8 Best CO2 Air Rifle in 2021: Powerful for Squirrels Hunting & Pest Control
CO2 air rifles are known for providing great value to the money. For training, target shooting, plinking, and backyard fun, the best CO2 air rifle can be a super inexpensive way to have limitless fun and shooting lessons.
Even though there are other types of air guns, some great quality semi-automatic air guns rifle are powered by CO2 cartridges. If you have come across an overwhelming number of air rifles and became more confused, hope the picks below will help you finalize your order.
Also, there is a buying guide, which tells you about where you need to emphasize while buying such a gun.
Top CO2 Air Rifle On The Market
8 Best CO2 Air Rifle Reviews
Some enlisted models are compatible with pellets, whereas some only work with BBs. However, you will find a few models that handle both pellets and BBs well.
1. DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle
Air rifles are very popular for their replica designs that resemble original models. This one from DPMS is one of those full-size replicas that can provide you the real feel of using a real rifle without spending much.
The gun sports two 12 gram CO2 cartridges to make sure you don’t need to refill the gun frequently. Each cartridge will last up to 50 shots easily.
In this one, you can use 4.5mm steel BBs that can travel at 430 FPS. This velocity rate is quite enough for short-range shooting. Its magazine can hold 24 rounds, so you will not run out of ammo that quickly.
Good rifles would always come with a durable build quality. Its durable synthetic design and build feels great in hand and seems quite durable against elements and light abuses.
To make you feel comfortable with the rifle, it offers 6 adjustments. You can easily adjust the hand and shoulder position to make sure you continue shooting sessions for longer.
The weight feels much realistic. If you are looking for an action gun for target practice, backyard fun, and plinking, this can be a great deal to consider.
You can shoot with good accuracy using the rifle out of the box. It features a pop-up sight, which is removable, and an adjustable rear sight to help you with that.
What I like most:
- Cartridges require less refilling
- Less reloading
- Fast shooting
- Adjustable hand and shoulder resting parts
- Decent accuracy within a short-range
- Durable construction
What I Didn’t Like:
- Loader isn’t of good quality
- Not much powerful
2. Crosman 1077 Repeat Air Semi-Automatic CO2 Pellet Gun Air Rifle
Among professionals and enthusiasts, Crosman is the name of reliable and well-performed rifles. With no exception to that, this air gun is equipped with specs and features that you would need for target shooting as well as pest control.
Made of durable synthetic materials, the construction is water-resistant, making it a decent weapon to go out for shooting even when the weather isn’t favorable. Also, you can expect it to withstand abuses and impacts without any issues.
To add more to its durability, Crosman made the stock out of synthetic materials too. It feels decent and looks great as well.
The gun is compatible with .177 cal pellets. You can shoot up to 625 FPS while maintaining a decent accuracy for long-range shootings. With its two CO2 cartridges, you will be able to continue your shooting sessions without worrying about frequent refilling.
Keeping safety in mind, Crosman implemented the Crossbolt safety mechanism to make sure you handle and use the gun without any accidental misfirings. Out of the box, the rifle sports an adjustable rear sight along with a blade front sight that makes sure you can target and shoot precisely from distance.
Even though these are stock sights, you will still manage to adjust the elevation as well as windage to a level that will make it worth spending the money on the gun.
As the rifle is a semi-automatic one, once you pull the trigger, it will shoot the ammo rapidly fast, ideal for plinking and pest control.
What I like most:
- Great accuracy
- Durably made
- Comes with adjustable sights
- Powerful and accurate for long range shooting
- Less refilling
- Lightweight
What I Didn’t Like:
- Cartridges get stuck sometimes
- Many units are found to have CO2 leaking issue
3. Bushmaster BMPWX Full Auto CO2 Powered BB Air Rifle
Another replica that feels real, but comes with an affordable price tag. As the rifle is only compatible with BBs, it’s ideal for training, fun time, and plinking purposes.
Even though the frame is made of plastic, it feels quite sturdy and premium in hand. Due to its synthetic design, the rifle stands out, handling difficult and harsh conditions in the field. If you are giving this to a teenager or a high school going kid, its durable construction will easily withstand abuses and impacts from the shooter.
Like the previous two guns, this one also sports two 12 gram CO2 cartridges. So, you will not run out of compressed gas soon. In addition to that, the magazine can hold 25 rounds of BBs, which will allow you to continue shooting for a long time. Compatible with 4.5mm steel BBs, unfortunately, it doesn’t come with BBs.
