Welcome back, airgun fans, to the Airgun 411 series! Today we’re diving into a thrilling topic for our sixth installment: Air Archery. If you thought airguns were just for pellets and BBs, think again—we’re talking about launching arrows with the power of compressed air! Let’s explore the types of air archery devices Umarex offers, their impressive power output, how you can use them, and where they’re legal for hunting. Ready to fling some arrows? Let’s get started!
Meet the Umarex Air Archery Lineup
At Umarex USA, we’ve been shaking up the airgun world for nearly 50 years, and our air archery devices are some of the coolest innovations yet. We’ve got four standout models in our lineup: the AirSaber, AirSaber Elite X2, AirJavelin, and AirJavelin Pro. Each one brings something unique to the table, whether you’re a hunter, a target shooter, or just looking for backyard fun.
The Umarex AirSaber is our flagship air archery rifle, a pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) beast that shoots full-length arrows with no strings attached. It’s equipped with a 3,625 PSI tank, comes with three Umarex Straight Flight Technology arrows, and can mount an optional Axeon 4x32 scope for precision. Next up, the AirSaber Elite X2 takes things to the next level with a double-barrel design—think of it as a side-by-side shotgun for arrows! You get two quick shots without reloading, perfect for those moments when you need a fast follow-up.
On the lighter side, the AirJavelin is a CO2-powered arrow gun that’s all about fun. It uses an 88g CO2 capsule to launch shorter, 170-grain arrows, making it a breeze to handle. Finally, the AirJavelin Pro upgrades the original with PCP power, a sleek FDE-colored adjustable stock, and a 7.4 cubic inch tank regulated to 1,500 PSI for more oomph. Whether you’re after big game or just plinking with the family, we’ve got an air archery device for you [Umarex USA].
Power Output: Arrows That Pack a Punch
Now, let’s talk power—because these air archery devices aren’t messing around! The AirSaber and AirSaber Elite X2 both propel a 376-grain arrow at up to 450 FPS, delivering over 169 foot-pounds of energy. That’s more than enough to take down big game like deer or hogs, and you’ll get 25 effective shots per fill for big game or 30 for smaller predators. These PCP-powered rifles are accurate out to 70 yards, making them a serious choice for hunters [Umarex USA].
The AirJavelin, being CO2-powered, is a bit lighter on power but still a blast. It hits speeds of 300+ FPS with its 170-grain arrows, generating 34+ foot-pounds—perfect for small game like rabbits or a fun game of archery darts with the family. You’ll get 15 effective shots for small game or 30 total shots per CO2 capsule. The AirJavelin Pro bumps that up to 370 FPS and 52 foot-pounds with the same 170-grain arrows, thanks to its PCP upgrade, and offers 25 effective shots per fill. That’s a 50% power increase over the original AirJavelin, making it a viable option for small to medium game in some states [Umarex USA].
What Can You Do with Air Archery?
So, what’s air archery good for? Let’s break it down. First up, hunting. The AirSaber and AirSaber Elite X2 are built for big game, with enough energy to ethically harvest deer, hogs, and predators like coyotes. The AirJavelin Pro can handle smaller game like javelina or coyotes, while the AirJavelin is best for rabbits and similar-sized critters.
Beyond hunting, these devices are a blast for target shooting. The AirJavelin and AirJavelin Pro are perfect for backyard fun—set up a Morrell Yellowjacket target and play a game of darts with the family! The AirSaber models, with their higher power, can tackle longer ranges, with users on forums like Airgun Nation reporting consistent accuracy at 70 yards. They’re also great for pest control, especially the AirJavelin Pro, which offers enough power for topwater fish or small invasive species without the noise of a firearm.
Hunting Laws and Where You Can Use Air Archery
Hunting with air archery devices is gaining traction, but it’s a state-by-state deal in the U.S., and regulations can be tricky. The Airgun Sporting Association has a handy interactive map to help you navigate the rules, but always double-check with your local wildlife agency for the latest updates.
As of May 2025, air archery for big game like whitetail deer is legal in several states, often with specific requirements. Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi (private land only), Tennessee, Texas, and Utah allow air archery for deer. For example, Florida requires a .30 caliber minimum for deer (which the AirSaber exceeds with its 376-grain arrows), with no specific energy requirement—just ethical shot placement. Texas is super airgun-friendly, allowing deer, javelina, and even alligators with a .30 caliber minimum and either 215 foot-pounds of energy or 800 FPS with a 150-grain projectile—both AirSaber models clear that easily.
Most states also allow air archery for predators and feral species, like hogs or coyotes, with fewer restrictions. However, some states don’t recognize air archery equipment at all, even if they allow big bore PCP hunting, so plan accordingly.
Why Air Archery?
So, why choose air archery over a traditional bow? For starters, there’s no string to deal with—just load, aim, and shoot! They’re also quieter than firearms, with zero recoil, making them perfect for recoil-sensitive shooters or quiet hunts. Plus, they’re a ton of fun—whether you’re hunting, plinking, or introducing a non-shooter to the sport, as I’ve seen firsthand with the AirJavelin’s easy handling.
At Umarex USA, we’re all about pushing the boundaries of air power, and our air archery lineup proves it. From the hard-hitting AirSaber to the family-friendly AirJavelin, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your gear, check your local laws, and get out there—your next air-powered adventure is waiting!