Greatest .22 Air Rifles of 2024, Vary and Subject Examined

I’ve been airgun attempting to find 20 years and have shot almost each .22 air rifle out there. With that have searching with and reviewing airguns, I’ve put collectively a listing of the most effective .22 air rifles.  

I’ll begin with my commonplace disclaimer for some of these articles. The “finest” rifle is a subjective measure that is dependent upon its finish use and your private preferences. These are weapons that I might select based mostly on standards akin to accuracy, energy, measurement and weight, cocking motion, journal capability, set off, or the price of possession.

It might be simple simply to pick out my total favourite airguns and say, “I’ll take the .22 model of that.” Nonetheless, I’m going to begin with a clear slate, ask myself what I’d need particularly in a .22, take a look at what’s out there in the marketplace, and share my prime picks.

How I Selected the Greatest .22 Air Rifles

My prime .22 airgun picks are a mix of air rifles I’ve area and vary examined by myself and weapons from the Out of doors Life air rifle check. Air rifles from the check will embrace group and chronograph knowledge. Teams had been shot at 45 yards with the ammo listed for every air rifle. We shot all of the air rifles of their inventory tune and it’s protected to say with tuning, the teams could possibly be improved.

The entire choices under are extremely correct in the correct arms and which you select will rely in your price range and meant use case.

Greatest .22 Air Rifles: Critiques & Suggestions

Greatest Total: Brocock Commander XR

Key Options

• Huma-Air adjustable regulator
• Lother Walther polygonal barrel
• Tactical inventory, AR-style inventory, and pistol grip
• Shrouded barrel with built-in baffles

Execs

• Very correct long-range capabilities
• Quiet
• Ergonomic and adjustable
• Quick, easy biking of sidelever

Cons

• Costly
• Picatinny rail underneath bottle could possibly be longer

The Brocock Commander XR is light-weight, compact (with the inventory folded), and simple to pack over lengthy distances. The sidelever motion and journal are dependable and may cycle rapidly with out coming off course. When taking pictures off sticks or with a bipod connected, I discover this rifle is an absolute tack-driver on long-range prairie canine shoots. When searching at distances over 100 yards with an air rifle and an 18-grain pellet, every part on the gun has to work nicely and work the identical means each time, which the Commander does, and it’s why this rifle makes the grade. 

It has a bottle-forward design that’s configured to just accept an AR-compatible inventory and pistol grip. The rifle makes use of a sidelever cocking and loading system that cycles the 10-shot journal. The cocking deal with is snug to make use of and solely wants a brief straight pull to cycle. Air administration is offered by the HUMA regulated air supply system that works with the adjustable hammer and valve to supply a high-level consistency. 

You possibly can select from an aluminum or carbon air cylinder. The aluminum is cheaper, and the carbon fiber is lighter. Twin air gauges monitor each regulator stress settings and the air provide standing. An influence adjuster — positioned on the right-hand facet of the breech block — works nicely for on-demand tuning.

In case you are in search of a gun that’s each a great all-around small recreation rifle and could be set as much as attain out for longer vary small recreation and pest management taking pictures, the Brocock Commander XR is difficult to beat. With adjustable energy, versatile airflow administration, a precision barrel, a design that gives a secure and stable taking pictures platform, that is one which I felt snug making my choose for the most effective .22 air rifle for searching total.

One other nice long-range searching air rifle: FX Dreamline

Greatest Funds: Umarex NOTOS .22 PCP Carbine

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Key Options

• Regulated for constant velocity output
• Sidelever motion
• Seven-shot rotary journal
• Absolutely shrouded barrel
• Compact, adjustable inventory

Take a look at Outcomes

• 45-Yard Group Common: 0.96 inch
• Pellet Used: JSB 15.9
• Set off Pull Weight: 4 lbs 2.3 oz
• Common Velocity: 722 fps

Execs

• Good accuracy and energy for plinking or searching
• Regulated, uncommon function at this worth level
• Three constant magazines (21 pictures) per fill

Cons

• Regulator setting is just not adjustable.
• Left facet cocking lever won’t enchantment to some shooters.

