Best .177 CO₂ Air Rifle options combine convenient CO₂ power, reliable performance, and accurate .177-caliber shooting for recreational target practice. These air rifles are available with different magazine capacities, rifled barrels, synthetic or metal construction, and various sighting systems to suit different shooting preferences. Some models prioritize quiet operation and CO₂ efficiency, while others focus on rapid-fire capability and high-capacity magazines. When choosing a .177 CO₂ air rifle, it is important to consider factors such as ammunition type, velocity, accuracy, CO₂ consumption, magazine capacity, noise level, build quality, and included optics to find a model that matches your shooting needs.
Best .177 CO₂ Air Rifle
1. SIG Sauer MCX .177 Cal CO2 Powered Advanced Air Rifle
The SIG Sauer MCX .177 Cal CO₂ Powered Advanced Air Rifle is a realistic-looking CO₂-powered air rifle designed for target shooting and recreational practice. It combines a familiar MCX-style design with a rifled steel barrel, synthetic handguard, Picatinny rail, tactical front grip, and folding sights. The package also includes two 90-gram CO₂ cartridges and 500 pellets, giving users additional supplies for extended practice sessions.
Key Features
CO₂ Power Source
The SIG Sauer MCX uses CO₂ as its power source, providing a convenient alternative to manually cocked spring-piston air rifles. The CO₂ system allows multiple shots without manually cocking the rifle between every shot, making it suitable for recreational target shooting and practice sessions.
30-Round Rapid-Fire Capability
One of the main attractions of this model is its ability to fire up to 30 rounds in quick succession. This makes the rifle particularly convenient for shooters who want to spend more time shooting and less time reloading individual shots. CO₂-powered operation also gives it a more realistic repeating-shooting experience than a traditional single-shot air rifle.
MCX-Style Handling
The rifle is designed to replicate the general handling characteristics and appearance of the SIG MCX platform. Its synthetic handguard, front grip, folding sights, and rail system contribute to its modern sporting-rifle appearance while providing a familiar layout for recreational shooting.
Rifled Steel Barrel
The 18-inch rifled steel barrel is an important feature for .177-caliber pellet shooting. Rifling imparts spin to the pellet as it travels through the barrel, helping provide more consistent projectile flight than a smoothbore design. This makes the MCX suitable for recreational target shooting where repeatable accuracy is important.
Synthetic Handguard and Picatinny Rail
The synthetic handguard helps keep the rifle relatively practical for regular use while contributing to its modern appearance. The Picatinny rail provides a mounting platform for compatible accessories, although the specific accessory and its suitability should always be checked before installation.
Flip-Up Front and Rear Sights
The MCX comes with flip-up front and rear sights, providing an integrated sighting system without requiring a separate optic. These sights can be folded when not required, maintaining the rifle’s streamlined profile.
Complete Shooting Bundle
This particular package includes two 90-gram CO₂ cartridges and 500 pellets. Having pellets and CO₂ included makes the bundle convenient for buyers who want to begin shooting without purchasing these supplies separately.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | SIG Sauer |
| Model | MCX |
| Caliber | .177 |
| Ammunition | .177 pellets |
| Power source | CO₂ |
| Barrel | 18-inch rifled steel barrel |
| Shooting capacity | Up to 30 rounds in rapid succession |
| Stock/handguard | Synthetic |
| Sights | Flip-up front and rear sights |
| Rail | Picatinny rail |
| Front grip | Tactical-style front grip |
| Color | Black |
| Included CO₂ | Two 90-gram cartridges |
| Included pellets | 500 pellets |
| Intended use | Target shooting and recreational practice |
Pros
- CO₂-powered operation allows repeated shooting without manual cocking between every shot.
- 18-inch rifled steel barrel is well suited to .177 pellet shooting.
- 30-round rapid-fire capability provides an engaging shooting experience.
- Folding front and rear sights are included.
- Synthetic handguard provides a durable and practical exterior.
- Picatinny rail offers compatibility with suitable accessories.
- Front grip contributes to a comfortable modern rifle layout.
