5 Best Hellcat Air Rifle for Small Game

Best Hellcat Air Rifle for small game  if you’re hunting squirrels, rabbits or other nimble pests, this guide helps you pick a compact, reliable airgun that balances accuracy, terminal performance and quick follow-ups. You’ll find the right combination of caliber, powerplant (PCP, gas-piston, or spring), noise control, feeding system and ergonomics to suit your hunting style  plus practical tips on pellet selection, filling logistics and ethical effective ranges so you can take clean, confident shots in the field.

Best Hellcat Air Rifle for Small Game

1.Hatsan BullBoss QE

 

 

 

 

The Hatsan BullBoss QE is a compact, purposeful hunting rifle that wears its features where they matter: ergonomics, stealth, and field-practicality. Built on a bullpup platform, the BullBoss keeps overall length short without sacrificing barrel length — a big advantage when you’re moving through brush or shooting from tight blinds. For small-game hunters who want a rifle that’s easy to carry, quick to aim, and quiet enough to avoid spooking nearby animals, this rifle checks a lot of boxes.

Because the action and air cylinder sit behind the trigger, the BullBoss delivers a full-length barrel in a much shorter package. That translates to better maneuverability in the woods and a naturally compact carry profile — ideal for stalking rabbits, squirrels, and other small game. The stock shape places controls within easy reach and helps you keep the rifle steady for quick follow-ups.QE technology reduces muzzle report and makes the rifle significantly quieter than an unshrouded break-barrel or unshrouded gun of similar power. For small-game work — where silence preserves shot opportunities and reduces disturbance to surrounding wildlife or neighbors — this is a major practical advantage.

The BullBoss comes fitted with Picatinny rails, letting you mount optics, red dots, bipods, or lights without custom fitting. That flexibility means you can tailor the rifle to your preferred small-game setup — from a simple low-power scope for close shots to a compact dot for fast target acquisition.A removable cylinder makes filling and swapping convenient in the field and reduces the hassle of transporting a full PCP system. For hunters who travel or like to carry a spare cylinder to a blind, the detachable cylinder adds real-world convenience.

The anti-double feed system improves reliability by preventing two pellets from entering the barrel at once — fewer jams, fewer ruined shots, and more confidence when a clean, ethical hit matters.A two-stage adjustable trigger allows shooters to tune the take-up and pull to their preference, improving accuracy and control for precise head or thorax shots on small game.

Specification 

• Platform: Bullpup stock design

• Noise reduction: Integrated QE (QuietEnergy) technology

• Mounting: Picatinny rail(s) for optics and accessories

• Air system: Detachable air cylinder (PCP-style convenience)

• Feed system: Anti-double pellet feed

• Trigger: 2-stage adjustable trigger
  (No caliber, velocity, or magazine capacity provided — confirm those from the seller listing if you need exact numbers.)

Pros

• Compact, maneuverable bullpup layout — excellent for tight shooting positions.

• QE system significantly reduces muzzle report for stealthy hunting.

• Picatinny rails give accessory flexibility (scopes, red dots, bipods).

• Removable air cylinder simplifies transport, filling and serviceability.

• Anti-double feed increases reliability and reduces misfeeds.

• 2-stage adjustable trigger improves precision for ethical shots.

Cons

• Bullpup ergonomics are not comfortable for every shooter (cheek weld and balance feel different than traditional stocks).

2.Umarex Gauntlet PCP Pellet Gun Air Rifle

 

 

 

The Umarex Gauntlet brings serious hunting capability to shooters who want PCP performance without a premium price tag. Built around a large 13-cu. in. regulated tank, the Gauntlet delivers a long string of consistent, powerful shots from a single fill — exactly the sort of reliability you want when a squirrel or rabbit presents a brief, ethical shot opportunity. The bolt-action operation and rotary magazine combine to give you controlled, repeatable shooting with quick follow-ups when they matter.The Gauntlet’s built-in regulator is the headline feature: it holds velocity steady from shot to shot so groups stay tight at practical hunting ranges. For small-game work, that consistency means you can trust your holdover and pellet choice instead of compensating for large FPS swings.

