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Top Rated Air Pistols: Best for Small Game Hunting in 2026

by 
Donald Whiteley
  Jun 9, 2023 2:08 PM

Ideal for sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts, the best air pistol for small game hunting can make all the difference in your outdoor adventure. We highlight the top choices that offer superior performance.

For anyone venturing into the exciting realm of small game hunting, choosing the right gear is crucial. It begins with the best air pistol for small game hunting. But what exactly should you look for in a top-quality air pistol? We explore this and much more in our comprehensive guide, ensuring that your next hunting expedition is nothing short of successful.

1
Benjamin Marauder BP2220X .22-Caliber PCP Air Pistol/ Rifle With Sight
Benjamin Marauder BP2220X .22-Caliber PCP Air Pistol/ Rifle With Sight
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  • ARS Mark

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    10.0
  • Brand
    Benjamin
  • ALL-WEATHER SYNTHETIC STOCK - With rifled steel barrel
  • BENJAMIN - A True Original  more
2
Crosman 2240 Bolt Action .22-Caliber CO2-Powered Pellet Air Pistol, Black
Crosman 2240 Bolt Action .22-Caliber CO2-Powered Pellet Air Pistol, Black
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  • ARS Mark

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    9.2
  • Brand
    Crosman
  • Single shot, bolt action
  • ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED GRIP - Ambidextrous, fits the hand for perfect balance  more
3
Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter Max .22 Pellet Rifle, Black
Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter Max .22 Pellet Rifle, Black
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  • ARS Mark

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    9.0
  • Brand
    Umarex
  • 3-9X32 scope with mounts
  • Automatic safety & silencair technology  more
4
Benjamin BPBD3KA Bulldog .357 PCP Hunting Rifle With Reversible Sidelever Bolt Action, Sportsman's Packgage, Black
Benjamin BPBD3KA Bulldog .357 PCP Hunting Rifle With Reversible Sidelever
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  • ARS Mark

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    9.0
  • Brand
    Benjamin
  • Baffle-less sound trap shroud for big bore sound suppression
  • Bullpup configuration, short 36 inch overall length  more
5
GAME FACE ASRGTH Electric Full/Semi-Auto Airsoft Submachine Gun With Battery And Charger, Black
GAME FACE ASRGTH Electric Full/Semi-Auto Airsoft Submachine Gun With Battery
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  • ARS Mark

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    9.0
  • Brand
    Game Face
  • Electronic full or semi auto
  • High capacity 800 round magazine  more
6
Gamo Swarm Magnum G2 .177, Multi
Gamo Swarm Magnum G2 .177, Multi
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    9.0
  • Brand
    Gamo
  • Up to 1,650 FPS with alloy .177 Cal. Pellets. Rapid Reload 10 Shot Technology Break Barrel Air Rifle
  • Whisper Fusion noise dampening technology. IGT Mach 1 gas piston. CAT (Custom Action Trigger) two-stage adjustable. Gamo 3-9x40 Scope included with Recoil Reducing Rail (RRR)  more
7
Umarex Hammer .50 Caliber PCP Pellet Gun Air Rifle
Umarex Hammer .50 Caliber PCP Pellet Gun Air Rifle
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    8.8
  • Brand
    Umarex
  • The most powerful production air rifle on the planet; Dumps a ton of energy into its target instead of carrying the energy with it through the target
  • Very quiet shooting; Includes two 2-shot linear mags; Straight pull bolt with a 2-pound pull weight and 2 inches of travel; Two safeties: mag lock-out (won't fire without mag) and trigger block safety  more
8
Umarex Walther PPQ .177 Caliber Pellet or BB Gun Air Pistol (2256010) , Black
Umarex Walther PPQ .177 Caliber Pellet or BB Gun Air
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  • ARS Mark

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    8.8
  • Brand
    Umarex
  • Adjustable rear sight and fixed blade front sight
  • Powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge (CO2 NOT included)  more
9
Bear River TPR 1300 Suppressed Hunting Air Rifle - .177 Airgun - Pellet Gun with Scope and Silencer Included
Bear River TPR 1300 Suppressed Hunting Air Rifle - .177
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  • ARS Mark

