5 Best .22 Underlever Air Rifle

Best .22 Underlever Air Rifle  combine precision engineering, reliable power, and timeless design making them a favorite among airgun enthusiasts and hunters alike. Known for their fixed-barrel accuracy and smooth cocking action, underlever air rifles in .22 caliber strike the perfect balance between power and control, ideal for small game hunting, pest control, and target shooting. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting your airgun journey, choosing the right .22 underlever rifle means investing in a tool built for consistent performance, long-range accuracy, and shooting satisfaction

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Best .22 Underlever Air Rifle

1.Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1

The Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1 is a high-velocity air rifle designed for serious shooters who demand accuracy, power, and cutting-edge technology. Built around Gamo’s advanced Whisper Fusion sound suppression system and a gas-piston powerplant, this air rifle is a standout performer whether you’re target shooting or hunting small game. With a top velocity of 1,420 feet per second in .177 caliber, the Mach 1 outpaces many rifles in its class, offering unmatched speed in a smooth, modern design.

What sets this rifle apart is its IGT Mach 1 (Inert Gas Technology) powerplant—a significant upgrade from traditional spring-piston systems. This gas-piston mechanism not only delivers higher velocity but also reduces vibration, making for a smoother shooting experience and enhanced accuracy. The SAT (Smooth Action Trigger) system is adjustable and crisp, giving shooters excellent control shot after shot.

Despite often being associated with break-barrel rifles, the Mach 1 carries the precision characteristics sought after in underlever-style shooting: fixed-barrel alignment, integrated sound suppression, and a high degree of repeatable accuracy. While it’s technically not a classic underlever, its performance, power, and user feel place it in that category for many shooters seeking stability and speed in one platform.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: .177 (Note: .22 version may be available)

• Velocity: Up to 1,420 FPS with alloy pellets

• Powerplant: IGT Mach 1 Gas Piston

• Trigger: Custom Action Trigger (SAT), 2-stage adjustable

• Noise Dampening: Whisper Fusion Technology

• Scope: Includes Gamo 3-9x40mm scope

• Barrel: Rifled steel

• Stock: All-weather synthetic stock

• Weight: Approx. 6.6 lbs

• Warranty: One-year limited warranty

 Pros

• Extreme velocity: Up to 1420 FPS, making it ideal for varmint control or long-range plinking.

• Quiet performance: Whisper Fusion noise suppression significantly reduces report.

• Durable design: All-weather synthetic stock handles field use and rough conditions.

• Gas piston power: Smoother cocking and firing than traditional spring rifles.

• Custom Action Trigger: Adjustable for a clean, predictable break.

• Included scope: 3-9x40mm scope adds value for beginners and intermediate shooters.

• Low recoil: Ideal for maintaining accuracy over multiple shots.

 Cons

• Slightly heavy: At over 6 lbs, it may feel bulky during extended shooting sessions.

2.Beeman  PCP Underlever Air Rifle

 

The Beeman  PCP Underlever Air Rifle delivers an exceptional blend of power, precision, and cutting-edge design. Built for serious shooters and hunters alike, this rifle combines the consistency of pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) technology with the mechanical reliability of a manual underlever cocking system—a rare but premium combination.

Unlike spring or gas piston rifles, PCP systems offer consistent power output, no recoil, and smoother shooting cycles. The integrated underlever mechanism is not just ergonomic—it adds to the rifle’s tactile feel, providing a satisfying and deliberate cocking action that also serves as a safety advantage by avoiding accidental discharge during cycling. With a regulated pressure system and multi-shot magazine, this rifle ensures consistent velocity, excellent grouping, and a highly enjoyable shooting experience.