A 13 cu. in., 3000-psi removable tank stores lots of air for many hunting shots between fills. Paired with the regulator, this tank gives you more usable shots at the rifle’s sweet spot, which is convenient during a morning sit or a backyard control session.Chambered in .22, the Gauntlet balances flat-enough trajectory with solid terminal performance on squirrels, rabbits and similar small game. .22 pellets are widely available and forgiving for hunting distances where you’ll typically engage small game.

The included 10-round rotary magazine keeps you on target longer and makes follow-ups fast and reliable; the single-shot tray gives you the option to carefully hand-load a premium pellet when precision matters most.A smooth bolt action promotes deliberate, accurate shots, while the synthetic ergonomic stock is comfortable for long sits and tolerates weather and field wear.

Specification

• Caliber: .22

• Action: Bolt action

• Magazine: 10-round rotary magazine (includes single-shot tray)

• Air system: Removable 13 cu. in. tank, 3000 psi (regulated)

• Velocity (quoted): ~900 FPS (model/spec dependent)

• Fill: 4500 psi hand pump compatible; electric compressors (3000–4500 psi) also usable

• Stock: Synthetic, ergonomic design

• Use cases: Hunting, field target, plinking

Pros

• Built-in regulator = minimal FPS variation → better real-world accuracy.

• Large removable tank provides many consistent shots per fill.

• 10-round rotary mag speeds follow-ups for field work and pest control.

• .22 caliber offers a good balance of trajectory and terminal effect for most small game.

• Bolt action encourages careful, accurate shooting.

• Synthetic ergonomic stock is comfortable and durable.

• Multiple filling options (hand pump or compressor) increase flexibility.

Cons

• Requires high-pressure filling equipment (hand pump or compressor) — extra cost and weight to consider.

3.Hatsan Mod 125 Spring Sniper Combo Air Rifle with Included Wearable4U Paper Targets and Lead Pellets Bundle

 

 

 

 

The Hatsan MOD 125 Spring Sniper Combo is a purpose-built springer that dresses power and range in a surprisingly hunting-friendly package. Out of the box it arrives as a ready-to-hunt rig: integral moderator for reduced report, an adjustable stock for a consistent cheek weld, and a supplied 3–9×32 scope so you can get to work immediately. For small-game hunters who want long-range capability from a spring-powered platform, the MOD 125 offers a compelling blend of muzzle energy, tunable ergonomics and built-in noise control.

Unlike many raw springers, the MOD 125 ships with an integral moderator. That makes it noticeably quieter at the muzzle — very useful when you’re working near neighbors or trying to avoid spooking more distant quarry. For small game, quieter shots can mean more opportunities and less disturbance to the area.

A crisp, adjustable Quattro trigger gives shooters a predictable break that helps convert a good hold into a precise hit. In spring rifles, a clean trigger is vital because it reduces shooter-induced movement at the instant of firing — important for the small, vital-zone targets typical of rabbit and squirrel shots.

The dual-format rail lets you mount a variety of optics and accessories without swapping bases — useful if you alternate between the supplied Optima 3–9×32 scope and a low-power red dot for quick shots. The flexibility simplifies setup for different hunting situations.

Specification

• Integral sound moderator

• Trigger: Quattro adjustable trigger

• Rails: Combo scope rail (11 mm dovetail + 22 mm Picatinny/Weaver)

• Recoil mitigation: SAS Shock Absorber

• Scope included: Optima 3–9×32

• Overall length: 48.8″

• Barrel length: 17.7″

• Weight: 9 lbs

• Stock: Advanced polymer with adjustable cheek rest & Triopad butt system

• Rear sight: TruGlo 0.9 mm (.035″) green — micro adjustable

• Front sight: TruGlo 1.5 mm (.060″) red

• Velocities (Lead-Free Pellets):

  • .177: 1,550 FPS

  • .22: 1,250 FPS

  • .25: 900 FPS

• Velocities (Lead Pellets):

  • .177: 1,300 FPS

  • .22: 1,050 FPS

  • .25: 850 FPS

• Max Energy:

  • .177: 28 FPE

  • .22: 33 FPE

  • .25: 34 FPE

Pros

• Powerful for a spring gun — useful down to ethical small-game ranges, especially in .22 and .25.

