Some of you might have checked the Top 5 Most Powerful Air Gun, then you already know why air rifle is recommended for small targets. And of course, you are ready to check out a list of 3+ best air rifle for small game reviews right below.
If not, kindly spend some time reading our previous page to learn tips to choose the air rifle to make a wise purchase.
In brief, you need to:
- Defining your targeted games
- Picking up an appropriate power
- Selecting pistols or calibers
- Understanding the firing action
- Always prioritizing safety first
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And, here we will focus on one category: The best air rifle for small game. Simply, power is not the most priority when it comes to little birds, grey squirrels, rabbits, or waterfowl, etc.
What Are Small Games?
Naturally, small games are those animals that are small in size. How small depends on local and state hunting regulations. Nonetheless, they often include migratory and upland birds, small mammals like squirrel and rabbit, reptiles and amphibians, or furbearers, etc.
Whether people often hunt those small animals for meat or sport, most of the time, they are required to purchase a license, if they exist.
What to Consider When Hunting Small Games?
That rabbit and squirrel chases are by far the most straightforward to bring new and young hunters into the field does not mean there is a shortage of challenges.
In contrast, hunters find it hard to target those little because they can quickly perch on a branch or creep along the ground. Thus, you had better take notes on some small hunting tips and practices.
- Always check the laws and follow them strictly – better to take less than your limit.
- Try to learn key characteristics of the animals you’re hunting so you can decide what tactics to use.
- Prepare the right hunting gears, knowing that the accuracy is very important – sometimes, more than the power.
Fortunately, minimal equipment and preparation are required for small game hunting: An air rifle, ammunition, a hunting vest, walking boots, and hunting license – just to name some essential stuff.
3+ Best Air Rifle for Small Game Reviews
Best for All Small Games: Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle
We have introduced the Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle as one of the most powerful for small games. And it is not surprising that we re-show this .177 caliber rifle here.
What to expect?
- .117 calibers
- 44.8 inches long and 2.2 lbs
- Spring pistol powered
- Single cocking break barrel
- Muzzle velocity of 1000 fps
- 4 x 32 shockproof scope included
- 1-year warranty
As you can see, the features of Ruger Blackhawk Combo are also almost the same. Nonetheless, what makes its fan club is the well-build and highly-accurate shots.
Accordingly, the stock is made of all composite materials with the checkered grip pattern on the forearm and pistol grip sections. The composite is not only more heavy-duty than the wood, but it is also water- and weather-proof. For that reason, you can expect the gun to last from years to years. Ruger Blackhawk features two sights about the accuracy: the built-in fiber-optic sight and the other 4×32 scope. Then, you can use one as your preference. Just a small note is that the scope included is truly not very high-quality.
To conclude, Ruger Blackhawk Combo is also good at targeting small games like pests, squirrels, and rabbits.
Best Air Rifle for Squirrels: Crosman CCNP2SX Crusher
If your target is squirrels, then, you can take the Crosman CCNP2SX Crusher Air Rifle as an alternative.
Specifications:
- .22 calibers
- 45.63 inches long and 8.1 lbs
- Nitro piston powered
- Single break barrel pump
- Muzzle velocity of 950 fps
- 4 x 32 CenterPoint scope included
- 1-year warranty
Shhhh, you need to be quiet when you hunt squirrels. Those animals are very sensitive. Given the fact that an air rifle is much quieter than the standard rimfire, you will be happier to know that the Nitro piston technology will help reduce the noise by 70% than other break barrels. Not to mention, the .22 caliber is larger than the .117, meaning that less velocity is lethal and you will shoot more cleanly and accurately – the best air rifle for squirrels!
In drawbacks, prepare that this air rifle is heavy and expensive.
Best for Rabbits: Umarex Octane Elite Pellet Gun Air Rifle
How about shooting rabbits?
Should you use the Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle or Crosman CCNP2SX Crusher Air Rifle? – Yes, you can but we found Umarex Octane Elite Pellet Gun Air Rifle as a more suitable choice.
- .117 calibers
- 45.63 inches long and 8.1 lbs
- Umarex ReAxis spring powered
- Break style barrel
- Muzzle velocity of 1400 fps
- 3-9x40mm scope included
- 1-year warranty
We would pick up a break-barrel pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) spring power air rifle like Umarex Octane Elite for rabbits because the PCP weapon has an additional pellet ready instantly if you, unfortunately, miss in the first shot. Moreover, the rifle has low recoil that improves accuracy.
The only thing to complain about is that there is external charging equipment besides its expensiveness.
Take-away
Of all the superb airgun weapons on the market, we already sorted out the best air rifle for small game options for you above. What to take out for hunting the very next time? – It is up to your requirements and budget. However, if each of the air rifles here a careful look to make a wise choice!
