19 Best Air Rifle For Raccoons of 2026 With Quiet Stopping Power

1

Gamo PBA Blue Flame .177 Cal Non‑Lead Pellets - 5.1

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  8.5
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs2

Ammunition Type

Non-lead .177 caliber pellets

Pest Suitability

At 5.1 grains, these lightweight alloy pellets are designed for speed and plinking, not for tough nuisance pests like raccoons.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Non-lead PBA composition delivers high velocities in .177 caliber air rifles
• Lightweight 5.1-grain design offers flat trajectory for target practice
• Packaged in a 100-count tin suitable for sighting in .177 setups

Cons

• 5.1-grain weight lacks the mass and kinetic energy required for humane raccoon control
• .177 caliber is generally too light for skull penetration on tough nuisance animals

2

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

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  8.4
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs2

Magazine Mechanism

10-shot inertia-fed GEN3i

Velocity Rating

The listed 1,300 fps velocity offers substantial speed for .22 caliber pest control, though real-world fps varies by pellet weight.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Listed 1,300 fps velocity provides strong potential energy with .22 caliber pellets
• 10X GEN3i inertia-fed system cycles 10 rounds rapidly without manual pellet loading
• .22 caliber break barrel design avoids external air tanks or hand pumps

Cons

• High-power break barrel mechanism demands significant cocking effort for each shot
• Heavy spring-piston recoil requires durable optics rated for two-way shock

3

Gamo Swarm Gen2 Inertia Air Rifle .22 Bone Collector

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  7.3
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs2

Reloading System

GEN3i Rapid Reload Technology

Warranty Coverage

Backed by a one-year limited warranty, protecting against factory defects during seasonal pest management.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• .22 caliber bore paired with 1,100 fps velocity delivers solid performance for backyard varmints
• GEN3i Rapid Reload technology enables quick follow-up shots from the multi-shot system
• Covered by a one-year limited warranty for manufacturer protection

Cons

• 46.06-inch length can feel cumbersome in tight outbuildings or brush
• Scope mounting rail and included optics must be verified on the specific package

4

Gamo Urban PCP Air Rifle, 22 Caliber, Black

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  8.4
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs2

Sound Moderation

Whisper Fusion integrated moderation

Optics Compatibility

Includes 11mm dovetail grooves, allowing shooters to mount preferred hunting scopes for precise shot placement.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Whisper Fusion sound moderation helps keep backyard pest control discreet
• Delivers up to 1,100 fps with alloy pellets for small-game and pest dispatch
• Features 11mm dovetail grooves for mounting dedicated hunting optics
• Relatively lightweight 6.6-pound build handles easily around chicken coops and sheds

Cons

• Scope is not included, requiring a separate optic purchase before shooting
• Requires dedicated PCP charging equipment to pressurize the air reservoir

5

walther p22 special operations, black airsoft gun(Airsoft Gun)

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  9.4
• Brand
  Umarex

Key specs2

Intended Application

Recreational 6mm airsoft target plinking

Included Gear

• Spring-powered polymer pistol
• Spare magazine
• 400 plastic 6mm BBs

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Lightweight 0.75-pound polymer construction provides easy handling
• Bundled with an extra magazine and 400 plastic 6mm BBs
• Spring-powered mechanism requires no CO2 cartridges or batteries

Cons

• 260 fps with 6mm plastic BBs delivers virtually no lethal stopping power
• Entirely unsuitable for humane raccoon, rodent, or nuisance wildlife control

6

Haendler & Natermann H&N Grizzly Hollowpoint Airgun Pellets, Ultra-Accurate &

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  7.6
• Brand
  H&N Sport

Key specs2

Caliber & Weight

.25 caliber, 31 grains

Hunting Pellet Design

Hollowpoint nose design expands upon impact, maximizing stopping power for large pests like raccoons when fired from .25 rifles.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Heavy 31-grain weight delivers substantial kinetic energy and impact on game
• .25 caliber hollowpoint design expands reliably for humane pest elimination
• Engineered for long-range hunting accuracy out of high-power air rifles

