Hunting with air rifles is rapidly growing in popularity across the United States, especially among small game and varmint hunters. These rifles are high-powered pneumatic or spring-loaded guns that use compressed air to fire pellets. They offer a quieter, more affordable, and often more accessible instead to gunpowder like traditional firearms.
Air rifles today are powerful and precise, making them suitable for a wide range of hunting applications from squirrels and rabbits to, in some cases, even wild hogs or deer (in states where permitted). Many hunters also choose them for backyard pest control or as a low-barrier entry into the world of shooting sports.
From beginners to seasoned shooters, choosing the right air rifle requires understanding key factors such as caliber, power source, legal limits, and intended targets. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make a smart, legal, and ethical decision.
To see the power of your hunting air rifle, choose the best caliber is crucial for ethical, effective, and enjoyable hunting.
Check game species and size matters.
Best Hunting Air Rifles for Small Game
For small game like birds, squirrels, rabbits and pests, .177 caliber (4.5mm) or .22 caliber (5.5mm) rifles are common.
Gamo Varmint Air Rifle .177 Caliber
Pros
- 1250 fps with PBA Platinum pellets
- Effective for humane kills
- Versatility of pest control and target practice
- 4×32 scope attached
- With all-weather synthetic stock, Non-slip grip, and recoil pad
Cons
- Lighter pellet weight which affects accuracy
- Not suitable for larger small game animals like wild turkey
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Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i .22 Caliber
Pros
- Up to 1300 fps velocity
- 10-round magazine
- Good balance of knockdown power
- 4x32mm scope attached
- With comfortable stock and a two-stage adjustable trigger
Cons
- It struggles to maintain tight groupings
- May use custom options for improving accuracy
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Best Hunting Air Rifles for Medium Game
For medium game like raccoons, rabbits, and possums, heavier pellets like .22 or .25 caliber (6.35mm) deliver more energy for humane kills.
Benjamin Marauder Air Rifle .22 Caliber
Pros
- For hunters seeking accuracy and power
- Ideal for backyard hunting
- Better shooting experience
- Fast follow up shots
- Limited 5-year warranty
Cons
- Limited energy and stopping power for coyote hunting
- Not for ethical medium-game hunting
Note: It might be sufficient for close-range shots on larger game.
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Air Venturi Avenger Air Rifle .25 Caliber
Pros
- Weighs about 2.7 kg
- Powerful caliber than .22 and .177 calibers
- Improves accuracy using quality pellets or slugs
- User-friendly
- Ethical hunting of Groundhog and Prairie dogs
Cons
- Facing issues with the plastic stock version (use wood stock for performance)
- Limited pellet and slug selection
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Best Air Hunting Rifles for Big Game
For big game like coyotes, hogs, or deer, .30 caliber or above like .357, .45, .50 air rifles are designed for tough game.
Hatsan Hercules Bully PCP Air Rifle .30 Caliber
Pros
- Delivers muzzle energy up to 290 FPE
- Uses QuietEnergy technology for noise reduction
- Custom power control for small and large animal hunting
- 9.5inch (11mm) combination rail for mounting optics
- Best for hunting ground squirrels, prairie dogs, rabbits, and hogs
Cons
- Inconsistent power for larger game like bear hunting
- Heavy rifle (weighs about 4.6 kg)
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Popular Types of Air Rifles
- Spring-Piston: Utilizes a coiled spring and piston mechanism.
- Gas Piston (Gas Ram/Nitro Piston): Replaces the spring with a gas-filled cylinder for smoother operation.
- Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP): Uses a pre-filled high-pressure air reservoir for consistent power.
- CO₂-Powered: Employs CO₂ cartridges for propulsion.
- Variable Pump (Pneumatic): Requires manual pumping to pressurize air before each shot.
Final Verdict
Air rifles for hunting are the perfect choice for hunters who prefer small to medium game. As seen in the expert reviews above, the best air rifles offer a range of powerful calibers, some even strong enough for larger game.
FAQs
An air rifle is defined as having a long barrel for firing and being powered by air pressure, a spring piston, or compressed gas.
A sniper air rifle is built for long-range accuracy, featuring a high-powered scope, a stable firing position, and often a bipod for support. Unlike standard air rifles, it has higher velocity, larger calibers (.22 or .25), and uses PCP or gas-piston systems for consistent power and low recoil. With an adjustable stock and a heavy barrel for stability, it’s ideal for precision shooting, pest control, and small-game hunting where stealth and accuracy matter.
Air rifles cannot be considered firearms because firearms use exploding powder for firing, while air rifle uses air or compressed gas. But in the US, some states do have the same laws regarding firearms to acquire an air rifle. Even under some conditions, you also need a firearm license to acquire an air rifle.
They can be used for small and medium game hunting, but they can’t be used for big game hunting. They can also be used in shooting competitions. People use 22, 2,5, and 30-caliber air guns for long-range competitions because they can shoot at long distances as compared to other air guns.
Air guns and air rifles both use compressed air or gas to propel projectiles. An air rifle is a type of air gun, characterized by its long barrel and higher velocity, making it suitable for target shooting, hunting, and pest control. In contrast, air pistols are smaller, more compact, and typically used for short-range shooting and training.
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