Designed with tactical styling and a rugged synthetic or hardwood stock, this rifle is equally suited for benchrest target shooting, pest control, and small game hunting. Its side-mounted pressure gauge, adjustable trigger, and quiet shrouded barrel make it ideal for backyard shooting without compromising performance. Whether you’re an experienced airgunner or stepping up from break-barrel models, this rifle is ready to deliver.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: .22 (5.5mm)

• Powerplant: PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic)

• Cocking Mechanism: Manual underlever

• Velocity: Up to 950 FPS with lead pellets

• Magazine: 10-12 shot rotary magazine (model dependent)

• Shot Count: Approx. 40–60 shots per fill at optimal pressure

• Barrel: Rifled, shrouded steel barrel for noise suppression

• Air Reservoir: 200–250 BAR fill pressure (approx. 3000–3600 PSI)

• Trigger: Adjustable 2-stage match-grade trigger

• Stock: Synthetic or hardwood (ambidextrous options available)

• Scope Rail: Picatinny or 11mm dovetail compatible

• Weight: 7–8.5 lbs (without scope)

• Warranty: 1-3 years manufacturer warranty (varies by brand)

 Pros

• High accuracy: Fixed barrel and PCP consistency ideal for target shooting or hunting.

• Powerful: Delivers up to 30–40 ft-lbs of energy in .22 caliber—excellent for small game.

• Quiet operation: Shrouded barrel and internal moderator reduce report significantly.

• Smooth cocking: Underlever system is intuitive, safe, and durable.

• No recoil: Ideal for scoped shooting; no spring bounce to throw off your aim.

• Multi-shot capability: Magazine-fed design allows fast follow-up shots.

• Customizability: Often comes with adjustable comb, buttpad, and trigger.

Cons

• Requires external air source: Needs a hand pump, scuba tank, or compressor to fill

3.Umarex Synergis 

The Umarex Synergis represents a new generation of airguns that combine classic underlever mechanics with modern engineering. Designed for serious airgunners and casual plinkers alike, this rifle stands out with its smooth underlever charging, multi-shot capability, and Turbo Nitrogen Technology (TNT)—providing powerful, consistent performance shot after shot.

At the heart of the system is the innovative underlever RapidMag design, which automatically advances the magazine as you cock the rifle. This gives you a true semi-automatic feel, allowing for up to 12 shots without reloading, while maintaining the precision and control of a single-shot platform. The TNT gas-piston power system delivers a quiet, vibration-free shooting experience, enhancing both accuracy and comfort.

The air rifle also features air diversion technology, which cleverly redirects excess air away from the pellet’s path, minimizing turbulence and producing a stabilized trajectory. This improves shot consistency and reduces report, making it a quieter option ideal for backyard target practice or stealthy pest control.

Wrapped in a rugged, ambidextrous synthetic stock, this rifle is built to handle real-world use, while the metal LockDown Picatinny rail ensures your included 3-9x40mm scope stays locked in zero. Whether you’re dialing in precise shots or engaging in rapid follow-up shooting, this rifle is engineered for versatility and performance.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: .22 (5.5mm)

• Powerplant: TNT (Turbo Nitrogen Technology) gas piston

• Cocking Mechanism: Underlever with automatic magazine advancement (RapidMag system)

• Velocity: Estimated 800–950 FPS (depending on pellet weight)

• Magazine: 12-round RapidMag rotary magazine (includes two mags)

• Trigger: 2-stage adjustable trigger

• Scope: 3-9x40mm air rifle scope with mounting rings

• Mount: LockDown Picatinny rail (metal)

• Stock: Ambidextrous synthetic stock

• Additional Compatibility: Works with spare mag part #2251325

Pros

• Innovative underlever RapidMag system: No manual indexing—automatically advances the magazine.

• Gas piston power: TNT system delivers smooth, recoil-free shots with consistent velocity.

• Quiet & accurate: Air redirection tech stabilizes the pellet and reduces noise.

• High-capacity shooting: Two included 12-round magazines extend your time between reloads.

• Durable build: Ambidextrous synthetic stock is rugged and weather-resistant.

• Enhanced scope mounting: Metal LockDown Picatinny rail keeps optics securely in place.

• Ready to shoot: Comes equipped with a quality 3-9x40mm scope for immediate use.

