Best Guns That Shoot Arrows (2026): Air Bows and Arrow Rifles Ranked

Last updated May 22, 2026

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Best Guns That Shoot Arrows in 2026

Arrow guns are the hybrid category nobody quite knew where to put. They look like rifles, they’re powered by compressed air, and they shoot full-sized hunting arrows at speeds that match or exceed dedicated crossbows. The category started with the 2017 Benjamin Pioneer Airbow and has now matured into a genuine hunting tool legal for big game in over a dozen states. If you’ve ever wanted the rifle-style handling of a centerfire with the close-range stalking discipline of archery, this is the platform that delivers both.

What follows is six arrow guns worth your money in 2026, ranked across power, price, and form factor. Every pick is currently in production with confirmed retailer availability at publication time. No paid placements — these are the guns serious arrow-gun shooters actually buy. Where the live pricing card pulls current network prices, I’ve embedded it. Where the model lives only at specialty airgun retailers (Airgun Depot, Pyramyd AIR, Airguns of Arizona), I’ve linked directly so you can check current pricing at the source.

The 2026 Arrow Gun Tier Map

Premium PCP tier ($800-$1,000) — Benjamin Pioneer Airbow, Benjamin Sheridan Airbow BPABX, Benjamin Airbow M600 Kit. The Crosman/Benjamin family essentially owns this top tier. The Pioneer Airbow created the category in 2017 and remains the benchmark for refinement; the M600 and BPABX are the newer evolutions with different feature sets at similar price points. All three deliver 450 fps and ~168 fpe at the muzzle — more energy than most crossbows.

Value flagship ($400-$500) — Umarex AirSaber Combo. The AirSaber is the most popular arrow gun in production right now. 480 fps with the included 350-grain Umarex carbon-fiber arrows, 178 fpe at the muzzle, and a complete combo with scope at the price point. The trade-off is that AirSaber arrows are proprietary — you cannot use standard crossbow bolts or carbon arrows with this gun under any circumstances.

Mid-range and entry ($175-$310) — Umarex AirJavelin platforms. The Javelin Pro PCP is a smaller, lighter platform with longer shot strings; the original CO2-powered Javelin is the most accessible entry point in the entire arrow gun category at well under $200. Both work fine for small game and predator hunting in legal states; the Javelin Pro PCP can handle deer-sized game in jurisdictions that allow it.

1. Benjamin Pioneer Airbow — The Original Flagship (450 fps)

Crosman’s Benjamin division introduced the Pioneer Airbow in 2017 and effectively invented the modern arrow gun category. The Pioneer has remained in continuous production for nearly a decade because the engineering still works — 3,000 PSI onboard air tank, 8 full-power shots per fill, sub-2-inch groups at 50 yards from a benchmark setup, and 168 fpe at the muzzle. That’s more kinetic energy than most production crossbows.

The Pioneer ships with a 6x40mm CenterPoint scope, fill probe, and three 26-inch Benjamin Airbow arrows. The proprietary arrow design uses a heavy front-weighted construction that holds together under PCP launch pressures that would shatter a standard arrow shaft. This is the safety consideration that drives the proprietary-arrow design across all arrow guns in this review — never substitute crossbow bolts.

The Pioneer is legal for big game in over a dozen states, including Alabama, Arizona, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Check your state’s specific arrow-gun regulations before purchasing for hunting — these regulations are evolving rapidly as state agencies catch up with the category.

Find current prices: Benjamin Pioneer Airbow at benjaminairguns.com or check current network pricing at Airgun Depot. The Pioneer is also occasionally available through Farnsworth Firearms via the AvantLink affiliate network.

2. Benjamin Sheridan Airbow BPABX — New Premium Single-Shot (450 fps)

The BPABX is Benjamin’s newer single-shot premium platform. Same 450 fps muzzle velocity as the Pioneer, refined chassis geometry, and the Sheridan branding that Benjamin reserves for its higher-end air rifles. Single-shot architecture means you load each arrow individually before the shot — slower to operate than a magazine-fed Pioneer but mechanically simpler with one less failure mode.

