10 Best Pellet Guns For Hunting in 2024 (Complete Guide)

When it comes to choosing the best pellet guns, you’ll want to consider what you are going to use the pellet gun for, what caliber of pellet gun you are going to buy, and how to get the most value for your money.

What are Pellet Guns Used For?

People use pellet guns for a variety of reasons; however, most people use them for sport shooting and hunting small game.

It’s important to remember that not all pellet guns are created equal, and there is a big difference between a regular BB or pellet gun and an air rifle.

When shopping around for a pellet gun, you should be aware of the responsibility that comes with owning a firearm of any kind.

Always check your local laws about owning a pellet gun (some places don’t allow them), and if you plan on buying one online, retailers will deny shipping if you aren’t allowed to purchase them in your area.

You’ll also want to know how to properly care for and clean your pellet gun. Most guns come with a carrying case, and it’s important to always store your pellet gun the same way you would a real rifle or handgun.

Pellet Guns are not Toys

These guns are not toys and while they are often used for fun, they can kill an animal and seriously injure a person if handled incorrectly.

Okay, now that we got the warning out of the way, on to the fun stuff…

Pellet Guns and Pests

Pellet guns are great for dealing with pest control issues, especially if you live on a large piece of land, or if you are trying to keep critters out of your garden.

You don’t need a powerful rifle to keep rabbits away from your lettuce patches, but you might need one if you want to keep the fox away from the cat.

If you’re hunting bigger games, you’ll want a more professional (and costly) pellet gun that can pack a punch in terms of velocity and loading time.

Remember to always read the user manual before using any of the pellet guns suggested here (or any gun for that matter). The best way to prevent injury or accident is to know how to handle your pellet gun properly.

The Best Pellet Guns and Accessories

In this roundup, we’re looking at the best pellet guns and accessories for your money, small game hunting, hunting in general, and accessories. These range in price and power, but they are all useful for target practice overall.

Our Favorite Pellet Rifle 

Our pick for the best pellet gun overall is the powerful, yet moderately priced, Umarex Ruger Blackhawk .177 Caliber Pellet Gun with its fixed barrel and heavy-weight metal design. Its ease of use and general handling make it ideal for shooters of any skill.

Its fiber optic sights make it easy to see what you are shooting at and it has one of the fastest velocities of all the pellet guns we reviewed.

As a .177 caliber pellet gun, it is good for a variety of shooting uses. This version comes paired with 4X32 scope, which would almost double your sight range and offer you even more flexibility with this useful and reliable pellet gun.

If it’s a handgun-style pellet gun you are after, we like the Beeman P17 pellet pistol for its affordable price – at less than $40USD – because it’s lightweight and has a solid grip polymer frame. Reaching speeds of up to 410 feet per second, this handheld pellet gun can pack a punch.

What Are The Best Pellet Guns For The Money?

When it comes to spending your hard-earned cash, you want to get the best your money can buy. While a pellet gun is a pretty simple device on its own, the more power and velocity you can get from it, the better.

Here are 3 pellet rifles that are a good buy for what they offer.

	Product Name	Where to Buy
	Umarex Ruger Blackhawk .177 Caliber Pellet Gun
	Crosman 1077 RepeatAir Scoped Pellet Rifle
	Benjamin Nitro Piston

1. Umarex Ruger Blackhawk .177 Caliber Pellet Gun

This pellet rifle offers heavy-weight metal and all-weather composite polymer black stock, making it easy to grip and use. It has a front sight and an adjustable rear sight that offers optimal visuals for aiming.

Shooting 1000 feet per second, the .177 caliber pellet is good for a variety of shooting uses.

2. Crosman 1077 RepeatAir Scoped Pellet Rifle

This semi-automatic CO2-powered rifle offers .117 caliber shooting power with 625 feet per second velocity.

It has a center point scope with a 4×32 range and offers a steel barreled body with all-weather synthetic stock for use in any weather. This is a great buy for a general-use pellet rifle.

3. Best Quality and Power Pellet Gun – Benjamin Nitro Piston

This sleek and modern pellet rifle-style gun offers an ambidextrous thumb hole so that it can be used by either right or left-handed shooters.