Cons

• Weight: Underlever mechanics and gas system add heft—may be tiring for smaller users.

4.Seneca Dragon Claw.

 

The Seneca Dragon Claw. Though built for .50 caliber projectiles, this precharged pneumatic (PCP) underlever rifle shares the precision, power, and craftsmanship that shooters often seek in the finest .22 underlever air rifles—only on a much larger scale. Its robust build, dual air chambers, and multi-ammo capability make it an extraordinary example of modern airgun design.

At its heart lies a bolt-action, single-shot system with a longer cocking handle for added leverage. The Dragon Claw may not be semi-automatic, but it provides satisfying control over each shot, perfect for disciplined hunters. It launches .50 caliber 177 grain round balls at up to 860 FPS, 336 grain slugs at 340 FPS, and Air Bolts at a blazing 600 FPS, giving it the stopping power needed for serious game hunting.

The rifle features a stunning hardwood Monte Carlo stock with a raised cheekpiece and fine checkering on the grip and forearm for a secure hold. Built into the rifle are dual 500cc air cylinders, delivering an impressive air reserve and reducing the need for constant refills. The 3,000 psi fill pressure, built-in manometer, and Foster quick-disconnect fill port make refilling fast and simple with any PCP-compatible pump or tank.

While the Dragon Claw doesn’t carry a traditional .22 caliber footprint, its underlever loading, high-quality rifled barrel, and overall engineering elevate it to a class of its own—ideal for airgunners ready to step into big-bore air power without compromising traditional design principles.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: .50

• Powerplant: PCP (Precharged Pneumatic)

• Velocity:

  • Up to 860 FPS with 177-grain round balls

  • Up to 340 FPS with 336-grain flat-nose slugs

  • Up to 600 FPS with Seneca Air Bolts

• Action: Single-shot, bolt-action with extended underlever cocking handle

• Air Capacity: 500cc (dual chambers), 3,000 psi fill pressure

• Features:

  • Built-in manometer (pressure gauge)

  • Foster Quick Disconnect Fill Port

• Sights: Fixed front sight, fully adjustable & removable rear sight, 11mm dovetail scope rail (compact scopes recommended)

• Barrel: Rifled steel

• Stock: Hardwood Monte Carlo stock with raised cheekpiece and checkered grip

• Weight: 8.5 lbs

• Overall Length: 42.1″

• Trigger Pull: 7.5 lbs

• Loudness: Level 5 – High

• Recommended Use: Big-game hunting and advanced target shooting

 Pros

• Incredible power: Capable of taking down medium to large game with authority

• Multiple ammunition types: Shoots round balls, slugs, and air bolts

• Dual air tanks: Extended shooting time between refills (500cc total)

• Classic hardwood design: Elegant Monte Carlo stock with ergonomic grip

• Robust construction: Built for performance and durability in the field

• PCP advantages: Smooth, recoil-free shooting with high consistency

• Easy refill system: Foster quick-disconnect and built-in pressure gauge

 Cons

• Very loud: Loudness rating of 5; hearing protection recommended

5.JTS Airacuda Max PCP

 

The JTS Airacuda Max PCP performance, and cutting-edge airgun engineering, few rifles can match the class and capability of this fully regulated .22 PCP underlever air rifle. Built with solid metal internals, a laser-engraved hardwood thumbhole stock, and the kind of refined air delivery system typically found in much higher-end models, this rifle has carved out its place among the top-tier underlever PCP rifles available today.

At its core is a fully regulated pre-charged pneumatic system, delivering consistent pressure from its 3,200 PSI fill capacity. Shooters can expect up to 40 accurate, full-power shots per fill in .22 caliber, with virtually no variation in muzzle velocity thanks to the integrated dualmanometers—one for reservoir pressure and one for regulator pressure. The Foster quick-disconnect fitting simplifies refills, making this rifle field-ready in minutes.

