Varmint Hunting Air Rifles

Air rifle hunting can be an effective, humane method of pest control. Using air guns, hunting varmints can be accomplished without resorting to the use of traditional firearms. When selecting a hunting air gun or pellet rifle, look for high velocity (at least 700 FPS in a .22 cal, or 950 FPS in a .177 cal) and be sure to select a pellet gun, not a bb gun. This will provide maximum take down power with the minimum number of shots needed to kill quickly and humanely. Pellets are also much more accurate because of their aerodynamic shape.

We often get phone calls and emails asking us what the best air rifle is for varmint hunting (varmints include larger animals such as raccoons, jack rabbits and other animals that weigh more than 6 pounds). If you are hunting smaller varmints and pests, please see our recommendations for small pest control. For varmints over 6 lbs, we recommend using a .22 caliber high power air rifle simply because a .22 cal pellet delivers much more knock down power than a .177 cal pellet. At closer ranges, choose a hollow point pellet. At longer ranges, use a pointed or domed pellet for greater accuracy. To further increase your accuracy during your hunting experience, we suggest you attach an air rifle scope to your gun.