Game & Pest Guide

Preferred Powerplants: Multi-Pump, Spring or Gas Piston, PCP

Each powerplant has its advantages and disadvantages. A multi-pump is best used when hunting within 30 yards. They are often lightweight, low-priced, easy to use, and widely available but are less powerful than other power plants.

A spring or gas piston has a range of up to 50 yards. These rifles offer more power than a pump gun and do not require any external air source making them an ideal entry into small game hunting. Some may be difficult to cock, but they can be used for hunting in many locations.

PCP small game hunting rifles have a range up to 75 yards but can push to over 100 yards with more powerful models. These rifles will offer more power but require an external air source and can only be used for hunting in select states.

Preferred Calibers: .177 or .22

The recommended calibers for hunting small game are .177 or .22 caliber. A .177 caliber pellet will leave a small hole in the target minimizing damage to the meat, but only works well on very small animals. And a .22 caliber pellet is harder hitting than .177, and can take larger game but leaves a larger hole in the target.

Preferred Powerplant: PCP

Once you get into medium-sized animals, the power needed to kill them goes up and the only airguns that are rated for that power are PCP models. The best effective range is up to 75 yards. Don't forget these rifles need an external air source to refill them after several shots.

Preferred Calibers: .25 or .30

The recommended calibers for hunting medium game are .25 or .30, but you can't go wrong using larger calibers. A .25 caliber pellet takes the animal without leaving a large hole or being overpowered, but is not powerful enough for larger animals. A .30 caliber pellet can take animals up to 75 lbs, correct placement won't ruin the meat. It is powerful enough to take out nearly all pests and predators. But, is not powerful enough to take large game. Once your cross-over critters get too big, you'll need to upgrade your airgun.

Too much power really isn't a concern with predators as much as it is game. With game, you want to use the power to get the job done without making a mess of the animal. You don't want the meat ruined with too many holes or contact with lots of lead.

Preferred Powerplant: PCP

Pre-charged pneumatic rifles are the most powerful powerplant in airguns. Big Bore PCPs can produce upwards of 800 foot-pounds of energy, but it's important to select the right caliber and power output for your needs. When it comes to big game, typically bigger is better, meaning a larger caliber and more powerful rifle is going to be what you want. Always pick the airgun with the power you need for the job at hand. And it is recommended that you stay within 100 yards of your quarry for best performance.

Typically, big-bore PCPs only get a few shots per fill before needing to be topped off. While you may not need to carry a spare tank in your pack, it's a good idea to keep a spare tank or portable compressor at camp or in your vehicle in case you need a refill.

Preferred Calibers: .357, .45, or .50

The recommended calibers for hunting large game are .357, .45, or .50 caliber. A .357 caliber pellet is recommended for game 75-250 lbs. This caliber has more pellets, weights, and styles available than larger pellets, but many .357 caliber airguns come unregulated giving you fewer shots per fill than a regulated air rifle. A .45 caliber pellet is recommended for game 250-500 lbs. It packs a bigger punch than smaller caliber ammo. However, less ammo is available for purchase and it comes in smaller quantity boxes. And a .50 caliber pellet is recommended for game over 500 lbs. It can take nearly any game animal with 650 foot-pounds of energy or more using a heavy grain pellet.