Cons

• Requires a dedicated .25 caliber air rifle and cannot be used in .22 or .177 bores
• Heavy 31-grain weight requires high airgun pressure to maintain trajectory

7

Haendler & Natermann Hornet Pointed Airgun Pellets, .177 Caliber /

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  8.9
• Brand
  H&N Sport

Key specs1

Pellet Construction

Pointed metal tip with 9.6-grain lead body

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Pointed metal tip design aids in penetration through tough hides
• 9.6-grain weight provides more mass than standard lightweight .177 pellets
• 225-count tin provides plenty of ammo for precision target practice

Cons

• .177 caliber carries limited energy transfer compared to .22 and .25 options
• Penetration-focused shape risks clean through-and-through passes on small game

8

Crosman Optimus Air Rifle (.22) with Scope

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  8.6
• Brand
  Crosman

Key specs2

Bundled Sighting

Included optic and mounting rings

Powerplant Setup

A self-contained break barrel action in .22 caliber that operates without external air cylinders or pumping accessories.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• .22 caliber bore offers better terminal impact for varmint control than .177
• Comes bundled with a scope for immediate out-of-the-box target acquisition
• Self-contained break-barrel action does not require PCP pumps or CO2 tanks

Cons

• Single-shot break-barrel design requires manual reloading between shots
• Bundled optic and mount should be checked periodically to verify zero after spring recoil

9

Crosman 2100B Classic Variable-Pump .177-Caliber Pellet/BB Air Rifle

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  9.4
• Brand
  Crosman

Key specs2

Variable Pumping

Adjustable multi-pump pneumatic system

Ammo Versatility

Accepts both .177 caliber pellets and BBs, making it suitable for backyard target plinking rather than raccoon hunting.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Variable-pump pneumatic mechanism lets shooters control power based on pump count
• Dual-ammo compatibility fires both .177 pellets and steel BBs
• Lightweight multi-pump design produces virtually zero shooting recoil

Cons

• .177 caliber and multi-pump energy are insufficient for humane raccoon dispatch
• Pumping multiple times between every shot is slow and impractical for pest follow-ups

10

Barra 1100z PCP Rifle air Rifle

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  7.4
• Brand
  Barra

Key specs1

Pneumatic Action

Pre-charged pneumatic platform eliminates two-way spring recoil, helping maintain sight picture during precision shots.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Pre-charged pneumatic powerplant delivers recoilless shooting for tight groupings
• High-pressure reservoir allows multiple consistent shots per air fill
• Clean pneumatic firing reduces muzzle jump compared to heavy spring break barrels

Cons

• Requires external high-pressure hand pump, scuba tank, or compressor to charge
• Caliber and specific bundled accessories must be verified on the product listing

11

Barra 1100z PCP Rifle air Rifle

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  7.4
• Brand
  Barra

Key specs1

PCP Operating Pressure

Requires high-pressure air equipment to fill, making it essential to confirm tank capacity and fill fittings before use.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• PCP platform provides smooth cocking and consistent shot strings
• Sturdy rifle chassis built for outdoor shooting and varmint control setups
• Recoilless pneumatic operation protects mounted hunting scopes from shock

Cons

• Air tank fill pressure and shot count per fill should be confirmed before purchase
• Charging equipment is not included and must be purchased separately

12

Gamo Coyote Whisper Fusion 1465S54 Air Rifles .22 -

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  9.1
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs1

Noise Reduction Barrel

Whisper Fusion integrated moderator

Pros & cons32

Pros

• .22 caliber setup provides optimal pellet weight and energy for nuisance pests
• Whisper Fusion sound moderator helps dampen firing noise in residential settings
• Pre-charged pneumatic action delivers recoilless precision for accurate headshots

Cons

• Requires dedicated high-pressure air filling equipment such as a pump or tank
• Heavier investment compared to entry-level spring break-barrel rifles