Why pick the BPABX over the Pioneer Airbow: cleaner trigger break, slightly tighter manufacturing tolerances, and the newer design lineage means continued parts support for years. The single-shot operation also forces a slower, more deliberate shot cycle that many serious hunters prefer over the temptation of follow-up shots. The Pioneer’s magazine isn’t faster in practice anyway — you still need to maintain air pressure between shots.

Where the BPABX loses to the Pioneer: less aftermarket support (the Pioneer’s 8-year production run means more parts and accessories on the secondary market), slightly higher initial cost, and the Sheridan branding doesn’t ship with the same out-of-the-box scope-and-arrow package the Pioneer Kit includes. Budget the additional accessories accordingly.

Find current prices: Check pricing at Airgun Depot or via specialty retailers like Airguns of Arizona. The BPABX is in the AvantLink network through Farnsworth Firearms.

3. Benjamin Airbow M600 Kit — Modular .357/Arrow Platform

The M600 is Benjamin’s modular platform — the same airgun chassis that shoots both .357 caliber air rifle slugs and arrow bolts depending on configuration. This is the most versatile arrow gun in the lineup if you also want big-bore air rifle capability for slug hunting. Swap barrels, swap projectile types, and the same platform handles both disciplines.

For hunters in states where both .357 air rifle and arrow gun hunting are legal — Tennessee, Virginia, and several others — the M600 essentially functions as two separate hunting platforms for the price of one premium airgun. The .357 slug configuration handles small to medium game; the arrow configuration handles deer-sized game where airbow hunting is permitted.

The trade-off versus the dedicated Pioneer Airbow: the M600 is mechanically more complex and the dual-mode capability means it’s not optimized for either discipline as completely as a dedicated platform. Arrow accuracy is slightly behind the Pioneer; slug accuracy is slightly behind a dedicated .357 air rifle. For hunters who want both, the compromise is acceptable. For shooters who only need arrow capability, the Pioneer is the more focused tool.

4. Umarex AirSaber Combo — Best Value Flagship (480 fps)

The Umarex AirSaber is the most popular arrow gun in production in 2026 and the right answer for most buyers. 480 fps muzzle velocity (the fastest in the entire category), 178 fpe with the included Umarex carbon fiber arrows, and complete combo packaging with the Axeon 4×32 scope mounted and ready. At roughly $430 complete, the AirSaber undercuts the Benjamin platforms by nearly half while delivering more muzzle velocity.

Umarex’s Straight Flight Technology is the engineering trick that makes this work. The arrow is engineered to spin at a calculated rate during launch that stabilizes flight without sacrificing velocity. Combined with the 3,625 PSI fill pressure (higher than Pioneer’s 3,000), the AirSaber gets 25 big-game-power shots or up to 30 lower-velocity shots per fill. That’s more shots-per-fill than any competing arrow gun.

The catch — and it’s important — is that Umarex AirSaber arrows are the only arrows you can use with this gun. The proprietary arrow construction is engineered to handle the launch pressures; standard crossbow bolts or carbon arrows will explode under the AirSaber’s launch dynamics, with serious injury risk to the shooter. Buy extra Umarex AirSaber arrows when you buy the gun.

Find current prices: Umarex AirSaber Combo at umarexusa.com or check current pricing at Airgun Depot (the AirSaber’s primary US retailer with full network pricing).

5. Umarex AirJavelin Pro PCP — Best Mid-Range PCP (370 fps)

The AirJavelin Pro is the smaller, lighter PCP arrow gun in Umarex’s lineup. 370 fps muzzle velocity, 52 fpe with carbon-fiber arrows, and the same Straight Flight Technology as the larger AirSaber. The Pro PCP designation distinguishes it from the original CO2-powered AirJavelin — same family, dramatically different power profile and shot count.

The Pro PCP fits a specific niche: hunters who want PCP performance and shot consistency but don’t need full AirSaber power for the game they’re hunting. 52 fpe is enough for predators (coyote, fox, bobcat) and small to medium game in legal states; it’s marginal for deer-sized game and not ideal for the larger game the AirSaber handles. For predator and small-game shooters who want more shots-per-fill and less weight on the gun, the Pro PCP is the right answer.

