9 Best .22 Hunting Air Rifles

What is the best .22 Air Rifle for hunting? Read on as we go through the Best .22 Hunting Air Rifles, and look at their features, pros, and cons.

Hunting adventures with a .22 air rifle are fun and fulfilling. With the right pellets, this rifle will definitely make your hunting mission successful. Air rifles are sought for plinking in the back garden, pest control, and shooting competitions. The best .22 hunting air rifles have refined air gun performance.

With a wide selection in the market, we have rounded up the best .22 hunting air rifles for you but before we go through them let’s look at the different types of air rifles

Types of Air Rifles

Hunting air rifles fall into three categories:

• Pneumatic air rifles

The PCP air rifles are powered by a pumping level that pumps air into their chambers. After you have fired the first shot, you manually pump the rifle before firing again. These rifles are cheap, their velocities can be altered, and are great for pest control.

• Spring-powered air rifles

These rifles use a spring to compress the air in the chamber. Three spring designs are available: the side lever, underlever, and the break barrel. These rifles are easy to use and extremely powerful. Their ease of use, accuracy, and power makes them the best choice for hunting and pest control.

• CO2 Powered air rifles

These types of rifles use compressed gas or cartridges as their power source. These rifles are advantageous as they eliminate the need of pumping the rifle at the start of a shot and one cartridge is enough to make 50 shots.

Best .22 Hunting Air Rifles-Our Top Picks

 

1) Raptor Whisper Air Rifle

 

Check Best Price

 

As one of the best .22 hunting air rifles, the Gamo Raptor Whisper air rifle packs important features that add up to an awesome hunting, target shooting, and plinking rifle.

The gun uses whisper technology making it quiet. The buttpad is equipped with a shock wave absorber for reduced recoil.

The rifle delivers unmatched performance and is a great choice for small game hunting, target shooting, and pests dispatch.

This air rifle integrates inert gas technology into the power plant by using an inert gas cylinder. IGT allows higher velocity, less vibration, and a longer lifespan.

Additionally, you get smoother cocking and shooting courtesy of the IGT. Issues of spring torque, spring fatigue, and shooting in cold weather are no more with this air rifle.

Without a doubt, it is a great upgrade to the traditional spring-powered airguns. The gun also features a smooth action trigger to allow the user to maximize pinpoint accuracy. When you invest in this rifle, you will enjoy all-weather durability and great performance.

Features

Pros

• Lasts longer than a metal spring
• Easy cocking and shooting
• Functions seamlessly in cold weather
• No spring torque and no spring fatigue

Cons

• No sling swivels

 

2) Gamo Swarm Magnum, Multi-Shot Air Rifle

 

Check Best Price

 

As one of the Best .22 Hunting Air Rifles, the Gamo Swarm Magnum, Multi-Shot Air Rifle boasts unmatched performance. It is specially made to impress air rifle enthusiasts with a refined barrel and more power.

The gun is able to sling a .22 caliber pellet down range at 1300fps and create 26.6 ft/lbs of energy. The air rifle has a gas-piston power plant with inert gas technology to deliver unrivaled performance in any weather.

Another impressive feature of this gun is the 10X quick-shot patent-pending technology that uses a 10-round rotary-style magazine to provide faster loading for repetitive shooting.

For quiet shooting, the gun features a whisper fusion noise-suppressing technology. The rifle also includes a Gamo 3-9X40 scope to enhance your hunting experience.

Accompanying the scope is a recoil-reducing rail that absorbs the recoil of the rifle in order to increase the lifespan of the scope. The rifle has a custom action trigger that lets you tailor your trigger accordingly.

This rifle has a superior construction of tough all-weather ambidextrous stock. The stock is made to fit the shooter and align perfectly with the scope for better shooting and aiming.

You will be able to shoot comfortably thanks to the shock wave absorber recoil pad that offers up to 74% more absorption. Get yourself a rifle with next-level power and performance and take your hunting a notch higher.

Features

Pros

• Faster loading for repetitive shooting thanks to the 10X Quick-Shot patent-pending technology
  
• Higher muzzle velocity
• Less vibration
• Smooth cocking
• Comes with a Gamo 3-9×40 scope
• 5 YEAR WARRANTY

Cons

• Has a bit of a kick upon firing which is manageable

3) Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter Max .22 Pellet Rifle

 

Check Best Price

 

As one of the best .22 hunting air rifles that enhance air rifle hunting and target shooting this rifle features an upgraded stock to augment its shooting capabilities.

The rifle has a SilenceAir non-removable suppressor to keep noise at a minimal level. The rifle’s metal breach and open sights make this gun a reliable shooter. To enhance shooting reliability, the rifle has a 3-9X riflescope that helps improve shooting accuracy.

The rifle uses break and barrel action and is fitted with a gas piston for smooth and accurate shooting. The gun is capable of firing .22 caliber pellets at a rate of 800ft/s.

The rifle incorporates a Picatinny rail for mounting riflescopes. In case you need to use another scope, you can mount it to the rails. Hunting pundits and experienced hunters speak highly of this gun.

