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Top 12 Picks: Best Pellet Gun for Small Game Hunting in 2026

by 
Donald Whiteley
  Jun 17, 2023 6:36 PM

The thrill of small game hunting is incomparable, especially with the right pellet gun. Unveil the benefits of the best pellet gun choices for an exciting and fruitful hunting experience.

Immerse yourself in the engaging world of small game hunting with the best pellet gun for small game hunting. Hunting is an art, and like any artist, you need the right tools to perfect your craft. Having the perfect pellet gun can make all the difference in your hunting experience. This guide delves into the top choices to help you hit the bullseye every time.

1
Do-All Outdoors Fowl Play Automatic Clay Pigeon Skeet Thrower Trap, 50 Clay Capacity , Orange
Do-All Outdoors Fowl Play Automatic Clay Pigeon Skeet Thrower Trap,
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Do-All Outdoors
  • Handles standard or bio clays
  • 50 clay auto feeder throws clays 55+ yards at 5 to 35 degree adjustable angles  more
2
Hatsan AirTact ED .25 cal 750 FPS / 24 FPE - Brake Barrel Air Rifle .25 caliber w/ QuietEnergy (QE) & 4×32 scope | Small Game Spring piston air gun +Wearable4U 150x Pellets & 100x Paper Targets Bundle
Hatsan AirTact ED .25 cal 750 FPS / 24 FPE
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Wearable4U
  • Single-shot break-barrel cocking action. Spring-piston powered.
  • Combo scope rail accepts 11mm dovetail and Weaver mounts. Manual safety. Includes Optima 4x32 Scope.  more
3
Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter Max .22 Pellet Rifle, Black
Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter Max .22 Pellet Rifle, Black
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    9.0
  • Brand
    Umarex
  • 3-9X32 scope with mounts
  • Automatic safety & silencair technology  more
4
Ruger Targis Hunter Max Pellet Gun Air Rifle with Scope, .22 Caliber and 3-9x32mm Scope, Multi
Ruger Targis Hunter Max Pellet Gun Air Rifle with Scope,
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    9.0
  • Brand
    Umarex
  • Stock features checkered rubber inserts for a sure grip in hot or cold, wet or dry; Fitted with a comfortable rubber recoil butt pad. Sling studs matched with an included adjustable nylon sling
  • The 5-chamber SilencAir sound dampener is permanently affixed to the air rifle to reduce down range noise and maximize stealth  more
5
Hatsan Striker Wood .177 Cal 1300 FPS / 21 FPE - Brake Barrel Air Rifle .177 Caliber w/ 3-9X32 Scope, QuietEnergy (QE) & Spring Piston | Small Game air Gun + Wearable4U 500x Pellets Bundle
Hatsan Striker Wood .177 Cal 1300 FPS / 21 FPE
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    9.0
  • Brand
    Wearable4U
  • Stock: Ambidextrous stylish wood stock with Monte-Carlo cheekpiece on both sides. Scope: Optima 3-9X32.
  • Metal Trigger Blade. Spring-piston.  more
6
Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal , Black
Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal , Black
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    9.0
  • Brand
    Gamo
  • .177 Cal pellet single cocking break barrel
  • 1 YEAR WARRANTY. Made In Spain  more
7
Gamo WildCat Whisper Air Rifle .177 Cal , Black
Gamo WildCat Whisper Air Rifle .177 Cal , Black
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    9.0
  • Brand
    Gamo
  • 1 YEAR WARRANTY. Made In Spain
  • .177 Cal pellet single cocking break barrel, 1300 fps with PBA Platinum  more
8
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
9
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
10
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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    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
11
Crosman 1077-N RepeatAir Semi-Automatic CO2-Powered .177-Caliber Pellet Air Rifle , black
Crosman 1077-N RepeatAir Semi-Automatic CO2-Powered .177-Caliber Pellet Air Rifle ,
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    8.6
  • Brand
    Crosman
  • CO2-POWERED – Delivering up to 780 fps (CO2 not included)
  • ADJUSTABLE NOTCH REAR SIGHT WITH FIBER OPTIC FRONT SIGHT  more
12
Umarex Ruger 10/22 .177 Caliber Pellet Gun Air Rifle, 700 fps
Umarex Ruger 10/22 .177 Caliber Pellet Gun Air Rifle, 700
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    8.4
  • Brand
    Umarex
  • Powered by two 12-gram CO2 cartridges (CO2 NOT included)
  • Single or double action shooting; Includes a drop-out 10-shot pellet magazine  more

Last update on 2023-06-17 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Product Selection Assistance

Engaging in small game hunting is an exciting endeavor, and having the best pellet gun for small game hunting makes the experience significantly more fruitful. A few vital features to look out for include the brand, type, specifications, and user reviews.

The brand of your pellet gun speaks volumes about its reliability and performance. Renowned brands often have a history of delivering quality and satisfaction to their customers.

Do-All Outdoors Fowl Play Automatic Clay Pigeon Skeet Thrower Trap, 50 Clay Capacity , Orange
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As for the type, there are different pellet guns designed for various hunting experiences. Some may offer a single-shot mechanism, while others may provide semi-automatic features. Choose according to your comfort and hunting style.

Hatsan AirTact ED .25 cal 750 FPS / 24 FPE - Brake Barrel Air Rifle .25 caliber w/ QuietEnergy (QE) & 4×32 scope | Small Game Spring piston air gun +Wearable4U 150x Pellets & 100x Paper Targets Bundle
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Specifications are key. A pellet gun with high velocity and accuracy is crucial for small game hunting. Also, consider the power source (spring, gas, or pneumatic), the caliber, and whether it has adjustable sights or not.

Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter Max .22 Pellet Rifle, Black
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Continue reading: Best silent 22 caliber air rifles

User reviews provide practical insights about the product from people who've already used it. They can guide you about the pros and cons and whether the product lives up to its advertised features.

Ruger Targis Hunter Max Pellet Gun Air Rifle with Scope, .22 Caliber and 3-9x32mm Scope, Multi
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Lastly, consider your budget. High-quality pellet guns come in a range of prices. Always remember that the most expensive doesn't necessarily mean the best. Look for a gun that offers great value for money.

Hatsan Striker Wood .177 Cal 1300 FPS / 21 FPE - Brake Barrel Air Rifle .177 Caliber w/ 3-9X32 Scope, QuietEnergy (QE) & Spring Piston | Small Game air Gun + Wearable4U 500x Pellets Bundle
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Why Trust Us? We strive to provide you with accurate and detailed information, backed by thorough research and expertise. Our suggestions are unbiased and aim to guide you in making the best purchase decision for your small game hunting needs. Remember, the key is to buy a pellet gun that suits your specific needs and preferences.

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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.