Best Air Rifles for Small Game. Whether you hunt small game for recreational shooting, pest control or to develop your shooting skills, a good-quality air rifle is an indispensable item to have.
The best air rifles for small game are easy to use and fun to shoot as well. They are highly accurate and powerful enough to take out a squirrel, rabbit, or any other small game within the first shot.
If you are looking for the best air rifles for small game, but you are having a difficult time finding the best air gun, we are here to help. Here is a detailed review of some of the best available on the market today. Let’s take a look.
Best Air Rifles for Small Game-Our Top Picks
Gamo Raptor Whisper Air Rifle
This Raptor Whisper Air Rifle from Gamo is a powerful air rifle suitable for small game hunting. It features the SAT custom trigger which is specially designed for pest control, small game hunting, and target shooting. It is easy to shoot and highly reliable. The air rifle shoots either .177 or .22 caliber pellets. The IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston replaces the spring piston to deliver more terminal velocity. When shooting the .177 caliber pellets, you get more terminal velocity of 1300fps and up to 975fps in .22 caliber pellets. This technology makes the air rifle more accurate. In addition, the air rifle has a Whisper Noise reduction technology for quiet shooting. Weighing about 5.64lb, the air rifle is very light and comfortable to carry in the field. It has a high-grade ambidextrous stock for added durability and a shockwave absorber recoil pad that lets you shoot comfortably. The air rifle also features a fluted polymer jacketed steel barrel which enhances your shooting accuracy and a 4×32 shockproof scope for better long-range shooting accuracy. Features
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Benjamin Trail NP XL Air Rifle
This Benjamin Trail NP XL Air Rifle is designed to take your small game shooting to the next level. It is highly accurate and shoots .25 caliber pellets at a high velocity of up to 900 fps. This is sufficient to take out squirrels, rabbits, and other small game either in the backyard or on the farm. This is a break barrel air rifle. It is PCP powered which makes it great for small game hunting and pest control. It features a solid, hardwood stock which makes it look stylish while enhancing its durability. It also features a two-stage adjustable trigger, a rifled steel barrel, and a 3-9x40mm scope for greater accuracy making it one of the best air Rifles for Small Game. Features
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Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter Max Air Rifle
If you are looking for an air rifle to maximize your small game hunting, the Ruger Targis Hunter Max Air Rifle is your ideal option. This high-powered air rifle is suitable for multiple applications. You can use it for small game hunting, pest control, target shooting, and skill development. It is very easy to shoot and fun to use as well. The air rifle shoots .22 caliber pellets. It has a muzzle velocity of up to 800FPS which makes it ideal for shooting targets at a distance. A SilencAir noise dampener is also included so you don’t spook the game or cause noise disturbance in your neighborhood. Other than that, the air rifle utilizes a break-barrel action which allows for smooth, accurate, and consistent shooting. A 3-9×32 scope is also included for added accuracy. When it comes to construction, the Ruger Targis Hunter Max Air Rifle is built to last. It has a durable, all-weather stock and body to withstand weather elements. It also features checkered rubber grip inserts for a comfortable, non-slip grip even in wet weather conditions. Features
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Winchester 1977XS Dual Ammo Air Rifle
This Winchester 77XS is a multi-pump air rifle designed with the outdoorsman in mind. This hard-hitting air rifle is loaded with tons of great features to make you shooting better and more fun. You can either shoot the .177 caliber pellets or the BBs. With every pump you make, you get more power and velocity. You can pump it up to three times for indoor target shooting practice and up to ten times if you want to achieve the maximum velocity which is 800fps. This multi-pump pneumatic rifle has a rifled steel barrel for greater accuracy and a crossbolt trigger bolt that prevents accidental firing for safe handling. At only 3.1lbs and having a 37.6-inch length, the air rifle is fairly light, easy to shoot and carry in the field. With a maximum shooting distance of 291 yards, the air rifle comes with a 4×32 air rifle scope and open sights for long-range accuracy. Features
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Gamo Varmint Air Rifle
If you are on a budget, this Gamo Varmint Air Rifle is your ideal option. The air rifle fires .177 PBA Platinum alloy pellets. It has a maximum velocity of 1250fps which makes it ideal for multiple applications which include small game hunting, recreational shooting, pest control, and target practice. It comes with a 4×32 scope which helps you spot small, hard-to-see game. The air rifle is built to last. It has a synthetic ambidextrous weather-resistant stock for use in different environments. Also, it has a rubber recoil pad to absorb recoil and provide a comfortable shooting experience. Other features included an automatic cocking system, manual trigger safety, and a single cocking break barrel. Overall, this is a durable air rifle with great and reliable performance. Features
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Crossman 1077 Repeat Semi-Automatic Air Rifle
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Air Rifles for Small Game
Whenever you are on the market for an air rifle for small game, these are some of the key factors you should put into consideration in order to make the right buying decision.