It’s great for all-weather hunting and target practice and has a carbon fiber look with an adjustable cheekpiece for comfort and control. The rifle has an adjustable scope and rifled steel barrel with an integrated shroud.

With adjustable, two-stage trigger action, this rifle offers up to 1200 feet per second of velocity!

That’s an incredible amount of power and one of the fastest guns in this round-up. This rifle is easy to cock and offers accommodation for wind and elevation while shooting. At less than 10 pounds, this is a real powerhouse rifle.

Best Pellet Gun for Squirrels and Small Game

Small games can be tricky to hit unless you have the right kind of pellet gun. What’s more, you need to make sure you have enough power in your pellet gun to actually deter small animals from coming back into your home, garden, or wherever you are having a problem with them.

If you are hunting squirrels or other small game or poultry, you’ll want to make sure you choose one of these pellet guns with power.

Here are two styles of pellet guns that are good for hunting squirrels and small game.

	Product Name	Where to Buy
	Black Ops by Bear River Holdings Junior Sniper Rifle B1155
	Gamo 611138254 Pt-85 Blowback Pellet Pistol Clampack 611138254
	Umarex 2254804 XBG

1. Black Ops by Bear River Holdings Junior Sniper Rifle B1155

Don’t let the “junior” in the name of this pellet rifle fool you. Offering a tactical rail system and fiber optic sights, this .177 caliber pellet gun has a 20-inch steel rifled barrel and offers 800 feet per second of shooting velocity.

Offering multi-pump action, this is a powerful pellet gun for shooting squirrels and small games. For less than $50USD, this is a good deal for having some fun in the woods or shooting at targets.

2. Gamo 611138254 Pt-85 Blowback Pellet Pistol Clampack 611138254

This handheld pistol pellet gun model is good for shooting small games because of its portability and small size. It offers a blowback slide mechanism to reduce shock, has a 16 pellet double magazine for continuous shooting, textured plastic grips and it looks like a real handgun.

It has a rifled steel barrel and fixed sights with reflective dots. Priced at under  $85USD, this is a good pellet pistol for hunting and target practice.

3. Umarex 2254804 XBG

This is another handheld pistol-style pellet fun that offers 410 feet per second of velocity in a lightweight and compact handheld design. With a drop-free metal magazine that can house 19 pellets, it the easy to load and the gun has fixed front and rear sights for optimal targeting.

This double-action handheld model is powered by a CO2 capsule that is housed in the grip of the gun. This is a great option for hunting squirrels and small game in the woods and on your property.

Best Pellet Gun for Hunting

	Product Name	Where to Buy
	Daisy Outdoor Products 880 Rifle with Scope
	Swiss Arms TAC1 .22 Cal Break Barrel Pellet Rifle
	RWS .22 Pellet Model 350 Magnum Combo Rifle

Hunters need a powerful pellet rifle when they are trucking through the woods looking for game and other wildlife.

Consider the weight of the gun when you’ll be carrying it around for long periods of time; consider the portability of the gun and whether you want a rifle style or a handheld style for big game hunting, and ensure you choose one that has enough power to actually take out your target, whatever that may be. Here are three powerful rifles for everyday hunting.

1. Daisy Outdoor Products 880 Rifle with Scope

This multi-pump Monto Carlo stock rifle offers 800 feet per second shooting velocity and is a 1.77 caliber pellet rifle. Housing up to 50 pellets, this rifle also shoots BBs. The attractive wood grain style rifle has a blade and ramp front adjustment rear sights.

It’s a classic-style rifle with lots of power for hunting in the woods for larger games. Priced competitively, this is a good starter pellet rifle for hunting.

2. Swiss Arms TAC1 .22 Cal Break Barrel Pellet Rifle

Offering a little more punch than the Daisy Outdoor Rifle, this .22 caliber pellet rifle can get up to 900 feet per second of velocity. It has a 4×32 scope and mount and an ambi-thumbhole stock. The attractive design of the rifle lends to the comfort of using it, and for the price, hunters will enjoy the power and flexibility of this rifle.

3. RWS .22 Pellet Model 350 Magnum Combo Rifle

This rifle-style pellet fun offers .22 caliber pellets with a powerhouse velocity range that could keep up with real firearms. With a sleek and modern-looking stock, this hardwood rifle is the most expensive one on our roundup list.

