Airgun Ammo (BBs & Pellets)

Best Pellet Guns and Air Rifles

The best pellet guns are air rifles and air pistols that match the shooter's power plant preference, caliber needs, and intended use, whether pest control, small game hunting, target shooting, or backyard plinking. Pellet guns use 4 power plant types: spring-piston, gas piston, Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP), and carbon dioxide (CO2). Caliber choices include .177 (4.5 mm), .22 (5.5 mm), and .25 (6.35 mm), and prices range from under $100 to over $1,000. This guide covers power plant selection, caliber differences, top pellet gun models by category, pellet types, and hunting tips.

What Power Plant Should a Pellet Gun Use?

A pellet gun power plant determines how the rifle compresses and releases air to propel the pellet, and 4 power plant types suit different shooting needs:

• Spring-piston: a coiled steel spring drives a piston to compress air when the shooter cocks the barrel or lever, producing 600 to 1,300 feet per second (fps) (183 to 396 m/s) in .22 caliber
• Gas piston: a nitrogen-filled gas cylinder replaces the coiled spring for smoother cocking and less vibration, producing similar velocities to spring-piston models
• PCP: a reservoir of compressed air at 2,000 to 4,500 psi (138 to 310 bar) fires multiple shots per fill with consistent velocity and low recoil
• CO2: a 12-gram CO2 cartridge powers 40 to 60 shots at 350 to 700 fps (107 to 213 m/s), suited for plinking and target practice

Which Power Plant Is Best for Beginners?

A break-barrel spring-piston or gas piston pellet gun is the best power plant for beginners, because the rifle needs no external air source, no CO2 cartridges, and cocks with one barrel stroke. The Gamo Swarm Bone Collector GEN3i .22 cal and the Ruger Targis Hunter Max .22 both use gas piston power and cost under $300.

Which Power Plant Is Best for Hunting?

A PCP air rifle is the best power plant for small game hunting, because PCP rifles deliver consistent shot-to-shot velocity, low recoil, and quiet operation. The Benjamin Marauder .22 PCP and the Umarex Gauntlet 2 .25 PCP both fire 40 to 60 shots per fill and hold sub-1-inch groups at 25 yards (23 m).

What Caliber Is Best for a Pellet Gun?

The best pellet gun caliber depends on the intended target and shooting distance, and 3 calibers cover all common uses:

• .177 caliber (4.5 mm): highest velocity, flattest trajectory, best for target shooting, 10-meter competition, and plinking with pellets weighing 7 to 10 grains (0.45 to 0.65 g)
• .22 caliber (5.5 mm): best balance of velocity and energy for pest control and small game, with pellets weighing 14 to 21 grains (0.91 to 1.36 g)
• .25 caliber (6.35 mm): highest energy per shot, best for medium pest control and larger small game, with pellets weighing 25 to 43 grains (1.62 to 2.79 g)

Is .177 or .22 Better for Small Game?

.22 caliber is better for small game, because the heavier pellet delivers 30 to 50 percent more energy at impact than a .177 pellet at the same velocity. A .22 caliber pellet at 800 fps (244 m/s) produces approximately 20 foot-pounds of energy (27 J), while a .177 pellet at the same velocity produces approximately 12 foot-pounds (16 J). The extra energy ensures clean kills on squirrels, rabbits, and rats at 25 to 50 yards (23 to 46 m).

Best Spring-Piston and Gas Piston Pellet Guns

Spring-piston and gas piston pellet guns are single-cock break-barrel or underlever rifles that store energy in a spring or gas ram, then release compressed air in one stroke. The 4 best spring and gas piston pellet guns for small game and pest control are listed below.

Gamo Swarm Bone Collector GEN3i .22 Cal

The Gamo Swarm Bone Collector GEN3i is a gas piston break-barrel .22 caliber air rifle with 10X Quick-Shot inertia-fed magazine technology and Whisper Fusion noise reduction. The rifle fires at 1,100 fps (335 m/s) with alloy pellets, includes a 3-9x40 scope, and features an adjustable Custom Action Trigger (CAT). The 10-shot magazine reloads with each barrel break, and the Whisper Fusion shroud reduces muzzle noise by up to 89 percent compared to a bare barrel.

Gamo Swarm Viper 10X GEN3i .22 Cal

The Gamo Swarm Viper 10X GEN3i is a gas piston .22 caliber air rifle that fires at 1,300 fps (396 m/s) with alloy pellets and shares the 10X Quick-Shot magazine system. The Viper includes a 4x32 scope, an adjustable CAT trigger, and a synthetic stock. The higher velocity makes the Viper suited for longer-range pest control at 30 to 50 yards (27 to 46 m).

Stoeger S4000-E .22 Cal

The Stoeger S4000-E is a gas piston .22 caliber break-barrel air rifle with an integrated S3 suppressor that reduces noise and muzzle blast. The rifle fires at 1,200 fps (366 m/s) with alloy pellets, has an adjustable 2-stage trigger, and includes a 4x32 scope. The S3 suppressor makes the S4000-E one of the quietest break-barrel air rifles in the .22 caliber class.

Ruger Targis Hunter Max .22 Cal

The Ruger Targis Hunter Max is a gas piston .22 caliber break-barrel air rifle with a SilencAir 5-chamber noise dampener and an adjustable 2-stage trigger. The rifle fires at 800 fps (244 m/s) with lead pellets, includes a 3-9x32 scope, and has an all-weather synthetic stock. The lower velocity compared to 1,000+ fps models produces less recoil and improves accuracy with heavy lead pellets.

