Best .22 Air Rifles of 2024, Range and Field Tested

I’ve been airgun looking for 20 years and have shot practically each .22 air rifle obtainable. With that have looking with and reviewing airguns, I’ve put collectively an inventory of the most effective .22 air rifles.  

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

It could be simple simply to pick my total favourite airguns and say, “I’ll take the .22 model of that.” Nevertheless, 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 obtainable in the marketplace, and share my high picks.

How I Selected the Finest .22 Air Rifles

My high .22 airgun picks are a mixture of air rifles I’ve subject and vary examined by myself and weapons from the Outdoor Life air rifle test. Air rifles from the check will embrace 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 protected to say with tuning, the teams might be improved.

All the choices beneath are extremely correct in the correct palms and which you select will rely in your funds and meant use case.

Finest .22 Air Rifles: Opinions & Suggestions

Finest General: 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 beneath bottle might 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 shortly with out coming astray. When taking pictures off sticks or with a bipod hooked up, I discover this rifle is an absolute tack-driver on long-range prairie canine shoots. When looking at distances over 100 yards with an air rifle and an 18-grain pellet, all the pieces on the gun has to work nicely and work the identical method 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 comfy to make use of and solely wants a brief straight pull to cycle. Air administration is supplied by the HUMA regulated air supply system that works with the adjustable hammer and valve to supply a high-level consistency. 

You’ll be able to select from an aluminum or carbon air cylinder. The aluminum is inexpensive, and the carbon fiber is lighter. Twin air gauges monitor each regulator strain settings and the air provide standing. An influence adjuster — positioned on the right-hand aspect of the breech block — works nicely for on-demand tuning.

In case you are in search of a gun that’s each a superb all-around small sport rifle and will be set as much as attain out for longer vary small sport 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 strong taking pictures platform, that is one which I felt comfy making my choose for the most effective .22 air rifle for looking total.

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

Finest Finances: Umarex NOTOS .22 PCP Carbine

See It

Key Options

• Regulated for constant velocity output
• Sidelever motion
• Seven-shot rotary journal
• Totally 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 looking
• Regulated, uncommon function at this value level
• Three constant magazines (21 pictures) per fill

Cons

• Regulator setting isn’t adjustable.
• Left aspect cocking lever may not attraction to some shooters.

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

Throughout 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 sport looking.

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 versatile choices I’ve examined shortly. The inventory is a black artificial materials with a pistol grip and an adjustable AR-style inventory. Additionally it is probably the greatest airgun values you’ll discover, at nicely beneath $300, but it provides options discovered on air rifles which might be far more costly. One other fascinating truth in regards to the NOTOS is that it’s a devoted .22, the one caliber it’s provided in, and as a bonus, this carbine may be very ammunition tolerant.

Learn our full review of the Umarex NOTOS

Key Options

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

Check Outcomes

• 45-Yard Group Common: .41 inch
• 100-Yard Group Common: 1.53 inches
• Pellet Used: Air Arms Diablo Field 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 Normal, 300cc Compact
• Shot rely: roughly 130 pictures per fill
• Multi caliber

Cons

• Costly
• Difficult to arrange for brand spanking 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 number of the finest rivals on the circuit. Lots of the high 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 velocity silhouette. And when a bunch of the most effective 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 most effective 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 shortly and easily cycles. The 2-stage adjustable set off makes use of a put up and blade configuration and provides extremely mild 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 subject goal. The FX Impression has change into one of the 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 give attention to 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 correct air rifles ever constructed. The FX Impression’s monitor report for unbelievable accuracy and consistency is why it’s my choose for essentially the most correct .22 air rifle.

Finest Modular Design: Air Venturi Avenge-X

See It

Key Options

• Adjustable regulator
• Modular design
• Adjustable energy
• Sidelever motion
• Vary of caliber choices (.177, .22, .25)
• Totally 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 could deplete shortly

I actually like the truth that this rifle is on the market in a number of configurations, sporter, bullpup, and tactical, however what I feel enhances that is that the Avenge-X sequence is really 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 obtainable 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 components can be found, priced fairly, and will be modified by the standard person.

