5 Best 22 Air Rifles for Raccoons – Ultimate Guide (2026)
Ever watched a trash-raiding raccoon vanish into the night and wondered which .22 air rifle would stop it cleanly and quietly? Making the right choice matters; the correct rifle and pellet combination can turn a messy job into an ethical, one-shot outcome with minimal tracking.
This guide compares five top .22 air rifles and walks you through rifle selection, ammo choice, and shot placement for humane raccoon control. It prioritizes real-world field performance, ethical outcomes, long-term reliability, and practical tactics over marketing hype.
Whether you’re a weekend hunter, a rural landowner, or a pest-control pro working near neighborhoods, this piece is written for you. Expect clear guidance on choosing platforms that balance accuracy, stopping power, stealth, noise signature, and maneuverability in tight cover.
We also cover pellet types and weights, and discuss vital shot zones that deliver quick, humane kills while minimizing suffering. Practical tips will include ideal engagement ranges, scope considerations for low light, field follow-up procedures, and minimizing tracking time.
Whether you favor a quiet, repeatable precharged setup or a no-fuss springer, this guide helps you match gear to skill and situation. Read on to find options that keep your shots ethical, effective, and compliant with local laws, safety best practices, and field realities.
Table of Contents
1. Brocock Commander XR Air Rifle
Beeman 1518 Commander .22 PCP Multishot Air Rifle
Precision shooting platform with quick follow-up shots, adjustable stock, and consistent velocity for target practice and small-game hunting.
The Brocock Commander XR is a compact, lightweight PCP built for serious small-game work. It packs a foldable stock for easy pack-and-carry and a sidelever action that cycles magazines fast for quick follow-ups.
Power and airflow are adjustable, so you can tune the rifle for different ranges and pellet weights. In the field it runs quietly — the suppressor keeps you stealthy in woods or near dwellings.
Where this rifle really shines is accuracy. From a stable platform it’s a proven tack-driver beyond 100 yards with 18‑grain pellets, so you can confidently engage raccoons at distance when shot placement allows. The platform is stable with bipod or sticks, and the magazine and action are reliable over long sessions.
If you’re an experienced hunter who values long-range precision, fast follow-ups, and a low-profile carry setup, this rifle is mostly a home run. Be aware the compact layout introduces trade-offs: the Picatinny rail under the air bottle can limit where you mount a scope, and the foldable stock might not suit shooters who need a full-length cheek weld for long-range dialing.
Pros
- Proven tack-driver beyond 100 yards
- Smooth, fast sidelever for follow-ups
- Quiet suppressor for stealthy hunting
- Stable platform with bipod/sticks
Cons
- Picatinny rail limits scope placement
- Foldable stock may affect cheek weld
2. FX Impact Air Rifle
Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X GEN3i .22 Break Barrel 10-Shot Air Rifle
Rapid-fire spring-powered design delivering consistent accuracy, user-friendly cocking, and comfortable ergonomics for plinking or competition.
The FX Impact is a rifle I’d reach for when precision and flexibility matter most in the field. It delivers extreme accuracy and consistency in long-range setups, producing tiny groups that make vital hits on raccoons and other pests much more reliable. The adjustable match trigger gives a crisp, clean break that helps you place shots under pressure.
One of the biggest practical benefits is the high shot count—around 130 per fill—so you can run a full-day hunt without constant refills. Carbon-fiber tank options cut carry weight, which helps when you’re moving through brush or sitting a long stakeout. The platform’s multi-caliber capability is a standout; swapping calibers lets you tailor the rifle for different pest sizes and ranges.
Power can be tuned smoothly, and the Impact holds zero well through rough carry, so once you’ve dialed it in you can trust it on follow-up shots. That said, it’s not a plug-and-play toy: initial setup and field tuning can be fiddly and may frustrate someone new to PCP rifles. Expect a learning curve before you’re squeezing consistent performance out of all its adjustable features.