• Integral moderator reduces muzzle report compared with unshrouded springers.

• Included Optima 3–9×32 scope and combo rails make it field-ready immediately.

• Adjustable Quattro trigger and stock let shooters tailor the fit for consistent cheek weld and trigger control.

• SAS shock absorber softens the springer recoil, aiding faster and more accurate follow-ups.

• Multiple caliber options allow the rifle to be matched to your preferred small-game loadout.

Cons

• As a heavy (9 lb) springer with strong muzzle energy, it can be fatiguing to carry long distances compared with lighter break-barrels or PCPs.

4. Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X GEN3i 

 

 

 

 

the Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X GEN3i is a strong contender. It blends Gamo’s latest multishot magazine engineering (the 10X GEN3i inertia-fed rotary) with Whisper Fusion noise reduction and an IGT gas piston for a package that’s fast, relatively smooth to cock, and shockingly practical for everyday small-game work. The rifle is aimed squarely at hunters and land-managers who need quick follow-ups on squirrels, rabbits, starlings and other nuisance animals without fussy reloading.

The headline feature is the low-profile 10-pellet rotary magazine that indexes using the rifle’s recoil. That inertia-fed design keeps the magazine compact and smooth-operating, letting you shoot up to 10 rounds in quick succession — perfect for situations y)
Replacing a traditional steel coil spring with Gamo’s IGT gas piston reduces vibration, gives a more consistent cocking effort and tends to extend service life. It also helps deliver the high velocities the rifle advertises (up to 1,300 fps in .177 and 1,000 fps in .22 with alloy pellets), while being kinder to the shooter’s shoulder and the gun’s internals.

The Custom Action Trigger (CAT) allows independent adjustment of first and second stages so you can tune the trigger to your preference — especially handy when switching between fast shots and carefully aimed single shots. Gamo includes a 3–9×40 shockproof, fogproof scope and recoil-reducing rail, so the rifle is essentially ready to hunt from the box.

Offered in .177 for flatter trajectory and higher FPS (good for pest birds, snakes and longer-range varmint shots) and in .22 for extra downrange energy and penetration (the classic small-game choice for rabbits, squirrels and raccoons). The .22 is usually the best all-round pick for small-game hunting; .177 is attractive if you expect to take very flat, light-pellet shots at longer distances.

Specification

• Model: Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X GEN3i

• Calibers & max velocities (alloy/lead dependent):

  • .177: up to 1,300 fps (alloy) / 1,300 fps listed (model dependent)

  • .22: up to 1,000 fps (alloy)

• Energy: 17.8 ft·lb (spec sheet figure)

• Trigger: CAT — independently adjustable 1st & 2nd stages (Trigger pull: 3.2 / 2.6 lb)

• Magazine: 10X GEN3i inertia-fed 10-round rotary magazine; single cocking break-barrel action

• Noise reduction: Whisper Fusion (double integrated sound moderator)

• Powerplant: IGT (Inert Gas Technology) gas piston

• Scope: Gamo 3–9×40 (shockproof, fogproof) included with mounts; Recoil Reducing Rail (RR)

• Length & weight: Total length 45.7 in; Barrel length 20.5 in; Weight 5.78 lb

• Cocking effort: ~30 lb (approx. spec)

• Length of pull: 15 in

Pros

• 10-shot inertia rotary magazine — fast follow-ups without carrying spare magazines.

• High advertised velocity (especially in .177) for flatter trajectories at distance.

• Whisper Fusion moderator makes it quieter than many break-barrels — better for stealthy pest control.

• IGT piston reduces vibration and provides smoother cocking compared with heavy steel springs.

• Adjustable CAT trigger lets you tune trigger feel for either quick shots or precise single shots.

• Comes ready with a 3–9×40 scope and mounts — immediate field readiness.

• Lightweight and reasonably compact for field carry (under 6 lb).

Cons

• Inertia-fed magazine depends on consistent recoil — very light pellets or inconsistent loads can sometimes affect indexing.