Learn our full review 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
• Inner (non-adjustable) Regulator
• SilencAir noise suppression
• Out there in .177 and .22

Professionals

• PCP with no extra 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 subject of value-oriented PCP air rifles as a result of it makes use of a proprietary nitrogen gasoline cartridge. The cartridge resembles a big CO2 cartridge, however a CO2 cartridge is just crammed to 800 psi. The NitroAir cartridge is charged to 3600 psi, which is sufficient gasoline for about 45 regulated pictures. Except for a excessive shot rely, the single-use nitrogen cartridges provide the efficiency advantages of a PCP without 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 (sold in packs of two), the working prices might 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 a number of sense as a yard pest rifle, plinker, or small sport airgun.

Finest Spring Piston: Beeman R9

See It

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: Typical Spring-piston
• Size General: 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 best spring piston triggers ever produced
• Excessive stage of match and end
• Excellent ergonomics
• Some of the correct spring piston airguns ever constructed
• Nice steadiness of accuracy and energy
• Simple to cock 

Cons

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

The R9 was by far the most effective spring airgun at this 12 months’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 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 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 contemplate the British have been bagging small sport with sub 12 ft-lb weapons for many years.

The R9 makes use of a wooden Monte Carlo inventory with a delicate 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 ought to be manageable for many shooters.

Learn Subsequent: PCP Air Rifles 101

Finest Finances Spring Airgun: Gamo Swarm Maxxim 10x Gen 2

See It

Check 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 Pace: 611 fps

Key Specs

• Break barrel motion
• IGT Inert Gasoline Know-how Gasoline 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
• Clean taking pictures cycle
• Ergonomic

Cons

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

The Swarm Maxxim 10X Gen 2 was a pleasing 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 a lot correct for looking small sport inside 30 yards or enjoyable taking pictures within the yard. One word is that you simply’ll need to study a correct artillery hold when you’re going to personal this airgun. Or on the very least deal with 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 strain was utilized to contact factors.

Key Options

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

Professionals

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

Cons

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

For a rifle to be an excellent entry-level gun, it must be simple to arrange and shoot, supply the efficiency to permit a brand new shooter to attain success and see enchancment, and proceed to help the shooter’s wants as their expertise stage grows. The Avenger does an impressive 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 beneath the barrel and supplies a surprisingly excessive shot rely because of the excessive fill pressures it will possibly accommodate. The rifle is cycled with a sidelever motion utilizing a well-designed cocking lever that reliably auto indexes the magazines. Two strain 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 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 normal 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 simple gun to shoot precisely. The low value makes it a horny rifle to buy, and the options and performance guarantee it should proceed to supply worth as a brand new shooter positive aspects expertise. And for all of those causes, the Avenger was my choose for finest funds .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 (features reliably with most pellets)
• Makes use of a number of air and pellets

There are a couple of semi-auto PCP air rifles in the marketplace, however not many good ones. I’ve been taking pictures the HP Carbine for a couple of months now, and in addition to having a superb monitor 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 straightforward packing and transporting, deploys shortly, and provides an ergonomic and secure taking pictures platform that I like for offhand taking pictures. The shrouded barrel does a superb 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 without doubt one of the finest .22 air rifles for plinking or looking. With this gun, you’ll eat a number of air and a number of pellets, so it is advisable guarantee you may have entry to each. I might counsel that you concentrate on investing in a compressor, so that you at all times have air obtainable.

One other nice semi-auto airgun: Hatsan Invader

How you can Select One of many Finest .22 Air Rifles

To pick out the most effective .22 air rifle it is advisable reply three questions:

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

In case your funds is over $1,000 you may have a number of correct and highly effective .22 air rifles to select from. I’d counsel a PCP for max accuracy and energy. You then simply must resolve when you’d like a goal rifle just like the FX Impression or a looking air rifle just like the Brocock Commander XR. Within the $500 vary you’ll be able to select from wonderful PCPs just like the Air Venturi Avenger or a springer just like the Hatsan Mannequin 65. The deciding issue will likely be when you choose the simplicity of a springer or the precision of a PCP. Within the $250 vary you’ll be able to nonetheless discover wonderful PCP and springer fashions just like the Gamo Swarm and Hatsan Flashpup QE. 

Learn Subsequent: The Best PCP Air Rifle Compressors

FAQs

Last Ideas on the Finest .22 Air Rifles

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

They’re the most well-liked for good motive. 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 inexpensive pellets in various designs and weights. I’d advise you to have a look at the web retailers when selecting pellets on your .22 air rifle, as they’ll have a significantly better choice and sometimes higher costs than you’ll discover in an enormous field retailer. When you select the correct gun and the correct projectile, probably the greatest .22 air rifles will serve you nicely whether or not you plink, shoot competitors, or hunt.