5 Best Air Rifle for Farm Pest Control

The Beeman QB Chief PCP Air Rifle stands out as one of the best entry-level PCP rifles for farm pest control, delivering power, accuracy, and simplicity in a solid and affordable package. Designed with both beginners and experienced shooters in mind, the QB Chief provides a great balance of old-school craftsmanship and modern performance.

Powered by a pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) system, the QB Chief offers consistent power and accuracy with each shot. The rifle features a bolt-action, single-shot platform, allowing for deliberate, precise shooting—ideal when targeting pests such as squirrels, rabbits, birds, and even raccoons at medium distances. With up to 50 shots per fill in .177 caliber and 35 in .22 caliber, it’s ready for a full day’s work on the farm without constant refills.

The hardwood stock gives the rifle a traditional feel, while the rifled barrel and fiber-optic front and rear sights enhance out-of-the-box accuracy. For those looking to mount optics, the rifle includes an 11mm dovetail rail. However, if using a scope with a 40mm objective lens or larger, the rear sight may need to be removed—a small but manageable tweak.

Refilling the rifle is made easy via the male Foster quick-disconnect fitting, compatible with hand pumps or scuba tanks (with a female adapter). The 2,000 psi fill pressure keeps things manageable, especially for shooters new to PCP systems. The 2-stage adjustable trigger and manual safety offer added control and confidence when working around the farm.

 Specifications:

• Caliber Options: .177 (up to 50 shots per fill), .22 (up to 35 shots per fill)

• Powerplant: Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP)

• Action: Bolt-action, single-shot

• Trigger: 2-stage adjustable

• Safety: Manual

• Barrel: Rifled

• Fill Pressure: 2,000 PSI

• Air Cylinder Capacity: 136cc

• Fittings: Male Foster quick-disconnect (for fast refills)

• Sights: Fiber-optic front and rear; 11mm dovetail for scope mounting

• Stock: Hardwood

• Dimensions: Package length 8.4 cm × width 19.6 cm × height 109.5 cm

 Pros:

• Great accuracy for pest control and small game hunting

• Quiet operation makes it suitable for use near livestock or homes

• Hardwood stock gives a solid, traditional feel

• Easy to refill with common hand pumps or scuba tanks

• Good shot count per fill for its price class

• Adjustable trigger improves precision

• Excellent value for a PCP rifle

 Cons:

• Single-shot only, so not ideal for rapid follow-up shots

• Scope mounting may require removing rear sight if using larger optics

• Lower shot count compared to more expensive PCP models

• No built-in pressure gauge (depending on model version)

• Not as feature-rich as higher-end PCP rifles

4Hatsan Mod 95 Spring Combo.

The Hatsan Mod 95 Spring Combo is a well-balanced, highly capable break-barrel air rifle that brings together precision, power, and durability at a great value. With its classic walnut stock, German steel barrel, and 2-stage Quattro trigger, it’s no surprise that the Mod 95 is considered one of the best spring-piston air rifles for farm pest control.

Right out of the box, the craftsmanship of the Mod 95 stands out. The genuine Turkish walnut stock offers not only a stylish finish but also an ergonomic, ambidextrous design, making it comfortable for both right- and left-handed shooters. It’s a well-balanced rifle that feels solid and purposeful, whether you’re perched in a barn or patrolling your field for pests.

In terms of performance, this rifle delivers. The .177 caliber version can fire lead-free pellets up to 1300 FPS and lead pellets at around 1100 FPS, producing up to 20 foot-pounds of energy (FPE)—more than enough to humanely dispatch pests like squirrels, rabbits, birds, and other small intruders. The precision rifled German steel barrel ensures tight groups, and the Quattro Trigger, fully adjustable in two stages, allows for crisp and consistent pulls—essential for accurate pest control in high-pressure situations.