- Includes two 90-gram CO₂ cartridges.
- Includes 500 pellets for initial practice.
- Realistic MCX-style design makes it visually distinctive among .177 CO₂ air rifles.
Cons
- CO₂ performance can vary as the cartridge pressure changes during use.
- CO₂ cartridges require ongoing replacement once their gas supply is depleted.
2. Umarex Steel-Storm .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol, Black
The Umarex Fusion 2 Quiet .177 Caliber Pellet Gun Air Rifle combines CO₂-powered operation, a quiet shooting system, and a rifled barrel for recreational target shooting. It is designed around a 9-shot pellet magazine, an ergonomic synthetic stock, and an included 4×32 scope. With the ability to use either two 12-gram CO₂ cartridges or an 88-gram CO₂ cylinder with the appropriate setup, the Fusion 2 offers flexibility for shorter practice sessions and extended shooting.
Key Features
SilencAir Noise Dampener
One of the defining features of the Fusion 2 is Umarex’s SilencAir noise-dampening system. The permanently attached five-chamber device is designed to reduce muzzle noise, making the rifle a quieter option for appropriate target-shooting environments. This feature is particularly useful for shooters who prefer a more comfortable shooting experience with reduced report.
CO₂-Powered Operation
The Fusion 2 can operate using two 12-gram CO₂ cartridges. The supplied information indicates that shooters can expect more than 70 shots from a pair of 12-gram cartridges. The two-cartridge adapter can also be removed to allow the use of an 88-gram CO₂ cylinder, with the manufacturer indicating that a single 88-gram cylinder can provide upwards of 250 shots.
CO₂ cartridges and cylinders are not included. Umarex recommends using its own CO₂ cartridges to help ensure a proper seal and good performance.
9-Shot Pellet Magazine
The rifle comes with a 9-shot rotary-style pellet magazine designed for easy loading. This allows the shooter to fire multiple pellets before needing to reload the magazine manually. A spare magazine is also available under part number 2251366, according to the supplied product information.
.177-Caliber Pellet Performance
The Fusion 2 fires .177-caliber pellets and is advertised at speeds of up to 700 fps. Its rifled barrel is designed specifically for pellet shooting, helping provide consistent projectile stabilization. This makes the rifle well suited to recreational target shooting where repeatable accuracy is important.
4×32 Scope Included
A 4×32 scope is included with the rifle, providing magnification for target shooting without requiring the buyer to purchase an optic separately. The scope uses a duplex reticle and mounts to the rifle’s integrated Nucleus/Picatinny-style rail.
Ergonomic Synthetic Stock
The synthetic stock is designed with an ergonomic shape intended to provide a comfortable shooting position for different users. The synthetic construction also gives the rifle a practical exterior that can withstand regular recreational use.
M-LOK Slots
The Fusion 2 features M-LOK slots on both sides of the fore-end. These provide mounting options for compatible accessories while maintaining the rifle’s streamlined design.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Umarex |
| Model | Fusion 2 Quiet |
| Caliber | .177 |
| Ammunition | Pellets |
| Power source | CO₂ |
| Advertised velocity | Up to 700 fps |
| Standard CO₂ setup | Two 12-gram CO₂ cartridges |
| Alternative CO₂ setup | 88-gram CO₂ cylinder |
| Shots per two 12-gram cartridges | Over 70 shots |
| Shots per 88-gram cylinder | Upwards of 250 shots |
| Magazine capacity | 9 pellets |
| Scope | 4×32 included |
| Reticle | Duplex |
| Barrel | Rifled |
| Noise reduction | SilencAir 5-chamber noise dampener |
| Stock | Ergonomic synthetic |
| Rail | Picatinny/Nucleus-style mounting rail |
| Fore-end | M-LOK slots on both sides |
| Spare magazine | Part No. 2251366 |
| CO₂ included | No |
Pros
- SilencAir five-chamber noise dampener reduces muzzle noise.
- Fires .177-caliber pellets rather than steel BBs.
- Rifled barrel is designed for consistent pellet shooting.
