Air rifle for Raccoons
Raccoons can be a nuisance when they often visit your property because they leave a path of damage that is difficult to repair. An air gun, on the other hand, presents a low-cost yet effective alternative for dealing with this threat.
This page discusses the numerous types of air rifles available to combat the raccoon problem. This article includes not just some of the most powerful alternatives, but also those that provide the most value for the shooter’s money.
| Gamo Swarm Whisper |  |
| Benjamin Trail NP XL |  |
| SIG SAUER MCX Virtus PCP |  |
| Benjamin Prowler Break Barrel |  |
|
Crosman Optimus Air Rifle |
 |
Factors to Consider Before Getting an Air Rifle
Legality
One of the most significant factors to consider is the legality of using an air rifle in the jurisdiction where you live. Legal constraints primarily address what can be used to hunt what and the muzzle velocity.
Caliber
The raccoon is a fairly small animal that can be harmed by a .177 caliber projectile, however, the most effective caliber for a raccoon is anything from a .22 and up. These larger pellets, despite their reduced velocity, offer greater impact power and can kill raccoons instantly and in a humane way.
Power Source
An important aspect of an air rifle one has to know what type of power source is most convenient for them. The power type options include the most powerful PCP variants to the budget-friendly spring piston type.
The powerful PCP is quieter but requires an air tank with a compressor for refill, and one refill will only get you a couple of shots. We also have other alternatives such as the CO2 type and the gas piston, which try to balance power and convenience.
See Also: 4 different types of air rifles
Price
With greater quality, more power, and features you get an air rifle at a higher price. Choose wisely and try to balance your needs with what you can afford.
1) Gamo Swarm Whisper .22 Air Rifle
This .22 caliber air rifle is among the most popular and effective. One of its distinguishing features is the use of a 10-round magazine, which allows for more rapid reloading, which is critical when firing at pests like raccoons.
Although spring piston air rifles are known for being louder than the rest, this one uses innovative noise reduction technology to make it quieter and more discreet when firing at targets.
It is also calibrated for more consistent power, less vibration when the spring releases, and less effort while cocking.
Features
- 1,000 feet per second (fps)
- Spring-piston
- .22 caliber
- 70 ft/lbs. energy
- Weight 5.4 lbs.
Pros
- Faster reloading time
- Less noisy than similar spring-piston air rifles
- Well-rated by many users
- Great value for its price
- Includes a rifle scope
Cons
- Some people complain about its trigger
2) Benjamin Trail NP XL Air Rifle
The Benjamin Trail boasts a traditional look with a checkered real hardwood stock, which apart from giving a retro feel, results in 70% noise reduction to the rifle.
This air rifle also gives you the versatile option of selecting a variety of calibers from the less potent .177 to .22 or a .25 which would instantly take out a raccoon.
The cocking mechanism is smooth and simple which makes it easy to carry out follow-up shots. In addition, it’s designed for minimal recoil which enhances the accuracy. This is further enhanced by the included 3-9×40 mm CenterPoint precision scope with adjustable objective and range estimation reticle.
Features
- Up to 1500 Fps (.177-caliber)
- Gas piston-powered
- .17/.22/.25 caliber
- Weighs 8.5 lbs.
Pros
- Unique traditional appearance
- Versatile caliber options
- Includes a great rifle scope
- Minimized recoil
- Picatinny rail on the barrel for accessories
Cons
- May feel heavy for some shooters
3) SIG SAUER MCX Virtus PCP Pellet Air Rifle
If you require a powerful and quieter choice with little recoil, then you have this Sig Sauer MCX. The gun is fed with .22 caliber pellets with velocities reaching up to 700 fps.
It Is a PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) air rifle offers semi-automatic operation, allowing for rapid-fire shooting without the need to manually cock between shots. Another appealing feature is the integrated M-LOK system, which allows you to add many of your accessories.
Additionally, the air rifle uses a Rapid Pellet Magazine (RPM) to quickly reload, which makes it fast and effective in taking out raccoons as well as other medium-sized varmints.
