6 Best Air Rifle for Pest Control

The best air rifle for pest control combines power, precision, and consistency to ensure quick and ethical takedowns of small to medium-sized pests. Factors such as caliber size, firing mechanism, noise reduction, and trigger sensitivity play crucial roles in determining an air rifle’s effectiveness in real-world pest control scenarios. Whether you’re dealing with invasive rodents, garden-damaging critters, or nuisance birds, a well-suited air rifle can provide a reliable and discreet solution that’s both practical and environmentally responsible.

Best Air Rifle Pest Control

1.Benjamin Marauder

The Benjamin Marauder features an all-weather synthetic stock, designed to perform in any condition. It’s well-balanced for extended carry and features an ambidextrous raised comb cheek-piece and reversible bolt handle, making it suitable for both right- and left-handed shooters.

At its heart is a PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) power system, allowing the rifle to fire up to 30 shots per fill at 3000 PSI, with speeds reaching up to 1000 FPS and delivering 31 foot-pounds of energy (FPE). This makes it a highly effective option for dispatching small game and pests cleanly and humanely.

The shrouded rifled steel barrel features integrated sound suppression, keeping the loudest noise to the impact of the pellet hitting the target. It’s so quiet, it’s often compared to a suppressed firearm — but without the paperwork.

The 10-shot rotary magazine and bolt-action system make for fast follow-up shots, while the two-stage, adjustable match-grade trigger ensures a crisp and controlled shooting experience. A built-in pressure gauge and quick-disconnect Foster fitting make refilling quick and intuitive.

Specifications

• Caliber: .22

• Powerplant: PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic)

• Velocity: Up to 1000 FPS

• Energy: Up to 31 FPE

• Magazine: 10-shot rotary

• Action: Single-shot, bolt-action

• Barrel: Rifled steel, shrouded with integrated sound suppression

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

• Shots per Fill: Up to 30

• Max Fill Pressure: 3000 PSI

• Trigger: Two-stage, adjustable match-grade

• Noise Level: Very quiet (shrouded barrel)

• Weight: Approx. 7.3 lbs (unscoped)

Pros

• Exceptional accuracy – consistent and precise shot placement

• Quiet operation – great for discreet pest control and backyard use

• High power – 31 FPE is more than enough for small game

• Durable synthetic stock – weather-resistant and well-balanced

• Adjustable trigger – enhances control and shooting comfort

•  Multi-shot magazine – 10-round capacity for faster follow-ups

•  Ambidextrous design – suitable for both right- and left-handed users

•  Easy to refill – quick-connect Foster fitting and onboard pressure gauge

Cons

• Air compressor or hand pump not included – requires separate investment

• Slightly heavy when scoped – may not be ideal for younger shooters

2.Hatsan 95 Air Rifle

The Hatsan 95 Air Rifle stands out in the break barrel air gun market for blending classic craftsmanship with modern shooting technology. As one of the best air rifles for pest control in its price range, it offers a remarkable balance of power, accuracy, and elegance, making it a great choice for small game hunters, backyard pest controllers, and air gun enthusiasts alike.

This rifle is powered by a spring-piston mechanism, offering dependable performance without the need for external charging equipment. Its break-barrel, single-shot design is straightforward and reliable, and the robust build ensures consistent shooting even after thousands of rounds.

One of its biggest selling points is the high-quality Turkish walnut stock, which not only looks beautiful but is also ergonomically designed with ambidextrous features to accommodate both right- and left-handed shooters. Paired with a precision-rifled German steel barrel, the Hatsan 95 ensures excellent accuracy, while the Quattro Trigger system — a fully adjustable, two-stage match-grade trigger — allows for a clean, predictable break every time you squeeze the trigger.

This model is fitted with Hatsan’s SAS (Shock Absorber System), which significantly reduces felt recoil and vibration, improving comfort and follow-up accuracy. A large muzzle brake assists in easier cocking, making it more user-friendly over extended shooting sessions. The included 3-9×32 Optima scope and fiber optic open sights give you flexible aiming options right out of the box, and the 11mm dovetail rail allows for future optic upgrades.