I consider the NOTOS is a close-to-perfect car for a .22 caliber small recreation gun. It generates round 18 foot-pounds, is correct, ergonomic, and really moderately priced. With the adjustable inventory, the NOTOS could be good for a younger hunter, performs at a stage that might develop with the beginner shooter, or be an amazing addition for the skilled hunter that desires an excellent gentle and compact rig for squirrel searching within the fall woods. This little carbine is an absolute blast to shoot. 

In the course of the 2024 air rifle check, this little air rifle shot a .96-inch, 5-shot group common. It shot a 15.9 grain JSB pellet at 722 fps. That’s loads of accuracy and energy for small recreation searching.

The Umarex NOTOS .22 PCP Carbine comes with all of the parts to configure it as a big handgun or a sub-compact carbine, making it one of the crucial versatile choices I’ve examined shortly. The inventory is a black artificial materials with a pistol grip and an adjustable AR-style inventory. It is usually top-of-the-line airgun values you’ll discover, at nicely underneath $300, but it provides options discovered on air rifles which can be far more costly. One other attention-grabbing reality in regards to the NOTOS is that it’s a devoted .22, the one caliber it’s supplied in, and as a bonus, this carbine may be very ammunition tolerant.

Learn our full overview of the Umarex NOTOS

Key Options

• Interchangeable barrels and slug liners out there
• FX Easy Twist X Barrel
• Adjustable regulator and energy plenum
• AR15-style grip, CNC aluminum inventory, adjustable recoil pad (top)

Take a look at Outcomes

• 45-Yard Group Common: .41 inch
• 100-Yard Group Common: 1.53 inches
• Pellet Used: Air Arms Diablo Subject 25.4 grains
• Set off Pull Weight: 1 lb 8 ounces
• Common Velocity: 896.8 fps 

Execs

• Extraordinarily correct
• Adjustable match set off
• Carbon-fiber tank: 480 cc Customary, 300cc Compact
• Shot depend: roughly 130 pictures per fill
• Multi caliber

Cons

• Costly
• Difficult to arrange for brand new shooters

I’m not a critical aggressive shooter, although I often compete and have had an opportunity to look at and converse with a few of the finest opponents on the circuit. Most of the prime shooters I’ve talked to have advised me with out reservation why the Impression is likely one of the finest .22 air rifles for benchrest and pace silhouette. And when a bunch of the most effective comes near a consensus, I’m going to concentrate. That accuracy proved to be reality when on the Out of doors Life 2024 air rifle check, the Impression shot the most effective teams within the area. It averaged .44 inch, five-shot teams at 45 yards for 3 completely different set off pullers.

The FX Impression is a bottle-forward bullpup constructed on a CNC aluminum inventory with an adjustable recoil pad and an AR-style pistol grip. It makes use of a sidelever motion that rapidly and easily cycles. The 2-stage adjustable set off makes use of a publish and blade configuration and provides extremely gentle and tactile responsiveness. There are a number of barrel choices, and they’re interchangeable.

Airgun competitions within the U.S. and Europe are gaining recognition, particularly benchrest, high-speed silhouette, and area goal. The FX Impression has turn out to be one of the crucial extensively used and profitable platforms competing in benchrest and silhouette, and it’s as a result of each facet of the gun has a laser deal with wringing each little bit of accuracy. I’m not a aggressive shooter, however I’ve an Impression .22 arrange for long-range prairie dogging, and it’s fairly merely one of the crucial correct air rifles ever constructed. The FX Impression’s observe file for unbelievable accuracy and consistency is why it’s my choose for essentially the most correct .22 air rifle.

