10 Best Air Rifles For Varmints - (2026 Top Picks)

1

Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal , Black

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• ARS Mark

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  9.0
• Brand
  Gamo

• .177 Cal pellet single cocking break barrel
• 1 YEAR WARRANTY. Made In Spain  more

2

Bear River TPR 1300 Suppressed Hunting Air Rifle - .177

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  8.6
• 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

3

Gamo 6110068754 Swarm Whisper Air Rifle, .177 Caliber,Black

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  9.0
• Brand
  Gamo

• Sport type: Exercise & Fitness
• Muzzle velocity 1300 FPS  more

4

Umarex Syrix Pellet Gun Air Rifle with Scope.177 Caliber (Canada)

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  8.2
• Brand
  Umarex

• Features a soft rubber butt pad and excellent ergonomics from the polymer stock
• Shoots .177 caliber pellets at up to 490 fps  more

5

Umarex Ruger Blackhawk .177 Caliber Pellet Gun Air Rifle with

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  9.2
• Brand
  Umarex

• velocity: 1000.00 ft/sec
• Warranty: One year limited warranty  more

6

Crosman CLGY1000KT Legacy 1000 Single Shot Variable Pump .177-Caliber Pellet

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  8.6
• Brand
  Crosman

• COMES WITH A FIBER-OPTIC SIGHT AND 4 x 15 mm SCOPE - For greater accuracy
• CROSSBOLT SAFETY - To ensure proper and safe handling  more

7

Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X GEN2 Air Rifle, .177 Caliber ,

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  8.8
• Brand
  Gamo

• ✅ [Gas Piston Power] The IGT Gas Piston replaces the standard spring power plant with an Inert Gas CylinderWA Recoil Pad
• ✅ [Recoil Absorption] RRR (Recoil Reducing Rail): Developed to subdue the taxing stresses placed on your scope from the intense recoil of air guns and high-powered rifles  more

8

Gamo WildCat Whisper Air Rifle .177 Cal , Black

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  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

• 1 YEAR WARRANTY. Made In Spain
• .177 Cal pellet single cocking break barrel, 1300 fps with PBA Platinum  more

9

Gamo 6110067954 Raptor Whisper Air Rifle .177 Cal

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  9.0
• Brand
  Gamo

• 177 Cal pellet single cocking break barrel, 1300 fps with PBA Platinum
• 4 x 32 Shockproof Scope. It has a synthetic ambidextrous all-weather stock. The SWA (Shock Wave Absorber) is a recoil pad with rubber inserts designd to absorb the recoil. Lightweight design.  more

10

Umarex Airem 2 Break Barrel .177 Caliber Pellet Gun Air

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  8.6
• Brand
  Umarex

• Features a Nucleus Rail System for easy scope and accessory mounting
• Shoots .177 caliber pellets at up to 1200 fps  more

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

What is most important elements to buy

When finding the best air rifles for varmints, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your search.

Continue reading: Top 10 Best Rodent Air Rifles

Features

Many air rifles can be difficult to operate, making them less desirable. That’s why we think the best air rifle is the one that’s easy to use, regardless of its accuracy.

That’s why we recommend the Benjamin Penguin rifle.This rifle is powered by CO2 cartridges, and it has an adjustable trigger for precision shooting. Its lightweight design also makes it easy to store and transport, perfect for cabin hunting or target practice. Plus, its price is attractive compared with other high-quality air rifles on the market.

Powerplant

There are so many different types of powerplants available on the market. Some people might choose to use CO2 guns because they are environmentally friendly, others prefer Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) guns because they have a very smooth shot, and still others might prefer spring-piston air rifles because they have a bit more power. However, whichever engine you choose, make sure that you select the one with the right tone of voice.

If you want to shoot targets at short distances or animal safaris, then a gas piston engine will be perfect for you. If, however, you're looking to compete in rifle shooting competitions or hunting licences where long Distances are required then pre charged pneumatics or PCPs are not suited for your needs.

Customer Ratings

A high customer rating can indicate that the air rifle is a quality product and will last for years. Conversely, a low customer rating may mean that the air rifle is not well made or may not withstand regular use.

Therefore, it is important to read customer Ratings and comments before making your purchase. This way, you can be sure that the air rifle you are buying is of good quality and will provide years of enjoyment.

Explore further:

• Top Best Air Rifles Whisper G2 - ( Newest)
• The Best Suppressed Air Rifles - Best Saving
• Best Long Range Scopes Under 1000

Gamo Varmint Air Rifle

The Gamo Varmint Air Rifle lives up to its name as a top choice for pest control and small game hunting. This lightweight, accurate airgun provides the power and precision to take care of varmints while maintaining high standards for quality and responsible manufacturing. Let's dive deeper into the key benefits and potential drawbacks of this classic black air rifle.

