Last updated: December 2026
Looking for the best backyard air rifle in 2026? Whether you live in the suburbs, have close neighbors, or simply want to practice shooting without driving to a range, choosing the right airgun makes all the difference. The wrong rifle can annoy neighbors, violate local ordinances, and turn your peaceful shooting sessions into neighborhood drama.
The right quiet air rifle lets you plink, practice, or dispatch pests without anyone knowing you’re shooting. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about selecting a suburban air rifle—from decibel comparisons and power considerations to safe backstop setups and the five best quiet air rifles we recommend for backyard use in 2026.
Why Noise Matters for Backyard Shooting
When shooting in your backyard, noise isn’t just about comfort—it’s about being a responsible neighbor and staying legal. Many residential areas have noise ordinances, and even where airgun shooting is legal, consistently loud shots can lead to complaints, police visits, and strained relationships with the people who live next door.
The good news? Modern air rifles can be incredibly quiet. The best quiet pellet guns produce less noise than a car door closing. But there’s a wide range of sound levels in the airgun world, and understanding these differences is crucial for successful backyard air rifle shooting.
Understanding Decibel Levels in Air Rifles
Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and the scale is logarithmic—every 10 dB increase represents roughly a doubling of perceived loudness. Here’s how common air rifles compare to everyday sounds:
| Sound Source | Decibel Level | Backyard Suitable? |
|---|---|---|
| Normal conversation | 60-65 dB | — |
| Quiet CO2 rifles (Crosman 1077) | 68-72 dB | ✓ Excellent |
| Suppressed PCP rifles (Marauder) | 70-75 dB | ✓ Excellent |
| Shrouded PCP rifles (Gauntlet 2) | 73-78 dB | ✓ Excellent |
| Car door closing | 75-80 dB | — |
| Suppressed gas piston (Whisper Fusion) | 80-88 dB | ○ Moderate |
| Unsuppressed spring/gas piston rifles | 92-100 dB | ✗ Too loud |
| Magnum springers (Hatsan 125) | 100-110 dB | ✗ Too loud |
For comfortable backyard shooting where neighbors won’t notice, aim for rifles producing under 80 dB. This is roughly equivalent to normal household sounds that won’t draw attention or complaints.
Power vs. Noise: The Tradeoff You Need to Understand
Here’s the fundamental truth about backyard air rifle selection: more power generally means more noise. A rifle pushing a pellet to 1,000+ FPS will almost always be louder than one shooting at 600 FPS. This creates a practical decision for backyard shooters.
The noise in an air rifle comes from several sources:
-
Muzzle blast: Air escaping the barrel makes noise—more air at higher pressure = more noise
-
Mechanical noise: Spring and gas piston rifles have significant internal noise from the powerplant
-
Pellet crack: Pellets exceeding ~1,100 FPS break the sound barrier, creating a loud “crack”
For backyard use, the sweet spot is typically rifles producing 12-20 foot-pounds of energy with velocities under 950 FPS. This provides enough power for accurate target shooting and pest control while staying quiet enough for suburban use. If you’re specifically focused on eliminating rats, squirrels, or other backyard pests, see our guide to the best air rifles for pest control for power requirements matched to specific pest types.
Pro Tip: Avoid Supersonic Velocities
Regardless of suppressor or shroud, pellets traveling faster than the speed of sound (~1,125 FPS at sea level) will produce a loud crack that nothing can silence. For quiet shooting, keep velocities subsonic. This typically means choosing .22 caliber (naturally slower than .177) or using heavier pellets that keep velocities below the sound barrier.
Best Air Rifles for Backyard Shooting (2026)
1. Benjamin Marauder (~$550) – The Whisper-Quiet Gold Standard
The Benjamin Marauder has earned its legendary status as one of the quietest production air rifles ever made. Its fully shrouded barrel contains a series of baffles that reduce the muzzle report to barely a whisper—many owners describe the loudest sound as the hammer falling, not the shot itself.
For backyard air rifle use, the Marauder is nearly unbeatable. At 10-15 yards, the sound of pellet impact on a target is often louder than the rifle’s report. Neighbors a fence away will never know you’re shooting. This makes it perfect for early morning pest control or late-evening practice sessions.
Beyond being quiet, the Marauder delivers exceptional accuracy. The adjustable two-stage trigger can be tuned to match-rifle crispness, and the regulated air system provides consistent velocity shot after shot. In .22 caliber, it produces approximately 25-30 foot-pounds of energy—more than enough for pest control and small game.
