Noise is a major concern when shooting in a residential neighborhood, so it’s only fair to use the most quiet air rifles.
Loud air rifles can disturb neighbors, attract unwanted attention, or even violate local noise ordinances. Fortunately, many modern air rifles are designed with noise reduction in mind, making them ideal for backyard plinking, pest control, or target practice without causing a disturbance.
This guide explores some of the quietest air rifles available, highlighting their features and benefits for discreet backyard shooting.
| Summary |
| Gamo Silent Cat .177 Caliber
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| Air Venturi Avenger
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| Benjamin Marauder
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| Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1
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| Umarex Fusion 2
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| Crosman 1077
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| Hatsan Flash QE
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Factors That Affect Air Rifle Noise
Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand what makes an air rifle loud or quiet:
1. Power Source
- Spring-Piston & Gas-Piston- These tend to be louder due to the mechanical action of the spring or piston slamming forward.
- PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic)-They are generally quieter because of the smooth air release.
- CO2- Moderately quiet, but this can vary based on temperature and power output.
2. Caliber
.177 Calibers are faster and often quieter than larger calibers. .22 Caliber & Larger have more power but typically louder due to heavier pellets that push a higher air volume.
3. Barrel Length & Design
The Longer barrels help dissipate noise. Some rifles also have built-in moderators (suppressors) on the barrel to reduce sound.
4. Suppressor/Moderator Compatibility
Many air rifles can be fitted with aftermarket suppressors to further dampen noise.
5. Pellet Type/Material
Lead pellets are heavier and slower, which makes them stay subsonic, which minimizes noise. Alloy/Platinum Pellets, conversely, are Lighter and faster, often exceeding the sound barrier, resulting in a loud crack.
Quietest Air Rifles for Neighborhood Use- Top Picks
1) Gamo Silent Cat .177 Caliber Breakbarrel Pellet Air Rifle
The Gamo Silent Cat .177 Caliber break barrel Pellet Air Rifle is a budget-friendly air rifle that can be used for a variety of activities, such as plinking, target shooting, and hunting small animals.
It features a non-removable Whisper noise dampener that reduces noise by up to 52% ,making it a good option for use in the neighborhood.
The air rifle stands out for its powerful capability of firing .177 caliber PBA grade pellets at 1200 fps. It is also well-built, featuring a tough all-weather synthetic stock and a fluted Polymer Bull barrel.
Additionally, it carries an ergonomic design that makes it easy to use by both beginners and experienced shooters. This includes characteristics like twin cheek pads for ambidextrous shooting, a raised scope ramp, and a ventilated rubber pad for recoil absorption.
Pros
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Decent Power for Price
- The ergonomic design makes it easy to use
- Includes a scope out of the box
- Two-stage trigger helps line up the shot
Cons
- The included scope isn’t of great quality
2) Air Venturi Avenger Caliber Regulated PCP Air Rifle.
The Air Venturi Avenger is one of the most talked-about PCP air rifles in recent years, offering regulated performance, adjustable power, and excellent accuracy at an affordable price. It comes with a built-in barrel shroud, which helps reduce noise for a quieter operation.
Unlike many budget PCPs, the Avenger comes with an externally adjustable regulator, allowing you to fine-tune velocity for different pellet weights. The regulator can be adjusted as high as 3000 PSI and helps maintain consistent shot-to-shot performance, improving accuracy over the entire air cylinder.
In addition, the air rifle comes with two 10-round auto-indexing magazines, seamlessly cycled by a smooth sidelever action.
Pros
- Lightweight & ergonomic design
- Great accuracy and consistency
- Externally adjustable regulator and hammer spring
- Dual pressure gauges for real-time monitoring
Cons
- Noise minimization is moderate for some neighborhoods.
3) Benjamin Marauder Synthetic Stock
The Benjamin Marauder is a PCP Powered, Multi-Shot Bolt-Action Hunting Air Rifle with an adjustable Synthetic Stock. This rifle has an advantage in that it’s available in a variety of calibers, .177, .22, and .25, for different types of uses
Additional interesting features are its 10-round magazine, a shrouded barrel, and an integrated sound suppression system that makes it among the quietest air rifles you can get on the market. The Marauder is also available in many other configurations, including semi-automatic models and models with wood stocks.
All models are well built to be durable and designed to be ergonomic for everyday use, with features like a reversible bolt handle, a slim profile, and an adjustable comb for better scope alignment.
Pros
- Two-stage adjustable match-grade trigger for precise control.
- Exceptionally quiet operation
- Durable, all-weather synthetic stock.
- Extensive aftermarket support for customization.
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Pricier than most competition
4) Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle
The Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1, equipped with an IGT Mach 1 power plant, is one of the most powerful air rifles from Gamo. It combines advanced technology with user-friendly features, making it suitable for different shooting scenarios.
One of its standout features is the Whisper Fusion technology for noise reduction. This technology incorporates a double-integrated sound moderator that channels the pellets through different chambers, effectively dampening the sound.
The synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant, featuring a non-slip texture on the grip and forearm. The Recoil Reducing Rail (RRR) minimizes scope movement, preserving zero after repeated shots.
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Ingenious noise suppression technology
- Adjustable trigger for a personalized shooting experience
- High muzzle velocity (.22 at 1020 FPS)
- Comfortable to shoot.
Cons
- Cocking effort can be challenging especially when new
5) Umarex Fusion 2 Quiet .177 Caliber Air Rifle
The Umarex Fusion 2 Air Rifle is a CO2-powered, bolt-action air rifle designed with a proprietary SilencAir muzzle device that has been highly praised for the ability to make your shooting experience extremely quiet.
This air rifle is very accurate, which is comparable only to high-end rifles. The accuracy is repeatable on follow-up shots courtesy of a 9-round magazine that comes included.
The magazine is also easy to load, and users can expect to get over 70 shots on each pair of 12-gram CO2 cartridges, or upwards of 250 shots on a single 88-gram cylinder
The rifle shoots a .177 with speeds of up to 700fps, which is great for simple tasks like target practice and taking out small varmints.
Pros
- Very user-friendly
- Among the quietest air rifles
- Flexible CO₂ options
- Great accuracy for the budget
Cons
- Mixed reviews on build quality
6) Crosman 1077
The Crosman 1077 is for a user who is looking for a budget alternative, because these costs less than $100. For this price, you get amazing quality design, with a rifled steel barrel and a 12-round pellet magazine.
The 1077 isn’t designed for precision shooting, but it delivers satisfactory accuracy for its intended purpose, which includes simple tasks like hunting small pests.
Although the manufacturer has not specified any specific mitigation technology, the 1077 is relatively quiet, making it perfect for use in the neighborhood.
Additionally, the rifle’s lightweight design and ambidextrous stock make it accessible for shooters of various sizes and skill levels.
Pros
- Affordable and accessible for beginners
- Rapid-fire capability with 12-shot magazine
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Quiet operation suitable for backyard use
Cons
- Limited power, making it unsuitable for most hunting
7) Hatsan Flash QE PCP Air Rifle, .177 Caliber
The Hatsan Flash QE PCP Air Rifle, .177 Caliber is a manual-loading, side bolt-action, pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifle that will be able to hit speeds of 1070 FPS. The Hatsan Flash is quiet for neighborhood Shooting courtesy of a QuietEnergy technology with integrated sound moderator.
Besides coming at an attractive price point, this Hatsan air rifle has a ton of great features, such as a Patented anti-knock system to prevent gas wastage when the rifle is knocked or bounced, and a detachable 14-shot magazine
Additionally, ergonomic features like the rubber butt pad, checkering on grip and fore end for greater control, and an ambidextrous, all-weather, tactical-style thumbhole synthetic stock for a better feel make this a popular choice for many shooters.
Pros
- Effective noise suppression with QuietEnergy technology
- Different calibers (.177, .22 and .25)
- Adjustable Quattro Trigger for a personalized shooting experience
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- Value for price
Cons
- The noise suppression depends on the caliber used.
Legal Considerations for Quiet Air Rifles
While air rifles are generally less regulated compared to firearms, always check the restrictions in your area in regards to;
- Suppressor Laws- In the U.S., air rifle suppressors are legal under federal law, but some states (like California) have restrictions.
- Noise Ordinances- Check local laws to ensure your shooting doesn’t violate noise rules.
- Backyard Shooting Laws- Some cities prohibit discharging any type of airgun within city limits.
Quietest Air rifles for Neighborhood use- FAQs
Which type of air rifle is the quietest?
PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) air rifles are typically the quietest. Spring-piston and CO2 rifles tend to be louder due to their mechanical actions or gas release.
Do .22 air rifles make more noise than .177?
Generally, yes. .22 caliber air rifles often produce a deeper, louder sound due to the heavier pellet and increased energy. However, with a good suppressor, .22 models can still be very neighborhood-friendly.
Are suppressors legal on an air rifle?
In the U.S., suppressors built into air rifles from the factory are typically legal and not regulated like firearm suppressors. However, it’s illegal in some jurisdictions to add aftermarket suppressors. Always verify your local laws before purchasing or modifying.
How Far Can an Air Rifle Shoot Accurately?
Typically, this depends on what powers the air rifle and the caliber of the round used. The .177 rounds on a PCP can travel further than a .177 on a springer. A .177 will also be able to travel a longer distance (30-100 yards) compared to a .25 (25 -75 yards)
Conclusion
When it comes to shooting in suburban neighborhoods, choosing a quiet air rifle isn’t just about courtesy; it’s about maintaining safety and respecting local noise regulations. This article has listed the 7 quietest air rifles that will not get you into trouble with your neighbors, at the same time guaranteeing accuracy and power.
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