Hunters that use air guns as their primary weapon, many prefer using .22 caliber air rifle. Even though compared to other calibers, .22 has lower FPS and a slightly shorter kill zone, when it comes to the percentage of being able to kill small games with one-shot, nothing beats this heavier caliber option.
The best .22 air rifle for hunting also has more muzzle energy compared to its counterparts. Due to the fact that these rifles use a larger caliber, taking down small games becomes relatively easier and more effective in most cases.
If you have already decided to go for such a gun, but confused about which one to purchase, here are the top 7 suggestions based on performance and user experience.
Top .22 Air Rifle On The Market
Benefits of .22 Air Rifle
Each caliber rifles offer great advantages for specific purposes, and this is no exception to .22 air guns. Enthusiasts mostly use these guns for hunting. However, the performance for other purposes is pretty decent.
• For Hunting Small Games
When the hunting requires to hit targets with heavy impacts, nothing beats .22 caliber pellets. The high impact pellets hit the targets with great force and take them down easily. You can easily kill squirrels, raccoons, and other small games using such a rifle.
• For Pest Control
For pest control, these guns stand really effective as well. As most homeowners use a rifle within 50 yards for pest control, .22 caliber can reach such distance without losing accuracy. If you are an expert at headshots, you will get great results.
• For Plinking
As plinking requires the shooters to shoot at targets within a short-range, .22 guns also serve such purpose well. You can hit targets with great accuracy and heavy impacts. For training purposes, this can be an effective option to increase your shooting skills.
• Low Noise
Compared to other guns, the shooting noise is pretty much low in a .22 gun. So, whether you get one of these rifles for hunting or pest control, the sound will not make the small games to run away, and your neighbors will have no complaints when you shoot pests in the backyard.
Top 7 Best .22 Air Rifle For Hunting Reviews
The listed guns can also be used for other shooting purposes except for hunting. Regardless of your budget, you will be able to find the most suitable one that will meet your shooting needs.
1. Gamo Swarm Maxxim Air Rifle
It’s quite hard to find a budget-friendly air gun that delivers reliable performance, high velocity, and has a durable construction. This one from Gamo is one of those .22 caliber air guns that will take your shooting skills to the next level.
With .22 caliber PBA platinum pellets, you can reach targets at a rate of up to 975 FPS speed. Even though the diameter of pellets is a bit larger than .177 caliber ones, due to its high-speed velocity, there will not be any noticeable differences when you use it for hunting.
You can shoot repetitively using the gun as it spots a 10-round rotary-style magazine. It requires less reloading compared to conventional break barrel rifles.
Breaking its barrel is relatively easier. Regardless of age and breaking strength, you or any young shooter will not struggle much reloading the rifle. The steel of the barrel is made of polymer jacketed material to make sure it withstands force and pressure without any issues.
When you will take the gun to a quiet spot for hunting, firing will not make much sound. The rifle features integrated sound suppression technology that keeps the noise as minimum as possible.
The overall performance and accuracy of this gun are pretty much consistent. You will not experience much vibration after firing. Furthermore, the recoil is way too less in this, making it ideal for both beginner and pro-level shooting.
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2. Benjamin BP2SXS Prowler Nitro Piston .22 Caliber Break Barrel Air Rifle
For hunting sessions, you need to make sure the weapon can withstand harsh environments and wild conditions. Checking those aspects, Benjamin introduces you to this break barrel air gun that got an all-weather design. The stock is made of durable synthetic material that you can count on.
Apart from its durable construction, the gun feels nice in hands. The foregrip is comfortable to hold even with a sweaty hand.
Compared to conventional air guns, this one stays much quieter during hunting, thanks to its sound suppression technology. Even if you miss a target, it will not make the game run away due to the noise.
As far as the performance is concerned, using .22 caliber pellets, the gun can shoot up to 950 FPS while maintaining accuracy. It’s hard to find a .22 air gun for hunting that holds the accuracy even in long-range shooting. You will be able to accurately target and hit objects from distance without much struggling.
When it comes to cocking the rifle for reloading, you will find it lighter and smoother compared to other ones within its class. Its Nitro Piston technology highly reduces the recoil as well as triggering noise.
With 70% less noise and much-reduced recoil, you will find it an ideal air rifle for hunting. The integrated Quiet Fire sound suppression technology does all the magic at reducing the noise.
Its trigger is adjustable; you can customize according to your style and preference. For hunting, this two-stage trigger is considered as the best among shooters.