The rifle holds 10 rounds in its rotary magazine and delivers roughly 32 shots per fill at full power. The synthetic stock version keeps weight manageable, while the wood stock variant adds traditional aesthetics for those who prefer classic styling.
Key Specifications:
-
Caliber: .177, .22, or .25
-
Velocity: ~1,000 FPS (.177) / ~850 FPS (.22) / ~700 FPS (.25)
-
Energy: ~25 FPE (.177) / ~30 FPE (.22) / ~32 FPE (.25)
-
Noise Level: ~70-75 dB (excellent)
-
Shots per Fill: ~32 (.22)
-
Magazine: 10-round rotary
-
Weight: 7.3 lbs (synthetic) / 8.2 lbs (wood)
Best For: Shooters who want the quietest possible operation and are willing to invest in premium quality. Ideal for suburban pest control, target practice at any hour, and shooters with close neighbors.
2. Umarex Gauntlet 2 (~$400) – Best Value Quiet PCP
The Umarex Gauntlet 2 delivers approximately 90% of the Benjamin Marauder’s performance at roughly 70% of the price, making it our top recommendation for budget-conscious backyard shooters. The fully shrouded barrel keeps noise levels impressively low—not quite Marauder-quiet, but close enough that most neighbors won’t notice.
The Gauntlet 2 improved significantly over the original Gauntlet with a better trigger, improved regulator, and enhanced build quality throughout. The rifle includes a built-in pressure gauge on the forearm, making fill monitoring easy, and its regulated action provides excellent shot-to-shot consistency.
In .22 caliber, the Gauntlet 2 produces around 28-30 foot-pounds of energy—serious power for a suburban rifle. The larger air reservoir delivers approximately 70 shots per fill, significantly more than the Marauder. This extended shot count means longer shooting sessions before needing to refill.
The adjustable two-stage trigger is surprisingly good for this price point, breaking cleanly and consistently. The synthetic stock is functional if not fancy, with a raised cheekpiece that promotes good sight alignment.
Key Specifications:
-
Caliber: .177, .22, or .25
-
Velocity: ~1,000 FPS (.177) / ~900 FPS (.22) / ~780 FPS (.25)
-
Energy: ~28 FPE (.177) / ~30 FPE (.22) / ~33 FPE (.25)
-
Noise Level: ~73-78 dB (excellent)
-
Shots per Fill: ~70 (.22)
-
Magazine: 10-round rotary
-
Weight: 8.5 lbs
Best For: Shooters who want excellent quiet operation without the Marauder’s price tag. Great for high-volume backyard shooting thanks to the extended shot count.
3. Crosman 1077 (~$80) – Best Budget-Friendly Quiet Air Rifle
Not everyone needs or wants to invest $400-500 in an air rifle for backyard plinking. The Crosman 1077 proves you don’t have to break the bank for quiet, enjoyable backyard shooting. This CO2-powered semi-automatic has been a backyard favorite for decades, and for good reason.
The 1077’s noise level is remarkably low—CO2 rifles are inherently quieter than spring-piston guns, and the 1077’s modest velocity (~625 FPS in .177) keeps things even quieter. At typical backyard distances, you’ll hear the 12-round rotary clip advance as clearly as the shot itself.
The semi-automatic action makes this rifle pure fun. Load a CO2 cartridge and a 12-round clip, and you’re ready for rapid-fire plinking. The double-action-only trigger is heavy, but you get used to it quickly. Accuracy is more than adequate for spinner targets, soda cans, and other backyard fun at 10-25 yards.
The tradeoff is power: at roughly 8-10 foot-pounds of energy, the 1077 is a pure plinker. It’s not suitable for pest control beyond the smallest pests at close range. But for pure shooting enjoyment on a budget, it’s hard to beat.
Key Specifications:
-
Caliber: .177
-
Velocity: ~625 FPS
-
Energy: ~8-10 FPE
-
Noise Level: ~68-72 dB (excellent)
-
Shots per CO2: ~50-60
-
Magazine: 12-round rotary
-
Action: Semi-automatic
-
Weight: 3.7 lbs
Best For: Budget-conscious shooters, backyard plinking, introducing new shooters to airguns, and anyone who wants quiet, fun shooting without significant investment. Also great as a secondary rifle when your PCP tank is empty.