Best PCP Pellet Guns for Hunting

PCP pellet guns are multi-shot repeaters powered by a compressed air reservoir that delivers 40 to 100+ shots per fill at consistent velocity. PCP air rifles require a hand pump, compressor, or carbon fiber tank for filling.

Benjamin Marauder .22 PCP

The Benjamin Marauder is the best overall PCP pellet gun for small game, with an 8-shot rotary magazine, a 2-stage adjustable trigger (the Crosman Custom Shop trigger), and a shrouded barrel for quiet operation. The Marauder fires at 1,000 fps (305 m/s) in .22 caliber, fills to 2,000 to 3,000 psi (138 to 207 bar), and delivers approximately 30 to 40 shots per fill. The rifle is available in synthetic and wood stock configurations and costs $400 to $550.

Umarex Gauntlet 2 .25 PCP

The Umarex Gauntlet 2 is a regulated .25 caliber PCP air rifle with a high shot count, fully moderated barrel, and an adjustable regulator. The rifle fires at 980 fps (299 m/s) with .25 caliber pellets, holds 8 rounds in a rotary magazine, and delivers 40 to 60 regulated shots per fill at 4,500 psi (310 bar). The .25 caliber configuration produces approximately 50 foot-pounds of energy (68 J), suited for squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons.

Hatsan FlashPup QE .22 PCP

The Hatsan FlashPup QE is a compact bullpup .22 caliber PCP air rifle with a Quiet Energy (QE) integrated suppressor and a 14-shot magazine. The rifle fires at 970 fps (296 m/s), fills to 2,900 psi (200 bar), and delivers 30+ shots per fill. The bullpup layout shortens the overall length to 27.2 inches (691 mm), making the FlashPup easy to carry through dense brush.

Beeman Commodore-S .22 PCP

The Beeman Commodore-S is a regulated underlever bullpup PCP air rifle with a 10-shot magazine, a 4x32 scope, and a synthetic stock. The rifle fires at 700 to 880 fps (213 to 268 m/s) in .22 caliber and costs under $260, making the Commodore-S the lowest-cost regulated PCP on this list. The underlever cocking action works for both left-handed and right-handed shooters.

Best Multi-Pump Pellet Guns

Multi-pump pellet guns are variable-power air rifles that let the shooter adjust muzzle energy by changing the number of pump strokes, typically 3 to 10 pumps per shot. Multi-pump air rifles need no external air supply and no CO2 cartridges.

Benjamin 397S .177 Variable Pump

The Benjamin 397S is a single-shot .177 caliber multi-pump air rifle that fires at up to 1,100 fps (335 m/s) at 8 pumps. The rifle has a brass barrel, a hardwood stock, and iron sights. The 397S weighs 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) and suits pest control and target shooting at 10 to 30 yards (9 to 27 m).

Seneca Dragonfly MK2 .22 Multi-Pump

The Seneca Dragonfly MK2 is a .22 caliber multi-pump air rifle with a rifled steel barrel and a bolt-action loading system. The rifle fires at up to 800 fps (244 m/s) and produces approximately 15 foot-pounds of energy (20 J) at full pumps, suited for backyard pest control and squirrel hunting at distances under 35 yards (32 m).

Best CO2 Pellet Guns

CO2 pellet guns use 12-gram CO2 cartridges that power 40 to 60 shots at 350 to 700 fps (107 to 213 m/s) with no pumping or cocking. CO2 velocity drops in temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).

Diana Chaser CO2 Rifle Kit .177 Cal

The Diana Chaser CO2 kit converts between a pistol and a rifle configuration with a detachable buttstock and barrel extension. The .177 caliber Chaser fires at 460 fps (140 m/s) in pistol form and up to 590 fps (180 m/s) with the rifle barrel. The kit costs under $85 and suits indoor target shooting and light plinking.

Crosman 1077 FreeStyle .177 CO2

The Crosman 1077 FreeStyle is a semi-automatic .177 caliber CO2 air rifle with a 12-shot rotary magazine. The rifle fires at 625 fps (190 m/s), uses one 12-gram CO2 cartridge for approximately 50 shots, and costs under $100. The semi-automatic action makes the 1077 one of the fastest-firing CO2 air rifles for plinking and target practice.

Best Pellet Types for Hunting and Target Shooting

Pellet guns fire 4 main pellet shapes, and each shape suits a different purpose:

• Domed (round nose): best all-around pellet for hunting and field use, with high ballistic coefficient for long-range accuracy
• Hollow point: expands on impact for maximum energy transfer on small game
• Pointed: penetrates deeply for pest control
• Wadcutter (flat head): punches clean holes in paper targets for 10-meter competition scoring

Which Pellet Weight Is Best?

The best pellet weight depends on the caliber and power plant. In .22 caliber, 14.3 to 18.1 grain (0.93 to 1.17 g) domed pellets suit spring-piston and gas piston rifles, and 18 to 25 grain (1.17 to 1.62 g) domed pellets suit PCP rifles with higher air volume. Heavier pellets fly slower but retain energy better at distance and resist wind drift.

Tips for Hunting Small Game With Pellet Guns

Small game hunting with pellet guns requires 5 practices: caliber selection, shot placement, range estimation, pellet matching, and stealth. Use .22 caliber or larger for squirrels and rabbits, aim for the head or the area behind the front shoulder, limit shots to distances where the rifle holds sub-1-inch groups, match the pellet weight to the power plant, and use a quiet rifle with a suppressor or shroud to avoid spooking nearby game. Shooters who prefer big bore airguns for larger game can compare 50 cal air rifles for deer and hog hunting, and those who want a CO2-powered sidearm can browse CO2 pistol power sources for cartridges and accessories.