NRA Gun of the Week: AirForce Texan Airgun

by
posted on December 5, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
They say everything is bigger in Texas, including the AirForce airgun that bears the state’s name. The powerful big-bore “Texan” features a two-stage trigger that releases a sizable burst of air from its 490cc removable and refillable air tank, driving .457-cal. projectiles in excess of 1000 fps. Purported to be the most powerful production air rifle, 500+ ft-lbs. of energy is perfectly capable of hunting medium-sized game. As with any large-caliber PCP airgun, shots are limited due to the increased volume of air needed for operation. Accuracy is provided by a 34” Lothar Walther barrel, a sizeable portion of the rifle’s overall 48” length.

AirForce offers a heavy-duty manual pump system for charging the on-board tank. Provision for optics or iron sights atop the Texan is provided by a 3/8” Tip Off style rail, common to most airguns and smallbore rifles. Overall weight without the sighting system tips the scale at around 8 lbs.

Learn more about our latest “NRA Gun of the Week,” the Airforce Texan, in the video above hosted by American Rifleman’s Christopher Olsen.

Specifications
Manufacturer: AirForce Airguns
Model: Texan
Caliber: .457
Action Type: Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) single-shot air rifle
Frame: anodized alumium
Sights: optional; rail for scope bases
Trigger: two-stage, adjustable for position; 3-lb., 6-oz. pull
Stock: steel air tank with buttplate
Weight: 8 lbs., 10 ozs. (with optic)
Accessories: owner’s manual, wrench
MSRP: $1055

Latest

Stoeger STR-9 Thinline+ pistol
Stoeger STR-9 Thinline+ pistol

New for 2026: Stoeger STR-9 Thinline+ Pistol

Stoeger refines its STR-9 Thinline pistol to be even easier to carry.

Finding The Natural Point Of Aim

Nearly every shooter understands the basic principles of marksmanship: position, grip, sight alignment, breathing, trigger control and follow-through.

Firearm Ownership Reaches New Record

The NSSF estimates there are more than 32 million modern sporting rifles in circulation.

Preview: Hornady 12th Edition Reloading Manual

While the internet offers quick access to information, trusting unvetted recipes for cooking up ammunition is less than ideal, which is why makers of reloading products like Hornady publish thorough books for such tasks.

Review: Bushmaster V-Radicator

The business of dispatching unwanted critters requires a platform capable of a high degree of accuracy. Nuisance animals such as prairie dogs are both small and skittish in nature, meaning that they tend to keep their distance and scurry away upon the arrival of incoming fire.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson FPC in 5.7x28 mm

The folding carbine line expands to include the 5.7 mm chambering.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.