If you are a series pellet hunter or just want something more realistic to shoot at targets, this is the pellet gun for you. This high-end rifle offers lower cocking efforts and has a ventilated rubber recoil pad to reduce shock absorption to the user.

With rear and front sights, and an 11mm scope rail.

The Best Pellet Gun Scopes For Pin-Point Accuracy

A pellet gun is only as good as the scope that allows the shooter to see the target. Many scopes are replaceable on rifle style and handgun style pellet and BB guns.

Be sure to check your make and model before purchasing a scope to ensure it will fit with your gun’s mounting fixtures.

A good scope makes all the difference in shooting so don’t be afraid to upgrade the scope that came standard on your rifle or handgun-style pellet fun.

Here are three scopes that are ideal for pellet guns. 🙂

	Product Name	Where to Buy
	CVLIFE 3-9X56 Rifle Scope Red and Green Mil-dot Illuminated Hunting Optics with Free Mounts
	Crosman 0410 Targetfinder Rifle Scope
	Hatsan Optima 3-9×40 AO Mil-Dot Pellet Rifle Scope with Scope Mounts

1. CVLIFE 3-9X56 Rifle Scope Red and Green Mil-dot Illuminated Hunting Optics with Free Mounts

With magnification abilities from 3 to 9 x the target, this high-strength alloy aluminum tactical scope is great for night or day use. It offers fog-proof technology and is water resistant.

The CVLife is completed sealed to avoid water damage and is 100% filled with nitrogen. It has intensity levels of red and green and is ideal for a variety of conditions and lighting positions.

Ready to install with mounts, this rifle scope is a great deal for its price.

2. Crosman 0410 Targetfinder Rifle Scope

The Targetfinder scope offers four settings and the ability to focus eyepiece and precision-coated optics.

The scope has turret adjustments to account for wind and height elevation, making it ideal in a variety of settings and terrains. The scope can be easily mounted on any Crosman rifle, but it is not designed to be used with pellet air rifles.

Improve your chances of hitting the target with this scope.

3. Hatsan Optima 3-9×40 AO Mil-Dot Pellet Rifle Scope with Scope Mounts

The Hatsan scope is ideal for improving accuracy with target practice or hunting small game. It offers 3x to 9x magnification abilities and offers a 40mm objective lens which makes your field of vision much clearer.

The scope is dry nitrogen filled and is water resistant, fog proof, and shock resistant. With mounting rings for any pellet rifle this fully loaded pellet rifle scope is ideal to guaranteed to improve your shooting.

Looking for a ‘Pump’ Pellet Gun? 

Pump pellet guns offer more power than traditional pellet guns and can take your shooting to the next level. They usually have dual action shooting power and come with a variety of extras that you might not find on regular pellet guns.

Here are three popular pump pellet guns for increasing range and power.

	Product Name	Where to Buy
	Crosman P1322 American Classic Multi Pump Pneumatic .22-Caliber Pellet
	Crosman M4-177 Tactical Style Pneumatic Multi-Pump BB and Pellet Rifle
	Beeman Marksman P17 Deluxe Pellet Pistol with Sights

1. Crosman P1322 American Classic Multi Pump Pneumatic .22-Caliber Pellet

The Crosman P1322 offers a classic-looking fun with multi-pump action. Shooting .22 caliber pellets, this gun reaches up to 460 feet per second of velocity and has a single shot bolt-action with variable pump power.

There is an adjustable rear sight that offers peep or open access, this is a great pump pellet gun for your hunting and target needs.

2. Crosman M4-177 Tactical Style Pneumatic Multi-Pump BB and Pellet Rifle

This tactical-style multi-pump rifle offers users the choice of either BBs or pellets for shooting their targets. Made by the trusted brand, Crosman, this rifle is made of the highest quality material and offers up to 660 feet per second of velocity and .177 caliber action.

This is a great pump pellet gun with a lot of power. The flexibility of being able to use BBs or pellets means you can benefit from a variety of shooting options and can score a good deal when one or the other is on sale at your local retailer.