One of the most exciting things that this rifle comes with is its red dot sight. It provides you a great accurate shooting experience right out of the box. You most likely will not need to go for an aftermarket sight. Furthermore, its rail has enough space left for mounting other accessories to make your shooting more convenient.
As far as the weight is concerned, it doesn’t weigh much. You can carry it for long periods without feeling uncomfortable. The weight is ideal for training purposes.
This user-friendly air rifle offers 6 adjustments for its rear stock and movable angled foregrip. So, you will always find a comfortable and sweet carrying and holding position using the gun.
What I like most:
- Accuracy is decent for short-range shooting
- Less frequent refilling and reloading
- Highly adjustable
- Comes with a red dot sight
- Accessories can be mounted on the rail
- Durable synthetic construction
What I Didn’t Like:
- Not for long range shooting
- Speedloader is bad
- Doesn’t include BBs
4. Beeman CO2 .177 Caliber Air Rifle
If you want a powerful and traditional air rifle, Beeman introduces you to this excellence. Compared to rifles that require frequent reloading, the rifle offers a less hard and tiring bolt-action reloading mechanism to provide a great convenience in your shooting sessions.
The thumbhole stock is ergonomically made, and to complement the construction, it got a pistol grip to make sure you get stable performance. Regardless of the age of the shooters, the gun feels extremely good and well-balanced while using.
Its plastic and metal construction contribute to gain a little bit of weight that is considered more to many shooters. Weighing 5.75 lbs. this one is not a light option. However, if your shooting preference doesn’t need to carry the gun and move from place to place, the weight will not be a deal-breaking issue at all.
With two 12 gram CO2 cartridges, you can expect it to last up to 50-60 shots without any issues. You can only use .177 cal pellets in this gun. With a max velocity of 650 FPS, the rifle can shoot with great precision with good consistent performance.
The rear sight on this rifle allows you to make necessary adjustments to hit targets accurately. In addition, if you don’t like the stock trigger, you have the option to make adjustments here as well, according to your shooting preference. The trigger is a single-stage one, which is perfect for plinking and short-range target shooting.
Customizations don’t just end there. The gun features a picatinny rail, allowing you to mount gun accessories to enhance your shooting experience. Even though it’s an air gun, you can make it look and feel almost like a real one.
What I like most:
- Decently accurate
- Double CO2 cartridges
- Rail is compatible with accessories
- Adjustable trigger
- Ideal for plinking
- Ergonomic construction
What I Didn’t Like:
- Feels heavy
- Sight isn’t much accurate
- CO2 screws aren’t good
5. Umarex Ruger 10/22 CO2 Powered Pellet Gun Air Rifle
When you got quite a few reasons to only shoot .177 pellets with an air rifle that doesn’t cost much, this CO2 powered one can be a great ideal for your requirements.
You can use two 12-gram CO2 cartridges for convenience. So, instead of using just one cartridge, an extra one will make sure you don’t require refilling it soon. You can expect to fire 100 shots or more until the cartridges require refilling. The disappointing thing is, the manufacturer doesn’t include any cartridges with the package.
With .177 caliber pellets, the rifle can shoot at 700 FPS with great accuracy. Such velocity makes it the gun perfect for pest control and hunting small game. If you prefer using lead pellets, it will deliver around 650 FPS of velocity with pretty much the same level of accuracy.
To make sure you hit the target with impact, you can customize the rifle to shoot in single or double action. This is something you will hardly find in other rifles in its class.
The included magazine can shoot 10 pellets, which means you will need to reload the gun less frequently.
Even though the gun doesn’t offer much customization and space for accessories out of the box, you can add an aftermarket 10/22 rail to mount scopes and other accessories that your shooting purposes need.
However, you will get the advantage of an authentic style flip-up adjustable rear sight in the gun, which manages to shoot accurately within a short-range. You can also elevate it as per your convenience.
Its bolt action cock is quite easier for people of all ages. In addition, the trigger only requires 3 lbs of pulling effort to complement fast and accurate shots.
What I like most:
- Decent accuracy
- High FPS velocity
- Can shoot one and two pellets
- Less refilling
- Compatible with aftermarket rails
- Easy to cock and pull the trigger
What I Didn’t Like:
- Doesn’t come with CO2 cartridges
- Bit difficult to load
6. Sig Sauer MPX .177 Cal CO2 Powered Red Dot Air Rifle
If you want to shoot with pro-style, and need more rounds at a time to shoot, consider getting this air gun to shoot 30 rounds of pellets. Unlike conventional air rifles, you don’t need to worry much about reloading the pellets.