- Advertised velocity of up to 700 fps.
- Includes a 4×32 scope with duplex reticle.
- 9-shot magazine allows multiple shots before reloading.
- Can use two 12-gram CO₂ cartridges.
- Can also accommodate an 88-gram CO₂ cylinder with the appropriate configuration.
- More than 70 shots are advertised from two 12-gram CO₂ cartridges.
- Upwards of 250 shots are advertised from a single 88-gram cylinder.
- Ergonomic synthetic stock is designed for comfortable handling.
- M-LOK slots provide mounting options for compatible accessories.
Cons
- CO₂ cartridges are not included.
- The rifle depends on CO₂ pressure, which can affect performance as the gas supply decreases.
4. Umarex Legends M1A1 Blowback Automatic .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Rifle
The Umarex Legends M1A1 Blowback Automatic .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Rifle is a CO₂-powered replica designed to recreate the appearance and handling characteristics of a classic M1A1-style firearm. It combines an all-metal construction with realistic blowback action, a 30-round drop-free magazine, and both semi-automatic and full-automatic shooting modes. The result is a feature-rich BB airgun intended primarily for recreational shooting and target practice.
Key Features
CO₂-Powered Operation
The Legends M1A1 is powered by a 12-gram CO₂ cartridge housed inside its magazine. CO₂ provides the power needed for repeated shots without manually cocking the action between each shot. The CO₂ cartridge is not included, so it needs to be purchased separately before shooting.
30-Round Drop-Free Magazine
A 30-round magazine provides a substantial ammunition capacity for recreational shooting. The drop-free magazine can be removed from the airgun for loading and also houses the CO₂ power source. Its high capacity means shooters can spend more time shooting before needing to reload.
Semi-Automatic and Full-Automatic Modes
The Legends M1A1 offers both semi-automatic and full-automatic shooting modes. This gives users the flexibility to fire individual BBs or use its automatic mode for faster recreational shooting. As with any BB airgun, shooting should be conducted only at an appropriate target with a secure backstop and suitable eye protection.
Realistic Blowback Action
One of the defining characteristics of this model is its open-bolt-style blowback action. The moving action provides physical feedback during firing and contributes to the replica’s realistic operating feel. For recreational shooters interested in realistic operation, blowback is a major part of the experience.
All-Metal Construction
The airgun uses an all-metal frame and metal barrel, giving it a substantial feel. The predominantly metal construction is also intended to reproduce the weight and appearance associated with the original M1A1-style design.
.177 Steel BBs
The Legends M1A1 fires .177-caliber steel BBs at advertised speeds of up to 435 fps. Steel BBs are different from .177-caliber pellets, so this model should be categorized as a BB airgun rather than a pellet-firing air rifle when organizing an airgun product roundup.
Classic Styling
The design takes inspiration from the historical M1A1 form, making the rifle visually distinctive among modern CO₂ BB guns. It also includes sling mounts for compatible historical-style slings, adding to its replica-oriented design.
Fixed Blade Front Sight
The Legends M1A1 uses a fixed blade front sight. This provides an integrated sighting system without requiring a separate optic and maintains the classic appearance of the platform.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Umarex |
| Product line | Legends |
| Model | M1A1 |
| Caliber | .177 |
| Ammunition | Steel BBs |
| Power source | CO₂ |
| CO₂ cartridge | 12-gram |
| CO₂ included | No |
| Magazine capacity | 30 rounds |
| Shooting modes | Semi-automatic and full-automatic |
| Advertised velocity | Up to 435 fps |
| Action | Open-bolt-style blowback |
| Construction | All-metal frame and metal barrel |
| Magazine | Drop-free, high-capacity |
| Front sight | Fixed blade |
| Sling mounts | Yes |
| Intended use | Recreational shooting and target practice |
Pros
- Realistic open-bolt-style blowback action.
- All-metal construction provides a substantial feel.
- 30-round drop-free magazine offers useful shooting capacity.
- CO₂ cartridge is housed conveniently in the magazine.
- Offers both semi-automatic and full-automatic shooting modes.