Features
- PCP powered
- 700 Fps muzzle velocity
- .22 caliber
- Semi-automatic
- Weighs 7.5 Lbs.
Pros
- Powerful shots for an instant kill
- Supports a 30-round magazine
- Quickly reloads
- An M-lock on the barrel for accessories
- Quieter operation with small recoil
Cons
- Has some tendencies to jam on semi-auto
- All the cons of a PCP air rifle
4) Benjamin Prowler Break Barrel Hunting Air Rifle
This air rifle delivers a respectable velocity of up to 800 fps with .22 caliber pellets, providing enough power for effective taking out of raccoons.
It makes use of efficient Quietfire sound reduction technology for quieter shots and has a robust build quality because everything feels nicely put together.
The rifle features an all-weather synthetic stock and foregrip that are ergonomically designed for comfortable handling. The Prowler’s break barrel mechanism is easy to use, for both beginners and experienced shooters.
The rifle also valuably includes a 4x32mm scope which gives a good basis for target practice before one can be able to effectively take out raccoons.
Features
- Gas piston
- 800 Fps muzzle velocity
- .22 caliber
- Weighs 8.5 Lbs.
Pros
- Easy to use break barrel
- Includes with it a scope
- Carries an ergonomic design
- Great build quality
- Proprietary Quietfire sound suppression technology
Cons
- The poor scope can’t be used for serious tasks
5) Crosman Optimus Air Rifle with Scope
A.22 caliber break barrel air rifle with a traditional appearance but not traditional performance. The hardwood stock not only improves the aesthetics but also increases longevity.
The Crossman air rifle has a well-balanced and ergonomic stock, which makes it easier to maintain accuracy throughout extended shooting sessions.
It also has a rifle scope, which, while not of the greatest quality, may give precise aim for basic purposes like target practice.
One of its drawbacks is that it lacks any form of noise reduction, making it slightly louder than some of the other spring piston air rifles
Features
- Spring piston
- 950 Fps muzzle velocity
- .22 caliber
- Weighs 7.2 Lbs.
Pros
- Well-priced
- Great build quality
- Great power for a spring piston
- Fairly lightweight
- Cocking the spring barrel is easy
Cons
- Pretty loud
Safety Considerations When Handling Air Rifles
- Make sure that the raccoon is dead before approaching to dispose of it
- use a proper backstop that can safely stop pellets and prevent unintended injury
- Familiarize yourself with local laws regarding air rifle use, as regulations can vary widely.
- Store your air rifle away from children and use trigger locks to prevent accidents.
- Use the Right caliber of ammunition to avoid any risk of injury.
Air Rifle for Hunting Raccoons-FAQs
Can air rifles be used for hunting?
Yes, air rifles can be used for hunting small game such as squirrels, rabbits, and birds. Higher-powered models in .22 or .25 calibers are typically the ones used for hunting due to their increased impact power.
Do I need a license to own an air rifle?
Regulations vary by location. In some countries and states, you may need a license or be subject to age restrictions. Always check local laws before purchasing or using an air rifle.
How loud are air rifles?
Noise levels vary by model and power source. PCP and CO2 rifles tend to be quieter, while spring-piston and gas-piston rifles can be louder. Some air rifles come with built-in noise-dampening systems to reduce the report.
What is the effective range of an air rifle?
The effective range depends on the caliber, power, and purpose. A.22 is likely to shoot at 45 to 50 yards, effectively while a .177 is lighter and has a higher velocity therefore likely to shoot at 60-80 yards but with less punch.
What’s the difference between spring piston and gas piston air rifles?
Spring piston air rifles use a coiled metal spring to propel the pellet. Conversely, the gas piston uses the spring to compress the gas into a cylinder which decompresses with the pull of the trigger to propel the pellet. The spring piston can lose tension over time while the gas piston is more reliable albeit more expensive.
Conclusion
The air rifle has repeatedly proven to be an effective weapon against varmints, especially the raccoons. The main purpose of the article was to guide the reader through the best options available for you to choose from, and I am confident it did just that. All that remains is to choose an air rifle based on your budget and needs. The information supplied can also be used to scout the market for additional alternatives that are not on the list.
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