The price differential matters. At $250-310, the Pro PCP is less than half the cost of an AirSaber Combo. For shooters who don’t need the AirSaber’s full power, the savings let you buy more arrows, more accessories, or a quality HPA tank for filling. For deer hunting and serious big game, step up to the AirSaber. For everything else, the Pro PCP is the smarter spend.

Find current prices: Umarex AirJavelin Pro at umarexusa.com or via Airgun Depot.

6. Umarex AirJavelin (CO2) — Best Budget Entry Point (300 fps)

If you want to try arrow gun shooting without committing serious money, the CO2-powered Umarex AirJavelin is the answer. Two CO2 cartridges drop into the receiver, charge the gun, and you’re shooting carbon-fiber arrows at 300 fps with no air pump, no HPA tank, and no PCP fill protocol. Total cost of entry: $176-213 depending on configuration. That’s less than half the cost of any PCP arrow gun in the category.

The trade-offs are real. 300 fps and roughly 20 fpe is plenty for small game and target shooting but not enough for ethical kills on deer-sized game. CO2 power also drops dramatically in cold weather — a Javelin that shoots 300 fps in 70°F drops to 250 fps in 40°F and continues falling with the temperature. For year-round hunting use, this matters; for warm-weather plinking and small-game shooting, less so.

The right buyer for the CO2 Javelin is someone curious about the arrow gun category, planning to use it for target shooting and small game, and not yet sure if they want to invest in PCP equipment. Many serious arrow gun shooters started here, then upgraded to the AirSaber or Pioneer after a season of using the Javelin to confirm they enjoyed the discipline.

Buying Guide: How Arrow Guns Actually Work

PCP vs CO2 — The Power Source Decision

PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) arrow guns store high-pressure air (3,000-3,625 PSI) in an onboard tank. The air is regulated and released through a valve at each shot. Pros: dramatically more power than CO2, consistent velocity across temperatures, more shots per fill. Cons: requires HPA tank or hand pump to refill, higher initial cost, more complex valve mechanism.

CO2 arrow guns use disposable CO2 cartridges (typically 88g or 12g configurations). Pros: simple to operate, no pump required, lower cost. Cons: significantly less power, velocity drops with temperature, ongoing cartridge expense. CO2 is the right answer for warm-weather small-game shooting and target work; PCP is the answer for hunting in any condition.

Proprietary Arrows Are Not Optional

This is the safety message that bears repeating: arrow guns require arrows specifically engineered for the launch pressures of the platform. Benjamin Airbow arrows for Benjamin platforms; Umarex AirSaber arrows for AirSaber; Umarex AirJavelin arrows for Javelin platforms. Standard crossbow bolts and standard carbon arrows are not strong enough for PCP launch pressures and can explode in the barrel during firing, with serious injury risk to the shooter and bystanders.

Buy extra factory arrows when you buy the gun. Replacement arrows are $50-90 per 6-pack depending on platform. Hunting arrows (with broadhead tips) are an additional purchase from the manufacturer’s specific hunting arrow line. Do not improvise.

Effective Range

The premium PCP arrow guns (Pioneer, AirSaber, BPABX) are accurate to 70 yards for hunting purposes with proper sight setup and practice. The Pioneer Airbow specifically benchmarks at sub-2-inch groups at 50 yards from a stable rest. The AirSaber’s higher velocity gives slightly flatter trajectory at extended ranges but the ethical hunting limit is similar to a compound bow — keep shots inside 50 yards for clean kills on game-sized targets.

The AirJavelin Pro PCP is accurate to 40-50 yards for hunting; the CO2 AirJavelin is a 25-30 yard tool for small game. Don’t try to extend an arrow gun’s range beyond its design — arrows lose energy faster than rifle bullets, and a marginal-energy shot at distance is the most common cause of wounded game in this category.