An impressive feature is the ergonomic and weatherproof stock and body. The rifle is built to withstand weather elements through its durable rubber body. It also includes checkered rubber grip inserts for a sure grip in all conditions.

For accurate shooting, the gun includes an adjustable trigger. Without a doubt, the rifle is great for target shooting and small game hunting.

Features

Pros 

• Smooth and accurate shooting
• Integrated Picatinny rail for optics
• Durable, all-weather rubber body
• SilencAir Noise Dampener

Cons

• The trigger may be a hard pull and quick break for some
  

 

4) Crosman CVH22RDNS-WX .22-Caliber Air Rifle With 4 x 32mm Scope

Check Best Price

 

This.22 Nitro Piston Elite Break Air Rifle with Scope by Crosman is a dedicated recreational gun. The rifle packs useful features to make hunting more fun.

Its .22-caliber precision makes it suitable for small game hunts and pest control. It is a break barrel rifle and features a market-leading SBD sound suppression system to minimize the noise.

The Nitro piston technology help deliver quiet shooting, smooth cocking, and reduced recoil and vibration after firing. Additionally, the Nitro Piston is beneficial as it prevents the rifle from losing any power when cocked for a long period.

The rifle features an adjustable 2-stage clean break trigger that helps the user achieve maximum shooting accuracy.

The rifle’s hardwood stock with a thumbhole is easy to shoulder and offers the extra feature of a ventilated stock pad. Also included in the package is a CenterPoint 4X 32mm riflescope to ensure you have a successful outing.

Features

Pros

• SBD Gold noise reduction system
• The hardwood stock with thumbhole is easy to shoulder
• Improved accuracy with adjustable rear and fixed front sight

Cons

• Best for only small game hunting

 

5) Gamo Swarm Whisper, Multi-Shot Air Rifle

 

Check Best Price

 

The Gamo Swarm Whisper Air rifle delivers accuracy, durability, and functionality in a budget-friendly package.

The rifle is ideal for recreational shooting, hunting,  pest control, and target competitions. The gun incorporates the Gamo’s whisper sound dampening technology to minimize firing noise.

It is quiet enough not to disturb the neighbors. This air rifle has an inert gas technology (IGT) piston that allows higher velocity, less vibration, and more life.

It also has a 10X quick-shot pending technology that uses a 10-round rotary-style magazine that supports faster loading for repetitive shooting. Without a doubt, the rifle delivers reliability and consistency shot after shot.

The air rifle is powerful and of great value. It features a 2-stage adjustable trigger that enables you to obtain unmatched precision accuracy. Your shots cannot miss the target.

The rifle comes with a 4X 32mm riflescope attached to the standard rail mount. If you are searching for an affordable, plinker, weather-resistant game hunter and pest-control solution, this is the right air rifle for you.

Features

Pros

• Multipurpose air rifle
• All-weather stock made from glass-filled nylon
• 10-shot repeater
• Patented polymer jacketed steel barrel
• Whisper sound-dampening technology

Cons

• None

6) Magnum Air Rifle

Check Best Price

 

The Magnum Air Rifle is equipped with features that make it comfortable to shoot. It hosts the IGT Mach 1 power plant that delivers higher downrange energy.

In addition, IGT Mach 1 helps deliver more speed, power, and better precision using gas cylinders. Cocking and shooting are smooth as there is no spring torque, spring fatigue, and issues of shooting in the cold.

The gun’s synthetic thumbhole stock has a comfortable ambidextrous cheekpiece making it ideal for all types of shooters. For added comfort, the rifle has rubber inserts on the grip, forearm, and cheekpiece.

The air rifle incorporates a shock wave absorber butt pad to reduce recoil. Moreover, the rifle features a smooth and predictable custom action trigger that lets you tailor the trigger to your own preference.

Its recoil-reducing rail is designed to reduce stress on the scope by absorbing shockwaves on the scope of internal parts. For enhanced versatility in the field, the rifle includes a 3-9X 40mm scope that has an adjustable objective lens.

With a velocity of up to 1300fps, this rifle is a sure solution when it comes to speed. When you invest in this rifle, you will benefit from more power, better precision, and comfortable shooting.

Features

Pros

• Smoother cocking and shooting
• Increased speed and precision
• Less vibration
• Its large cylinder delivers more velocity and terminal penetration
• Works perfectly in cold weather

Cons

• Cannot ship to New York City and its boroughs

7) Gamo 600054 Urban PCP.22

 

Check Best Price

 

The Gamo Urban PCP air rifle is ideal for those hunting for an entry-level pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) rifle. The rifle features Whisper Fusion which is the quietest noise suppression technology from GAMO.

The feature delivers quiet shots which help not scare away the game if the first shot was a miss. It is fitted with a shock absorber recoil pad that reduces the recoil to help the user keep the crosshairs on the target after every shot.

You will definitely love the comfort and stealth of this quiet beast.

This air rifle is built with a hand-forged rifled steel barrel and has a custom action trigger to stage the trigger to your preference. It uses a bolt-action system that delivers velocities of up to 800 fps.