Overall, if you want a precision-focused PCP that can be adapted on demand and keep you hunting all day, the FX Impact is mostly a top-of-the-line choice. If you’re new to regulated PCPs or watching every dollar, factor in the setup complexity and likely higher cost when deciding.
Pros
- Unmatched long-range accuracy
- Adjustable match trigger for precise breaks
- High shot count (~130 per fill) for full-day hunts
- Multi-caliber swaps and carbon-fiber tank options
Cons
- Complex initial setup and field tuning
- Higher cost and learning curve for new users
3. Umarex NOTOS .22 PCP Carbine Air Rifle
Umarex Notos Carbine .22 PCP Air Rifle
Compact long-range performer with pressure regulation, smooth firing, and a light, maneuverable chassis perfect for field use.
I’ve run the Umarex NOTOS .22 PCP Carbine through brushy sits and close-range dispatch work, and it’s a surprisingly tidy little rifle. It generates around 18 foot-pounds with good accuracy for small game, so it hits hard enough for raccoons at typical close-to-moderate distances.
The NOTOS uses a regulated system and feeds from three consistent 21-shot magazines per fill, which means you get predictable power and long sessions between refills. That magazine setup is great when you need several quick follow-ups without hunting for a charging kit every few shots.
The stock is adjustable, which is a real benefit if you’re teaching a younger hunter or swapping shoulders between partners. Because it’s lightweight and compact, the carbine is easy to carry and maneuver in tight, brushy cover where raccoons like to hide.
Ergonomically the NOTOS feels intuitive — controls fall to hand, and the balance helps steady shots on sticks or supported positions. The regulation keeps shot-to-shot consistency so you don’t get surprise flyers during a rapid string of shots; that reliability matters when you need clean, humane hits.
There are trade-offs: the regulator is fixed, so you can’t fine-tune it for heavier pellet loads if you want to push for extra energy. Also, the cocking lever sits on the left side, which can feel awkward for right-handed shooters in some tight positions.
Pros
- Around 18 foot-pounds — good small-game power
- Three 21-shot magazines per fill — long sessions
- Lightweight, compact — easy in dense brush
- Regulated system — consistent shots, fewer flyers
Cons
- Fixed regulator — no fine-tuning for heavier pellets
- Left-side cocking lever — awkward for right-handed use in tight spots
4. Air Venturi Avenge-X Air Rifle
Air Venturi Avenger Regulated PCP Air Rifle
Built-in pressure regulation ensures uniform shot-to-shot consistency, long-range potential, and robust construction for serious precision shooters.
The Air Venturi Avenge-X is a versatile PCP that really shines if you want a tunable, field-ready raccoon rifle. Its fully adjustable regulator lets you optimize for both pellets and slugs, so you can tune for tight groups or extra penetration depending on the shot and range.
That regulator is more than marketing — in practice the tweaks yield noticeably tighter groups that scale well for raccoon-sized targets. Combined with the clean, ergonomic trigger, you get predictable, precise breaks that help you place vital shots when it matters most.
The sidelever action is smooth and fast, which makes follow-ups practical on a twitchy target. Add the high-capacity air storage and you’ve got long sessions between refills, which matters on stakeouts or all-night pest work.
Durability is solid in the places that count: smooth cocking, a rugged magazine and reliable internals stand up to field abuse. It’s also accurate with both pellets and slugs across varied ranges, so you can switch ammo for close woods work or slightly longer shots without changing rifles.
The one real ergonomic gripe is the hollow stock, which feels less premium on long carries and can sap comfort during multi-hour treks. Also, getting the most from the adjustable regulator does require a bit of setup and understanding — it’s great once tuned, but novices should expect a short learning curve.