One of the standout features of the Varmint is its tough all-weather ambidextrous stock. Made of glass filled nylon from suppliers for high-end European automakers, the stock aligns perfectly with the scope for optimal shooting. It can withstand the elements while remaining lightweight and comfortable against your shoulder. Hunters who stalk game in demanding conditions from rain to snow will appreciate the durable stock that performs beautifully.

A major advantage of the Varmint is that it comes packaged with a 4x32 shockproof scope right out of the box. The inclusion of this high-quality scope saves you money from having to purchase one separately. With 4x magnification, it makes hitting small targets much easier than with open sights or cheaper scopes. From woodchucks to squirrels, you’ll have an easier time locating and zooming in on varmints for accurate shots. The optics are clear and reliable even after repeated recoil from spring piston operation.

For environmentally conscious shooters, Gamo touts excellent green manufacturing practices. Their facility recycles and reclaims 96% of the water used in bluing operations through an evaporation process. The company emits zero debris particles from wood stock operations, instead reclaiming sawdust and waste to produce wood pellets for heating. This clean production shows Gamo’s commitment to sustainability alongside quality.

When it comes to power and performance, the Varmint delivers on stopping pests in their tracks. The .177 caliber rifle can propel PBA platinum pellets at up to 1,250 feet per second. The velocity and pellet weight combine to produce 18.62 foot pounds of energy force upon impact. With that hard-hitting knockdown power, you can count on clean kills that dispatch varmints humanely. The break barrel cocking system provides a smooth, easy motion for quick follow up shots if needed.

The two-stage trigger offers a light, crisp pull that helps with accuracy. The manual trigger safety also provides peace of mind to prevent unintentional firing. At just 6.1 pounds unscoped, the Varmint manages light weight for carry in the field while avoiding excessive recoil or muzzle jump from shots. The components come together for an accurate, easy to shoot airgun perfect for hours of pest patrol or target practice.

In terms of drawbacks, there are a few worth mentioning for those shopping around. The Varmint sits at a moderately high price point of $$$ which could steer budget hunters toward more affordable alternatives with similar performance. It's also not the absolute highest powered or most feature-rich choice for the money. The scope may be sufficient for most purposes but leaves room for upgrading. Lastly, the cocking effort required may prove difficult for some younger or smaller shooters.

All in all, the Gamo Varmint provides outstanding quality and capabilities for pest control in an eco-friendly package. For hunters who need a rugged, accurate air rifle that can handle harsh weather and tough shots, it hits the bullseye. While the price tag exceeds entry level models, you get proven performance and handy accessories worth the investment. If your sights are set on deconstructing varmints rather than paper targets, the Varmint belongs on your radar.

Swarm Bone Collector - High Powered Pellet Gun

The Swarm Bone Collector Air Rifle lives up to its bold name by packing impressive power and innovative technology into a whisper quiet package. This multi-shot .22 caliber airgun takes pest control and small game hunting up a notch for serious shooters. From its inertia-fed magazine to custom trigger, the Swarm Bone Collector brings next-level performance. Let's analyze the key upsides and potential limitations of this feature-rich pellet rifle.

Starting with power, the Swarm generates up to 1,100 feet per second with alloy pellets for lethal knockdown force on impact. The gas piston power plant provides consistent high velocities and smooth shooting without typical spring fatigue. The 33mm gas cylinder offers virtually unlimited lifetime compared to old-school coil springs. You can count on the Swarm to maintain thunderous speed for high energy transfers for quick, ethical kills.

A game changer lies in the 10-shot horizontal inertia fed magazine. Gone are the days of single cocking shots. Now you can rapid fire 10 rounds before reloading to pick off an entire group of pests in seconds. The magazine integration means seamless switching between single to multi-shot mode when you break the barrel. Lightning fast follow up shots give you a tremendous advantage when facing packs of varmints.

The Whisper Maxxim dual noise dampening chambers make each shot ultra quiet. The muzzle break design deflects gasses and sound forward away from your ears for whisper soft shooting. You can stalk shy varmints without spooking the herd after the first crack. The muted operation opens hunting opportunities without alarming neighbors or spouses.

When it comes to customization, the Swarm truly excels. The CAT trigger provides independent adjustment of the first and second stage pull to personalize the crispness and resistance to your liking. You can fine tune a competition grade trigger for your shooting style and skills. The RRR rail reduces punishing recoil forces transmitted to your scope. This means you can run high magnification optics without getting them rattled to pieces over time.