Caliber
Air rifles are designed to shoot BBs or caliber pellets or both. You’ll want to choose a caliber that meets your shooting needs. Majority of air rifles for small game hunting shoot .177 caliber pellets or BBs or both.
The.177 caliber is mainly preferred because of its high velocity which is great for hunting small game at a distance. A .177 caliber pellet will take out any small game instantly when an accurate shot is placed.
If you are hunting small game in the backyard or at close range a .22 caliber air rifle is more practical .22 caliber pellets have less velocity but more muzzle energy.
So once the shot is fired, the pellet makes a powerful impact if the shot is placed accurately. This kills the game instantly and in a more humane way.
Velocity
The velocity of an air rifle determines how fast it will reach the target. Having the correct FPS will help you shoot accurately. You’ll need more fps to hunt small game at a distance.
Air rifles with 900fps or more are great for mid to long-range shooting. However, if you are shooting small game in your backyard, an air rifle with about 700FPS will suffice.
Durability and Safety
You’ll want an air rifle that’s well-made to ensure many years of field use. Look for an air rifle whose stock is made with high-quality and durable materials. Besides, the air rifle’s stock should be weatherproof for added durability.
For basic small game hunting, you’ll want an air rifle that offers great safety. It should have a trigger safety to prevent accidental firing. The air rifle should also be easy to load and offload.
Scopes and Sights
Most air rifles come with a scope for improved shooting accuracy. If you want to shoot long-range targets, you can invest in a better scope with higher magnification and mount it on the air rifle. Some air rifles come with front and rear sights for added accuracy.
PCP vs Spring Powered
The advantage of getting a break-barrel spring-powered air rifle for small game hunting is you won’t require charging equipment. You also get an all-around air rifle for a decent price.
The main drawback about spring-powered air rifles is they offer one shot only. You fail to make an accurate shot on your first attempt and the animal runs away. You’ll also have to deal with heavy recoil.
On the other hand, a PCP air rifle has the second pellet ready for rapid follow-up shots. These air rifles also tend to be more accurate due to lower recoil. For a more rewarding small game hunting experience, try to look for a PCP air rifle. The only drawback here is the expensive cost.
Best Air Rifles for Small Game FAQs
- How many FPS do I need to kill a small game?
The recommended FPS for taking out small game is 1,000FPS. However, it can go lower if you are shooting the targets at a closer range such as in your backyard
- Which is better, .177 or .22 air rifles?
Both. If you are hunting small game at a distance, the .177 caliber pellet is the best option. It provides higher FPS suitable for mid to long-range hunting.
On the other hand, go for the .22 caliber pellet if you are shooting close range and you require more muzzle energy and killing power. It provides a humane kill on the first shot placed.
- Can an air rifle kill small game?
Yes. modern air rifles are accurate and powerful enough to kill squirrels, rabbits, rodents, varmints, and other game such as pigs and deer. Most people prefer using air rifles to hunt small game because they are easy to use and quiet.
Conclusion
We hope that this post has been informative. With the wide range of air rifles available on the market, it is important that you take your time looking for an air rifle that meets your specific shooting needs.
First, decide which animal you would want to hunt, then look for an air rifle that’s made for that specific task. Use our guide above and get yourself the best air rifle for small game.
See Also
- 9 Best Scopes for Air Rifles
- 7 Best Air Rifles for Varmint Control
- 7 Best Air Rifles under $100
- 7 Best Air Rifles for Squirrel Hunting
- 6 Best Air Rifles for Rabbit Hunting