Air Rifles Under 500 FPS - No License Required in Canada

Looking for an air rifle you can buy and use without paperwork? In Canada, air rifles shooting under 500 FPS (with a .20g projectile) don't require a firearms license—making them perfect for backyard plinking, target practice, pest control, and learning marksmanship fundamentals. At Airgun Source Canada, we carry a curated selection of quality pellet guns and BB rifles under the 495 FPS threshold, all legal to own and use across Canada without licensing requirements.

Why Choose an Air Rifle Under 500 FPS?

Air rifles under 500 FPS offer the perfect balance of accessibility and performance for Canadian shooters. Whether you're a first-time buyer, teaching safe shooting fundamentals to a young shooter, or adding a convenient backyard plinker to your collection, these rifles deliver real shooting experience without regulatory complexity.

Key Benefits

• No PAL Required – Buy, own, and shoot without a firearms license
• Backyard Friendly – Lower velocities mean safer backyard use (always check local bylaws)
• Cost-Effective – Affordable ammunition means more trigger time and skill development
• Skill Building – Perfect for learning fundamentals: breathing, trigger control, and sight alignment
• Quiet Operation – Many models are naturally quieter than higher-powered airguns
• Family Friendly – Great introduction to safe shooting sports for new shooters

What Makes 495 FPS the Canadian Standard?

Under Canadian law, air guns that shoot under 500 FPS (measured with a .20g projectile) and have a muzzle energy below 5.7 joules are classified as unregulated airguns. To ensure compliance and provide peace of mind, most Canadian airgun retailers—including Airgun Source—offer models certified at 495 FPS, giving a safe margin below the legal threshold.

This means you can confidently purchase premium brands like Air Arms, Daystate, FX Airguns, Umarex, Crosman, and Gamo in Canadian-compliant configurations without worrying about licensing, registration, or legal complications.

Types of Air Rifles Under 500 FPS

Pellet Rifles Under 500 FPS

Pellet rifles deliver exceptional accuracy and are ideal for target shooting and small pest control. With rifled barrels and precision pellets in .177 and .22 calibers, these airguns excel at developing real marksmanship skills.

Popular pellet rifle options:

• Spring-piston rifles – Simple, reliable, and no external power source needed
• Gas-piston (nitro) rifles – Smoother shooting and better cold-weather performance
• PCP rifles (495 FPS Canadian versions) – Premium accuracy and consistency from top brands like Air Arms, Daystate, and FX Airguns
• Multi-pump pneumatic – Adjustable power and great for teaching safe handling

Best for: Target shooting, precision practice, backyard pest control, hunting small game (where legal)

BB Rifles Under 500 FPS

BB rifles are perfect for high-volume plinking fun. Shooting steel BBs through smoothbore barrels, these rifles prioritize fun, fast shooting, and affordability. Many BB rifles feature semi-automatic or even full-auto action for maximum entertainment value.

Popular BB rifle styles:

• Lever-action BB rifles – Classic western-style fun (Daisy Red Ryder and similar)
• Semi-auto and full-auto BB guns – High-capacity magazines for rapid-fire plinking
• Tactical-style BB rifles – Modern designs with accessory rails and realistic handling
• CO2-powered BB rifles – Consistent power and fast follow-up shots

Best for: Plinking, reactive target fun, introducing new shooters, backyard entertainment

Top Brands in Canadian 495 FPS Configurations

Premium Brands

Air Arms – British precision engineering with models like the S510 and TX200 available in Canadian 495 FPS variants. Known for exceptional build quality and accuracy.

Daystate – Legendary PCP rifles including the Huntsman Revere in Canadian configurations. Premium craftsmanship for serious shooters.

FX Airguns – Swedish innovation with models like the DRS and Crown available at 495 FPS for Canadian compliance. Adjustable power and match-grade accuracy.

Brocock (BRK) – Modern designs like the Atomic and Commander in Canadian-legal power levels.