In terms of precision and accuracy, the Swarm’s quality barrel and adjustable trigger allow tight shot groupings. The 4x32 scope included gets you on target without breaking the bank for optics. At 7.8 pounds before accessories, the heft helps mitigate recoil for steadier shooting. The textured grip and stock keep the gun secure against your body and hands. Overall, it promotes great shooting for hunters and target fans alike.

Looking at potential weak spots, the $$$ price tag makes the Swarm a serious investment rather than an impulse buy. While it’s justified by the features and power, it prices out casual plinkers. The complexity of the gas piston and magazine mechanics means more components that could require repairs down the road compared to simpler guns. The sheer power also makes it overkill for small pests, so you'll want to use judicious shot placement on quarry.

In summary, the feature loaded Swarm Bone Collector takes pest control air rifles to the next level. The combination of high power, rapid fire, and customization allow shooters to step up their game. Hunters who demand cutting edge technology to dominate varmints will appreciate the Swarm’s advantages. While the premium pricing matches its performance, it’s easy to see the value for serious marksmen or women. If you seek a revolutionary pellet rifle that outguns the competition, the Swarm is on target.

MCX Virtus PCP - Tactical Pellet Rifle

The SIG Sauer MCX Virtus PCP breaks new ground as a tactical style pre-charged pneumatic air rifle packing impressive firepower. Built to mimic the looks and handling of SIG's acclaimed MCX firearm line, the MCX Virtus provides a seminautomatic shooting experience in a pellet gun platform. Let's analyze the unique capabilities and potential limitations of this futuristic pest control rifle.

Right off the bat, the military styling sets this SIG airgun apart. The lightweight polymer body resembles the profile of assault rifles with a large magazine and folding stock. Picatinny accessory rails allow adding lasers, lights, grips, and bipods for ultimate customization. Front and rear flip-up iron sights provide an authentic M4 look straight out the box. The imposing design resembles a firearm and demands a double take.

Under the hood, the Virtus operates via pre-charged pneumatic power. The 13 cubic inch cylinder fills to 3000 psi for consistent velocities up to 700 fps in .22 caliber. This provides plenty of knockdown power for humane small game harvests out to medium ranges. The regulated 1100 psi yields smooth, even shot strings without power drop off as the tank depletes. A quick disconnect fill fitting makes topping off simple and fast.

At the heart lies the 30-round rotating pellet magazine. Flick the selector switch from safe to semi auto and you can rapid fire 30 pellets without reloading. This unprecedented semi automatic capability allows unreal follow up shot potential. You can clear entire groups of pests faster than with bolt action or single shot rifles. The ability to quickly dump a magazine of pointed pellets downrange tilts any shootout with varmints in your favor.

In terms of handling, the MCX Virtus shines. The telescoping stock provides length of pull adjustment for different size shooters. This allows both kids and adults to shoot comfortably. The pistol grip gives enhanced control and trigger finger positioning like an AR platform. Picatinny rails allow adding accessories for your specific needs and style. At just 6.39 pounds, it stays lightweight for carrying in the field. Together these features promote accuracy and usability.

When it comes to accuracy, the rifled barrel and 2 stage trigger deliver consistent precision. While not a bench rest rifle, it can hit soda cans consistently at 50 yards with practice. The simple cross bolt safety avoids unintended discharges in the field. The Virtus performs well for pesting if you do your part behind the trigger.

Looking at downsides, the $$$ price tag makes this a serious investment. While the quality and features justify the cost, it remains out of reach for many casual shooters on a tight budget. The complexity of semiauto operation also means more components and o-rings that could need occasional maintenance or repairs. Lastly, the tactical look makes it less suitable in some public areas with fears over replica firearms.

In summary, the MCX Virtus PCP breaks new ground as an AR platform style pellet rifle with unprecedented firepower. The combination of futuristic looks, semiauto firing, and 30-round magazine offers a one of a kind shooting experience. Varmint hunters who embrace tactical accessories and rapid follow up shots should shortlist this exciting SIG airgun. Though premium priced, it delivers capabilities previously unimaginable to the airgun world.

Syrix Break Barrel Rifle

The Umarex Syrix Break Barrel hits the sweet spot between price and performance with classic spring piston power in a tactical design. This .177 caliber single shot rifle brings speed and accuracy together for pest control and plinking. Let's take a close look at the capabilities and limitations of this budget-friendly airgun.

