Air rifle target paper with black bullseye.

Air Rifles for Prepping and Survival

January 27, 2024

A practical prepper needs to know how to shoot. That means target shooting. To learn to shoot and do it well, you need to buy a gun, join an outdoor range and pay range fees, buy ammo, targets, gun cleaning supplies, and more. That can really add up, and it takes a lot of time.

The solution is to shoot a world-class air rifle at home! Shoot whenever you want in your own space. The ammo is cheap, and you can limit distractions. It’s not practical as a hunting tool, but it can help you hone your accuracy and instincts.

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This is an updated guide on air rifles for preppers, first written several years ago by a member of the TruePrepper team. We continue to update posts for relevancy and as we learn more about prepping topics. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Disclosure»

The Olympic Air Rifle

Did you know that the 10-meter air rifle is an Olympic sport? Did you know there are many clubs in the U.S. shooting 10m air rifle? While in the U.S. it is more of a youth and young adult sport, in Germany it is enjoyed by boys, girls, men, and women of all ages. That’s why the best air rifles and gear come from Germany.

Air rifles have come a long way. Good ones are not just toys! Older rifles use a single pump mechanism employed before each shot. Newer ones use compressed air like a paintball marker. This is what a real Olympic 10m air rifle looks like:

Feinwerkbau 601 and Vogel Pellets — Feinwerkbau 601 and Vogel pellets. *(Credit: TruePrepper Team)*

Finding That Special Rifle

If you have up to $3,000 to plunk down for a brand-new rifle, go for it, and it will last forever! On the less expensive end, the Hammerli AR20 Pro goes for $905 new, which is the high end of the used market for a single-stroke pneumatic German match air rifle. But finding a used rifle can be a great adventure!

You’ll pay $650-$1200 for a good to like-new used one. That sounds like a lot, but it is no more than a rifle you would use at an outdoor range, and it will probably last a lifetime. And if you decide to sell your used air rifle, it will bring just about what you paid for it.

Look for a used air rifle made by Anschutz, Feinwerkbau, Walther, Diana, Steyr, or Hammerli. Mine is a Feinwerkbau 601 single-stroke pneumatic. It is the same model that won Gold in the 1988 Olympics—Oldie but goodie.

Where to Buy Used Air Rifles

Looking at the reputable brands we mentioned above, you can find good deals on used models online. Ebay has a great variety of different high-quality brands:

You can also head to Airguns.net, where I found my used air rifle. Jim E was a reputable and honest seller.

What You Need to Shoot at Home

First things first, you’ll need to find a place to shoot. You’ll want to make a 10-meter air rifle range in your house or garage – (That’s only 32.8 feet). Just measure it and put a mark on the floor. Make sure your target is in a safe spot, and that any misses won’t hit the neighbor’s dog! Here is a link to guide you: Build a Range (pilkguns.com)

Air Rifle – A good used one is best, as noted above.
Pellet trap – Holds 10cm x 10cm targets.
Targets (250) – Paper targets are inexpensive.
Match quality pellets
Match box – Organize your rounds and pellets like the pros.

Air Rifle Accessories — Vogel pellets, match pellet holder, traps, and shooting glove. *(Credit: TruePrepper Team)*

Shooting glasses are always a good idea- don’t be like Ralphie from A Christmas Story and shoot your eye out! You can see why we like the Wiley X Sabers as a versatile option in our eye protection review.

Other Supplies

You can have a great time and become a better shooter with the items above, but as you get more serious, you may want the following:

Shooting rest – This is a stand to hold your match pellets and to rest your rifle on in between shots. The rifle is HEAVY, and you will need to rest.
Spotting scope – This lets you see how well you are shooting. I don’t personally use one because I know when and where I am off-center.
Shooting clothes – No kidding. An entire outfit to stop you from wiggling! I just own a glove for stability, but you can get a jacket, pants, shoes, and more to make you more stable as you shoot.
Getting to know the sport and its history. Start here: 10 Meter Air Rifle (Wikipedia)

Safety First!

Don’t be fooled into thinking an air rifle isn’t dangerous! These guns shoot north of 500 feet per second, and that is lethal! Treat them like any dangerous firearm.

Also, note that the pellets are made of lead! Lead is toxic if ingested! When pellets hit a metal trap target, they disintegrate, and bits fly away. It may even become airborne. So only shoot where kids and pets can’t get to, and wash your hands after handling pellets.

Air Rifle Target — Rushed shooting. Do better! *(Credit: TruePrepper Team)*

The Final Word

Shooting can be more than a hobby. As a survival skill, it can help with self-defense, hunting, and more. Plus, you might get the shooting bug and enjoy it as much as we have over the years.

If you are looking into developing more survival and shooting skills, check out:

Keep exploring, stay prepared, and be safe.

See more of our expert-written guides, resources, and reviews in your search results – add TruePrepper as a preferred source.

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