3. Beeman Marksman P17 Deluxe Pellet Pistol with Sights

The Beeman offers single-stroke pistol action with fiber optic sights. There’s no recoil with this 410 feet per second .177 caliber handheld pistol. The barrel length is less than 5 inches, and it weighs less than 2 pounds.

The pistol offers rear adjustable sights that help account for wind speed and height elevation. Very portable and very powerful this handheld pistol is a great pump pellet gun.

The Best .177 Pellet Gun (My Personal Favorite) 

.177 caliber pellet guns are powerful and can offer a wide range of features. They are available in both rifle style and handgun style to meet a variety of shooting needs and preferences.

Here are three popular .177 pellet guns available today that are affordable and offer a variety of features to take your shooting to the next level.

	Product Name	Where to Buy
	809013 Daisy 177 Cal Pellet Rifle 901
	Winchester .177 Cal. Dual Ammo with 4 X 32 Air Riflex 40mm
	Crosman CCP8B2 Vigilante CO2 .177-Caliber Pellet and BB Revolver

1. 809013 Daisy 177 Cal Pellet Rifle 901

The Daisy .177 caliber pellet rifle offers the use of either pellets or BBs for ammunition. It has a steel rifled barrel and offers up to 750 feet per second velocity with 50 shot BB or single shot pellet action.

This multi-pump rifle is versatile and is made of the highest quality materials that you would come to expect from a manufacturer like Daisy. The rifle is made from black composite and has fiber optic front and adjustable rear sights. Retailing for about less than $100, this is a great .177-caliber pellet rifle for anyone.

2. Winchester .177 Cal. Dual Ammo with 4 X 32 Air Riflex 40mm

The Winchester .177 caliber rifle offers multi-pump action for either BBs or pellets. The scope and sights are blade and ramp front with adjustable rear sights for maximum targeting.

Reaching velocity speeds of up to 800 feet per second, the Winchester is a great example of what a dual ammo .177 caliber rifle can do. Priced a little higher than the Daisy the Winchester also offers crossbolt trigger blocking for safety purposes and is overall a useful pellet gun.

3. Crosman CCP8B2 Vigilante CO2 .177-Caliber Pellet and BB Revolver

The Crosman revolver-style pellet and BB gun prove you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a lot of power in a handgun-style pellet gun. With a 10-shot pellet clip and a 6-shot BB clip, the 6-inch rifled steel barrel can achieve speeds of up to 435 feet per second.

With single or double firing action, the full metal frame and tactical rail system are great for hunting in the woods or target practice. There is also an adjustable rear sight to account for wind and elevation. For the price, this is a lot of pellet guns for a little price.

Best Pellet Gun Under $100

	Product Name	Where to Buy
	Crosman Classic 2100 Rifle
	Beeman Air Rifle .177 Caliber Rifle
	Beeman Pistol .177 Caliber

Sometimes you don’t want to spend a lot of money to get a lot of power. These rifle-style and handgun-style pellet guns offer a good amount of power, style, and flexibility in use for less than $100.

These are great starter pellet guns and are suitable for beginners at any age. Before you spend more money than you need to, try one of these reliable pellet guns in either the rifle style or handheld pistol style to determine what you would like long-term for your shooting needs.

1. Crosman Classic 2100 Rifle

The classically designed Crosman pellet rifle is a great buy for under $100 because it offers a .177 caliber rifle with speeds up to 755 feet per second of velocity. With a one-year limited warranty, you can be sure you are getting a solid product for your money.

This multi-pump pellet rifle also accepts BBs for a variety of uses and applications. If you are looking for general use pellet fun, look no further than the Crosman Classic. At less than $73USD, you won’t find a better deal for what this fun is delivering.

2. Beeman Air Rifle .177 Caliber Rifle

Compared with most pellet guns on the market, the Beeman Air Rifle.177 Caliber is the choicest rifle for hunters considering its accuracy and power.

Longhorn is an alluring component in the Beeman Rifle that offers amazing performance. It has a max muzzle velocity of 1200 fps measured by HAM and is equipped with fiber optic iron sights. They have a rear sight that can be altered for windage and elevation. But for the more pragmatic experience, most of us consider mounting a scope on it. 