Greatest Modular Design: Air Venturi Avenge-X

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Key Options

• Adjustable regulator
• Modular design
• Adjustable energy
• Sidelever motion
• Vary of caliber choices (.177, .22, .25)
• Absolutely shrouded barrel

Execs

• Extraordinarily configurable
• Correct and highly effective
• Reasonably low sound signature

Cons

• No frill, workmanlike design and manufacture
• Model-new providing and inventories might deplete rapidly

I actually like the truth that this rifle is accessible in a number of configurations, sporter, bullpup, and tactical, however what I feel enhances that is that the Avenge-X collection is actually modular. The Avenge-X is exclusive within the market, with a spread of non-compulsory parts (barrels, air storage, and shares), that are each simply out there and fairly priced.

The Air Venturi Seneca Avenge-X is troublesome to supply a concise description of as a result of it may be configured in so some ways. The product line leverages key know-how and classes realized from the Avenger rifle and bullpup. Whereas different producers tout a modular design, what I respect in regards to the Avenge-X is that the elements can be found, priced moderately, and could be modified by the everyday consumer.

Learn our full overview of the Air Venturi Avenger.

Greatest for New Airgun Hunters: Umarex Komplete NitroAir

Take a look at Outcomes

• 45-Yard Group Common: 0.86 inch
• Pellet Used: JSB 10.4
• Set off Pull Weight: 1 lb 3.3 oz
• Common Velocity: 935 fps
• *We examined the Komplete in .177

Key Specs

• Powered by the NitroAir NCR cartridge system
• Facet lever cocking
• Two stage set off, adjustable take up, 2.25 lb pull weight
• Inner (non-adjustable) Regulator
• SilencAir noise suppression
• Accessible in .177 and .22

Execs

• PCP with no further fill gear required
• Cartridge powered PCP
• Low price of entry to PCPs
• Highly effective and correct
• Regulated for roughly 45 pictures per cartridge

Cons

• Worth proposition varies relying on utilization
• Included scope high quality is suboptimal

The Komplete NitroAir stands out in a crowded area of value-oriented PCP air rifles as a result of it makes use of a proprietary nitrogen fuel cartridge. The cartridge resembles a big CO2 cartridge, however a CO2 cartridge is simply crammed to 800 psi. The NitroAir cartridge is charged to 3600 psi, which is sufficient fuel for about 45 regulated pictures. Apart from a excessive shot depend, the single-use nitrogen cartridges provide the efficiency advantages of a PCP with no need to spend money on a expensive compressor or air tank.

It’s the least costly PCP with respect to startup prices, although at about $10 per cartridge (bought in packs of two), the working prices could possibly be greater relying on how a lot you shoot. After 1,900 pictures, you’ll spend $400 on 20 packing containers of cartridges, which is about the price of a small compressor. That’s why this airgun isn’t superb for high-volume shooters, however it does make loads of sense as a yard pest rifle, plinker, or small recreation airgun.

Greatest Spring Piston: Beeman R9

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Take a look at Outcomes

• 25-Yard Group Common: .59 inch
• Pellet Used: JSB 15.89
• Set off Pull Weight: 2 lbs 14 oz
• Common Velocity: 605 fps

Key Options

• Powerplant: Typical Spring-piston
• Size Total: 43.25 inches
• Size of pull: 14.25 inches
• Weight: 8.5 kilos 
• Single shot break barrel
• Barrel Size: 16.5 inches
• Set off: two-stage adjustable Rekord set off
• Cocking effort: 40 kilos
• Sighting: Open sights, adjustable rear sight, 11mm Dovetail for scope

Execs

• The most effective spring piston triggers ever produced
• Excessive stage of match and end
• Excellent ergonomics
• One of the crucial correct spring piston airguns ever constructed
• Nice steadiness of accuracy and energy
• Straightforward to cock 

Cons

• Incorporate a resettable security (can’t be reset after releasing)
• It’s on the heavy facet, however to be anticipated with this kind of gun in wooden.
• That is virtually the right springer, if such a factor exists.