Specifications

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

• Powerplant: Spring-piston

• Action: Break barrel, single shot

• Trigger: 2-stage Quattro Trigger (fully adjustable)

• Stock: Turkish walnut, ambidextrous

• Barrel: Precision rifled German steel

• Muzzle Velocity:

  • Up to 1300 FPS (lead-free pellets)

  • Up to 1100 FPS (lead pellets)

• Muzzle Energy: Up to 20 FPE

• Sights: Fiber optic front and micro-adjustable rear; includes 3-9×32 Optima scope & rings

• Mounting Rail: Grooved 11mm dovetail

• Recoil Reduction: SAS (Shock Absorber System)

• Cocking Aid: Large muzzle brake

• Weight: Approx. 7.8 lbs (unscoped)

Pros

• Excellent power – Suitable for small game and pest control

• Beautiful walnut stock – High-quality feel and durability

• Precision rifled barrel – Delivers consistent, accurate shots

• Adjustable Quattro Trigger – Match-grade control for improved accuracy

• Reduced recoil – SAS system adds comfort and shooting stability

• Scope included – Comes with a 3-9×32 Optima scope and mounts

• No external air source required – Simple and low-maintenance

Cons

• Slightly heavy for younger or smaller shooters

• Spring recoil requires good hold technique (springer learning curve)

3.Crosman Vantage NP Air Rifle

The Crosman Vantage NP is a solid and dependable air rifle that delivers great value for pest control, small game hunting, and backyard shooting fun. It’s designed with versatility in mind—ideal for plinking, eliminating rodents, or introducing new shooters to the sport. Its reliable Nitro Piston powerplant, hardwood stock, and classic break barrel design make it one of the best entry-level air rifles for pest control.

At the core of its performance is the Crosman Nitro Piston, a gas-piston system that replaces traditional metal coil springs. This not only makes the rifle smoother to shoot with less recoil and reduced vibration, but also more durable and weather-resistant. The gas piston also delivers quieter operation—an important feature for pest control in suburban settings or backyard use.

The Vantage NP shoots up to 950 FPS with alloy pellets in .22 caliber, offering enough knockdown power for small rodents and other typical pest targets. The rifled barrel improves accuracy, while the two-stage adjustable trigger gives shooters better control with each shot. The ambidextrous hardwood stock offers a traditional feel, and the fiber optic sights (with windage and elevation adjustment) are great for aiming without a scope. However, the 11mm dovetail rail gives you the option to upgrade your optics later on.

Despite its modest price, the Crosman Vantage NP doesn’t cut corners where it counts. It’s a simple, robust air rifle with just the right amount of power and features to make it one of the top budget-friendly options for casual pest control and general shooting.

Specifications

• Caliber: .22

• Velocity:

  • Up to 950 FPS (alloy pellets)

  • Up to 800 FPS (lead pellets)

• Powerplant: Nitro Piston (gas piston)

• Action: Break barrel

• Function: Single-shot

• Barrel: 15″ rifled steel

• Stock: Hardwood (ambidextrous)

• Trigger: Two-stage adjustable

• Front Sight: Fiber optic

• Rear Sight: Adjustable fiber optic (windage & elevation)

• Scopeable: Yes, 11mm dovetail

• Overall Length: 45″

• Weight: 7.79 lbs

• Safety: Manual

• Loudness: Medium (Level 3 of 5)

• Ideal Use: Small game hunting, pest control, plinking

Pros

• Gas piston power – Quieter and smoother than spring-piston rifles

• Good knockdown power – Ideal for squirrels, rats, and similar pests

• Hardwood stock – Classic feel and durability

• Adjustable trigger – Helps improve accuracy

• Fiber optic sights – Easy aiming in most light conditions

• Scope-ready – 11mm dovetail rail for optics

• Affordable and beginner-friendly – Great for entry-level shooters

Cons

•  No scope included – Requires separate purchase if you prefer scoped shooting

• Slightly heavy for smaller users – Almost 8 lbs unscoped

4.Air Venturi Avenger Caliber Regulated PCP Air Rifle…