This model’s sidelever repeater action feeds from a 10-round metal magazine, and comes with two magazines included out of the box. The underlever and sidelever mechanisms work in harmony, providing smooth cycling and fast follow-up shots—especially useful for pest control or range shooting. The shrouded barrel helps minimize report, making it powerful yet backyard-friendly with proper backstop and awareness.

The hardwood stock is both functional and stylish, featuring laser-engraved checkering for improved grip, an elevation-adjustable cheekpiece for personalized fit, and a textured rubber buttpad for recoil absorption. Topped with a Picatinny optics rail, it’s ready for your favorite airgun scope, and built to maintain zero even after hundreds of shots.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: .22 (also available in .25)

• Velocity: Up to 920 FPS (.22) / 900 FPS (.25)

• Powerplant: PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic)

• Fill Pressure: 3,200 PSI (220 BAR)

• Shots per Fill: 40 shots (.22) / 30 shots (.25)

• Action: Sidelever repeater with underlever-style mechanical operation

• Magazine: 10-round metal magazine (x2 included)

• Barrel: 18″, shrouded

• Stock: Hardwood thumbhole with laser-engraved checkering

• Cheekpiece: Elevation-adjustable

• Buttpad: Textured rubber for comfort

• Optics Rail: Picatinny (scope not included)

• Weight: 7.9 lbs.

• Overall Length: 41.5″

• Safety: Manual

• Air Gauges: Regulator and reservoir manometers

• Filling Port: Foster quick-disconnect

 Pros

• Fully regulated PCP system ensures consistent velocity and accuracy

• High shot count: Up to 40 full-power shots per fill in .22 caliber

• Elegant hardwood construction with adjustable cheekpiece and ergonomic thumbhole design

• Quiet shooting: Shrouded barrel reduces noise without sacrificing power

• Sidelever action: Smooth, fast, and easy to operate

• Dual manometers provide clear feedback on reservoir and regulator pressure

• Ready for optics: Picatinny rail is scope-ready and robust

• Comes with two magazines: Spend more time shooting, less reloading

Cons

• No built-in scope: Requires aftermarket optics (though rail is standard)

Also read;5 Best Underlever Air Rifle for Target Shooting

Factor to Consider when Choosing Best .22 Underelever Air Rifle

1. Powerplant Type (Spring vs. Gas Piston vs. PCP)

The power source behind an air rifle significantly influences its performance, noise level, maintenance, and ease of use. Spring-piston and gas-piston (like Nitro Piston or TNT) rifles are cocked manually via the underlever, offering simplicity and reliability. In contrast, Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) rifles store compressed air and deliver smoother shooting, higher consistency, and better accuracy over multiple shots, though they require a separate fill source (pump or compressor). If you’re looking for precision and repeatability, PCPs are ideal, but gas-piston models offer a balance of power and convenience for casual or field use.

2. Velocity and Power Output

Velocity, usually measured in feet per second (FPS), affects the air rifle’s range, trajectory, and impact energy. For .22 caliber air rifles, a velocity of around 800–950 FPS is optimal for small game hunting and target shooting, providing enough knockdown power while maintaining stability and accuracy. PCP rifles tend to offer more consistent power across multiple shots, whereas spring/gas-piston rifles often deliver higher initial velocity but with more recoil. Choose the velocity based on your intended use—higher FPS for hunting, moderate for precision target shooting.

3. Magazine Capacity and Loading Mechanism

Magazine-fed rifles allow for faster follow-up shots and less reloading, which is especially valuable in hunting or pest control. Many modern .22 underlever PCP rifles now feature multi-shot rotary magazines (commonly 10-12 rounds), paired with sidelever or auto-indexing underlever systems for smooth cycling. A reliable magazine system increases efficiency and makes the shooting experience more enjoyable. Single-shot options offer simplicity and may enhance accuracy slightly, but multi-shot repeaters are the clear choice for versatility and convenience.