13

Benjamin Marauder BP2564S .25-Caliber Pellet Multi-Shot PCP Hunting Air Rifle

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  9.5
• Brand
  Benjamin

Key specs2

Hunting Caliber Power

.25 caliber multi-shot PCP

Multi-Shot Magazine

Features a repeating magazine that lets shooters cycle decisive follow-up shots without breaking cheek weld.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• .25 caliber bore delivers heavy knockdown power needed for tough raccoons
• Multi-shot magazine allows quick, seamless follow-up shots in low-light pest scenarios
• Pre-charged pneumatic system offers exceptionally smooth, recoilless shooting
• Proven hunting platform with shrouded barrel for quiet backyard pest management

Cons

• Demands a high-pressure air source (up to 3,000 PSI PCP equipment) to operate
• Heavier overall package when equipped with a hunting optic

14

Gamo Coyote Whisper Fusion PCP Air Rifle, .177 Caliber

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  7.6
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs1

Barrel Moderation

Whisper Fusion sound moderator

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Integrated Whisper Fusion moderation significantly quiets air blast
• Smooth PCP action allows consistent velocity without spring vibration
• .177 caliber delivers flat trajectories for precision target shooting

Cons

• .177 caliber lacks the terminal energy and mass recommended for humane raccoon control
• High-pressure air fill accessories must be sourced separately

15

Air Venturi Airgun Targets (Crazy Eights)

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  8.8
• Brand
  Air Venturi

Key specs1

Target Design

Crazy Eights reset paddle target

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Interactive reset target paddles provide instant visual and acoustic feedback
• Heavy-duty steel construction withstands repeated pellet impacts
• Ideal for zeroing air rifles and verifying optic accuracy before pest removal

Cons

• Intended strictly for target practice and provides no pest deterrence on its own
• Not designed for high-powered firearm ammunition or centerfire calibers

16

Haendler & Natermann Hornet Pointed Airgun Pellets, High-Impact, Super-Penetrating for

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  9.1
• Brand
  H&N Sport

Key specs1

Penetration Design

Pointed brass tip, 16 grains, .22 caliber

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Brass-tipped pointed nose provides superior penetration through thick bone and fur
• 16-grain weight in .22 caliber delivers strong impact energy for raccoons and varmints
• 200-count tin offers ample rounds for zeroing and field pest control

Cons

• Pointed brass tip design may not mushroom as wide as hollowpoint pellets
• Cannot be loaded into .177 or .25 caliber air rifles

17

Walther P22 Spring Powered 6mm BB Pistol Airsoft Gun, Clear

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  9.0
• Brand
  Umarex

Key specs2

Airsoft Velocity

Up to 260 fps with 6mm plastic BBs

Frame Construction

Built with a clear polymer frame for recreational airsoft play, completely unsuitable for animal control.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Lightweight sub-pound polymer construction with transparent styling
• Ships with an extra magazine and 400 plastic 6mm BBs
• Simple spring-powered mechanism requires no gas or battery charging

Cons

• 260 fps velocity with 6mm plastic BBs lacks any hunting or pest control power
• Strictly an airsoft recreational toy, incapable of stopping raccoons

18

Gamo Rocket .177 Cal, 9.6 Grains, Ballistic Tip, 150ct

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  8.8
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs1

Tip Architecture

Hardened steel tip on 9.6-grain lead body

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Hardened steel ball tip enhances penetration on tough targets
• 9.6-grain weight adds mass over standard lightweight .177 pellets
• Lead body provides consistent barrel rifling engagement

Cons

• .177 bore diameter remains marginally sized for humane raccoon dispatch
• 150-count package is smaller than standard 250 or 500-count tins

19

Predator Polymag 1007-01 Air Gun Pellets .30 Cal, 44.75 Grains,

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  9.2
• Brand
  PREDATOR

Key specs1

Heavy Hunting Grain

.30 caliber, 44.75 grains with polymer tip

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Massive 44.75-grain weight delivers devastating kinetic energy on large pests
• .30 caliber polymer-tipped hollowhead provides rapid expansion and deep penetration
• Tailored for big-bore air rifles tackling large nuisance wildlife like raccoons

Cons

• Requires a dedicated .30 caliber air rifle; incompatible with .22 or .25 barrels
• 100-count pack offers fewer pellets per tin compared to smaller calibers

Last update on 2026-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Is a .22 or .25 caliber air rifle powerful enough for raccoons?

