18 Best Air Rifles For Raccoons of 2026 With Lethal Stopping Power

1

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

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  8.4
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs2

Feeding System

The 10X GEN3i inertia-fed system cycles pellets from a 10-round magazine automatically when cycling the break barrel.

Muzzle Velocity Benchmark

Up to 1,300 fps

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Inertia-fed 10-shot magazine allows fast follow-up shots without loading single pellets manually
• Reaches up to 1,300 fps velocity for rapid pellet flight and flat trajectory
• Self-contained break-barrel action operates anywhere without air tanks or external pumps

Cons

• High-power break barrel requires substantial manual cocking effort to compress the mechanism
• Maximum 1,300 fps speed is listed for alloy pellets and will be lower with lead hunting rounds

2

Gamo Urban PCP Air Rifle, 22 Caliber, Black

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  8.4
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs2

Sound Moderation

Built-in Whisper Fusion technology uses dual sound-moderating baffles to reduce muzzle report near neighboring homes.

Optic Mounting Setup

11mm dovetail grooves (scope not included)

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Whisper Fusion sound moderation dampens muzzle report for discreet backyard varmint control
• Shoots up to 1,100 fps with alloy pellets to provide capable small-game velocity
• Includes 11mm dovetail rail ready for user-selected hunting optics
• Weighs 6.6 pounds for easy handling during nighttime property patrols

Cons

• Scope is not included in the box, requiring a separate optic purchase
• Listing omits specific fill pressure and shot count details for the air cylinder

3

Crosman Optimus Air Rifle (.22) with Scope

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  8.6
• Brand
  Crosman

Key specs2

Optics Inclusion

Ships with an included rifle scope, though buyers should verify the magnification power and whether mounting rings feature a recoil stop pin.

Ammunition Bore

.22 caliber pellet

Pros & cons32

Pros

• .22 caliber bore carries more pellet weight than smaller .177 rounds for medium game
• Includes a bundled scope to assist with precise shot placement at distance
• Break-barrel spring powerplant requires no charging gear or compressed air tanks

Cons

• Scope magnification and objective diameter specifications are not detailed in the listing
• Single-shot break-barrel design requires manual reloading between each shot

4

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

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  9.4
• Brand
  Umarex

Key specs2

Intended Purpose

This is a low-impact spring-powered 6mm plastic BB airsoft pistol built for recreational target plinking, not a humane pest control tool.

Spring Airsoft Velocity

Up to 260 fps with 6mm plastic BBs

Pros & cons32

Pros

• High-strength polymer build keeps the weight down to 0.75 pounds for effortless handling
• Spring-powered action operates independently of CO2 cartridges or air pumps
• Includes an extra magazine and 400 plastic BBs right in the package

Cons

• Fires 6mm plastic BBs at 260 fps, providing zero lethal capability for medium varmints
• Fixed front and rear sights do not allow elevation or windage adjustments

5

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

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  9.4
• Brand
  Crosman

Key specs2

Pneumatic Action

Variable-pump action allows customizable shot pressure, though each shot requires manual pumping cycles.

Dual Ammunition Type

.177 pellets or steel BBs

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Dual-ammo capability allows shooting either .177 pellets or standard steel BBs
• Variable-pump pneumatic system lets the shooter control power by adjusting pump count
• Self-contained pneumatic mechanism requires no external air tanks or CO2 cylinders

Cons

• Requires manual pumping cycles before every shot, which slows follow-up attempts
• .177 caliber projectiles lack the terminal mass needed for clean dispatch on raccoons

6

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

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  8.9
• Brand
  H&N Sport

Key specs2

Pointed Tip Design

Features a pointed brass metal tip mated to a lead skirt to maximize terminal penetration on target impact.

Pellet Weight Rating

9.6 grains (.177 caliber)

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Pointed brass tip design drives deeper penetration into dense target materials
• Substantial 9.6-grain weight retains downrange energy better than basic target pellets
• Tin contains 225 rounds for sighting adjustments and target practice

Cons

• Small .177 caliber bore creates a narrow wound channel compared to .22 or .25 calibers
• Pointed tip profile may not cycle properly in shallow rotary repeating magazines

7

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

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  7.6
• Brand
  H&N Sport

Key specs2

Terminal Expansion

The deep hollowpoint profile and 31-grain mass deliver wide expansion and heavy kinetic impact on medium pests.