Pros
- Regulator tweaks yield tight groups scalable to raccoons
- Smooth sidelever supports fast follow-ups
- High shot count sustains long pest sessions
- Reliable under field abuse; works with slugs at distance
Cons
- Hollow stock feels less premium on long carries
- Regulator needs setup/tuning to reach peak performance
5. Beeman R9 Air Rifle
Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter Max .22 Air Rifle with 3-9×32 Scope
Ready-to-hunt package with mounted optic, smooth trigger, and ergonomic stock for accurate shots at variable ranges.
The Beeman R9 is the go-to spring-piston rifle if you want non‑PCP performance without fuss. It earned “best‑in‑test” accuracy for springers, grouping .21–.53 inches at 25 yards, so you can routinely place shots in vital zones on raccoons without exotic holds or exotic tuning.
Out of the box it comes with a Rekord two‑stage adjustable trigger that breaks around ~2 lb 14 oz, which produces very clean, predictable releases — crucial when you only get one ethical shot in brush or low light. The 38‑pound cocking effort is noticeable but paired with a smooth cycle that keeps hold sensitivity low and follow‑ups realistic for a springer.
The Monte Carlo wood stock with cheekpiece gives solid, repeatable cheek weld and ambidextrous fit, so longer sits and stalks are comfortable. Recoil is described as manageable for this class, and the rifle balances power and accuracy well for pest control without the complexity of PCP systems.
Realistically, the R9 is ideal if you like springers: it’s forgiving for novices, very accurate for its action type, and ergonomically set up for real‑world hunting. Downsides to factor in are the heavier overall weight on long carries and the occasional safety quirk noted with the resettable safety. If you value pure, no‑nonsense accuracy and a premium trigger in a non‑PCP rifle, the R9 is hard to beat.
Pros
- Best‑in‑test springer accuracy: .21–.53 in @25 yd
- Rekord two‑stage trigger (~2 lb 14 oz)
- 38 lb cocking effort with smooth cycle
- Monte Carlo wood stock with cheekpiece — comfortable
Cons
- Resettable safety may fail to re‑engage
- Heavier weight can fatigue on long walks
Choosing an Air Rifle for Raccoons
Choosing the right air rifle for raccoons starts with matching the tool to the job and the environment you hunt in. You want a platform that gives dependable energy, repeatable accuracy and comfortable handling in tight, low‑light brush where raccoons live.
Power at impact is non‑negotiable: look for rifles that reliably deliver roughly 10–20 foot‑pounds at the ranges you expect to work. Caliber choice matters — .22 is the practical balance of accuracy and energy transfer while .25 buys extra stopping power; avoid .177 unless you’re only taking extremely precise head shots at very close range.
Accuracy and usable range should drive your selection: test any rifle with the pellets you plan to use and verify consistent groups out to 40–50 yards. Don’t rely solely on advertised FPS — chrono the gun and calculate real downrange energy, then zero the scope at your typical engagement distance.
Pick the action that fits your workflow: PCPs are my go‑to because they’re quiet, repeatable and offer high shot counts for patrols or long sits. Gas or spring piston rifles can be simpler or more robust in rough field use, but expect different recoil and tune requirements that affect follow‑ups and accuracy.
Ergonomics and accessories matter more than raw numbers in real hunts: choose a rifle with a comfortable cheek weld, adjustable stock and a weight you can carry through brush for hours. Fit a scope with a clear low‑light or illuminated reticle, check eye relief and mounting options, and make sure magazines, levers and triggers work smoothly in gloves or under stress.
Finally, field‑test before you commit: shoot several pellet weights, practice your typical shots, and confirm legal rules in your area. A well‑matched, tested and comfortable setup you can place precisely will always be more effective and humane than a more powerful rifle you can’t shoot accurately.
Ammunition and Shot Placement for Raccoons
When you’re hunting raccoons with a .22, pick pellets that keep velocity and punch at realistic ranges. Diabolo-shaped domed or pointed pellets in .22 (or .25 if your rifle supports it) give better energy retention and penetration than light wadcutters. Favor heavier pellets with good ballistic coefficients and test several brands until you find what groups best in your rifle.
