BP some of these modern air rifles are just super nasty, do some research before you take the plunge. I have no idea what has driven the expansion and RnD in that arena but the choices now will make you dizzy. There is guys hunting deer with them!
I have been doing some research SLO. They date back to the 15th century and were charged with leather bellows. Basically the first repeating rifles. Lewis and Clark had an airgun on their expedition.