Hunting Pellet Caliber

.25 caliber (31 grains)

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Heavy 31-grain mass delivers substantial impact energy for medium pest control
• Hollowpoint profile expands upon contact to maximize terminal shock on target vitals
• Large .25 caliber diameter transfers high energy downrange from magnum airguns

Cons

• Requires a high-output .25 caliber airgun capable of launching heavy 31-grain rounds
• Tin contains only 150 pellets, providing fewer shots per package than smaller calibers

8

Gamo Coyote Whisper Fusion 1465S54 Air Rifles .22 -

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  9.1
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs2

PCP Acoustic Profile

Combines a pre-charged pneumatic powerplant with Whisper Fusion baffling to lower muzzle crack in suburban settings.

Operating Caliber

.22 caliber pellet

Pros & cons32

Pros

• .22 caliber pellet bore provides a versatile balance of speed and downrange impact
• Whisper Fusion barrel shroud moderates muzzle blast for quieter suburban shooting
• Pre-charged pneumatic powerplant generates zero spring recoil to protect mounted optics

Cons

• Requires external charging equipment such as a high-pressure pump or air compressor
• Air cylinder volume and exact shot count per fill are unstated and must be verified

9

Barra 1100z PCP Rifle air Rifle

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  7.4
• Brand
  Barra

Key specs2

Platform Action

Operates on a pre-charged pneumatic system, eliminating mechanical spring recoil for steadier follow-through.

Cylinder Pressure Spec

Specific reservoir capacity and operating pressure limits vary and must be confirmed on the manufacturer specification sheet.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Pre-charged pneumatic action fires with minimal recoil, protecting optic zero
• PCP firing mechanism delivers consistent pellet velocity across shot strings
• Rifle platform supports aftermarket optics and accessories for tailored pest control

Cons

• Caliber, reservoir capacity, and fill pressure are omitted from the product listing
• Requires high-pressure air filling equipment that is not included with the rifle

10

Barra 1100z PCP Rifle air Rifle

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  7.4
• Brand
  Barra

Key specs2

Air Reservoir Requirement

Requires dedicated high-pressure air filling equipment capable of charging PCP cylinders to operational pressure.

Recoil Dynamics

PCP firing cycle prevents the harsh bi-directional recoil typical of spring-piston rifles, safeguarding delicate reticles.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• PCP system provides smooth, vibration-free shooting without heavy spring cocking effort
• Recoilless firing cycle helps maintain sighting accuracy between consecutive shots
• Durable rifle frame accommodates various field shooting setups and bipod supports

Cons

• Key specifications including caliber, muzzle velocity, and fill limits require verification
• Cannot be fired without an external source of compressed air to charge the reservoir

11

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

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  8.5
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs2

Alloy Composition

Non-lead alloy design maximizes muzzle velocity, though its ultra-light 5.1-grain weight limits penetration on tough pests.

Round Weight

5.1 grains (.177 non-lead)

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Lightweight 5.1-grain design achieves high muzzle velocity for ultra-flat trajectories
• Lead-free alloy construction satisfies non-lead ammunition rules and regulations
• Aerodynamic profile maintains downrange velocity across open shooting distances

Cons

• Ultra-light 5.1-grain weight lacks the penetration and mass required for raccoon dispatch
• 100-count tin contains fewer rounds than standard lead pellet packages

12

Hatsan Model 135 Vortex QE Carnivore Gas Piston Air Rifle,

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  9.7
• Brand
  Hatsan

Key specs2

Heavy Bore Capability

The .30 caliber bore fires large hunting pellets designed to anchor tough nuisance varmints cleanly on impact.