The most humane single-shot is a clean head hit. From the side, aim at the base of the ear or into the ear canal to reach the small brain; from behind, come low at the base of the skull. Avoid head-on attempts unless the animal is presented perfectly—profile shots between ear and eye offer the best target.
If you need a larger margin of error, aim for the chest. A side shot midway behind the front shoulder will put you through heart and lungs; a front-on shot should be aimed at the base of the neck between the legs. Quartering shots that drive through the far shoulder can be effective, but they demand sufficient pellet weight or slugs to defeat ribs and reach vitals.
Practice this on realistic targets at hunting distances with the exact pellet you plan to use. Tune your scope—lighted reticles help in low light—and rehearse shooting from prone, kneeling and standing sets. Raccoons are notoriously mobile; steady holds and a predictable rifle‑pellet combo are what make a clean hit repeatable.
Finally, be ethical: confirm a clean dispatch or be ready to take a quick follow‑up, and never take shots past the effective range of your setup. Carry basic recovery gear and a torch for follow‑ups. Know your local rules and prioritize a fast, humane outcome over a long shot for the sake of a photo. When in doubt, pass the shot.
What People Ask Most
Are .22 caliber air rifles effective for hunting raccoons?
Yes, a .22 is a common choice because it balances power, accuracy, and energy transfer for raccoon work. It is widely used by hunters who prioritize a dependable, versatile round for small‑game pests.
What muzzle energy or FPS is needed in a .22 air rifle to humanely take raccoons?
Aim for sufficient muzzle energy at impact; a common recommendation is at least 10–20 foot‑pounds of energy at impact. Combine that energy with precise shot placement to ensure humane outcomes.
What type of pellets are best for hunting raccoons with a .22 air rifle?
Diabolo‑shaped pellets, either domed or pointed, in .22 are generally preferred for penetration and retained energy at hunting distances. Favor heavier pellets with good ballistic coefficients and test which pellet performs best in your rifle.
What is the effective range of a .22 air rifle on raccoons?
Typical effective field range for reliable humane shots is around forty to fifty yards with a properly tuned setup and good shot placement. Beyond that distance you need proven accuracy, the right pellet choice, and ideal shooting conditions.
Should I use a PCP, spring piston, or CO2 .22 air rifle for raccoon hunting?
PCP rifles are favored for repeatable power and quiet operation, gas piston guns offer low recoil, and spring pistons provide simplicity and reliability. Choose the action that fits your needs for consistency, maintenance, and handling in the field.
What scope magnification is best for a .22 air rifle when hunting raccoons?
Use a scope that gives clear target identification at your typical hunting distances and includes a lighted reticle for low‑light situations. Moderate magnification that balances target clarity with quick acquisition in brush is usually ideal.
Are headshots or heart/lung shots recommended when shooting raccoons with a .22 air rifle?
Headshots are the primary humane option when you can place them reliably, while chest shots targeting the heart and lungs offer a larger margin for error. Always prioritize clean placement and be prepared to follow up if the first shot does not incapacitate the animal.
Conclusion for Best .22 Raccoon Air Rifles
This roundup distilled practical options and field advice so you can match a reliable rifle and ammunition choice to humane raccoon control needs.
Focus on a platform that delivers consistent power at impact, the right balance of caliber (.22 or .25) for your typical range, and an ergonomics package that suits dense brush or backyard work.
Use diabolo-style domed or pointed pellets with good ballistic performance, prioritize head shots for quickest kills and chest shots when you need a larger margin for success.
Equip a scope that helps in low light, practice the specific shot placements until they become second nature, and always confirm a clean kill while being ready for immediate follow-ups.
Start with a setup that matches your experience and environment, then refine power, pellets, and mounts as you learn what produces consistent, humane results.
If you want to keep improving, read more of our site’s how-to guides and gear breakdowns to build skills and confidence in the field.
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