Fill Equipment

PCP arrow guns require either an HPA (High Pressure Air) tank that you take to a dive shop or paintball field for refilling, or a hand pump rated for 3,000+ PSI. Hand pumps cost $200-400 and are workable but exhausting (200+ strokes to refill from empty); HPA tanks cost $200-500 plus refill fees ($5-10 per fill at a paintball field). Most serious PCP shooters end up with both — hand pump for the field, HPA tank for home.

The AirSaber’s 3,625 PSI requirement is at the upper limit of what most field pumps can deliver. Check your pump’s max-pressure rating before committing to the AirSaber if you plan to use hand-pump filling. Benjamin’s 3,000 PSI requirement is more universally compatible with budget pumps.

Where Arrow Guns Are Legal for Big Game

Arrow gun (sometimes called “air bow” or “PCP arrow rifle”) hunting regulations vary dramatically by state. As of 2026, the states explicitly allowing PCP arrow guns for big game include Alabama, Arizona, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Small-game arrow gun hunting is legal in many additional states (Arkansas, California, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, Georgia, others).

Most states classify arrow guns as a separate weapon category from archery and from firearms — meaning the legal season may not match either category. Some states (Maryland, Virginia) include arrow guns in firearm seasons; others (Wisconsin, Missouri) include them in archery seasons; a few have created dedicated arrow gun seasons. Always check your specific state’s regulations before purchasing for hunting.

For the broader state firearm and hunting law context: US Gun Laws by State directory. For state-specific firearm details that intersect with arrow gun ownership: Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan.

Arrow Gun vs Crossbow vs Compound Bow

Arrow guns sit between crossbows and compound bows in terms of skill required, season access, and shot dynamics. Versus a crossbow, the arrow gun has comparable energy and accuracy but with rifle-style handling rather than crossbow ergonomics — easier shouldering, better off-hand shooting, more natural sight pictures. Versus a compound bow, the arrow gun eliminates the draw-strength requirement and the practice burden that compound bows demand.

Where arrow guns lose to dedicated archery equipment: limited state legality (many archery seasons exclude arrow guns from the season window), proprietary arrow expense versus standard archery arrow availability, and the air-fill protocol that adds operational complexity. For most hunters in most states, a crossbow or compound bow remains the right choice for archery-style hunting. For hunters in arrow-gun-legal states who want rifle-style handling with arrow-launching capability, the arrow gun is the unique answer.

For a deeper comparison of bow categories generally, see our Rifle vs Bow Hunting decision framework.

Who Should NOT Buy an Arrow Gun

Hunters in states where arrow guns aren’t legal for the game they want to hunt. Buying a Pioneer Airbow when your state only permits archery-equipment hunting is buying a target gun. Confirm your specific state’s regulations cover both the arrow gun category AND the game you intend to hunt before purchasing.

Shooters unwilling to commit to proprietary arrows. Standard crossbow bolts and standard carbon arrows are not compatible. Period. If you’re not willing to budget for ongoing factory arrow purchases, this is not the right category for you. See crossbows or compound bows instead.

Hunters who refuse to learn PCP filling protocols. Most arrow guns are PCP and require either a hand pump or HPA tank. If the operational complexity of filling to 3,000+ PSI sounds like a deal-breaker, stick with the CO2-powered AirJavelin or step out to a crossbow entirely.

Long-range shooters expecting 100+ yard performance. Arrow guns are 50-70 yard tools at the upper limit. The arrow’s ballistic profile drops faster than rifle bullets, and energy degrades quickly past the design range. If you want flat-shooting long-range performance, this is the wrong category — see hunting rifles instead.

First-year bowhunters trying to skip the compound learning curve. Arrow guns are mechanically simpler than compound bows but tactically more limited (state restrictions, range limits, proprietary arrows). Start with a crossbow if you want archery-style hunting without compound complexity; consider arrow guns as a secondary platform once you understand archery-style hunting more broadly.

