vigilante is one of the best air guns for self defense. This double-action, the semi-auto revolver can fire both BBs and pellets. A 6-inch long rifled steel barrel fires BBs up to 465 fps and pellets up to 435 fps.

Powered by CO2, this air gun comes with fully adjustable rear sights and a fixed blade front. Fitted with dual accessory rails, you can easily mount Picatinny or weaver mounts in order to attach your preferred accessories like a laser or a flashlight.

Features

  • Adjustable rear sights
  • Fixed blade front sight
  • Rifled barrel
  • Muzzle velocity of 465 fps for BBs and 435 fps for pellets
  • Compatible with both BBs and pellets

Specifications

  • Barrel Type: Rifled
  • Safety: Hammer block
  • Weight: 2 lbs
  • Mechanism: CO2
  • Trigger: Single/ double

 

 

 

 Best Air Guns for Self Defense FAQs

Is it legal to use a BB gun for self-defense? 

Some states or countries require you first obtain a permit before using an air gun.
How do you convert an air rifle?
It is advised to refer to your rifle’s manual as it is unsafe to convert some rifles.
How dangerous is an air gun?
If used wrongly, an air gun can cause fatalities. The pellets can cause permanent damage to body organs. 

Can an airgun kill a human?

BB guns with high muzzle velocities of higher than 350 fps can potentially cause death.

 

Can a pellet gun hurt someone?

A pellet gun can hurt someone, especially at close range.

 

How dangerous is a pellet gun?

 If not used properly, high-velocity pellet guns can cause fatal injuries or even death

Conclusion

We hope this comprehensive guide helps you to buy the best air gun for self defense!