Popular Entry to Mid-Range Brands

Umarex – Wide selection of licensed replicas and original designs in both pellet and BB configurations.

Crosman – American-made classics and modern designs at excellent value. Great first airguns.

Gamo – Spanish manufacturer offering gas-piston technology and innovative features at competitive prices.

Barra – Budget-friendly options perfect for casual shooting and getting started.

What Can You Do With a 495 FPS Air Rifle in Canada?

Target Shooting & Skill Development

Set up paper targets, spinners, and reactive targets in your backyard (where permitted) and develop fundamental marksmanship skills. Many competitive shooters started with air rifles under 500 FPS.

Backyard Plinking

Enjoy casual shooting fun with steel targets, cans, or purpose-built reactive targets. Perfect for stress-free entertainment and introducing friends and family to shooting sports.

Pest Control

In rural areas, air rifles under 500 FPS can handle small pest control tasks like mice, rats, and sparrows at appropriate ranges. Always check local regulations and ensure safe backstops.

Training Platform

Law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters use air rifles for cost-effective training. Practice trigger control, breathing, and position work without expensive centerfire ammunition.

Youth Shooting Programs

Perfect for teaching young shooters safe gun handling, marksmanship fundamentals, and responsibility. Many shooting clubs use airguns as training platforms.

Understanding Canadian Airgun Laws

While air rifles under 500 FPS don't require a PAL (Possession and Acquisition License), responsible ownership still matters:

• Age restrictions: Generally 18+ to purchase (some retailers may have different policies)
• Municipal bylaws: Check local rules about discharge within city limits
• Safe handling: Treat every airgun with the same respect as a firearm
• Transportation: No special requirements, but secure transport is recommended
• Storage: Keep airguns secured away from unauthorized users

Important: Modifying an air rifle to exceed 500 FPS changes its legal classification and may require licensing. Always maintain your airgun in its original Canadian-compliant configuration.

Choosing the Right Air Rifle for Your Needs

For Beginners

Start with a spring-piston or gas-piston pellet rifle in .177 caliber. They're affordable, reliable, and teach proper shooting fundamentals. Models like the Gamo Whisper or Umarex Octane are excellent starting points.

For Serious Target Shooters

Consider a PCP pellet rifle like the Air Arms S510 or FX DRS in 495 FPS configuration. These offer the accuracy and consistency needed for competitive shooting and serious practice.

For Family Fun

Choose a BB rifle with high capacity and easy operation. Lever-action classics or semi-auto tactical styles make plinking sessions entertaining for everyone.

For Hunting & Pest Control

Select a powerful .22 caliber pellet rifle to maximize energy within the 495 FPS limit. Heavier .22 pellets deliver more downrange energy than .177 at the same velocity.

Accessories to Complete Your Setup

Make the most of your air rifle with essential accessories:

• Scopes & Optics – Improve accuracy with quality airgun-rated optics
• Pellets & BBs – Stock up on quality ammunition for consistent performance
• Targets – Reactive targets, spinners, and paper targets for varied practice
• Accessories – Cleaning kits, slings, bipods, and maintenance supplies

Shop Air Rifles Under 500 FPS - No License Required

Browse our complete selection of Canadian-compliant air rifles under 500 FPS. From budget-friendly beginner models to premium PCP rifles from Air Arms, Daystate, and FX Airguns, we carry quality options for every skill level and budget.

Shop by Type:

• Pellet Rifles Under 500 FPS – Precision accuracy for target shooting and small game
• BB Rifles Under 500 FPS – High-volume fun and backyard plinking

Explore More:

• All Air Rifles – Browse our complete rifle collection including higher-powered options
• Ammunition & CO2– Stock up on pellets, BBs, and CO2 cartridges
• Scopes & Optics – Improve accuracy with quality sighting systems

Have questions about Canadian airgun laws or need help choosing the right rifle? Our team in Peterborough, Ontario has over 20 years of experience helping Canadian shooters find the perfect airgun. Contact us for expert advice and fast shipping across Canada.