Starting with power, the Syrix fires alloy pellets at velocities up to 1000 feet per second using a gas piston system. This high speed impacts small game with authority for clean kills out to reasonable distances. The gas piston provides smooth cocking effort compared to old steel springs. It also eliminates spring fatigue so velocities stay consistent over thousands of shots rather than degrading over time.

The break barrel cocking loads a single pellet directly into the chamber for rapid shooting. While not as fast as multi-shot PCP rifles, it only takes seconds to recock between shots. This makes follow up shots on missed pests or targets quick and easy. The simple mechanism also promotes reliability since there are minimal moving parts to malfunction.

Accuracy comes from the rifled barrel and two sighting options. The fiber optic open sights acquire targets rapidly thanks to the bright front sight. A 4x32 scope also comes included so you can mount it to the 11mm dovetail and take precision shots. The scope is shockproof and holds zero reliably despite break barrel recoil. Having both sight choices makes the Syrix versatile for uses from plinking to hunting.

When it comes to ergonomics, the Syrix excels with its sporty design. The polymer body and stock keep weight reasonable at 6.4 pounds while providing a grippy tactile feel. Texturing on the forearm and pistol grip improve control. The soft rubber butt pad tames recoil for comfortable extended shooting. Thoughtful contours make the Syrix easy to shoulder and acquire targets instinctively.

Looking at extras, Umarex includes useful bonuses to enhance the value. You get a noise dampener to make firing whisper quiet for backyard practice. Slings studs come installed to easily add a carrying strap. The gun also comes with a 1 year manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. These additions help justify the affordable price tag.

In terms of limitations, break barrel powerplants require more cocking effort than pre-charged pneumatic or CO2 rifles. The Syrix system is smooth but some younger or smaller shooters may find it strenuous to load repeatedly. It also lacks any sound dampening of its own, so shots are quite loud unless you use the separate moderator. Lastly, the scope could stand to be upgraded for long range precision.

Overall, the Syrix hits a sweet spot for budget minded shooters who want serious power without extreme complexity. It provides classic spring piston performance with tactical styling and useful features for the money. Plinking aficionados, small game hunters, or tactical enthusiasts should all shortlist this easy handling rifle. While not a premium target gun, it brings joy to casual shooting for a reasonable investment.

Daisy 880 Multi-Pump Pneumatic

The Daisy 880 Multi-Pump proves that airguns don't need to be complex or costly to deliver versatility and fun. This classic pneumatic rifle allows users to choose pump effort based on their needs, from plinking to pest control. Let's analyze the capabilities and potential limitations of this time-tested airgun.

A key advantage of the 880 lies in the multi-pump pneumatic power system. It allows variable pump counts from 3 to 10 strokes to tailor velocity output. At just 3 pumps, it's gentle enough for indoor target practice or shooting cans in the backyard at 600 fps. Max out the pumps to 10 and it reaches 800 fps with BBs or 665 fps with pellets for hunting small game humanely. This adjustability makes the 880 perfect for shooters of all experience levels.

The 880 also excels in flexibility since it can shoot both BBs and pellets. The breech accepts .177 caliber projectiles of any type. This means you can use economical BBs for plinking fun or more precise pellets for hunting. The 50 round BB reservoir feeds automatically for rapid fire enjoyment. You can also single load pellets without the need for magazines. Having both ammo options in one gun makes the 880 ideal as a starter airgun.

In terms of reliability, the 880 shines thanks to its simple mechanics. With just a barrel, pump mechanism, valve and trigger components, there are minimal parts to fail. As long as you lubricate the pump assembly periodically, it will provide thousands of shots over years of use. The 880 maintains functionality through all sorts of abuse from newbies.

The 880 also promotes accuracy via its sights and stock fit. The fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear notch are easy to align on targets. The molded Monte Carlo stock allows a comfortable cheek weld. These features aid in placing shots precisely time after time. The 880 can hit soda cans at 10 yards even in young hands.

Looking at downsides, the 880 does have some limitations to consider. It lacks the power of higher end PCP or break barrel rifles that can take down larger pests and game. The multi-pump operation also requires physical effort, which may prove tiring for extensive sessions. Lastly, the overall fit and finish reflect its budget friendly price point.

In summary, the time tested Daisy 880 delivers versatile performance and fun without breaking the bank. Its smooth pump action and flexibility for BBs or pellets make it ideal as a first rifle. The adjustable power also allows users to grow their skills from plinking to hunting over time. While it lacks refinements of premium airguns, the 880 hits the mark for informal shooting on a budget.