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3. Lastworld B1 5.5mm 22 Caliber Air Pellet Gun Rifle
This traditionally designed air gun rifle will provide the best value for those who are looking for a beginner level rifle for target shooting. For both training and occasional hunting purposes, this can be a great budget-friendly deal to begin shooting.
With .22 caliber pellets of 5.5 size, you can shoot at targets at 400 FPS. So, this is something that you cannot expect to shoot accurately for long-distance targets. For short-range shooting, the rifle will be more than enough.
What’s more interesting is that many customers reported that the FPS went above 800 in many cases. If your unit shows something exceptional, that would be great to have, considering how much the gun costs you.
When it comes to hunting, you will be able to hunt down small games within 50 yards without losing accuracy. Considering what you will pay for this gun, you cannot ask for more accurate shooting. For hunting, the gun can also deliver shots with a powerful impact.
As far as the build quality goes, the gun got a construction combined with metal and wood, which is durable enough to withstand pretty much all that you throw at this. The gun feels solid and sturdy in hands, though it weighs just 2.4 kg. So, by carrying it in your hands, you will not face many hazards.
Even though it’s designed in a traditional way, you can still mount a scope on it. It doesn’t have any rail, there are slots for mounting a scope and other accessories.
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4. Benjamin Marauder Synthetic Stock PCP-Powered Hunting Air Rifle
Hunting rifles with .22 caliber don’t go much higher when it comes to 1000 FPS. This one is an expectation. Using .22 caliber pellets, you can get 1000 FPS from this gun, which significantly contributes to gain accuracy while shooting.
Such high-speed velocity makes it an ideal weapon for target shooting, plinking, as well as pest control. This can be an all-purpose air rifle for you if a powerful impact is something your shooting sessions require the most.
With its built-in pressure, the gun makes it easier to shoot multiple pellets. Due to its quick-disconnect foster fittings, the gun is easy and very quick to refill. So, without pausing for a long time, you can get back to the shooting much faster with the gun.
Bolt action two-stage adjustable trigger makes it an ideal trigger for hunting from a distance. The gun shoots pellets fast while maintaining great accuracy. Triggering feels very steady and smooth every time that assures you of great hunting experience.
Unlike conventional air guns, this one allows you to shoot 10 rounds. Its magazine can hold 10 pellets simultaneously, which is much convenient as you don’t have to reload more frequently.
If you are worried about its weight, the gun is lightweight enough for you to carry in the field comfortably.
For quiet shooting experience, the manufacturer implemented an internally shrouded barrel. You will be able to maintain both precision and quiet firing without any issues.
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5. Gamo Urban PCP Air Rifle 22 Caliber
On papers, FPS determines the class of any rifle. However, when it comes to real-life shooting experience, things don’t go similar to how it’s on the paper. Take this rifle from Gamo for an example.
Even though it shoots pellets at a speed of 800 FPS, which is considered mid-range, the accuracy can be compared head to head with high-end models.
Made of high-grade materials, you can rest assured about the durability of this rifle no matter how frequently you go in the field for hunting small games. With the ability to withstand all weather conditions and abuses, you can count on its reliable construction.
Equipped with a CAT adjustable two-stage trigger, the shooting experience on this is smooth and much faster than conventional ones.
With its 232 pressure bar, you will be able to fill the gun fast and easily without spending much time. Because of its large pressure capacity, you will require less reloading on the field.
Being one of the best PCP rifles on the list, the performance is quite satisfactory. Whether you are a beginner or advanced level shooter, you will find the gun to provide you with great results for all-purpose shooting. For those who struggle to shoot accurately, they will find this PCP rifle to be convenient enough for shooting.
Within 25 yards, the accuracy is top-notch. Also, you can shoot targets that are away further than this distance without compromising much accuracy.
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6. Benjamin Marauder Wood Stock Air Rifle
Another classic looking air gun on the list! This one from Benjamin stands impressively for hunting purposes with all that the gun comes with. .22 caliber edition of the gun can reach up to 1000 FPS with excellent accuracy and a powerful impact that are the prime requirements for hunting.
Compared to other PCP rifles, this one costs almost half the price. Even though you are investing in a low priced weapon, you will not be disappointed by its performance whatsoever.
The gun holds up to 3000 PSI, which means less frequent refilling while hunting. Once you refill the gun, it will last about 30 to 40 shots easily. If you are a strong individual, you can do fine with a hand pump. For those who struggle using such a pump, using a scuba tank would make the task a lot easier and convenient.
Its stock is made of quality wood, so you can rest assured about its durability. Apart from that, the overall construction, including the barrel, trigger, and other areas, feel quite decent for this price.
