6 Best Pcp Rifles For Varmint Hunting Coyotes With Serious Knockdown Power

The last sliver of sun dips below the horizon, and the field in front of you comes alive with new sounds. Suddenly, a shadow detaches from the far tree line—a coyote, smart and cautious, trotting into the open. Taking down one of North America’s most cunning predators requires stealth, patience, and a tool that delivers lethal energy without the thunderous report of a centerfire rifle. This is where the modern Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) air rifle shines, offering a quiet, powerful, and highly accurate platform for the dedicated varmint hunter.

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Key Factors for a Coyote-Capable PCP Rifle

When you’re choosing a rifle for an animal as tough and tenacious as a coyote, not just any airgun will do. The primary consideration is ethical knockdown power. We measure this in Foot-Pounds of Energy (FPE), and for coyotes, you should consider 80 FPE at the muzzle an absolute minimum, with 100+ FPE being a much more comfortable and ethical baseline. This level of energy is typically found in .30 caliber rifles and larger.

Power is nothing without accuracy. A coyote’s vital zone is a small target, and a PCP rifle must be able to place a heavy slug precisely where you aim, often at distances of 50 to 100 yards. This requires a high-quality barrel and, ideally, a regulated action. A regulator acts like a gatekeeper for the air, ensuring each shot leaves the barrel at a nearly identical velocity, which is the secret to a consistent and predictable trajectory.

Finally, consider the rifle’s field-worthiness. How many shots do you get per fill of air? A rifle that delivers massive power might only give you 10-15 effective shots, which is fine for a deliberate hunt from a blind. A bullpup design, where the action is behind the trigger, makes for a shorter, more maneuverable rifle—perfect for navigating brush or tight spaces. You must balance the raw power specs with the ergonomics and handling that fit your specific hunting style.

FX Impact M3: Ultimate Tunability and Power

Imagine having a rifle you can tune as precisely as a race car engine for a specific track. That’s the FX Impact M3. This isn’t a plug-and-play rifle; it’s a platform for the hunter who loves to tinker and extract every last bit of performance from their setup. With its dual regulators, adjustable hammer spring, and easy-to-swap barrel system, you can dial it in for a specific heavy slug in .30 or .35 caliber to achieve devastating results.

The M3’s modularity is its greatest strength. You can set it up for high shot count and moderate power for small game, then re-configure it to launch heavy .35 caliber slugs at over 150 FPE for coyote duty. This versatility makes it a one-rifle solution for the serious airgun enthusiast who hunts a variety of game.

The tradeoff for this incredible tunability is complexity and cost. The M3 is one of the most expensive rifles on this list, and its myriad adjustments can be intimidating for a newcomer. But for the hunter who demands ultimate control and is willing to invest the time and money, the Impact M3 represents the pinnacle of PCP performance.

AirForce Texan .357: Raw Big Bore Knockdown

If the FX Impact is a scalpel, the AirForce Texan is a sledgehammer. This rifle was built with one primary goal: to deliver massive amounts of energy downrange. It’s a simple, robust, single-shot design that eschews fancy features in favor of pure, unadulterated power. In .357, it easily generates the energy needed for coyotes, and it’s available in even larger calibers like .457 and .50 for bigger game.

The Texan’s design is straightforward, making it incredibly reliable and easy to maintain in the field. It’s an unregulated rifle, meaning your first few shots from a full tank will be the most powerful, with velocity decreasing as you shoot. This requires you to know your rifle’s "sweet spot" and shot curve intimately for predictable accuracy.

This is not a rifle for rapid follow-up shots or for someone who values a high shot count. Its long frame can also be cumbersome in thick cover. But if your hunting style is built around making that one perfect, decisive shot, and you want to ensure maximum energy on target, the Texan delivers that in spades.

Benjamin Bulldog .357: Proven Bullpup Hunter

You’re set up in a hunting blind or need to move through the woods quietly, and a long, heavy rifle is more of a hindrance than a help. The Benjamin Bulldog .357 was made for these scenarios. Its bullpup configuration packs the power of a .357 big bore into a compact, easy-to-handle package that’s just over 36 inches long. It’s a proven design that has earned its reputation as a go-to big game air rifle.

The Bulldog offers a fantastic balance of features for the price. It delivers well over 100 FPE, uses a reliable 5-shot rotary magazine for quick follow-up shots, and is shrouded to reduce its report. It’s a straightforward, effective tool that doesn’t require a deep understanding of airgun tuning to get out in the field and hunt successfully.