The R9 was by far the most effective spring airgun at this yr’s air rifle check. It had the smoothest taking pictures cycle, the most effective set off, and yielded the most effective accuracy. However you’ll pay $530 for that stage of efficiency, which is greater than double the worth of the others examined.

The Rekord set off on the R9 is a two-stage adjustable design that got here out of the field at 2 kilos 14 ounces.

In our 25-yard accuracy testing, the smallest group was .21 inch, the most important was 1 inch, and the 4 group common was .53 inch. That’s some good taking pictures for a springer, however most notably, the accuracy got here simply. Different spring rifles we examined had been finicky and wanted particular holds to shoot nicely. The R9 simply carried out with out fuss.  

This gun was arrange at low energy, producing 605 fps with the 15.89 grain JSB Diabolo pellet. The R9 was producing an influence output just a bit above the UK authorized restrict of 13 ft-lbs. I do know that to firearms shooters this appears very low, however for context take into account the British have been bagging small recreation with sub 12 ft-lb weapons for many years.

The R9 makes use of a wooden Monte Carlo inventory with a refined cheekpiece that enables it to be shot comfortably right-handed or left-handed. Everybody within the check group gave the R9’s ergonomics excessive scores. With a cocking effort of roughly 38 kilos, it must be manageable for many shooters.

Learn Subsequent: PCP Air Rifles 101

Greatest Funds Spring Airgun: Gamo Swarm Maxxim 10x Gen 2

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Take a look at Outcomes

• 25-Yard Group Common: 1.13 inch
• Pellet Used: JSB Precise 18.13 grain
• Set off Pull Weight: 3 lbs 12.3 ounces
• Common Velocity: 611 fps

Key Specs

• Break barrel motion
• IGT Inert Fuel Know-how Fuel Piston energy plant
• Journal with 10 shot capability (Horizontal orientation)
• Two-stage adjustable set off
• Whisper Maxxim sound suppression system
• Shockwave Absorber recoil pad

Execs

• Multi-shot journal
• Low cocking effort
• Easy taking pictures cycle
• Ergonomic

Cons

• Bundled scope is low high quality
• Set off out of field has loads of creep
• Just one journal included

The Swarm Maxxim 10X Gen 2 was a nice taking pictures rifle with a reasonably tame firing cycle, and the multi-shot journal labored flawlessly throughout testing. The cocking effort was low, and the general ergonomics had been good.

Its accuracy wasn’t spectacular, however it’s loads correct for searching small recreation inside 30 yards or enjoyable taking pictures within the yard. One observe is that you simply’ll wish to study a correct artillery maintain if you happen to’re going to personal this airgun. Or on the very least tackle the air rifle in a constant method. We discovered that this gun’s level of influence would shift relying on the place and the way a lot stress was utilized to contact factors.

Key Options

• Worth pricing
• Adjustable regulator
• Shrouded barrel
• Correct and highly effective

Execs

• Glorious efficiency out of the field
• Responsive set off and sidelever motion
• Rugged and dependable journal
• Absolutely adjustable regulator permits optimization for particular projectiles and purposes
• Excessive-capacity and high-pressure air storage gives a excessive shot depend

Cons

• Inventory has a hole and plasticky really feel
• If the regulator is ready excessive, a excessive stress (4351 psi) fill is required

For a rifle to be an amazing entry-level gun, it needs to be simple to arrange and shoot, provide the efficiency to permit a brand new shooter to realize success and see enchancment, and proceed to assist the shooter’s wants as their expertise stage grows. The Avenger does an excellent job of addressing this requirement.

The usual Avenger is a full-sized PCP rifle in a black artificial sporter model inventory that can match most shooters nicely. The air reservoir sits under the barrel and gives a surprisingly excessive shot depend because of the excessive fill pressures it could actually accommodate. The rifle is cycled with a sidelever motion utilizing a well-designed cocking lever that reliably auto indexes the magazines. Two stress gauges show the standing of the air storage and the regulator setting.

