This post has affiliate links. If you buy through them, The Hunters Report may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Small game is where a lot of hunters got their start. You walk, you watch, you learn how animals move. A cottontail or a tree squirrel is good eating, too.
More people are doing it with an air rifle now. It’s quiet, the ammo is cheap, and you can practice in your backyard in a lot of places. Today’s hunting air rifles are a long way from the BB gun you had as a kid.
Here’s how to get started.
Is it legal in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona lets you hunt cottontail rabbits and tree squirrels with air rifles. The rules call them “pneumatic weapons.” You need a regular Arizona hunting license, and the normal seasons and bag limits apply.
Rules can change, and other states do it differently. Check the current Arizona Game and Fish regulations before you go. If you hunt somewhere else, check that state’s rules.
Get a .22, not a .177
Air rifles come in a few sizes. The two you’ll see most are .177 and .22.
A .177 shoots a small, light pellet very fast. It’s great for targets.
A .22 shoots a heavier pellet. It hits harder, and that’s what you want for rabbits and squirrels. Most small game hunters use a .22.
Don’t go by the speed on the box. The big numbers usually come from extra-light pellets that nobody hunts with. A heavier pellet going a little slower does a cleaner job.
Two kinds of air rifles
Break barrel. You bend the barrel down to cock it, then snap it back. That one move gets it ready to shoot. You don’t need any pump or tank. These cost less and are simple. They take some effort to cock and they kick a little, so they take practice to shoot well.
PCP (pre-charged). These run on air stored in a tank on the rifle. You fill the tank with a hand pump, a scuba tank, or a small compressor. They’re more accurate and easier to shoot. You do need to buy a way to fill them, and that adds to the cost.
Two good rifles to start with
Easiest to start: Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i (.22)
See the Gamo Swarm Magnum at Pyramyd AIR
This is a break barrel, so there’s nothing else to buy to fill it. It comes with a 3-9×40 scope already in the box.
- Holds 10 pellets, so you don’t have to load one at a time
- Gas piston, which cocks smoother than an old-style spring gun
- Built-in noise reducer
- Weather-proof synthetic stock
- Around 975 feet per second with regular lead pellets in .22
It’s a solid way to try air rifle hunting without spending a lot.
A step up: Umarex Gauntlet 2 SL (.22)
See the Umarex Gauntlet 2 SL at Pyramyd AIR
This is a PCP rifle. It’s one of the most popular “first PCPs” because it shoots well for the money.
- About 33 foot-pounds of power in .22, plenty for rabbits and squirrels
- 70 or more shots per fill
- Easy side lever to cock it
- Quieter than the first Gauntlet
- Comes with two 10-shot magazines
Remember, you’ll also need a way to fill the tank. A hand pump is the cheapest way to start. A scope doesn’t come with it either.
Tips for your first hunt
- Practice first. Shoot at the distance you plan to hunt until you can hit something the size of a quarter every time.
- Keep shots close. For most hunters, 30 yards or less is a good limit. Closer is better.
- Aim for the head. With an air rifle, a head shot is the cleanest kill on small game.
- Try a few pellets. Every rifle shoots some brands better than others. Buy a couple of tins and see which one groups best.
- Know what’s behind your target. A pellet can still hurt someone far past the rabbit.
- Wear blaze orange if other hunters might be in the area.
The bottom line
If you want an easy start, the Gamo Swarm Magnum has everything in one box. If you want better accuracy and don’t mind buying a pump, the Umarex Gauntlet 2 SL is a great first PCP.
Either one gets you out in the field this season.