 

5.Benjamin Marauder BP22SAS 22-Caliber Pellet Semi PCP-Powered Hunting Air Rifle with Adjustable-All Weather Stock + Crosman LHP22 .22-Caliber Premier Hollow Point Pellets (500-Count)

 

 

 

 

 

TheBenjamin Marauder BP22SAS 22-Caliber Pellet Semi PCP-Powered Hunting Air Rifle with Adjustable-All Weather Stock + Crosman LHP22 .22-Caliber Premier Hollow Point Pellets (500-Count) is built for hunters who want fast follow-up shots, steady downrange performance, and a weather-tough platform that’s ready for real field work. The combination of a regulator and semi-auto action means the rifle delivers pellets at a consistent velocity while allowing quick, instinctive follow-ups when a wary squirrel or rabbit makes a sudden move. t.

The semi-automatic action feeds and chambers the next pellet for you, enabling rapid, reliable follow-ups without working a bolt between shots — very helpful when a single target requires more than one attempt for an ethical dispatch.The synthetic stock is designed to shrug off rain, mud and sweat while staying comfortable for long sits. An adjustable raised comb lets you set a perfect cheek weld for your optic, and the reversible bolt handle makes the rifle friendly to left- or right-hand shooters. That adaptability is especially useful if you share the rifle or

Chambered in .22 and tuned around a 14.3-grain hollow-point pellet, this rifle is set up for the balance of trajectory and terminal performance small-game hunters prefer. Hollow points increase energy transfer and expand on impact, improving humane knockdown on rabbits, squirrels and similar quarry at sensible ranges.

Specification 

• Action: Regulated, semi-automatic PCP

• Caliber: .22

• Recommended pellet: 14.3-grain hollow point

• Barrel: Shrouded barrel (for reduced report and improved accuracy)

• Stock: Balanced, all-weather synthetic with adjustable raised comb

• Bolt: Reversible bolt handle (left/right friendly)

• Velocity (quoted): Up to 950 fps (model- and pellet-dependent)

• Purpose: Designed for small-game hunting

Pros

• Fast, accurate follow-ups thanks to semi-auto feeding — ideal when you need immediate second shots.

• Regulator delivers consistent FPS, improving groupability and shot confidence.

• Shrouded barrel reduces report and helps accuracy, keeping shots stealthier and more acceptable in populated areas.

• Weatherproof synthetic stock with adjustable comb for better eye-to-optic alignment and comfort.

• Reversible bolt makes the rifle ambidextrous and more versatile for different shooters.

• Tuned around a 14.3-gr hollow point in .22, which is a practical hunting payload for humane terminal performance on small game.

Cons

• Semi-auto feeding can be sensitive to pellet shape/brand; you may need to test several pellets to find the most reliable and accurate match.

Also read;4 Best Hellcat Air Rifle Lightweight Scopes

Factor to Consider when ChoosingBest Hellcat Air Rifle for Small Game

1) Caliber & terminal energy

Choose a caliber that matches the quarry and typical shot distance. For most squirrels and rabbits, .22 is the sweet spot (good balance of trajectory and knock-down). .25 gives more stopping power for slightly larger pests or longer shots; .177 shoots flatter and is fine for birds, snakes and target work but can lack terminal effect on bigger small game. Always check the rifle’s FPS × pellet weight to estimate foot-pounds of energy — that’s what determines humane effectiveness, not headline FPS alone.

2) Powerplant & shot-to-shot consistency

Decide between PCP (precharged), gas-piston (IGT/Nitro), springers, multi-pump, or CO₂. PCPs give the smoothest, most consistent velocity (great for hunting and follow-ups) but require fill gear. Gas-piston and springers are simpler and often cheaper to own but produce more vibration and less shot-to-shot consistency. CO₂ and low-power options are usually unsuitable for ethical small-game hunting beyond very close range.

3) Accuracy, barrel & trigger quality

A rifle’s potential is limited by barrel and trigger. Look for a crisp, adjustable trigger and a quality barrel (or shrouded/regulated systems that reduce harmonic variance). Good accuracy isn’t just brand — pellet choice and a stable cheek weld matter — but a poor trigger or sloppy barrel will cost you groups regardless of other features.

