Bestairriflescopes.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

10 Best 22 Cal Air Rifles For Hunting - (2026 Updated)

by 
Donald Whiteley
  May 4, 2023 12:39 PM

There are so many good deals on air rifles for hunting these days that it's hard to know where to start. Our article discusses the best 22 cal air rifles for hunting and what features you should be looking for.

Hunting with a rifle is an experience that can be enjoyed by both novice and experienced hunters alike. However, it is important to choose the right air rifle for your hunting needs in order to make the most of your outing. Air rifles come in a variety of calibers, styles and prices, so it is important to select the perfect one for you. Here are some tips on choosing the best 22 caliber air rifle for hunting:

- Choose an air rifle that is accurate and durable. An accurate air rifle will shoot straighter targets, while a durable air rifle should last through many hunts without breaking down.

- Consider the style of hunting you plan on doing. A varmint hunter may want an air rifle with a shorter barrel that is easier to handle, while a big game hunter may want an air rifle with a longer barrel that delivers more power.

- Select an air rifle based on your budget and shooting experience. A higher end air rifle will typically cost more but be more accurate and powerful than cheaper models, while lower end models are usually less accurate but cheaper alternatives.

1
Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i Inertia Fed .22 Caliber Break Barrel air Rifle. High Power 10-Shot Pellet air Gun. 1,300 fps Velocity.
Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i Inertia Fed .22 Caliber Break
View on Amazon
  • ARS Mark

    ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    Gamo
  • ✅ [Gamo's Quietest Air Rifle Technology] Whisper Fusion noise dampening technology. The quietest Gamo noise reduction technology
  • ✅ [Inertia Fed] 10X GEN3i technology includes our revolutionary horizontal inertia fed magazine integration  more
2
Benjamin Akela BPA22W .22-Caliber PCP-Powered Multi-Shot Side Lever Hunting Air Rifle, Bullpup
Benjamin Akela BPA22W .22-Caliber PCP-Powered Multi-Shot Side Lever Hunting Air
View on Amazon
  • ARS Mark

    ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.2
  • Brand
    Benjamin
  • 12-SHOT ROTARY MAGAZINE - Scope not included
  • TURKISH WALNUT STOCK - Balanced, adjustable cheek piece  more
3
Benjamin Armada BTAP22SX PCP-Powered Multi-Shot Bolt Action .22-Caliber Pellet Hunting And Target Air Rifle With 4-16x50 mm Riflescope , Black
Benjamin Armada BTAP22SX PCP-Powered Multi-Shot Bolt Action .22-Caliber Pellet Hunting
View on Amazon
  • ARS Mark

    ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.8
  • Brand
    Benjamin
  • REVERSIBLE BOLT-ACTION - For right and left-handed sportsmen.
  • MACHINED RECEIVER AND 5-INCH PICATINNY RAIL - Add your favorite accessories.  more
4
Gamo Swarm Magnum, Multi-Shot Air Rifle (.22 Caliber Shrouded with Pellet Pen)
Gamo Swarm Magnum, Multi-Shot Air Rifle (.22 Caliber Shrouded with
View on Amazon
  • ARS Mark

    ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Gamo
  • Recoil Reducing Rail (RRR) maximizes scope lifespan with 99.9% recoil compensation
  • Includes 3-9x40 scope and Air Venturi Pellet Pen  more
5
Gamo 611006325554 Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle .22 Cal
Gamo 611006325554 Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle .22 Cal
View on Amazon
  • ARS Mark

    ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Gamo
  • 5 YEAR WARRANTY. Made in Spain
  • Powerful, quiet, accurate. Thanks to the IGT MACH 1 gas piston that delivers higher muzzle velocity, less vibration, and smoother cocking. It also features the Whisper Fusion technology, the quietest noise reduction technology patented by Gamo.  more
6
Benjamin Marauder BP22SAW .22-Caliber Pellet Semi-Automatic PCP-Powered Multi-Shot Bolt Action Hunting Air Rifle
Benjamin Marauder BP22SAW .22-Caliber Pellet Semi-Automatic PCP-Powered Multi-Shot Bolt Action
View on Amazon
  • ARS Mark

    ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    6.6
  • Brand
    Benjamin
  • HARDWOOD STOCK - Balanced, adjustable raised comb cheek piece
  • RIFLED STEEL BARREL - With integrated resonance dampener  more
7
Hatsan Mod 95 Spring Combo Spring Piston Air Rifle, .22 Caliber
Hatsan Mod 95 Spring Combo Spring Piston Air Rifle, .22
View on Amazon
  • ARS Mark

    ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Hatsan
  • .22 caliber; Single shot; Break barrel; Spring piston; Quattro Trigger - 2-stage fully adjustable match trigger
  • High quality, genuine Turkish walnut stock – with ambidextrous design; Precision rifled German steel barrel  more
8
Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X GEN3i Inertia Fed .22 Caliber Break Barrel air Rifle. High Power 10-Shot Pellet air Gun. 1,000 fps Velocity.
Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X GEN3i Inertia Fed .22 Caliber Break
View on Amazon
  • ARS Mark

    ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    Gamo
  • ✅ [Gas Piston Power] The IGT Gas Piston replaces the standard spring power plant with an Inert Gas Cylinder
  • ✅ [High Powered Air Rifle] Up to 1,000 FPS with alloy .22 Cal. Pellets  more
9
Gamo 611006875554 Swarm Whisper Air Rifle, .22 Caliber,Black
Gamo 611006875554 Swarm Whisper Air Rifle, .22 Caliber,Black
View on Amazon
  • ARS Mark

    ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Gamo
  • The Whisper Technology makes this gun really quiet, and you will appreciate the reduced recoil thanks to the buttpad equipped with the Shock Wave Absorber
  • The GAMO Swarm Whisper Air Rifle features the IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston that allows higher velocity, less vibration and a longer lifespan than traditional spring powered airguns  more
10
Benjamin Cayden BPC22W .22-Caliber PCP-Powered Multi-Shot Side Lever Hunting Air Rifle
Benjamin Cayden BPC22W .22-Caliber PCP-Powered Multi-Shot Side Lever Hunting Air
View on Amazon
  • ARS Mark

    ARS Mark is a ranking system developed by bestairriflescopes.com. ARS Mark has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.4
  • Brand
    Benjamin
  • PCP-POWERED .22-CALIBER AIR RIFLE - From the Craftsman Collection by Benjamin
  • UP TO 60 SHOTS PER FILL AT 3000 PSI - Delivers pellets up to 1000 fps with 32 fpe  more

Last update on 2023-05-04 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Buyng Guides

What is the most important criteria when buying_When you are looking for the best 22 cal air rifles for hunting, there are a few things you can do to make sure you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Benjamin Akela BPA22W .22-Caliber PCP-Powered Multi-Shot Side Lever Hunting Air Rifle, Bullpup

Find out more: Best Gamo Air Rifle For Squirrels 

1. A rifle that is accurate up to 150 yards can make all the difference in taking down game humanely.

2. Make sure the rifle's cartridge is powerful enough to kill your target quickly and humanely.

3. Is the gun easy to use and maintain? Because weather conditions and firearm handling can affect accuracy, any air rifle should be easy to operate regardless of its range or power.

4. Perceived noise levels are also important when hunting with an air rifle; some hunters find rifles with lower dB ratings more comfortable than those with higher decibels.

5. A folding stock may be desirable for certain hunters because it allows them to conserve valuable shooting space in tight quarters, or because it makes the gun easier to transport and mount on a vehicle or stand.

Explore further:

4.3
3 ratings
Donald Whiteley
WRITTEN BY
Donald Whiteley
I'm a huge sports and hunting fan, and I love sharing my knowledge and experiences with others. I'm an editor for bestairriflescopes.com, Sports and Hunting Reviews, to do just that - share my love of sports and hunting with the world.