The Mod 95 also features Hatsan’s SAS (Shock Absorber System), which helps reduce recoil—an important factor in staying on target for follow-up shots or long shooting sessions. The large muzzle brake not only adds to its tactical look but also aids in easier cocking, a welcome feature for a spring-piston rifle of this power.

Included with the combo is a 3-9×32 Optima scope and matching rings, mounted easily via the 11mm grooved dovetail rail. The scope is solid for general pest control distances, but the rifle also includes fiber optic front and rear open sights for those who prefer to go scope-free.

 Specifications:

• Caliber: .177 (also available in .22 and .25)

• Velocity: Up to 1300 FPS (lead-free), 1100 FPS (lead)

• Muzzle Energy: Up to 20 FPE

• Action: Break barrel, single-shot

• Powerplant: Spring piston

• Barrel: Precision rifled German steel

• Trigger: 2-stage Quattro Trigger, fully adjustable

• Stock: Genuine Turkish walnut, ambidextrous

• Sights: Fiber optic front/rear sights, micro-adjustable rear

• Scope: 3-9×32 Optima scope with rings included

• Mounting Rail: 11mm dovetail

• Recoil Control: SAS (Shock Absorber System)

• Muzzle Brake: Yes, for easier cocking

Pros:

• Outstanding value for a powerful and well-built spring rifle

• Beautiful hardwood stock – elegant and functional

• Accurate German steel barrel – perfect for precise pest control

• Strong power output – suitable for small game and pests

• Reliable spring-piston operation – no need for external air sources

• Fully adjustable trigger enhances shooting precision

• Includes quality scope and open sights

 Cons:

• Spring-piston recoil may take getting used to for new shooters

5.Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Rifle

The Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Rifle is a top-tier performer when it comes to pest control and small game hunting on the farm. With its powerful pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) system, ultra-quiet operation, and pinpoint accuracy, the Marauder continues to set the standard for what a modern air rifle should be. Now featuring a lightweight, all-weather synthetic stock, this .177 caliber version is designed for rugged field use without sacrificing comfort or control.

One of the Marauder’s standout qualities is its internally shrouded and choked rifled barrel, which ensures both high accuracy and exceptional noise suppression. Whether you’re controlling pests around barns, gardens, or livestock, the suppressed shot allows for discreet operation—ideal for avoiding unnecessary disturbance. The factory-installed depinger further reduces shot noise, turning a sharp ping into a subtle thud.

Performance-wise, the Marauder doesn’t disappoint. It delivers up to 30 consistent shots per 3000 PSI fill, with velocities reaching up to 1100 FPS and 21 foot-pounds of energy (FPE)—plenty of power for dispatching rats, squirrels, rabbits, crows, and other common farm pests. The 10-round rotary magazine makes follow-up shots quick and easy, while the two-stage, match-grade trigger provides the smooth break needed for precision shooting.

The newly designed synthetic stock isn’t just for aesthetics. It’s balanced for comfortable carry, features an adjustable raised comb for optimal cheek weld, and includes sling mounts for hands-free mobility in the field. The ambidextrous bolt handle and redesigned breech make the rifle more accessible and easier to maintain, and the dovetail mounting rail ensures compatibility with a wide range of optics.

Specifications:

• Caliber: .177

• Powerplant: PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic)

• Action: Bolt-action, multi-shot

• Magazine Capacity: 10 shots

• Velocity: Up to 1100 FPS

• Energy: 21 foot-pounds (FPE)

• Stock: Synthetic, all-weather, with adjustable raised comb

• Barrel: Rifled, choked, and shrouded for noise suppression

• Trigger: Two-stage adjustable match-grade trigger

• Fill Pressure: 3000 PSI (Up to 30 shots per fill)

• Mounting: Dovetail rail for scopes

• Sling Mounts: Included

• Noise Suppression: Built-in shroud and depinger

 Pros:

• Whisper-quiet operation – ideal for sensitive or populated farm areas

• Extremely accurate with choked, rifled barrel

• High power – suitable for medium-range pest control and small game

• Adjustable trigger and cheek rest – tailored shooting comfort

• 10-shot magazine enables rapid follow-up shots

• All-weather synthetic stock is lightweight and durable

• Ambidextrous bolt and redesigned breech improve ease of use

• Excellent shot count per fill for extended sessions

Cons:

• Requires external air source (pump or compressor) – not as convenient as springers

Also read;5 Best Big Bore Air Rifles for Wild Hog Hunting

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Air Rifle for Farm Pest Control

1. Power and Caliber

The power and caliber of your air rifle directly determine what types of pests you can effectively and humanely eliminate. For small pests like rats, birds, and snakes, a .177 caliber rifle with high velocity (1000+ FPS) offers flat trajectories and pinpoint accuracy. For larger pests like rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons, a .22 or even .25 caliber air rifle with higher foot-pounds of energy (FPE) ensures better penetration and stopping power. Choose a rifle that matches the size and toughness of your typical targets.

2. Accuracy and Barrel Quality

Consistent accuracy is vital for ethical pest control. Rifles with precision-rifled barrels, especially those made from German steel or choked barrels, provide tighter groupings and greater reliability. Features like adjustable triggers, quality optics, and steady platforms (PCP rifles or break barrels with reduced recoil) further enhance shot placement—crucial when you need to hit small targets at varying distances.

3. Noise Suppression

Farms often require quiet operation to avoid startling livestock, family members, or neighbors. Air rifles with integrated shrouds, moderators, or sound suppression systems (like those in the Benjamin Marauder or Gamo Whisper Fusion) greatly reduce the report of each shot. Quieter rifles allow for discreet shooting sessions and reduce the chances of scaring away other pests before you can line up a second shot.

4. Ease of Use and Cocking Effort

Your rifle should be easy to operate, especially during long days of patrolling your property. Break-barrel rifles should have manageable cocking effort (around 30 lbs or less), while PCP rifles need user-friendly filling systems such as Foster quick-disconnect fittings. Adjustable stocks, ambidextrous controls, and ergonomic designs (like those found in the Beeman QB Chief or Marauder) all enhance user comfort and shooting stability.

5. Shot Capacity and Reloading Speed

If you’re dealing with multiple pests in quick succession, having a multi-shot rotary magazine or auto-indexing mechanism can make a big difference. PCP rifles like the Benjamin Marauder or Umarex Gauntlet 2 often include 10-round magazines, while break barrels like the Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X GEN3i use multi-shot magazines with inertia-fed systems, allowing for faster follow-up shots without manually loading each pellet.

6. Durability and Build Quality

Farm use exposes your gear to dust, moisture, and the occasional knock or drop. Choose rifles with all-weather synthetic stocks (like the Benjamin Marauder or Hatsan Mod 95 Combo) or hardwood stocks built for resilience. Air rifles built with metal internals, reinforced triggers, and weather-resistant finishes will last longer and perform more reliably in rugged outdoor conditions.

7. Scope Compatibility and Sight Options

Good optics are essential for hitting small targets at variable ranges. Many rifles come with pre-mounted scopes or are scope-ready with dovetail or Picatinny rails. For instance, the Hatsan Mod 95 includes a 3-9×32 scope, while other models provide fiber-optic iron sights as a backup. Make sure your rifle allows for easy scope mounting and zeroing, and consider upgrading to a better optic if precision shooting is your priority.

8. Cost, Value, and Long-Term Maintenance

Air rifles range from affordable springers to higher-end PCP systems. While spring-piston models like the Hatsan Mod 95 or Gamo Swarm are more budget-friendly and require no external equipment, PCP rifles like the Umarex Gauntlet 2, Beeman QB Chief, or Benjamin Marauder offer superior performance with the added cost of pumps, tanks, or compressors. Consider your budget, the cost of accessories (like magazines and air tanks), and how often you’ll be using the rifle to determine the best value for your needs.

Frequent Asked Question Best Air Rifle for Farm Pest Control