Along with less reloading, the rifle will also require less refilling as it sports a 90-gram CO2 cartridge. Due to its larger cartridge, you can expect to shoot at least 300 shots without a doubt. This is one of the advantages that bigger capacity CO2 air guns offer for more intense shooters.
Using .177 caliber pellets, you can shoot at 575 FPS. The accuracy is decent in both long and short-range shootings.
Compared to other air guns on the list, the trigger in this one requires more pulling efforts. You would need 7 lbs of effort to shoot at targets, which might not be good for teenagers. But, most adults will have no problem with it.
One of the most selling points of this gun is, it features a folding red dot sight that can significantly improve your shooting experience. With medium accuracy and a sight like this one, you can even shoot down small games from a further distance. The rail also has spaces for mounting other accessories.
When it comes to durability, its metal construction will withstand the most harsh conditions if you take it to the field. It’s durable enough to withstand abuses as well. So, you can expect the gun to last many years even when you switch to an advanced gun, there will be not much damages you will see on its frame.
What I like most:
- Higher number of rounds
- Large CO2 cartridge
- Less reloading and refilling
- Accurate shooting
- Rail for mounting accessories
- Durable metal housing
- Comes with a red dot sight
What I Didn’t Like:
- Relatively hard to pull the trigger
- A bit heavy
7. Crosman Freestyle CO2-Powered .177 Cal Pellet Semi-Auto Air Rifle
For those who are looking for an air rifle to hunt down birds and rodents, Crosman introduces this gun for such shooting purposes. Being a semi-auto rifle, it allows you to take 12 shots until you need to refill it, which is much more convenient than rifles that require frequent refilling.
Even when it’s time to refill the cartridge, you will find it much easier to do the job. Unlike conventional guns, refilling doesn’t take much time. Thus, less time waste when your shooting sessions require a fast response.
As I have stated earlier, this rifle is for hunting small games. With a velocity of 780 FPS, you will find the gun impressively accurate in the field. Such high accuracy also makes it a great weapon to deal with pest issues. You can also practice target shootings with great results.
Like most other Crosman models, this one also got all-weather durable construction that makes it an ideal weapon to carry even when the weather isn’t favorable. The design got a sporty color combination that shows off your sportsmanship as well.
There are adjustable rear and fiber optic front sights for you to shoot accurately, whether it’s for short or long-distance shooting. Unfortunately, the rail doesn’t have arrangements for mounting accessories.
The trigger responses fast, and it’s much easier to pull. In addition, its stock is designed to rest comfortably on your shoulder.
With such specs, features, and convenience, this can be a good plinking rifle also. The thing with high FPS rifles is that you can use them pretty much for all shooting purposes. Thus, considering this price tag, you can have an overall great experience in different shooting types.
What I like most:
- High accuracy
- Great FPS
- Easy to access and refill the cartridge
- Durable all-weather housing
- Sporty design
- Adjustable rear and fiber optic front sight
What I Didn’t Like:
- Dovetail rail doesn’t allow mounting accessories
8. Crosman Challenger PCP and CO2-Powered .177 Pellet Air Rifle
With the option of having dual fuel systems, it would be much more convenient to fill the rifle with either PCP or CO2 as per the availability and your preference. This is one of a very few models from Crosman that features both PCP and CO2 refilling.
You can only shoot .177 caliber pellets using the gun. At a velocity of 540 FPS, it handles low to mid-range shooting without losing much accuracy.
Additionally, for long-range, it will not disappoint you much. In fact, in real-life tests, the gun stood quite impressively to hit targets of distance with great accuracy. Within 10 meters of range, you can make precise and accurate shots with consistent results.
For target practicing, plinking, and short-range pest control, the air gun will suffice your needs well.
One of the most distinguishable features that this one comes with is that you can adjust its stock. It’s unusually impressive, the stock can be adjusted according to your comfort and preference. You will not have issues on the shoulder while targeting with the gun.
Both right and left-handed persons will find the stock comfortable to hold and rest on the shoulder. The quality of the stock is decent to withstand day to day usage without any issues.
To add more to the adjustability, it comes with a two-stage trigger that you can set as per your shooting style and preference. Great for shooting long distance with decent accuracy. The trigger is much easier to pull. Young and adult shooters will be able to pull it without much effort.