Carnivore Powerplant

Vortex gas piston with QE QuietEnergy

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Massive .30 caliber bore delivers bone-breaking energy and wide wound channels on raccoons
• Vortex gas piston maintains consistent power output in freezing winter conditions
• Integrated QuietEnergy QE sound suppression dampens magnum muzzle blast

Cons

• Large gas piston requires substantial cocking effort to compress the break barrel
• Heavy .30 caliber pellets cost more per round than conventional small-caliber pellets

13

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

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  9.5
• Brand
  Benjamin

Key specs2

Multi-Shot Hunting Setup

Combines a repeating magazine with a .25 caliber barrel to give hunters immediate follow-up shot readiness.

Marauder Caliber

.25 caliber multi-shot PCP

Pros & cons42

Pros

• .25 caliber bore delivers heavy energy transfer to cleanly stop tough nuisance pests
• Multi-shot repeating magazine allows quick follow-up shots without manual pellet loading
• PCP powerplant produces virtually recoilless firing, preserving optical alignment
• Shrouded barrel design suppresses muzzle blast for discreet backyard pest management

Cons

• Requires high-pressure air charging gear such as a specialized pump or scuba tank
• Optics are not included, requiring an investment in a dedicated scope and mounts

14

Gamo Coyote Whisper Fusion PCP Air Rifle, .177 Caliber

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  7.6
• Brand
  Gamo

Key specs2

Small Bore PCP Dynamics

Shoots .177 pellets with high velocity and minimal recoil, though shot placement must be precise on medium game.

Muzzle Sound Control

Whisper Fusion integrated suppressor

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Whisper Fusion integrated suppression helps keep shooting volume down near residences
• Pre-charged pneumatic system offers smooth, vibration-free operation for accurate shot placement
• .177 caliber achieves high velocity for precision targeting at medium yardage

Cons

• .177 caliber projectiles lack the terminal impact energy of .22 or .25 calibers on raccoons
• Air cylinder requires a high-pressure pump or air compressor to charge before shooting

15

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

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  9.1
• Brand
  H&N Sport

Key specs2

Penetrating Brass Tip

Hard brass point concentrates impact force to penetrate dense hide and bone, paired with a 16-grain lead skirt.

Pellet Mass Spec

16 grains (.22 caliber)

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Pointed brass metal tip delivers deep penetration through tough hides and skull plates
• Heavy 16-grain weight in .22 caliber provides substantial impact for medium pest control
• Tin of 200 pellets offers plenty of rounds for zeroing optics and active pest dispatch

Cons

• Pointed shape produces less tissue expansion on impact than hollowpoint hunting pellets
• Longer pellet profile may cause clearance issues in certain rotary magazine mechanisms

16

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

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  9.0
• Brand
  Umarex

Key specs2

Game vs Varmint Use

Engineered strictly as a recreational airsoft spring pistol; firing plastic BBs at 260 fps will not harm or deter raccoons humanely.

Airsoft Muzzle Velocity

Up to 260 fps (6mm plastic BB)

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Clear polymer body allows complete view of internal spring-cocking parts
• Lightweight 0.75-pound build allows effortless one-handed handling
• Comes complete with an extra magazine and 400 plastic 6mm airsoft BBs

Cons

• Shoots plastic 6mm BBs at 260 fps, lacking the velocity and mass for pest control
• Spring-action airsoft design is built strictly for recreational target plinking

17

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

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  9.2
• Brand
  PREDATOR

Key specs2

Polymer Tip Dynamics

Combines a sharp polymer tip for deep initial penetration with a heavy 44.75-grain hollow head for maximum shock.

Big Bore Grain Weight

44.75 grains (.30 caliber)

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Sharp polymer tip initiates rapid aerodynamic flight and promotes terminal expansion
• Heavy 44.75-grain mass delivers massive knockdown force on tough nuisance animals
• .30 caliber size creates substantial tissue disruption for immediate pest dispatch

Cons

• Requires a high-powered .30 caliber air rifle capable of firing magnum hunting pellets
• Extended polymer tip length may not fit in rotary magazines with shallow pellet wells

18

H&N Sport Haendler & Natermann Baracuda Match Domed Airgun Pellets

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  8.2
• Brand
  H&N Sport

Key specs2

Aerodynamic Domed Head

The rounded dome head profile minimizes aerodynamic drag, maintaining energy downrange for clean medium-varmint dispatch.