Such speed is enough to get the prey in one single shot. The gun has a removable magazine with a capacity of 10 pellets. The rifle is made with the highest quality material and so you will be investing in something that will last for many years.

Features

Pros

• Multi-shot mechanism
• Comfortable
• Ambidextrous thumbhole synthetic stock
• Manual safety
• 5 years warranty

Cons

• None

 

8) Gamo Swarm Bone Collector Air Rifle, .22 Caliber

Check Best Price

 

The Swarm Bone Collector Air Rifle is perfect for hunting and small-medium game. The rifle is able to shoot up to 10 pellets without reloading thanks to patent-pending 10X quick-shot technology.

This rifle has a well-known and trusted whisper noise dampening technology. The Whisper is an integrated noise and muzzle blast reducer that delivers the quietest shooting.

The game will not run away if you miss the first shot and your outdoor outings will not disturb your neighbors.

The rifle also packs the innovative IGT gas piston that enables the user to have a more terminal velocity of up to 975fps at the muzzle. In addition, the Inert Gas technology delivers less vibration, more consistent power, and smooth coking effort.

As a result, you will have a reliable rifle when hunting in the field. To help the user acquire a more precise shot, the rifle is endowed with a smooth action trigger.

The SAT is a custom trigger that is designed for hunting and it features a smooth action pull to maximize pinpoint accuracy. Once you have acquired the target, the SAT helps you take a clean shot.

Another impressive thing about this rifle is the improved recoil pad and shock wave absorber that absorbs the rifle recoil.

Briefly, you benefit from high performance, less vibration, massive velocity, quieter performance, and longer lifespan when you invest in this air rifle.

Features

Pros

• Whisper noise reduction technology
• Scope and ring mounts included
• 10X Quick-Shot technology
• More terminal velocity
• Constant and smooth cocking effort
• Smooth action pull

Cons

• The scope is not that good

 

9) Benjamin Marauder Synthetic Stock PCP-Powered Multi-Shot Bolt-Action Pellet Hunting Air Rifle

 

Check Best Price

 

This great gun takes powerful shots and shooters all over the world love it because of its quiet performance.

The only sound you hear is the pellet hitting the prey. It features synthetic upgrades to better its utility. The rifle is a powerful PCP air rifle and packs all the features needed for pest hunting of small to medium-sized games.

It is fitted with a choked and shrouded barrel that provides high precision and very quiet operation. Its 2-stage adjustable trigger system helps the shooter take smooth and steady shots.

Follow-up shots are fast courtesy of the innovative 8-round magazine. The rifle has an in-built pressure gauge and quick-disconnect foster fittings that make it easy to fill the gun. This helps the user return to shooting sooner.

The improved synthetic features are an all-weather stock designed and balanced for easy carrying while in the field. Added to this is an adjustable comb for custom fitting.

The trigger has been moved rearward to provide a more comfortable hand position. The breach design of the rifle has been simplified to make assembly and service easier.

The redesign also offers a more stable platform to accommodate larger scopes. Additionally, the bolt stud protrusion has been eliminated giving the rifle a cleaner look and helping keep the action debris-free.

Upgrade your hunting game with this upgraded rifle.

Features

Pros

• Minimal recoil
• Little noise
• Tack-driving accuracy
• Powerful PCP-powered air rifle
• Up to 1000 fps
• 10-round magazine for fast follow-up shots
• Great for hunting and target shooting

Cons

• None

 

Accessories for .22 Hunting Air Rifles

Most of the best .22 hunting air rifles above come with riflescopes. Although they do a decent job of enhancing your hunting experience, they may not be as powerful as you would expect particularly if you need the rifle for hunting. To better your hunting, investing in a more powerful scope is an ideal solution.

It is also important to consider the scope mounting rails. A rifle with mounting rails that is compatible with other riflescopes would serve you better. More importantly, ensure the scope included does not need any special adapters or extra mounts to fit onto the rifle.

Another important accessory is the straps. Hunting enthuses may require the straps for easy carrying of the rifle while on the field. Consider a rifle with straps.

The other useful component is the grips. They help in giving the user a strong grip on the rifle when firing.

Cleaning and maintenance tools. For seamless performance, the rifle requires regular cleaning and maintenance. These tools help to lubricate and condition the gun to prevent unnecessary friction.

For safety when firing, you need glasses, goggles, and Earmuffs. They help prevent eye damage when there is a minor accident.

Conclusion

The best .22 hunting air rifles highlighted above are best sellers in the market today. We hope that our insight was helpful and you are in a better position to pick a rifle that fits your needs and preference.

See Also

• 7 Best Air Rifles under $100
• 8 Best Simmons Scopes for Air Rifles
• 7 Best Air Rifles for Varmint Control
• 8 Best .177 Hunting Air Rifles
• 5 Best Leupold Scopes for Air Rifles
• 5 Best Bushnell Scopes for Air Rifles
• 10 Best Vortex Scopes for Air Rifles
• 8 Best Scopes for Pellet Guns /Air Rifles
• 9 Best Side Focus Air Rifle Scopes
• 10 Best Budget Air Rifles.Best Affordable Air Rifles