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    8.8
  • Brand
    Bear River
  • ACCURATELY HIT YOUR TARGETS WITH up to 1,300 FPS and an 18” Rifled Steel Barrel, included 4x32 Scope with Covers.
  • PERFECT FOR SMALL GAME HUNTING OR TARGET SHOOTING with high powered Break Barrel action for long range accuracy and consistency.  more
10
Barra Airguns Sportsman 900 Air Rifle, BB Gun, Guns for Adults, Hunting Pellet Rifle, Multi Pump Lever Action, .177 Caliber Airgun Pellets & BBS with Rifle Scope, 800 FPS, Power & Accuracy
Barra Airguns Sportsman 900 Air Rifle, BB Gun, Guns for
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  • ARS Mark

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    8.6
  • Brand
    Barra
  • CONTROL YOUR SHOTS: With this dual ammo multipump pneumatic! Capable of shooting single .177 pellets or BB gun pistols from the built in 50-BB reservoir. The pump arm can be pumped 1 to 10 times to reach a maximum velocity of 800 FPS, making it capable of long range target practice or short range, small game hunting.
  • MATERIALS: A budget friendly pellet gun that's also consciously designed and rigorously evaluated. The stock of the air rifle consists of a thick wall made of ABS plastic and has a subtle texturized finish. We don’t cut corners with our materials, which is why Barra Airguns BB gun rifles last.  more
11
Gamo 611138054 P-25 Blowback CO2 Powered .177 Caliber Air Pistol,Black
Gamo 611138054 P-25 Blowback CO2 Powered .177 Caliber Air Pistol,Black
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  • ARS Mark

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    8.4
  • Brand
    Gamo
  • Capacity: 16 Pellets Double Magazine
  • Power Source: 12g CO2  more
12
Umarex Fusion 2 Quiet .177 Caliber Pellet Gun Air Rifle,Fusion 2 (NEW)
Umarex Fusion 2 Quiet .177 Caliber Pellet Gun Air Rifle,Fusion
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  • ARS Mark

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    8.0
  • Brand
    Umarex
  • Not only will it be virtually silent, but you will be drilling out the center of your target with the Fusion 2's accurate performance
  • Shooters can expect to get over 70 shots on each pair of 12 gram CO2 cartridges and upwards of 250 shots on a single 88 gram cylinder  more

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Shopping Hints

When considering an air pistol for small game hunting, several key factors come into play. Let's discuss a few essential guides to help you make an informed decision.

  1. Brand: The brand of an air pistol speaks volumes about its quality and performance. Brands with a long-standing reputation tend to offer reliable and durable pistols, ensuring a satisfying hunting experience.

Benjamin Marauder BP2220X .22-Caliber PCP Air Pistol/ Rifle With Sight
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  1. Customer Ratings/Reviews: A closer look at customer ratings and reviews provides a real-world insight into the functionality of the pistol. High ratings and positive reviews suggest that the pistol is likely to deliver as expected.

Crosman 2240 Bolt Action .22-Caliber CO2-Powered Pellet Air Pistol, Black
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  1. Features: Pay attention to features such as the type of propulsion, power, caliber, and the ease of use. For small game hunting, you'll need a powerful, yet easy-to-handle pistol.

Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter Max .22 Pellet Rifle, Black
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  1. Price: Keep an eye on your budget. While some air pistols may be expensive, you can find reliable options within a reasonable price range. It’s all about finding a balance between cost and quality.

Benjamin BPBD3KA Bulldog .357 PCP Hunting Rifle With Reversible Sidelever Bolt Action, Sportsman's Packgage, Black
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  1. Usage: Think about the type of small game you'll be hunting. This will guide you in choosing an air pistol with the right power and precision.

GAME FACE ASRGTH Electric Full/Semi-Auto Airsoft Submachine Gun With Battery And Charger, Black
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Why Trust Us

Our team of experienced outdoor enthusiasts and hunters have tested and reviewed various brands and models of air pistols. We have done the heavy lifting to provide you with an unbiased guide to help you choose the best air pistol for small game hunting.

Please note that while we provide guidance and tips, the final decision is yours. Ensure to consider your specific hunting needs and preferences when choosing an air pistol.

Explore further:

4.5
2 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.