- Fires .177-caliber steel BBs.
- Advertised velocity of up to 435 fps.
- Metal barrel contributes to the realistic construction.
- Fixed blade front sight is integrated into the design.
- Classic M1A1-inspired styling makes it visually distinctive.
- Sling mounts add to its historical-replica appearance.
Cons
- CO₂ cartridge is not included.
- It fires steel BBs rather than .177-caliber pellets.
5. Crosman 1077 RepeatAir Semi-Automatic CO2-Powered .177-Caliber Pellet Air Gun
The Crosman 1077 RepeatAir Semi-Automatic CO₂-Powered .177-Caliber Pellet Air Gun is a lightweight repeating airgun designed for recreational shooting and target practice. It combines CO₂ power with a rifled steel barrel and a water-resistant synthetic stock, providing a practical setup for outdoor shooting. Its semi-automatic operation also allows shooters to fire successive pellets without manually cocking the rifle between shots.
Key Features
CO₂-Powered Operation
The Crosman 1077 uses a 12-gram CO₂ cartridge as its power source. The CO₂ system provides the energy needed for its semi-automatic operation and allows multiple shots from a single cartridge. The manufacturer lists a maximum velocity of up to 780 feet per second, although actual velocity can vary depending on pellet weight, temperature, and CO₂ pressure. The CO₂ cartridge is not included.
Rifled Steel Barrel
A rifled steel barrel is one of the important accuracy-related features of the 1077. The internal rifling imparts spin to the .177-caliber pellet as it leaves the barrel, helping stabilize its flight. This makes the rifle well suited to backyard-distance target shooting where consistent pellet placement is important.
Semi-Automatic Repeating Design
The RepeatAir name reflects the rifle’s repeating design. Rather than requiring the shooter to manually cock the rifle after every shot, the CO₂ system allows successive shots to be fired through its repeating mechanism. This makes the 1077 an engaging option for recreational target sessions.
Durable Synthetic Stock
The rifle features a water-resistant synthetic stock designed to withstand regular outdoor use. Synthetic construction also makes the stock relatively practical for shooters who expect to use the airgun in varying outdoor conditions. Its design provides a straightforward platform for recreational shooting.
.177-Caliber Pellets
The Crosman 1077 is chambered for .177-caliber pellets. The supplied information also highlights hollow-point pellets with an expanding-tip design, which are intended to expand on impact. Shooters should select ammunition appropriate for their intended target-shooting application and follow local laws and safe-airgun practices.
Established Crosman Design
Crosman has a long history in the airgun industry. The company introduced its first pneumatic pump airgun in 1924 and has since developed a broad range of airguns, ammunition, and related shooting products. The 1077 reflects that long-running focus on accessible repeating airgun designs.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Crosman |
| Model | 1077 RepeatAir |
| Caliber | .177 |
| Ammunition | .177-caliber pellets |
| Power source | CO₂ |
| CO₂ cartridge | 12-gram |
| CO₂ included | No |
| Action | Semi-automatic repeating |
| Barrel | Rifled steel |
| Maximum advertised velocity | Up to 780 fps |
| Stock | Water-resistant synthetic |
| Construction | Synthetic stock with metal barrel/action components |
| Intended use | Recreational shooting and target practice |
| Origin information | Made in the USA and imported |
Pros
- CO₂-powered semi-automatic operation provides convenient repeating fire.
- Rifled steel barrel is designed for improved pellet stabilization.
- .177 caliber is widely available for recreational target shooting.
- Advertised velocity reaches up to 780 fps.
- Water-resistant synthetic stock is practical for outdoor use.
- Lightweight synthetic construction makes the rifle convenient to handle.
- Uses readily available 12-gram CO₂ cartridges.
- Suitable for backyard-distance target shooting where permitted.
- Compatible with a variety of .177-caliber pellets.
- Crosman has extensive experience producing airguns and ammunition.
Cons
- The 12-gram CO₂ cartridge is not included.
- CO₂ performance can vary as cartridge pressure decreases.
Also read: Best CO₂ Air Rifle Under $200