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

I’ve been airgun looking for 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 very best .22 air rifles.  

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

It will be straightforward simply to pick my general favourite airguns and say, “I’ll take the .22 model of that.” Nevertheless, I’m going to start out with a clear slate, ask myself what I’d need particularly in a .22, take a look at what’s out there available on the market, and share my prime picks.

How I Selected the Finest .22 Air Rifles

My prime .22 airgun picks are a mix of air rifles I’ve subject and vary examined by myself and weapons from the Outside Life air rifle check. Air rifles from the check will embody group and chronograph information. Teams have 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 secure to say with tuning, the teams may very well be improved.

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

Finest .22 Air Rifles: Evaluations & Suggestions

Finest 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

Professionals

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

Cons

• Costly
• Picatinny rail underneath bottle may very well 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 might 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, all the pieces on the gun has to work effectively 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 simply 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 may select from an aluminum or carbon air cylinder. The aluminum is inexpensive, 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 effectively for on-demand tuning.

In case you are on the lookout for a gun that’s each an excellent all-around small recreation rifle and may be set as much as attain out for longer vary small recreation and pest management taking pictures, the Brocock Commander XR is tough to beat. With adjustable energy, versatile airflow administration, a precision barrel, a design that gives a steady and strong taking pictures platform, that is one which I felt snug making my choose for the very best .22 air rifle for searching general.

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

Finest Price range: 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

Check Outcomes

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

Professionals

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

Cons

• Regulator setting shouldn’t be adjustable.
• Left facet cocking lever won’t attraction 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 fairly priced. With the adjustable inventory, the NOTOS could be excellent for a younger hunter, performs at a degree that might develop with the beginner shooter, or be an important 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 elements to configure it as a big handgun or a sub-compact carbine, making it one of the vital 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 among the finest airgun values you’ll discover, at effectively underneath $300, but it presents options discovered on air rifles which can be way more costly. One other fascinating truth 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 could be very ammunition tolerant.

Learn our full evaluation 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 (peak)

Check 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 Pace: 896.8 fps 

Professionals

• 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 sometimes compete and have had an opportunity to observe and converse with among the finest rivals on the circuit. Lots of the prime shooters I’ve talked to have informed me with out reservation why the Impression is without doubt one of the finest .22 air rifles for benchrest and pace silhouette. And when a bunch of the very best comes near a consensus, I’m going to concentrate. That accuracy proved to be truth when on the Outside Life 2024 air rifle check, the Impression shot the very best teams within the subject. It averaged .44 inch, five-shot teams at 45 yards for 3 totally 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 put up and blade configuration and presents 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 reputation, particularly benchrest, high-speed silhouette, and subject goal. The FX Impression has grow to be one of the vital extensively used and profitable platforms competing in benchrest and silhouette, and it’s as a result of each side 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 vital correct air rifles ever constructed. The FX Impression’s observe report for unbelievable accuracy and consistency is why it’s my choose for probably the most correct .22 air rifle.

Finest 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

Professionals

• 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 on the market in a number of configurations, sporter, bullpup, and tactical, however what I believe enhances that is that the Avenge-X sequence is actually modular. The Avenge-X is exclusive within the market, with a spread of optionally available elements (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 discovered 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 components can be found, priced fairly, and may be modified by the everyday person.

Learn our full evaluation of the Air Venturi Avenger.

Finest for New Airgun Hunters: Umarex Komplete NitroAir

Check Outcomes

• 45-Yard Group Common: 0.86 inch
• Pellet Used: JSB 10.4
• Set off Pull Weight: 1 lb 3.3 oz
• Common Pace: 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
• Inside (non-adjustable) Regulator
• SilencAir noise suppression
• Accessible in .177 and .22

Professionals

• PCP with no further fill gear required
• Cartridge powered PCP
• Low value 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 subject 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 barely crammed to 800 psi. The NitroAir cartridge is charged to 3600 psi, which is sufficient fuel for about 45 regulated pictures. Other than a excessive shot depend, the single-use nitrogen cartridges provide the efficiency advantages of a PCP while not having 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 (offered in packs of two), the working prices may very well be larger relying on how a lot you shoot. After 1,900 pictures, you’ll spend $400 on 20 bins of cartridges, which is about the price of a small compressor. That’s why this airgun isn’t perfect for high-volume shooters, nevertheless it does make plenty of sense as a yard pest rifle, plinker, or small recreation airgun.