4. Diana Stormrider (~$200) – Best Entry-Level Quiet PCP
The Diana Stormrider answers the question “what’s the cheapest way to get into quiet PCP shooting?” At around $200, it’s the most affordable PCP worth buying, and it comes with Diana’s reputation for quality barrels and solid construction.
The Stormrider produces moderate power—around 15-18 FPE in .22 caliber—which keeps velocities subsonic and noise levels low. While it lacks the full barrel shroud of more expensive PCPs, the moderate power means it’s still quite backyard-friendly. Expect noise levels slightly higher than the Marauder but well within acceptable suburban ranges.
The rifle uses a simple bolt-action mechanism with a 9-shot rotary magazine. The trigger is basic but serviceable, and accuracy is surprisingly good thanks to Diana’s excellent barrel quality. You’ll get approximately 30-40 shots per fill at consistent velocities before needing to refill.
The Stormrider is available with either a wood or synthetic stock. The wood stock version adds classic aesthetics, while the synthetic version keeps weight down and costs slightly less.
Key Specifications:
-
Caliber: .177 or .22
-
Velocity: ~900 FPS (.177) / ~700 FPS (.22)
-
Energy: ~14 FPE (.177) / ~18 FPE (.22)
-
Noise Level: ~75-80 dB (good)
-
Shots per Fill: ~30-40
-
Magazine: 9-round rotary
-
Weight: 5.0 lbs
Best For: Shooters who want to experience PCP air rifles without a large investment. Great entry point for those upgrading from springers who want quieter operation on a budget.
5. Gamo Whisper Fusion (~$200) – Best Quiet Break Barrel
What if you don’t want to deal with PCP fill equipment or CO2 cartridges? The Gamo Whisper Fusion offers the best combination of self-contained convenience and reduced noise in the break barrel category. Its dual-chamber Whisper Fusion suppressor technology significantly reduces report compared to unsuppressed springers.
The Whisper Fusion uses a gas piston powerplant, which is inherently quieter than coiled steel springs. Combined with the integrated suppressor, it produces approximately 80-88 dB—noticeably louder than a suppressed PCP but much quieter than typical break barrels that can hit 100+ dB.
Power is respectable at around 18-20 FPE in .22 caliber—enough for pest control and small game at reasonable ranges. The gas piston provides a smooth shooting cycle and can be left cocked without damage, useful for pest control situations.
The tradeoff is that you’ll need to master the artillery hold technique for consistent accuracy, as with any break barrel. And while quiet for its category, it’s not in the same league as a suppressed PCP. But for shooters who value complete self-sufficiency without external fill equipment, the Whisper Fusion offers the best noise reduction available in a self-contained package.
Key Specifications:
-
Caliber: .177 or .22
-
Velocity: ~1,000 FPS (.177) / ~750 FPS (.22)
-
Energy: ~18 FPE (.177) / ~20 FPE (.22)
-
Noise Level: ~80-88 dB (moderate)
-
Powerplant: Gas piston (IGT)
-
Suppressor: Dual Whisper Fusion technology
-
Weight: 6.6 lbs
Best For: Shooters who want self-contained simplicity without the noise of typical break barrels. Good for rural-suburban areas where some noise is acceptable, or for shooters who can’t or don’t want to deal with PCP fill equipment.
Backyard Air Rifle Comparison Table
| Model | Type | Noise Level | Power (FPE) | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Marauder | PCP | ~72 dB ⭐ | 30 | ~$550 | Amazon |
| Umarex Gauntlet 2 | PCP | ~75 dB | 30 | ~$400 | Amazon |
| Crosman 1077 | CO2 | ~70 dB ⭐ | 9 | ~$80 | Amazon |
| Diana Stormrider | PCP | ~78 dB | 18 | ~$200 | Amazon |
| Gamo Whisper Fusion | Gas Piston | ~84 dB | 20 | ~$200 | Amazon |
Setting Up a Safe Backyard Shooting Range
Even the quietest backyard air rifle requires a safe shooting setup. Here’s how to create a range that protects you, your neighbors, and your property.
Building an Effective Backstop
Your backstop is the most critical safety element. It must stop pellets completely and prevent ricochets. Here are proven backstop options:
-
Commercial Pellet Traps: Purpose-built metal traps with angled deflectors direct pellets safely into a collection chamber. Best for permanent setups.