While it doesn’t have the raw top-end power of a Texan or the adjustability of an FX, the Bulldog is arguably one of the most practical and accessible coyote-capable PCP rifles available. It’s a workhorse that provides more than enough power and accuracy for typical hunting distances, making it a top choice for hunters who want to get straight to the hunt.

Umarex Gauntlet 2 SL30: Regulated .30 Caliber

For the hunter looking to step into the world of big bore PCP hunting without breaking the bank, the Umarex Gauntlet 2 SL30 is a game-changer. It brings two critical features to an affordable price point: .30 caliber power and a regulated action. The regulator ensures that you get a long string of shots at a consistent velocity, which is a massive advantage for field accuracy.

The newest version features a smooth side-lever action (a huge upgrade from the original’s bolt), a larger air tank for more shots, and improved power output. While it sits at the lower end of the power spectrum for coyotes, a well-placed 90-100 grain slug from this rifle is absolutely capable of an ethical harvest within 75 yards. It’s an excellent choice for hunting over bait or in areas where shots are predictable.

This rifle proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable hunting tool. It may not have the fit and finish of a premium European rifle, but its performance-for-dollar is nearly impossible to beat. It’s the perfect entry point for a weekend warrior looking to target coyotes effectively with air power.

Hatsan Hercules Bully .35: A Compact Powerhouse

Hatsan has a reputation for building powerful, rugged, no-nonsense airguns, and the Hercules Bully .35 is a prime example. This bullpup is built like a tank and designed to hit hard. It combines the maneuverability of a bullpup with a large 500cc air cylinder, giving it a respectable shot count for the serious power it produces—often in the 140-150 FPE range.

This is a rifle for the hunter who might be a little rough on their gear and needs something that can handle the rigors of the field. Its side-lever action is robust, and the three included magazines mean you’re ready for extended action. The Bully is a heavy rifle, but that weight helps to absorb recoil and makes for a stable shooting platform.

The trigger may not be as refined as those on more expensive rifles, and it’s known for being air-hungry, but you can’t argue with the results. If you want a compact, magazine-fed rifle that delivers a bone-crushing punch without the premium price tag, the Hercules Bully is a formidable contender.

Daystate Red Wolf HP: Electronic Precision Hunter

When your hunt demands the absolute utmost in precision and consistency, you enter the world of electronic airguns. The Daystate Red Wolf HP is the pinnacle of this technology. Its computer-controlled, solenoid-powered action measures air pressure and precisely meters the air for each shot, resulting in a level of shot-to-shot consistency that mechanical systems struggle to match.

The result is breathtaking accuracy and a trigger that is electronically actuated, providing a crisp, perfect break every single time. For the hunter taking long-range shots where every foot-per-second of velocity matters, the Red Wolf provides an undeniable technological edge. In its high-power (HP) .30 caliber configuration, it has the energy and the surgical precision needed for challenging coyote shots.

Of course, this level of performance comes at a premium price, making it the most significant investment on this list. The reliance on a battery is also a consideration for some hunters. However, for those who want the most technologically advanced, accurate, and consistent hunting air rifle on the market, the Daystate Red Wolf stands in a class of its own.

Scopes and Ammo for Your Coyote PCP Rifle

Your high-power PCP rifle is only as good as the optic you put on it and the projectile you feed it. A cheap scope will fail to hold zero against the unique recoil impulse of a powerful airgun. Look for a scope that is specifically airgun-rated and features an adjustable parallax that can focus down to 10 or 15 yards, which is critical for confirming your zero at close range. A Mil-Dot or similar holdover reticle is essential for quickly compensating for the looping trajectory of an airgun slug at different distances.

Ammunition choice is even more critical. While traditional diabolo pellets can be used, heavy-for-caliber slugs are the superior choice for hunting coyotes. Slugs have a much higher ballistic coefficient, meaning they retain their velocity and energy far better at longer ranges. They fly more like a bullet from a firearm and deliver significantly more terminal impact. You must experiment with different weights and brands of slugs to find the one your rifle’s barrel shoots most accurately. This testing phase is non-negotiable for an ethical hunter.

Choosing the right PCP rifle is a balance of power, accuracy, budget, and your personal hunting style. Whether you prefer the raw power of a Texan, the tunability of an Impact, or the accessible performance of a Gauntlet, there’s a tool for the job. But the gear is only part of the equation. The real key is spending time at the range, learning your rifle’s trajectory, and practicing until that perfect shot becomes second nature. Now, get out there and enjoy the challenge.