The Avenger is a superb instance of a gun that may adapt to the shooter’s wants. It is a superb selection for novice PCP shooters and airgun aficionados who wish to tune and modify a gun to make it their very own.

I’ve used the Avenger .22 to hunt squirrels and rabbits with commonplace Diabolo pellets, and dialed it in to work with airgun slugs for long-range prairie canine shoots. The intrinsic accuracy, tactile set off, easy cocking motion, and total ergonomics make this a straightforward gun to shoot precisely. The low worth makes it a horny rifle to buy, and the options and performance guarantee it’s going to proceed to supply worth as a brand new shooter features expertise. And for all of those causes, the Avenger was my choose for finest price range .22 air rifle.

Key Options

• Semi-auto motion
• Folding inventory
• Excessive energy
• Shrouded barrel

Execs

• Correct
• Highly effective
• Dependable
• Compact and light-weight

Cons

• Occasional misfeeds with some ammo (features reliably with most pellets)
• Makes use of loads of air and pellets

There are a number of semi-auto PCP air rifles in the marketplace, however not many good ones. I’ve been taking pictures the HP Carbine for a number of months now, and in addition to having a great observe file for reliability, they’ve constructed this gun on a smaller body and saved each the dimensions and the worth down. AEA appears to have discovered the candy spot.

It is a tactical design with a folding AR-style buttstock, pistol grip, and bottle-forward configuration. The gun folds for straightforward packing and transporting, deploys rapidly, and provides an ergonomic and secure taking pictures platform that I like for offhand taking pictures. The shrouded barrel does a great job of lowering the sound signature.

It’s correct, highly effective, and spits out pellets as quick as you’ll be able to pull the set off. I feel this caliber is likely one of the finest .22 air rifles for plinking or searching. With this gun, you’ll devour loads of air and loads of pellets, so it’s good to guarantee you will have entry to each. I might counsel that you consider investing in a compressor, so that you all the time have air out there.

One other nice semi-auto airgun: Hatsan Invader

How one can Select One of many Greatest .22 Air Rifles

To pick the most effective .22 air rifle it’s good to reply three questions:

• What’s your price range?
• How will you employ the air rifle? 
• Are you prepared to spend money on an air compressor or air tank? 

In case your price range is over $1,000 you will have loads of correct and highly effective .22 air rifles to select from. I’d counsel a PCP for optimum accuracy and energy. Then you definately simply have to resolve if you happen to’d like a goal rifle just like the FX Impression or a searching air rifle just like the Brocock Commander XR. Within the $500 vary you’ll be able to select from glorious PCPs just like the Air Venturi Avenger or a springer just like the Hatsan Mannequin 65. The deciding issue will likely be if you happen to choose the simplicity of a springer or the precision of a PCP. Within the $250 vary you’ll be able to nonetheless discover glorious PCP and springer fashions just like the Gamo Swarm and Hatsan Flashpup QE. 

Learn Subsequent: The Greatest PCP Air Rifle Compressors

FAQs

Last Ideas on the Greatest .22 Air Rifles

The .22 caliber is arguably the preferred caliber being utilized in PCP air rifles, and proper behind the .177 in spring piston weapons. If we glance particularly at searching purposes, the .22 might be essentially the most extensively used caliber. 

They’re the preferred for good purpose. There’s a broad choice of .22 rifles; they’re flat taking pictures, and have good terminal efficiency. There’s additionally an unlimited vary of reasonably priced pellets in various designs and weights. I’d advise you to take a look at the net retailers when selecting pellets to your .22 air rifle, as they may have a significantly better choice and infrequently higher costs than you’ll discover in an enormous field retailer. When you select the correct gun and the correct projectile, top-of-the-line .22 air rifles will serve you nicely whether or not you plink, shoot competitors, or hunt.