Looking for the Best Rabbit Hunting Air Rifles? Read on as we go through the best Pellet Guns for Rabbits, the features, pros, and more.
If you are an avid rabbit hunter, a pellet gun is the best tool for you.
Pellet guns are easy to use, fun to shoot, and more humane when it comes to getting rid of rabbits. It’s for these reasons that thousands of farm owners now use shooting as their preferred rabbit control method.
Given the wide selection of pellet guns available on the market, you might find it a little overwhelming to choose the right gun. To save you the time and hassle of going through every model out there, here are some of the best pellet guns for rabbits.
Best Pellet Guns for Rabbits
1) Gamo Varmint Air Rifle
This Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle is an all-around air rifle suitable for small pest control. It is considered one of the best pellet guns for rabbits because of its high firing power and accuracy. This air gun shoots .177 caliber pellets up to 1250FPS. This is more than enough to take down a rabbit instantly. You can also use it for both close and long-range rabbits hunting. Given that rabbits are more active during the early morning or late evening, you’ll need an air gun with a scope to improve your shooting accuracy. That’s why this air gun has a 4×32 scope and mount included. Besides, the scope is shockproof and fog proof to ensure reliable performance in different weather conditions. Thanks to the quiet operation, this gun will let you take down rabbits without causing any noise disturbance. The quiet operation also ensures that you don’t scare away the rabbits in case you miss a shot. When it comes to the price, you won’t steal the bank to get this air gun. It’s incredibly affordable so it fits the bill for rabbit control. Feature
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2) Black Ops S – Power Piston .177 Cal Break Barrel Rifle
When it comes to finding the best pellet guns for rabbits, then you can hardly go wrong with the Black Ops Sniper Rifle. This sniper rifle is incredibly easy to use and comes packed with a multitude of features suitable for small pest control. For starters, if you are always struggling to get an accurate long-range shot, the Black Ops Sniper Rifle got your back. This air rifle is incredibly accurate at both short and long-range thanks to its 4×32 Scope. Engineered with a power piston technology, this rifle shoots .177 caliber pellets up to 1250FPS with incredible consistency. When it comes to shooting comfort, the stock of this sniper rifle has an adjustable cheek guard for the ultimate shooting comfort. You can also use the sturdy bipod to enhance your shooting comfort especially if you are engaged in long shooting sessions. This air gun also features an integrated suppressor to avoid spooking game and give you a noise-free shooting. To improve your shooting accuracy, this air gun features adjustable fiber optic sights. A 4×32 scope is also included to provide better accuracy in any distance. Features
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3) Umarex Fusion .177 Caliber Pellet Gun
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4) Raptor Whisper Air Rifle
If you are looking for the best budget pellet gun for rabbit shooting in both .177 and .22 calibers, the Raptor Whisper Air Rifle is your ideal choice. This air rifle uses the Whisper Noise Reduction Technology which is patented by Gamo. This noise reduction technology lets you shoot quietly. So, if you are shooting rabbits in the backyard, you won’t cause any noise disturbance to your neighbors. The silent operation also comes in handy when you don’t want to spook other rabbits in your area Another selling point about this air rifle is the IGS (Inert Gas Technology) gas piston. Unlike spring pistons, the gas piston delivers more shooting velocity. With the .177 caliber pellets, you get 1300fps and 975fps in .22 caliber. You also get minimal vibrations, more consistent power as well as a smooth cocking effect. The 4×32 scope included is shockproof and fog proof. Therefore, the scope will provide you with clear target visuals regardless of the weather conditions. Weighing about 5.64lbs, this air rifle is lightweight and comfortable to carry around. The low weight makes long hunting sessions bearable. Features
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5) Crosman .177-Cal Pellet Bolt Action Variable Pump Rifle
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6) Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle
This list wouldn’t be complete without us mentioning the Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle. This is a spring-piston single-stroke break barrel air rifle ideal for small game hunting, pest control, and target shooting. It shoots .177 calibers. You can shoot at 1000fps with lead pellets and 1200fps with alloy pellets. Such velocities will deliver excellent results regardless of the shooting range. When it comes to shooting accuracy, this air gun never disappoints. It comes with standard front and rear fiber optics which enhance your long-range shooting accuracy. Besides, the rear sights are adjustable for windage and elevation. Another impressive feature of this air rifle is its comfortable stock and grip. As your cheek sets on the ergonomic stock, your grip will be comfortable and secure thanks to the contoured shape and checkering. You can therefore shoot rabbits in wet conditions and still enjoy a secure, non-slip grip. For added convenience, this air rifle also comes with a 4×32 scope and mounting rings. It is also lightweight and great for field use. Features
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Pellet Guns for Rabbits
- Shooting Range
How far you intend to shoot will determine the type of air rifle that’s suitable for your needs. Generally, most air guns fall into these 4 categories; light, medium, high and super-magnum. In most cases, light and medium-powered air guns are great for light pest control, plinking, and target shooting. With these guns, you can accurately shoot a target that’s within 35-50 yards.
- Type of Air Rifle
Once you have decided on your ideal power range, then you can decide whether you need a spring gun, spring, or gas-powered gun.
Pneumatic Air Rifles
This type of air rifle is powered by manually pumping the level to pump air into the chamber. You can either shoot pellets or BBs with such guns. They are considerably affordable and easier to reload for young people. They are perfect for plinking and target shooting.
Spring Powered Air Rifles
With these air rifles, a spring compresses the air inside the chamber to be used as the power source. Compared with other air rifles, spring-powered air guns are more powerful and easy to use. Their drawback is that the more expensive and difficult to reload for the less energetic people.
CO2 Powered Air Rifles
These air guns use compressed gas or cartridges as their power source. They require frequent cartridge refill after depletion. On average a CO2-powered air gun can fire 30 shots before a refill is done. When it comes to power, there are less powerful and difficult to shoot at long distances.
- Caliber
Different caliber pellets are used for different shooting activities. Most air guns are compatible with both .177 and .22 caliber pellets. A 177 caliber pellet has a higher initial velocity but lowers muzzle energy. It also has a longer kill zone range. It’s the vice versa for the .22 caliber. For rabbit shooting, the .177 caliber will be your best choice.
- Durable Make
This is a subject that’s important to every shooter out there. The quality of construction used when making any air gun has a direct impact on how long it’s going to last. Air guns with all-weather stocks are durably made to withstand different weather elements. With such an air rifle, you are assured of long-lasting durability.
Pellet Guns for Rabbits FAQs
- Which is better, .177 or .22 air gun?
When it comes to rabbit shooting, both .177 and .22 caliber pellets will do. If you are looking for more kill power, go for the .22. On the other hand, if you need to shoot longer distances, go for the .177.
- How many FPS does it take to kill a rabbit?
It depends. You can have a pellet with a very high FPS but negligible weight. Such a pellet can’t even kill a rat. So look for a gun with high firing velocity and sufficient weight as well.
- Is it legal to shoot rabbits?
Yes. In most states, rabbits are categorized as pests. So, yes it’s legal to shoot rabbits as a form of pest control or as a recreation activity.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the information provided above has enlightened you and now you are able to make a good buying decision.
Whether you are looking for a pellet gun for pest control or for recreational use, all of the guns listed above are quality and durable. Get yourself any one of them and enjoy one of the most delicious meat ever.
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