Yes, a .22 or .25 caliber air rifle provides the penetration and mass required to drop a raccoon humanely. Break barrel models such as the Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i .22 caliber reach up to 1,300 fps velocity, while the Gamo Swarm Gen2 Inertia Bone Collector .22 delivers 1100.00 ft/sec velocity. Stepping up to a .25 caliber platform like the Benjamin Marauder BP2564S multi-shot PCP rifle allows you to shoot heavier projectiles, such as 31 grains H&N Grizzly hollowpoint pellets. Because raccoons have dense skulls and heavy muscle, these larger calibers ensure the pellet penetrates cleanly rather than deflecting.

How quiet is an air rifle with sound moderation in a residential yard?

An air rifle with built-in dampening is quiet enough to avoid drawing unwanted attention from nearby neighbors. Platforms using Gamo Whisper Fusion sound moderation, such as the Gamo Urban PCP or Gamo Coyote Whisper Fusion .22, muffle muzzle blast during backyard pest control. You will still hear the mechanical action cycle and the pellet strike, but the sharp crack of an unmoderated shot is eliminated. Always verify property boundaries and check local municipal pest ordinances before taking a shot near adjacent homes.

Which action type provides the fastest follow-up shots on moving pests?

Multi-shot repeaters provide the fastest follow-up shots when a raccoon scrambles after the initial strike. Break barrels equipped with a 10-shot inertia-fed system, like the Gamo Swarm Magnum GEN3i, load the next round automatically when you cock the barrel, saving you from handling loose pellets in the dark. Multi-shot PCP repeaters like the Benjamin Marauder BP2564S .25-caliber rifle offer rapid cycling directly from a rotary magazine. For property owners exploring high-output pneumatic options, our Umarex Primal 20 PCP shotgun guide for 2026 explains how larger-format repeating platforms perform in the field.

Can you humanely take raccoons with a .177 caliber airgun or an airsoft pistol?

No, standard .177 caliber airguns and airsoft pistols lack the kinetic energy and mass needed for humane raccoon control. Ultra-light projectiles, such as 5.1 grain Gamo PBA Blue Flame non-lead pellets or 9.6 grain Gamo Rocket pellets, carry high risk of surface-level wounding rather than reaching vital zones. Spring-powered 6mm polymer airsoft pistols are low-impact trainers that should never be used on live game. If you are familiar only with introductory shooting gear, our guide to youth air rifles for 2026 highlights the clear boundary between light plinkers and full-power adult hunting rifles.

What pellet weight and design work best for tough backyard pests?

Heavy pointed or hollowpoint hunting pellets deliver the deepest penetration and cleanest energy transfer on dense nuisance animals. In .22 caliber, 16 grains Haendler & Natermann Hornet pointed pellets feature a hard tip designed for high impact through thick hide. For .25 caliber rifles, 31 grains H&N Grizzly hollowpoint pellets provide maximum shock and expansion. Match your pellet grain weight to your rifle velocity ratings to ensure consistent downrange stability and decisive shot placement.

How do you maintain optic accuracy on high-power pest control rifles?

Maintaining scope accuracy requires checking your optic mounts frequently to ensure mechanical recoil has not shifted your zero. High-velocity break barrel rifles generate a sharp two-way recoil impulse that can work mount screws loose along dovetail rails over extended use. Rifles like the Crosman Optimus Air Rifle (.22) with scope require evenly torqued rings to stay true. Confirm your zero at your expected backyard engagement distance before dark so your headshots remain precise.