Backyard plinking is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend time with an airgun. Whether you’re knocking over tin cans, ringing steel targets, or just enjoying a quiet afternoon outdoors, the right airgun can make all the difference.
But not every airgun is ideal for backyard shooting. The best pellet guns for backyard plinking are accurate, easy to shoot, and designed for controlled power that works well at typical backyard distances.
Crosman has been building airguns for over a century, and along the way a few models have become legendary among plinkers. From classic CO₂ rifles to modern PCP platforms, here are some of the best pellet guns for backyard plinking.
What Makes a Great Pellet Gun for Backyard Plinking?
Before jumping into our picks, it helps to understand what makes an airgun great for plinking around the backyard.
A good plinking airgun should offer:
Accuracy – Plinking is all about hitting small targets consistently.
Moderate power – Enough power for targets without being excessive for backyard distances.
Ease of use – A rifle or pistol that’s comfortable to shoot for extended sessions.
Affordable ammo – Pellet shooting is one of the most budget-friendly shooting sports.
With those factors in mind, let’s look at some Crosman favorites.
Crosman 1077 – The Classic Semi-Auto Plinker
Few airguns have earned the reputation of the Crosman 1077. For decades, this CO₂ powered pellet rifle has been a favorite among backyard shooters.
The 1077 features a 12-shot rotary magazine that allows shooters to fire multiple shots without stopping to reload after every pull of the trigger. That makes it perfect for plinking sessions where the goal is simple: keep shooting and keep hitting targets.
Its lightweight design and mild shooting characteristics make it approachable for new shooters, while its reliability has kept experienced airgunners coming back to it year after year.
If you’re looking for a fun and easy rifle for backyard targets, the Crosman 1077 remains one of the best pellet guns for backyard plinking.
Crosman 2100 Classic – Adjustable Power for Backyard Shooting
The Crosman 2100 Classic is one of the most versatile pellet rifles available. As a multi-pump pneumatic airgun, it allows shooters to control the power level by adjusting the number of pumps.
For backyard plinking, that flexibility is a big advantage. Fewer pumps produce lower velocities that are perfect for shorter distances, while additional pumps provide more power when needed.
The 2100 also features a rifled barrel for improved accuracy with pellets, making it a dependable choice for small targets and reactive plinking setups.
With its combination of adjustable power, accuracy, and affordability, the 2100 Classic continues to earn its place among the best pellet guns for backyard plinking.
Crosman 3622 PCP – An Easy Entry into PCP Airguns
For shooters interested in stepping into the world of pre-charged pneumatic airguns, the Crosman 3622 PCP offers an excellent entry point.
Unlike pump or CO₂ airguns, PCP rifles use compressed air stored in a built-in reservoir. This allows them to deliver consistent velocity and excellent accuracy shot after shot, making them ideal for target shooting and backyard plinking.
One of the standout features of the 3622 is that it was designed to be relatively easy to fill with a hand pump. Many PCP rifles require higher pressures or specialized equipment like air tanks or compressors. The 3622 was built with accessibility in mind, allowing shooters to fill the rifle with a simple hand pump and get back to shooting quickly.
That makes it a great choice for shooters who want to experience PCP performance without needing a large investment in additional equipment.
With its consistent accuracy, smooth shooting characteristics, and user-friendly design, the Crosman 3622 stands out as one of the best pellet guns for backyard plinking for those looking to step into PCP airguns.
Crosman 2240 – An Iconic Pellet Pistol
Sometimes plinking is even more fun with a pistol.
The Crosman 2240 has been a staple in the airgun world for years thanks to its simplicity, reliability, and accuracy. Powered by a standard CO₂ cartridge, the 2240 offers a satisfying shooting experience in a compact package.
Its single-shot design encourages deliberate shooting, making it perfect for backyard targets where precision matters more than rapid fire.
Another reason the 2240 has developed such a loyal following is its customization potential. Over the years it has become one of the most modified air pistols in the hobby, with countless aftermarket upgrades available.
For backyard plinking at close distances, the 2240 is a classic choice.
Crosman Mag-Fire Series – Power for Larger Backyards
Not every backyard is small. For shooters with more space, the Crosman Mag-Fire series provides an option with additional power and range.
These break barrel rifles feature a magazine-fed design, combining the traditional simplicity of a break barrel with the convenience of multiple shots before reloading.
The Mag-Fire platform is capable of higher velocities than many backyard airguns, making it a good fit for larger properties where shooters want to stretch distances a bit farther.
If your plinking range is larger than the typical backyard setup, the Mag-Fire series offers an exciting option.
Benjamin Marauder – Premium Backyard Precision
For shooters who want top-tier performance, the Benjamin Marauder platform has long been one of the most respected PCP airgun families available. Known for exceptional accuracy, smooth shooting, and relatively quiet performance, Marauder rifles and pistols are favorites among serious backyard shooters and target enthusiasts.
One of the things that makes the Marauder lineup so appealing is the variety of configurations available.
The classic wood-stock Marauder delivers a traditional rifle feel with beautiful hardwood furniture and the precision performance the platform is known for. For shooters who prefer something more rugged, synthetic-stock Marauder models provide a lightweight and durable option that stands up well to frequent shooting sessions.
Some Marauder rifles also feature regulated air systems, which help deliver extremely consistent shot-to-shot performance by controlling the air pressure used for each shot. This improved consistency can translate into tighter groups and better accuracy during longer plinking sessions.
For those who want something even more unique, the lineup also includes a semi-auto Marauder. This version uses a self-indexing magazine system that allows the rifle to cycle automatically after each shot, delivering fast follow-up shots while maintaining the accuracy and smooth shooting characteristics the Marauder platform is known for.
The family even includes the compact Benjamin Marauder Pistol, a highly accurate PCP pistol that brings the same quiet shooting and precision performance into a smaller platform. Its compact size makes it especially fun for backyard targets where precision matters more than distance.
Whether you prefer the classic feel of a wood-stock rifle, the durability of a synthetic platform, the consistency of regulated performance, the speed of a semi-auto platform, or the compact precision of the Marauder Pistol, the Benjamin Marauder family represents some of the best pellet guns for backyard plinking available today.
Enjoying Backyard Plinking
Backyard plinking is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to enjoy airguns. With simple targets, a safe shooting setup, and the right airgun, a few minutes of shooting can quickly turn into an afternoon of fun.
Whether you prefer a classic like the Crosman 1077, the versatility of the 2100 Classic, or the precision of a Marauder PCP, Crosman offers options for every type of backyard shooter.
If you’re ready to get started, explore the full lineup of Crosman pellet rifles and pistols and discover why airgun plinking has been a favorite pastime for generations.