Due to its harsh recoil and hard-to-cock property, it cannot be called a family gun, but it is a go-to option for adults or shooters for hunting pests and sports. The trigger is long and sharp, weighing up to 4 Lbs 6 Oz. As prefer manual safety, the trigger is protected by automatic safety.

Analyzing the stock, it has a thumbhole style that makes a good grip while hunting or shooting. The metal Polish is a nice touch. Something that can be seen in the more expensive rifles. Overall, its affordable price, performance, and antique design make it an excellent pick.

3. Beeman Pistol .177 Caliber

Another handheld style pellet pistol from Beeman, this .177 caliber handgun comes complete with a shooter’s kit to get you going right out of the box. This is a good pellet gun for target practice as it is slightly less powerful and allows for good control of the target range.

With a 90-day limited warranty, you can try it out and see if it’s the right fit for you. Reaching speeds of up to 200 feet per second, this handheld style pellet gun is a good entry-level gun for shooting pellets.

Frequently Asked Pellet Gun Questions:

Pellet guns are incredibly popular, but often people don’t understand much about them.  Often they confuse them with BB guns. Well, answer a few common questions.

Can I Shoot a Pellet Gun in My backyard?

You can shoot a pellet gun in your backyard if your local law allows it. That said because it doesn’t have a loud noise when fired you could probably get away with the target practice of keeping out pests.  Know however that a pellet gun can have an effective range of 350 yards, so you always need to know what is behind your target.

Can a Pellet Gun Kill a Human?

Of course a pellet gun can kill a human. Even with some of the less powerful pellet guns above a shot through the eye or into the throat could be deadly.  Some premium pellet guns can easily penetrate a human skull.

Can a Felon Own a Pellet Gun?

Yes, a felon can own a pellet gun. The prohibition for convicted felons and or people on probation is for firearms only. A Bb and or pellet gun is not considered a firearm. Due to the fact you can buy a pellet gun even on Amazon, it’s unlikely they would have their record checked.

How Do You Care for a Pellet Gun?

In caring for your rifle or handgun-style pellet gun, you’ll want to clean out the chambers of the gun on a regular basis. You’ll also want to make sure you clean out the magazines that come with your pellet gun to ensure you don’t experience any snags or hang-ups when you are trying to shoot.

Dust or debris can halt a rifle or handgun in the blink of an eye. Taking care of your pellet or BB gun means you get to enjoy it for longer. Do not leave it exposed to the elements; take it inside or store it in your garage in a safe place.

Is it Bad to Leave Pellets in my Gun?

Yes. Never leave pellets or BBs in the gun when it is in storage and ensure you keep your pellets away from your gun’s storage place – just like a real gun. It’s best for everyone’s safety to do so.

Best Pellet Guns – Final Thoughts

It is also recommended to wear protective eyewear when shooting a pellet or BB gun, whether it is a rifle style or handgun style.

Never point a pellet gun directly at another person and ensure there anyone using your pellet gun is shown how to use it properly and always make sure you’re wearing shooting glasses.

Pellet guns are fun for shooting cans off fences, shooting at targets, and trying to hit branches in a tree; but a pellet gun can really hurt another person so always practice safe shoot procedures, especially when you choose to go out hunting with your pellet gun.

But remember, a pellet gun is just one tool that you need to make your small game hunt successful. You’ll also want to invest in things such as hunting clothing, good boots, a survival kit, trail cameras, and so on.

Whether you decide to invest in a rifle-style pellet gun or a handheld pistol pellet gun, you’ll want to get the most power possible for the money you are spending. The more velocity a pellet gun offers, the more likely hunters and small game hunters are to take out their targets.

Are All Pellets Created Equally?

You might need to invest in special pellets designed for hunting. However, for everyday target practice, regular pellets as suggested by the manufacturer gets the job done right. Test out the kind of pellet gun you think you’ll like before buying it and you won’t be sorry.

Don’t forget to ensure you have a good scope attached to your rifle. This way you can get maximum sightlines while shooting. Take care of your pellet gun and it will work for years to come.

Recommended Reading

Hunting with a Rifle or a Bow

10 Best Rifles for Elk Hunting

9 Best Hunting Rifles for Deer and Other Wild Game

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