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Choosing the best air rifle for hunting requires matching your gun to your quarry. Whether you’re after squirrels, rabbits, or larger predators like coyotes, the right combination of caliber, power, and accuracy makes all the difference between a clean, humane harvest and a frustrating day in the field.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best hunting air rifles by game type, helping you choose the perfect rifle for your needs in 2025.
Quick Summary: Best Hunting Air Rifles by Game
| Game Type | Recommended Rifle | Caliber | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrels, Birds, Pests | Benjamin Marauder | .22 | ~32 ft-lbs |
| Rabbits, Larger Squirrels | Air Venturi Avenger | .25 | ~47 ft-lbs |
| Raccoons, Foxes | AirForce Texan SS | .30 | ~100 ft-lbs |
| Coyotes, Hogs | Umarex Hammer | .50 | ~700 ft-lbs |
Small Game Hunting: Squirrels, Birds, and Pests
For small game hunting, you need an air rifle that’s accurate, quiet, and produces enough energy for clean kills at typical hunting distances (20-50 yards). A .177 or .22 caliber rifle producing 12-35 ft-lbs is ideal.
Benjamin Marauder – Best for Small Game
The Benjamin Marauder has been the go-to small game air rifle for over a decade, and for good reason. It’s whisper-quiet (essential for not spooking nearby game), extremely accurate, and powerful enough for squirrels and rabbits out to 50+ yards.
Why it’s great for hunting:
- Shrouded barrel makes it nearly silent – won’t scare off other game
- 10-shot rotary magazine for quick follow-up shots
- Adjustable two-stage trigger for precise shot placement
- Available in .177, .22, and .25 calibers
- ~32 ft-lbs in .22 caliber – plenty for squirrels and rabbits
Medium Game: Rabbits and Larger Pests
When targeting larger rabbits, groundhogs, or raccoons, you’ll want to step up to .25 caliber with more energy. The heavier pellets retain energy better at distance and deliver more knockdown power.
Air Venturi Avenger – Best Value Hunting Rifle
The Air Venturi Avenger delivers premium performance at a budget price. In .25 caliber, it produces approximately 47 ft-lbs of energy – enough for clean kills on rabbits, groundhogs, and similar-sized game.
Why hunters love it:
- Exceptional accuracy – sub-MOA capable with the right pellets
- Fully adjustable power – tune it for your specific hunting needs
- Regulated for consistent shot-to-shot velocity
- Very quiet with the shrouded barrel
- Incredible value under $400
Predator Hunting: Foxes, Raccoons, and Coyotes
For predator-sized game, you need serious power. Big bore air rifles in .30 caliber and larger can ethically take foxes, raccoons, and with the biggest bores, even coyotes and feral hogs.
AirForce Texan SS – Best for Predators
The AirForce Texan SS (Sound Suppressed) is a serious hunting tool. Available in calibers from .257 to .510, it can be configured for anything from fox to feral hog. The SS version includes a sound suppressor for reduced noise.
Hunting capabilities:
- Up to 500+ ft-lbs of energy in .457 caliber
- Effective range 75-100+ yards on predators
- Modular design – swap barrels for different calibers
- Sound suppressed for reduced noise signature
- Made in USA
Umarex Hammer – Most Powerful Production Air Rifle
The Umarex Hammer is the most powerful production air rifle in the world. At .50 caliber and 700+ ft-lbs of energy, it’s been used to take wild boar, deer (where legal), and large predators.
Big game capabilities:
- 700+ ft-lbs of muzzle energy
- 3-shot magazine – unique for big bores
- Regulated for consistent power across all shots
- Compact carbine version available
- Legal for deer hunting in many states
Choosing the Right Caliber for Hunting
| Caliber | Best For | Effective Range | Energy Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| .177 | Birds, pests, target | 30-40 yards | 12-20 ft-lbs |
| .22 | Squirrels, small rabbits | 40-50 yards | 20-35 ft-lbs |
| .25 | Rabbits, groundhogs | 50-60 yards | 35-60 ft-lbs |
| .30 | Raccoons, foxes | 60-80 yards | 60-120 ft-lbs |
| .357+ | Coyotes, hogs, deer | 75-100+ yards | 150-700+ ft-lbs |
Key Features for Hunting Air Rifles
1. Noise Level
A quiet rifle is essential for hunting. Loud guns spook nearby game and alert predators. Look for rifles with shrouded barrels or built-in moderators.
2. Shot Count
PCP rifles offer multiple shots per fill. For hunting, you want at least 20-30 usable shots before accuracy degrades. Regulated rifles maintain consistent velocity across the shot string.
3. Trigger Quality
A crisp, adjustable trigger helps with shot placement. Most quality hunting air rifles feature two-stage adjustable triggers.
4. Accuracy
Ethical hunting requires precise shot placement. Look for rifles capable of 1″ groups or better at your intended hunting distance.
Legal Considerations
Air rifle hunting regulations vary by state. Some states have minimum caliber or energy requirements, season restrictions, or prohibit air rifles for certain game entirely. Always check your local regulations before hunting with an air rifle.
Several states now allow big bore air rifles for deer hunting, including Texas, Missouri, and others. The Umarex Hammer and AirForce Texan meet or exceed these requirements.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best air rifle for hunting comes down to matching your rifle to your intended game. For small game like squirrels and rabbits, the Benjamin Marauder or Air Venturi Avenger are excellent choices. For larger predators, step up to the AirForce Texan or Umarex Hammer.
Whatever you choose, practice regularly, know your effective range, and always prioritize clean, ethical shots. Happy hunting!
Last updated: November 2025
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