4) Magazine / feed system vs single-shot

Decide whether you want rapid follow-ups (rotary or box magazines, semi-auto) or the simplicity of single-shot loading. Magazines and semi-autos speed up follow-ups — useful for multiple pests — but can be picky about pellet shape and add mechanical complexity. Single-shot rigs are simpler, often more reliable and lighter, but slower for two-shot situations.

5) Noise control & stealth

Quieter rifles (integral moderators, Whisper/QuietEnergy systems, shrouded barrels) keep game from spooking and make rural/suburban hunting more polite. If you hunt near neighbors or in pressured areas, prioritize noise reduction. Note: silencers/shrouds can affect harmonics and sometimes accuracy, so test rifle + moderator combos.

6) Ergonomics, balance & weight

How the rifle fits you affects aim speed and consistency. Bullpups are compact but have different balance/cheek welds; conventional stocks offer more fore-end space for bipods. Heavier PCPs or rifles with big tanks are steadier but tire you on long walks. Try to match length-of-pull, comb height (adjustable combs are great), and overall weight to your hunting style.

7) Pellet compatibility & testing

Not all pellets feed or group equally in every barrel. Some magazines or semi-autos prefer specific pellet skirts or heads. Plan to buy a few brands/weights (e.g., 14–18 gr for .22) and test for best groups at your typical range. Also choose pellet types by purpose — hollow points for hunting, domes for accuracy, wadcutters for targets.

8) Logistics, maintenance, cost & legal/ethical factors

Factor in fill equipment (HP pump, compressor, spare cylinders) for PCPs, spare magazines, tools and spare parts. Consider warranty and service availability. Always check local laws and private-land rules (some places have energy limits or restrictions on certain mechanisms), and prioritize humane shot placement and range: a rifle that’s legal but underpowered at your distances is not an ethical choice.

Frequent Asked Question Best Hellcat Air Rifle for Small Game

1) What caliber should I choose for hunting squirrels and rabbits?

For most small-game work .22 is the best all-round choice — it balances trajectory and terminal performance. .177 shoots flatter and is fine for birds or longer, pinpoint shots but can lack lethal energy on larger small game; .25 offers more knockdown power for tougher targets or longer ranges but usually sacrifices flatter trajectory and higher shot count. Always check the rifle’s real-world foot-pounds at your intended hunting distance, not just FPS numbers.

2) Is PCP (precharged) worth the extra equipment compared with springers or CO₂?

Yes — if you value consistent shot-to-shot velocity, reduced recoil, and quiet, accurate performance, PCP is worth the setup (hand pump, compressor or spare cylinders). Springers and gas-piston rifles are simpler and cheaper to operate (no fill gear) but typically produce more vibration and less consistency. CO₂ pistols are generally unsuitable for ethical small-game hunting beyond very close range.

3) How do I choose pellets and ensure reliable feeding (especially with magazines/semi-autos)?

Test several pellet brands and weights — a rifle’s best pellet often surprises buyers. For hunting, start with a high-quality hollow-point or domed pellet in the weight range recommended for the caliber (e.g., ~14–18 gr for .22). If using rotary magazines, semi-autos, or inertia-fed systems, check feeding reliability with those pellets — some magazines prefer specific shapes or skirt lengths. Always proof-test at your typical hunting distances to confirm groups and terminal performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion Best Hellcat Air Rifle for Small Gamematches the quarry and your typical shot distance for most squirrels and rabbits that usually means a .22while prioritizing consistent shot-to-shot performance (a regulated PCP or well-tuned gas-piston beats CO₂ for hunting), reliable feeding if you need quick follow-ups, and effective noise control to avoid spooking game. Make ergonomics and a good trigger part of your decision so you can maintain a steady cheek weld and accurate aim, and always test several pellet types to find the one that feeds reliably and groups best in your gun. Factor in the practical logisticsfilling equipment, maintenance, spare parts, and local legal limitsand spend time practicing deliberate shot placement so you know your humane effective range; taken together, these choices will give you the confidence to make clean, ethical shots in the field.