As far as the accuracy is concerned, the gun shoots on target without compromising much with accuracy. For both short and long-range shooting, you can hit targets without much struggling.
Whether your purpose is target shooting, pest control, hunting small game, varmint hunting, this can be an excellent choice, especially if you are tight on budget.
You will love how quiet this gun shoots at targets. If you are getting this for pest control, no matter how frequently you need to take down squirrels and other pests, your neighbor will have no idea that you are shooting.
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7. Umarex Diana RWS Model 34 Break Barrel Pellet Air Rifle
Made of durable quality wood and metal, you can count on this rifle for decades or even more than that. Umarex Diana offers this legendary looking air gun with some useful and effective features and specs that will make hunting easier and convenient.
The velocity with .22 caliber pellets goes as high as 800 FPS while maintaining accuracy. Even though it doesn’t get the highest FPS rating on the list, the gun manages to shoot pellets with enough accuracy that you would need for hunting.
As it’s a break barrel rifle, you would require around 33 lbs of effort to cock the barrel for reloading. Its ambidextrous design makes it an ideal gun for both right and left-handed persons.
Shooting long distances is mostly associated with hunting. To meet the purpose, the gun features a two-stage adjustable trigger that fires smoothly and consistently. This particular trigger mechanism is designed for maintaining the accuracy of shooting.
After pulling the trigger each time, its rubber recoil pad will ease the shock to absorb on your shoulder.
What’s more interesting about this rifle is that it comes with adjustable rear fiber optic sights that make it easier to target more precisely.
Weighing a little over 3.6 kg, you will not have any issue taking the rifle in the field. The hardwood stock of the gun is durably made and well-balanced to make it easier to hold and shoot in various conditions.
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What to Look for Before Buying
If this is the first time that you are to get an air rifle, it’s normal to get overwhelmed by all these specs and features that rifles come with. Each of these features and specs has distinct purposes. Taking your shooting requirements into consideration, look for things that you want to see in your gun to make the purchase worthwhile.
Types of Air Rifles
You will find primarily three types of air guns in the market. The working mechanism and characteristics differ from each other.
• Pneumatic (PCP) Air Rifles
This mechanism features a pumping level, which is responsible for pumping air into the chamber. After each shot or a certain number of shots, the gunman requires to manually pump the rifle.
The most common reason why people go with this option is that these guns are cheap. For plinking and target shooting, a PCP gun provides great value for the money. Also, you can use it for short distance hunting purpose very effectively.
• Spring Powered Air Rifles
These rifles use a spring to compress the air in its chamber that acts as a power source. Compared to PCP guns, these are a more powerful option, thus suitable for hunting purposes.
You will be able to shoot with great accuracy if you get one of these guns. However, cocking can be a bit difficult for weak individuals as well as women.
• CO2 Powered Air Rifles
Compressed gas or cartridges are used as a power source for CO2airguns. You don’t need to pump the gun each time before shooting. Refilling once allows around 40 to 50 shots to fire until it requires refilling.
Compared to other ones, these guys aren’t that powerful. You will need to buy a hand pump or scuba tank for refilling purposes and a few other accessories for maintenance purposes.
Velocity
One of the factors that influence the shooting accuracy is this FPS or velocity rating. Usually, 650 or below is considered as low FPS, above 650 is considered mid FPS, and 800 FPS or above is considered as high-velocity machines.
For hunting purposes, anything within 700 to 900 would be more than enough. If you mostly hunt small games from distance, then higher would be better.
As far as target practicing and plinking is concerned, a low to mid FPS rating manages to get the works done in most cases.
Trigger
Some models come with an adjustable trigger. If you don’t like the stock trigger, then you can customize it according to your style to make shooting faster. Also, you can replace the trigger with an advanced one if the trigger system allows so. If you want to maximize accuracy and speed, this is a crucial consideration.
Noise Level
If you are getting the gun for backyard target practicing or pest control, you must look for a model that shoots relatively quiet. You don’t want to disturb the neighbors every time you shoot a squirrel or other pests. So, having a low noise air gun would be extremely useful to prevent community-related issues.
Build-Quality
Stock is the main part of any gun that determines the durability of the unit. Some stocks are made of synthetic materials; these are ideal for preventing all types of weather issues. Wooden stocks are great for durability. However, you might not find these stocks to stand against weather issues that well.
Final Words
Once you get the best .22 air rifle for hunting, you can use it for other purposes such as pest control, plinking, and more. Consider investing in a good quality rifle to be able to use the gun for years without any issues.
Don’t get overwhelmed by the FPS rating of any gun; an accurate gun with mid FPS rating would be better than a less accurate and high FPS rating model.
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