5 Best 22 Air Rifles For Raccoons of 2026 With Humane Stopping Power

1

Crosman Optimus Air Rifle (.22) with Scope

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• ARS Mark

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  8.6
• Brand
  Crosman

Key specs2

Optic Configuration

Bundled factory scope

Pest Control Readiness

The .22 caliber bore accepts heavier hunting pellets needed for raccoon dispatch, but verify exact muzzle velocity and foot-pound energy on the product listing to confirm decisive skull penetration.

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Dedicated .22 caliber platform accommodates hunting pellets suited for nuisance raccoon control
• Bundled scope package eliminates the need to source an aftermarket optic separately
• Self-contained airgun format requires no external air tanks, hand pumps, or fill probes

Cons

• Velocity and muzzle energy ratings are unstated in the listing and require verification before targeting tough pests
• Single-shot operation limits quick follow-up shots if the first placement is off
• Action type and cocking resistance are not specified in the product listing

2

Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i Inertia Fed .22 Caliber Break

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  8.4
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs3

Action and Feeding

10-shot inertia-fed break barrel

Maximum Velocity

1,300 fps factory rating

Follow-Up Speed

The 10-shot auto-loading mechanism chambers another .22 pellet each time you cock the barrel, giving you fast secondary shots if a nocturnal raccoon moves after the initial strike.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Inertia-fed 10-shot magazine allows immediate follow-up shots without manual single-pellet loading
• Listed 1,300 fps velocity provides high-speed pellet delivery for nuisance animal control
• Break barrel powerplant operates independently without high-pressure hand pumps or charging tanks
• Built on a dedicated .22 caliber platform designed for small game and pest removal

Cons

• High-velocity break barrel spring action creates two-way recoil that requires secure scope ring mounting
• Break-barrel cocking resistance can cause shooter fatigue during repeated magazine cycles
• Listed 1,300 fps benchmark reflects lightweight alloy pellets rather than heavier lead hunting rounds

3

Gamo Urban PCP Air Rifle, 22 Caliber, Black

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  8.4
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs2

Powerplant Type

Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP)

Recoil and Sight Stability

Because the pre-charged pneumatic system releases compressed air without spring-piston movement, it avoids the harsh bi-directional recoil that frequently knocks zero out of standard rifle scopes.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Pre-charged pneumatic powerplant generates recoil-free firing to protect optic zero
• Dedicated .22 caliber bore accommodates heavy lead pellets for humane pest dispatch
• PCP mechanism eliminates the heavy physical cocking stroke of standard break-barrel rifles
• Discreet black synthetic styling blends into low-light backyard pest control environments

Cons

• Requires an external high-pressure charging source like a PCP hand pump or scuba compressor
• Maximum fill pressure, shot count per fill, and muzzle energy are unstated and must be verified
• Scope and mounting hardware are not listed as included in the basic package

4

Barra 1100z PCP Rifle air Rifle

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  7.4
• Brand
  Barra

Key specs2

Air Delivery System

Pre-charged pneumatic platform

Pre-Purchase Verification

• Confirm .22 caliber configuration on product page
• Verify required air reservoir operating PSI
• Check whether fill probe and magazine are bundled

Pros & cons33

Pros

• PCP air tank configuration provides smooth, virtually recoil-free shooting cycles
• Eliminates spring-piston barrel cocking effort for steady, rested bench or fence shooting
• Platform supports repeatable shot delivery without violent internal spring vibration

Cons

• Exact caliber is not specified in the product title and must be confirmed as .22 before ordering
• Demands specialized high-pressure air filling equipment to charge the pneumatic reservoir
• Velocity, air tank capacity, and included magazine specs must be checked on the product page

5

Barra 1100z PCP Rifle air Rifle

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  7.4
• Brand
  Barra

Key specs2

Backyard Handling

The PCP design does not require breaking open a heavy barrel between rounds, allowing you to maintain a steady aim from a window sill or fence rest while waiting for nighttime nuisance animals.

Hardware Requirements

• Requires high-pressure PCP charging equipment
• Check listing for included scope rail type
• Verify barrel caliber before selecting hunting ammo

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Pre-charged pneumatic operation delivers vibration-free firing to preserve sight alignment
• Pneumatic reservoir system removes physical cocking strain between shots
• PCP design allows shooting from shooting rests or sandbags without barrel-break movement

Cons

• Listing does not confirm caliber, requiring buyers to verify .22 chambering for raccoon control
• Requires dedicated high-pressure air support such as a hand pump or fill tank
• Muzzle velocity, foot-pound energy, and bundled accessories are unstated in the listing

Last update on 2026-10-07 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Does a .22 caliber air rifle have enough power to humanely drop a raccoon?

Yes, provided the rifle generates sufficient muzzle velocity and you maintain pinpoint shot placement. Raccoons possess dense skulls and thick muscle tissue, meaning underpowered rifles risk wounding the animal rather than delivering a decisive dispatch. High-power models like the Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i produce a listed 1,300 fps velocity to drive pellets deep into vital zones. For other models, check the manufacturer velocity ratings and confirm that your setup groups consistently at your required distance before addressing nuisance pests.

Should you choose a multi-shot break barrel or a PCP air rifle for raccoon control?

The choice depends on whether you prefer self-contained simplicity or rapid, recoilless follow-up shots. A break-barrel repeater like the Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i uses an inertia-fed 10-shot magazine, giving you quick follow-ups with just a barrel cock and no external air tanks. In contrast, pre-charged pneumatic models like the Gamo Urban PCP and Barra 1100z PCP rifle run on pressurized air reservoirs, eliminating cocking resistance and heavy recoil between shots. If you need quiet repeat shots around chicken coops without working a heavy barrel hinge, a PCP model excels, though you must factor in an external pump or compressor to fill the tank.

How quiet is a .22 air rifle when dispatching raccoons in a backyard at night?

Noise output depends on the rifle powerplant and whether the barrel includes built-in sound moderation. High-velocity break barrels generate both mechanical piston noise and a sharp muzzle report, especially when pushing lightweight pellets close to maximum speeds. Pre-charged pneumatic rifles like the Gamo Urban PCP operate without spring slap, producing a muted report that stays far more discreet during night pest control. Check your local municipal ordinances regarding property pest control, and verify whether the rifle includes integrated baffling if keeping quiet around neighbors is your top priority.

Why does spring piston recoil cause air rifle scopes to lose zero?

Spring and piston actions produce a violent, two-way recoil stroke that can loosen mounting screws and shift standard firearm optics. This forward and backward motion places unique stress on scope reticles and ring clamps during repetitive cocking cycles. Package models like the Crosman Optimus arrive with a matching scope designed to handle airgun recoil characteristics directly out of the box. To protect your zero between pest control sessions, check that your mounting hardware is tightened evenly and confirm the scope stays seated firmly against the receiver rail.

Can you hunt raccoons using steel BBs instead of .22 caliber pellets?

No, steel BBs should never be used for dispatching raccoons. Smooth steel BBs cannot expand, shed velocity rapidly, and lack the weight needed to penetrate dense bone humanely. Dedicated tactical air rifles for pest control feature rifled barrels engineered specifically for .22 caliber pellets that grip the rifling for predictable accuracy and deep tissue penetration. While CO2 BB guns work well for casual target practice and plinking, humane raccoon control strictly demands dedicated hunting pellets driven by high-velocity air power.