Heavy Weight Pellet

21.14 grains (.22 caliber)

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Heavy 21.14-grain dome design resists wind drift and retains energy over distance
• Domed aerodynamic profile provides consistent trajectories for precision shot placement
• Tin of 200 pellets supplies ample volume for rifle zeroing and medium pest removal

Cons

• Heavy 21.14-grain weight requires a magnum spring or PCP rifle to maintain velocity
• Domed lead design does not expand as widely upon impact as hollowpoint hunting rounds

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

Is a .22 caliber air rifle strong enough for raccoons, or do you need a .25 or .30 caliber?

Yes, a .22 caliber rifle can dispatch raccoons with precise shot placement, but .25 and .30 caliber platforms provide significantly more impact on tough pests. High-output .22 options like the Gamo Swarm Magnum reach listed velocities up to 1,300 fps. Stepping up to a .25 caliber rifle like the Benjamin Marauder BP2564S PCP, or a .30 caliber gas piston rifle like the Hatsan Model 135 Vortex QE Carnivore, allows you to shoot heavier pellets that drive deeper through thick hide and bone.

Can a break-barrel air rifle take down raccoons, or is a PCP rifle required?

Yes, a high-power break-barrel rifle can drop raccoons cleanly, but pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) rifles offer distinct advantages for nuisance wildlife control. The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i break barrel produces 1,300 fps velocity in .22 caliber, while the Hatsan Model 135 Vortex QE Carnivore uses a gas piston in .30 caliber. PCP rifles like the Barra 1100z or Benjamin Marauder BP2564S remove the physical effort of cocking between shots and generate very light recoil, making it easier to maintain your sight picture on night targets.

How quiet are suppressed hunting air rifles in a residential backyard?

Integrated sound moderators noticeably lower the sharp muzzle report that could otherwise alert neighbors during nighttime pest control. Rifles built with Gamo Whisper Fusion sound moderation, including the Gamo Urban PCP and Gamo Coyote Whisper Fusion, muffle expanding air at the muzzle to keep shooting quieter. Hatsan also incorporates QuietEnergy moderation into the Model 135 Carnivore to dampen acoustic output. Verify local backyard noise rules and confirm your backstop safety before taking any shot near neighboring houses.

Which pellet weights and shapes ensure humane penetration on medium pests?

Heavy pointed and domed pellets retain the momentum necessary to pierce dense bone and reach vital organs. In .22 caliber, H&N Hornet pointed pellets weigh 16 grains, while H&N Baracuda Match domed pellets offer 21.14 grains. Moving up in bore size lets you fire 31-grain H&N Grizzly hollowpoints in .25 caliber or 44.75-grain Predator Polymags in .30 caliber. Lightweight options like the 5.1-grain Gamo PBA Blue Flame lack the mass needed for clean penetration and should not be used on medium game.

Can low-power pump guns or airsoft pistols deter or dispatch raccoons?

No, airsoft pistols and light multi-pump rifles lack the power for humane raccoon control and risk leaving animals painfully injured. Spring-powered polymer airsoft pistols, like the Walther P22, fire lightweight 6mm plastic BBs intended strictly for low-impact recreational games. Multi-pump rifles such as the Crosman 2100B .177 caliber pellet and BB gun are designed for casual target shooting rather than tough game. If you want a fun training gun, read our guide to air rifles for younger shooters rather than using low-output plinkers on wild pests.

Why is a repeating multi-shot magazine important for nuisance animal control?

Repeating magazines let you take fast follow-up shots without fumbling with individual pellets in the dark while monitoring a target. The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i uses an inertia-fed 10-shot magazine setup on a break barrel, while the Benjamin Marauder BP2564S operates with a multi-shot magazine on a .25 caliber PCP action. Rapid cycling gives you the ability to place a second shot immediately if the animal shifts position. If you require higher capacity for heavy rural property defense, check our Umarex Primal 20 PCP shotgun overview.