What I like most:
- Decent accuracy
- Adjustable stock
- Dual filling system
- Adjustable trigger
- Lightweight and easy to carry
What I Didn’t Like:
- Sights aren’t accurate more than 8 yards of distance
- Relatively overpriced
- Weak, and not for hunting
Things to Consider Before Buying
Whether you are getting a CO2 for temporary use or this is something that you are going to keep and want to get the most out of it, be sure to keep the following things in mind before you finalize your purchase.
Velocity
No matter whether you are to buy an original or replica model, the first thing that you should check is the velocity of the gun. This determines at what speed the pellet or other types of ammo can reach the target.
Air guns with more or less 500 FPS are considered lower-end models that are ideal for plinking, backyard fun, and low range target shooting.
700 FPS models are great for pest control, target shooting, and plinking as well. In most cases, these mid-end air rifles get the work done.
If your shooting purposes require more velocity to make sure the accuracy is uncompromised, go for a high-end model of 800 FPS or more. These are the ones to go for when it comes to hunting small games, long-range target shooting, as well as, pest control.
Cartridge Capacity
CO2 powered air guns use cartridges as a power source, which are known as compressed gas. Usually, these models come with a 12 gm of CO2 cartridge. You don’t need to refill it every time when you start a shooting session. 12 gm of capacity will allow you to shoot 50 shots on average before you need to refill again.
There are some guns that come with 90 gm of cartridges. These require much less refilling. Such cartridges easily last for 300 shots at least until the gun requires refilling.
Trigger
Regardless of the specs, your air gun comes with, triggers influence the overall shooting experience in both positive and negative ways.
Triggers are either of one stage action or two-stage action.
• Single Stage
Single-stage ones are ideal for plinking and similar purposes where you need to shoot quickly. This particular trigger system makes short-distance shooting very convenient and friendly.
• Two Stage
When shooting accuracy as well as precision is the requirement, look for an air gun that comes with a two-stage action trigger. You will get enough time to aim at the target, and shoot with great precision.
Some models come with an adjustable trigger mechanism that allows you to customize the trigger according to your preference and style.
Semi-Auto or Single-Shot
CO2-powered guns come in semi-auto and single-shot functions.
• Semi Auto
Semi-auto models self reload the next round of the pellet if you use a repeater. You can conveniently fire each round pulling the trigger every time. If you need something quick and fast, look for a semi-auto air gun. These perform great for pest control and plinking.
• Single Shot
Single-shot models, on the flip side, require to reload the gun every time before firing a pellet. Although these guns are less convenient, if you don’t want to spend much on an air gun, a single-shot air gun is the only option here.
Durability
If you are to take the rifle in the wild for hunting small game, make sure the construction is all-weather resistant. This will make sure your gun is durable enough to withstand impacts and abuses, and at the same time, the metal parts are rust and corrosion-resistant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding the CO2 air rifle:
1. What air rifle is better CO2 or spring?
As CO2 guns have a limited peek pressure, when it comes to real-life performance, spring air guns show more powerful performance and impacts on targets. However, compared to spring and multi-pump air rifles, co2 ones have fairly less recoil, this contributes to achieve a good accuracy.
2. Can a CO2 pellet gun kill?
Even though it seems that air guns are much less powerful than real guns, it can be deadly if a .22 caliber pellet directly hits the human eye and any soft part of the head.
3. Can a .177 pellet gun kill a deer?
Even if you use a .177 pellet in a 1200 FPS air rifle, still it won’t be able to kill any deer. Only the kinetic energy isn’t sufficient enough to penetrate that deep to impact the central nervous system.
So, don’t attempt with a pellet of this diameter. It will be brutal if you try so, and is illegal in most states.
4. Do air rifles need CO2?
Semi-automatic air rifles need CO2 as the main power source. This compressed gas allows you to fire the pellets at targets.
5. Will a pellet gun kill a rabbit?
Killing a rabbit only possible if you use a .177 cal pellet and shoot within 40 meters of shooting range. Anything beyond this range will wound the animal, which would be an irresponsible act.
Final Words
Hopefully, your search for the best CO2 air rifle has come to an end. First, determine your shooting purposes, then pursue a gun that meets the requirements. Don’t always go for a model with higher velocity. Some low-velocity models are also great for all-purposes short-range shooting.