-
Rubber Mulch Box: A wooden frame filled with rubber mulch (recycled tires) stops pellets reliably and is inexpensive to build. Use at least 12 inches of depth.
-
Stacked Telephone Books: Old-school but effective. Tape multiple phone books together for a surprisingly durable backstop.
-
Steel Plate at Angle: A thick steel plate angled at 45 degrees deflects pellets downward into the ground. Must be thick enough (1/4″+) to prevent pitting and ricochets.
What NOT to Use as a Backstop
Never shoot at hard surfaces that can cause ricochets: concrete, brick, rocks, or thin metal. Avoid wood alone—while it may stop some pellets, others will pass through or ricochet. And never use anything you can’t verify is safe—a missed pellet can travel hundreds of yards and cause serious injury or property damage.
Optimal Range Setup for Small Yards
For typical suburban backyards, here’s a practical setup:
-
Distance: 10-25 yards is ideal for most backyard shooting. Shorter distances are fine for practice.
-
Shooting Direction: Aim toward areas with the least neighbor exposure—ideally toward a fence, garage wall, or other structure that provides secondary containment.
-
Backdrop Height: Your backstop should extend at least 2 feet above and beside your target area to catch high or wide shots.
-
Ground Protection: Place a tarp or mat in front of your backstop to catch pellets that fall out of traps or deflect downward.
Neighbor Considerations and Shooting Etiquette
Being a good neighbor is essential for sustainable backyard air rifle enjoyment. Follow these guidelines:
Communication Matters
Consider talking to close neighbors before you start shooting. Explain what you’re doing, show them how quiet your rifle is, and assure them about your safety setup. Many people are curious and appreciative of being informed, and proactive communication prevents misunderstandings.
Timing Your Sessions
-
Best times: Mid-morning to early evening when normal outdoor noise is expected
-
Avoid: Very early morning, late evening, and quiet Sunday mornings when noise is more noticeable
-
Be aware: Outdoor gatherings, kids playing, and other neighbor activities—pause when attention might be drawn to you
Visual Privacy
Even legal, safe shooting can alarm neighbors who see it. Privacy fencing, strategic plantings, or shooting from a covered position keeps your hobby discreet and prevents unnecessary concerns.
Legal Considerations for Residential Air Rifle Use
Before setting up your backyard air rifle range, understand the legal landscape:
Check Local Ordinances
Air rifle laws vary dramatically by location. Some areas classify airguns like firearms with significant restrictions. Others have minimal regulation. Key areas to research:
-
City/county discharge ordinances (many prohibit any “firearm” discharge in city limits—definitions vary)
-
HOA restrictions (homeowners associations may prohibit shooting regardless of local law)
-
Noise ordinances (even if shooting is legal, noise complaints can cause problems)
-
Required distances from property lines, roads, and structures
Liability Considerations
You’re responsible for every pellet you fire. A stray shot that damages property or injures someone creates legal liability regardless of intent. Proper backstops and safe shooting practices aren’t optional—they’re essential protection for you and your neighbors.
Best Practice: When in Doubt, Ask
Contact your local police non-emergency line to ask about backyard air rifle shooting before you start. Getting clear guidance upfront prevents potential problems. Many officers are happy to explain local rules and may even have suggestions for safe setups.
Final Recommendations
Best Overall Backyard Air Rifle: Benjamin Marauder
For shooters who want the quietest possible operation combined with excellent accuracy and power, the Benjamin Marauder remains the gold standard. Its whisper-quiet report allows shooting at virtually any hour without neighbor awareness.
Best Value Quiet PCP: Umarex Gauntlet 2
The Gauntlet 2 delivers excellent quiet operation at a more accessible price point. Its extended shot count and solid accuracy make it a practical choice for regular backyard shooters.
Best Budget Choice: Crosman 1077
For pure backyard fun without significant investment, the semi-automatic Crosman 1077 delivers quiet, enjoyable shooting at a price anyone can afford. Perfect for casual plinking and new shooters.
Related Guides on PelletGuns101
Continue your air rifle research with these related guides:
-
Best Air Rifle Scopes Guide
With the right backyard air rifle and proper setup, you can enjoy years of quiet shooting practice without ever bothering your neighbors or worrying about legal issues. Choose wisely, set up safely, and happy shooting!
Disclosure: PelletGuns101.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our site and allows us to continue providing free airgun content and reviews.