4. Stock Design and Ergonomics

A comfortable and well-balanced stock improves shooting accuracy and reduces fatigue. Look for ergonomic features like a thumbhole stock, checkered grip, adjustable cheekpiece, and a rubber buttpad for recoil absorption. Hardwood stocks offer a classic aesthetic and durability, while synthetic stocks tend to be lighter and weather-resistant. The right stock will align your eye naturally with the sights or scope and provide a stable hold for longer shooting sessions.

5. Trigger and Safety Mechanism

A good trigger can greatly affect your shooting accuracy. Look for a two-stage adjustable trigger, which allows you to fine-tune the trigger pull weight and travel to your preference. A trigger that breaks cleanly with minimal creep provides better control and accuracy. Equally important is the manual or automatic safety—especially for newer shooters. A well-placed, intuitive safety helps prevent accidental discharge and improves overall confidence when handling the rifle.

6. Barrel Type and Noise Suppression

Barrel design influences accuracy and sound output. Rifled barrels are standard in quality air rifles and essential for stabilizing pellets during flight. Some rifles feature a shrouded or moderated barrel, which helps reduce the noise significantly. This is particularly beneficial for backyard shooting or discreet hunting. The quieter the rifle, the more versatile it becomes—especially in residential settings or when noise pollution is a concern.

7. Air Efficiency and Shot Count (PCP Only)

For PCP rifles, the size of the air reservoir and the presence of a regulator determine how many consistent shots you get per fill. A regulated rifle with a large air tank (e.g., 500cc) can provide 30–50 accurate shots per fill, with less pressure drop affecting velocity. Dual manometers—one for the tank, one for the regulator—allow for real-time monitoring. A rifle with high air efficiency is more convenient, especially if you’re hunting or shooting for extended periods without access to a compressor.

8. Scope Compatibility and Mounting Options

While some rifles include a basic scope, others provide Picatinny or 11mm dovetail rails for you to mount an aftermarket optic of your choice. Ensure the mounting system is secure and aligned, and be aware that some underlever rifles require compact scopes due to loading clearance. A good scope dramatically improves accuracy and range, so having a rifle that’s scope-ready—or even better, comes with a quality scope—is a big

Frequent Asked Question Best .22 Underelever Air Rifle

1. What makes an underlever air rifle better than a break-barrel or sidelever in .22 caliber?

 Answer:
Underlever air rifles are favored for their fixed barrel design, which improves accuracy over time since the barrel doesn’t move or hinge like in a break-barrel rifle. This stability is especially beneficial in .22 caliber, where consistent grouping matters more due to the heavier pellet weight. Underlevers also tend to be more robust, with smoother cocking effort distributed over a longer stroke—ideal for precision shooting and repeated use.

2. Can a .22 underlever air rifle be used for hunting?

Answer:
Absolutely. A quality .22 underlever air rifle is a top choice for small game hunting such as rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, and birds. With velocities typically in the 800–950 FPS range, and using pellets in the 14–18 grain range, these rifles deliver plenty of knockdown power and accuracy within 30–60 yards. Models with multi-shot magazines and suppressed barrels are especially effective for quick, quiet follow-up shots in the field.

3. Do I need a license to own or use a .22 underlever air rifle?

 Answer:
In many countries and U.S. states, .22 caliber air rifles under 20 ft-lbs of energy are not classified as firearms, meaning they often don’t require a license. However, regulations vary depending on your location. Some areas may impose age restrictions, power limits, or permits for hunting with airguns. Always check your local laws before purchasing or using an air rifle to ensure you’re in full compliance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best .22 underlever air rifle involves balancing power, precision, and comfort to match your specific shooting needs. With features like fixed barrels for enhanced accuracy, smooth cocking mechanisms, regulated PCP systems, and ergonomic hardwood or synthetic stocks, these rifles offer reliable performance for both hunting and target shooting. Whether you’re looking for high shot count, quiet operation, or refined craftsmanship, a well-chosen .22 underlever air rifle delivers exceptional value and satisfaction. By considering key factors such as velocity, air efficiency, build quality, and usability, you can confidently select a model that meets both your expectations and long-term goals as a shooter.