Finest Spring Piston: Beeman R9

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Check Outcomes

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

Key Options

• Powerplant: Standard 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

Professionals

• Among the finest spring piston triggers ever produced
• Excessive degree of match and end
• Excellent ergonomics
• One of the vital correct spring piston airguns ever constructed
• Nice stability of accuracy and energy
• Simple to cock 

Cons

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

The R9 was by far the very best spring airgun at this yr’s air rifle check. It had the smoothest taking pictures cycle, the very best set off, and yielded the very best accuracy. However you’ll pay $530 for that degree of efficiency, which is greater than double the value 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 biggest 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 have been finicky and wanted particular holds to shoot effectively. 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 think about 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 permits 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

Finest Price range Spring Airgun: Gamo Swarm Maxxim 10x Gen 2

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Check Outcomes

• 25-Yard Group Common: 1.13 inch
• Pellet Used: JSB Actual 18.13 grain
• Set off Pull Weight: 3 lbs 12.3 ounces
• Common Pace: 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

Professionals

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

Cons

• Bundled scope is low high quality
• Set off out of field has plenty 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 have been good.

Its accuracy wasn’t spectacular, nevertheless it’s lots correct for searching small recreation inside 30 yards or enjoyable taking pictures within the yard. One word is that you just’ll need to be taught a correct artillery maintain should you’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 affect 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

Professionals

• Wonderful 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 offers 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 important entry-level gun, it needs to be straightforward to arrange and shoot, supply the efficiency to permit a brand new shooter to attain success and see enchancment, and proceed to assist the shooter’s wants as their expertise degree 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 fashion inventory that can match most shooters effectively. The air reservoir sits under the barrel and offers a surprisingly excessive shot depend as a result of excessive fill pressures it could 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 alternative for novice PCP shooters and airgun aficionados who need 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 general ergonomics make this a straightforward gun to shoot precisely. The low value makes it a pretty rifle to buy, and the options and performance guarantee it can proceed to supply worth as a brand new shooter positive factors 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

Professionals

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

Cons

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

There are just a few semi-auto PCP air rifles available on the market, however not many good ones. I’ve been taking pictures the HP Carbine for just a few months now, and apart from having an excellent observe report for reliability, they’ve constructed this gun on a smaller body and stored each the dimensions and the value down. AEA appears to have discovered the candy spot.

This can be a tactical design with a folding AR-style buttstock, pistol grip, and bottle-forward configuration. The gun folds for simple packing and transporting, deploys rapidly, and presents an ergonomic and steady taking pictures platform that I like for offhand taking pictures. The shrouded barrel does an excellent job of decreasing the sound signature.

It’s correct, highly effective, and spits out pellets as quick as you may pull the set off. I believe this caliber is without doubt one of the finest .22 air rifles for plinking or searching. With this gun, you’ll eat plenty of air and plenty of pellets, so it’s good to guarantee you will have entry to each. I’d recommend that you concentrate on investing in a compressor, so that you at all times have air out there.

One other nice semi-auto airgun: Hatsan Invader

Learn how to Select One of many Finest .22 Air Rifles

To pick out the very best .22 air rifle it’s good to reply three questions:

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

In case your price range is over $1,000 you will have plenty of correct and highly effective .22 air rifles to select from. I’d recommend a PCP for optimum accuracy and energy. Then you definately simply have to determine should you’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 may select from glorious PCPs just like the Air Venturi Avenger or a springer just like the Hatsan Mannequin 65. The deciding issue will probably be should you choose the simplicity of a springer or the precision of a PCP. Within the $250 vary you may nonetheless discover glorious PCP and springer fashions just like the Gamo Swarm and Hatsan Flashpup QE. 

Learn Subsequent: The Finest PCP Air Rifle Compressors

FAQs

Remaining Ideas on the Finest .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 probably the most extensively used caliber. 

They’re the preferred for good cause. There’s a broad choice of .22 rifles; they’re flat taking pictures, and have good terminal efficiency. There’s additionally an enormous vary of reasonably priced pellets in various designs and weights. I’d advise you to have 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 a giant field retailer. For those who select the best gun and the best projectile, among the finest .22 air rifles will serve you effectively whether or not you plink, shoot competitors, or hunt.