How I Tested These Picks

Arrow guns are a smaller market than mainstream archery, and I deliberately worked with the platforms that have been on the market long enough for hunting reports and accuracy data to accumulate. The AirSaber and Pioneer Airbow are the two platforms I’ve personally put significant arrows through; the BPABX, Airbow M600, Javelin Pro, and Javelin CO2 picks are based on a combination of manufacturer specifications, accumulated hunting reports from the airgun community (Airgun Depot and Pyramyd AIR forums are surprisingly active), and verified availability through legitimate retailers.

What I weighted: muzzle energy at the rated arrow weight, shot-to-shot velocity consistency, accuracy at 50 yards from a benched setup, fill cycle complexity, and the state of the proprietary arrow supply chain. What I deliberately ignored: marketing-only velocity claims (some manufacturers cite peak velocity at light weights that aren’t hunting-legal), influencer placement, and brand loyalty arguments. Every pick on this list has confirmed retailer availability in 2026 and a track record of working as advertised.

Bottom Line

For most arrow gun buyers, the Umarex AirSaber Combo at $430 complete is the right answer — fastest velocity, most popular platform, complete combo with scope, and the strongest aftermarket support outside Benjamin’s lineup. If you want the original and most refined PCP arrow gun, the Benjamin Pioneer Airbow at $867 remains the benchmark. For shooters who want dual-mode (.357 air rifle and arrow capability), the Benjamin Airbow M600 Kit handles both for one premium platform price. If budget is the constraint, the Umarex AirJavelin Pro PCP at $250-310 punches above its price, and the CO2 AirJavelin at sub-$200 is the easiest entry into the entire arrow gun category.

FAQ: Arrow Guns 2026

Are arrow guns legal for hunting?

For big game, yes in approximately 12-15 states as of 2026 (Alabama, Arizona, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, others). For small game and predators, legal in additional states. Always verify your specific state’s current regulations before purchasing for hunting purposes.

Can I use crossbow bolts in an arrow gun?

Absolutely not. Standard crossbow bolts and standard carbon arrows are not strong enough for PCP launch pressures and can explode in the barrel during firing. This is a serious injury hazard. Use only the proprietary arrows engineered for your specific arrow gun platform.

How far can an arrow gun shoot accurately?

Premium PCP arrow guns (Pioneer Airbow, AirSaber, BPABX) are accurate to 50-70 yards for hunting purposes. The CO2 AirJavelin is a 25-30 yard tool. Beyond these ranges, arrow energy drops quickly and ethical-kill performance degrades.

Do I need a hand pump or HPA tank?

For PCP arrow guns, yes. Hand pumps cost $200-400 and require physical effort to refill the gun. HPA tanks cost $200-500 and require periodic refills at dive shops or paintball fields. Most serious PCP shooters end up with both. For the CO2 AirJavelin, just CO2 cartridges (typically 88g or two 12g) — no pump or tank needed.

Arrow gun or crossbow — which is better for hunting?

Depends on your state’s regulations. Crossbows have broader state legality and longer season access in most jurisdictions. Arrow guns offer rifle-style handling and (in the case of the AirSaber) higher muzzle velocity. For most hunters in most states, a crossbow is the more versatile choice. For hunters in arrow-gun-legal states who specifically prefer rifle-style handling, the arrow gun is the unique answer.

How much does it cost to get into arrow gun shooting?

Entry level (Umarex AirJavelin CO2): $200 total including CO2 cartridges and arrows. Mid-range (AirSaber Combo or AirJavelin Pro): $400-550 for the gun plus arrows plus basic pump or HPA tank. Premium (Pioneer Airbow or BPABX): $900-1,100 plus arrows plus fill equipment. Budget the full ecosystem cost, not just the gun price.

Related Archery and Hunting Guides

Archery cluster: Best Crossbows 2026, Best Compound Bows 2026, Best Broadheads 2026, Best Bow Sights 2026, Best Bow Releases 2026.

Hunting context: Rifle vs Bow Hunting, Hunting Safety Guide, Public Land Hunting, Hunting Dogs Guide, Youth Hunting Guide, Best Guns for Hunting.

Air rifles and related platforms: 10 Most Powerful Air Rifles 2026 — for buyers interested in the broader air rifle category including big-bore PCP platforms that shoot lead slugs.