Finding the best air rifle for groundhogs is a challenging task. This is why we compiled the top-recommended options to help you find one that suits your shooting needs.
Groundhogs/woodchucks are aggressive animals that are difficult to eliminate when they invade your property. There are many ways to eliminate these nuisance-causing creatures, air rifles being one of the best. Air rifles provide a permanent solution to the problems brought about by these small rodents.
Air rifles differ regarding firing mechanisms, calibers, types, sizes, and costs. Because of this, it can be difficult to know the right weapon that will be effective for groundhogs.
That’s why we have compiled a list of the best air rifles for groundhogs to ensure that you get the right weapon and make it easier to make a purchase decision.
Let’s have a look.
6 Best Air rifle for Groundhogs
1) Gamo Raptor Whisper Air Rifle
The Gamo Raptor Whisper Air Rifle is a perfect air rifle for you. It has Whisper Noise Reduction Technology, patented by Gamo and is popular worldwide and trusted by shooters. It ensures that you enjoy your shooting without being a nuisance to others. The Whisper is an integrated noise and muzzle blast reducer built on the barrel. It has Inert Gas Technology, a gas piston that delivers a velocity of 1300 fps in .177 Cal. and 975 fps in .22 Cal. It is pretty accurate as this gas piston minimizes vibration and ensures more consistent power. Besides that, you can get a more precise shot thanks to the Smooth Action Trigger, which maximizes accuracy and has a clean and crisp feel. The air rifle, nonetheless, has an ambidextrous stock and is very lightweight and thus cushy to carry on the field. There is an adjustable shock absorber with three detachable absorption cells for maximum absorption and a more comfortable shoot. It also includes a 4×32 scope for ultimate accuracy. Pros
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2) Benjamin Trail NP XL Air Rifle
This is another air rifle that is perfect for groundhogs and comes with impeccable features. This is one of the first air rifles in the Trail Series to have the all-new Piston 2 system with an advanced power plant and novice improved Clean Break Trigger. Its .22 Caliber shoots at a maximum of 1100 fps and deliver a 26 fpe. It delivers a quiet operation thanks to its sound suppression system. Its operation is also smooth, with minimal vibration and recoil. In addition, a thumbhole configuration with a rubber recoil pad is present on the hardwood stock for comfortable shooting. The stock is nonetheless synthetic and durable for lifetime use. Pros
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| 3) Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter Max Pellet Gun Air Rifle
This air rifle has hunting enthusiasts in mind and will help you make the best of your hunting spree. The rifle fires .22 caliber pellets at 800 fps. Thanks to its break barrel action, the gas piston in the rifle enables seamless and accurate shooting. Made with durability, this air rifle has an all-weather body and can withstand elements and abuse. The stock has checkered rubber grip inserts for a sure grip regardless of the conditions and a rubber recoil butt pad for comfortability. A Umarex exclusive integral Nucleus Rail platform minimizes scope movement and vibration, thus preserving its zero shot after shot. A 3-9x32mm air rifle scope with an adjustable objective is included. Picatinny rail allows you to mount your favorite accessories. To alleviate noise and maximize stealth, the air rifle has a 5-chamber SilencAir sound dampener that is affixed permanently. Pros
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4) Winchester 1977XS Dual Ammo 1000 FPS Air Rifle
The Winchester 19777X5 Dual Ammo 1000 FPS Air Rifle epitomises great performance and amazing features. This rifle is multi-pump and dual ammo; you will love it. It fires single .177 caliber pellets, and you can load up to 50 BBs in the port, and each time, you can quickly load another BB every time you pull back the bolt. It shoots at a maximum velocity of 1000 fps. This air rifle has a rugged, robust, composite stock, which withstands abuse and elements and lasts for a long time. It has a blade, ramps front, and adjustable rear for more comfort. For safety purposes, it is equipped with a Crossbolt trigger block. It includes a 4×32 scope for enhanced accuracy. Pros
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5) Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle
The Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle has outstanding features, so it qualifies to be an excellent contender in our list of best air rifles for groundhogs. Firstly, the rifle’s stock is robust and all-weather, which means it withstands harsh weather conditions and abuses. The stock is ambidextrous and is carefully made to fit the shooter and align with the scope perfectly. It also has a lightweight design hence not a pain in your neck as you move in the field. The air rifle includes a 4X32 scope that is shockproof and makes it stress-free to spot targets with ultimate precision. This .177 caliber pellet break barrel can shoot at 1250 fps using PBA Platinum pellets, making it one of the most potent air rifles. Because the velocity is high, you can aim at the target with incredible accuracy. It is powered by a spring piston that combines with the break barrel cocking mechanism to offer great power, rated at 30 pounds. Besides that, it has a manual trigger safety that ensures that accidental misfiring is handled. The air rifle is perfect for controlling pets, recreational shooting and other everyday uses. Pros
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6) Crossman 1077 RepeatAir Semi-Automatic CO2-Powered .177 Caliber Pellet Air Gun
This air rifle ends our list of ground hog air rifles. It is a CO2-powered air rifle that can rely on to deliver exceptionally. It fires as quickly as the trigger can be pulled, and the 12-shot rotary pellet clip allows longer shooting. In addition, it has an elegant and synthetic design built to help it withstand many years of use. A checked pistol grip and forearm are present for ultimate comfort as you shoot. With a quiet performance, the air rifle delivers .177 caliber alloy pellets at a maximum velocity of 780 fps. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry in the field without being a pain in the neck. It has a rear sight that is fully adjustable and a fiber optic sight. For safety purposes and handling accidental misfiring, it is equipped with a Crossbolt safety. It nevertheless has a removable magazine that comes with a 12-shot rotary clip. Pros
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See Also
- Best Prismatic Red Dot Sight
- Best Scope for CZ 457
- 8 Best Wireless Running Headphones For Small Ears
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Air Rifles for Groundhogs
Caliber options
The caliber of your rifle determines the type or size of bullet it can shoot. The .177 cal. has the most potential to fire the fastest. Generally, the smaller the caliber, the quicker it will travel. The .177 caliber is also lightweight, but the downside is that achieving accuracy may be a problem at higher velocities.
The .20 caliber provides a balance between power and speed. The .22 cal. is a popular choice for most hunters. As much as it is not fast, it unleashes a huge impact.
.22 or .177 calibers are perfect for hunting groundhogs.
Power source
There are various options, including pre-charged pneumatic, gas-piston, and spring-piston. Some also use CO2 s the power source. Both gas-piston operate similarly and are designed to be cocked before firing. The difference is that air is sealed inside a tube, while the latter takes in new air with each cock. PCP is the simplest to use and mostly has more ammo clips; hence you get multiple shots in a single load.
Safety
There are two standard options when it comes to safety, namely manual and automatic. The manual is the most common and needs manual locking and unlocking. Automatic safety, on the other hand, locks the trigger automatically after each cock.
Satisfaction
Ensure that you love the air rifle that you have. The best air rifle should bring you that warm glowy feeling. You should also be able to pass it down the family line happily. If you love it, you will carry it to all your hunting sprees and certainly make the kill.
Weight
You are less likely to enjoy hunting if you have a heavy rifle. Weight determines the extent of grounds covered during hunting. A lightweight one will be easy to use and move around without being a pain in the neck. It also lets you react faster and hunt for a longer time.
Advantages of Best Air rifle for Groundhogs
Safe to use
These rifles are equipped with safety mechanisms to ensure proper handling in case of accidental misfiring, ensuring you are safe.
Durable
These air rifles are made with durability in mind and thus last for decades while still functioning well.
Accurate
These air rifles help you hit your target with optimal precision
Smooth operation
These air rifles have reduced vibration and recoil, delivering a smooth performance
Quiet operation
They incorporate systems that enable them to operate quietly; being a nuisance to others will be a thing of the past.
See Also
- Best Prismatic Red Dot Sight
- Best Scope for CZ 457
- 8 Best Wireless Running Headphones For Small Ears
FAQs on the Best Air rifle for Groundhogs
1) Should I buy a .177 or .22 air rifle?
.177 is a solid caliber choice for small mammals. It has a smaller bore than the .22 and generally can fire faster velocity pellets. It is a better choice for accuracy in hunting groundhogs.
2) What is the difference between a BB gun and pellet gun?
BB guns and pellet guns are alike in various ways. They are air-powered weapons and suitable for people just beginning to learn about guns and how to use them properly. The main differences between them are the style of projectile used. BB guns fire spherical ball-bearing style beads that tend to ricochet. Pellet guns, on the other hand, are fire-pointed cylindrical bullets that are easier to direct and more effective.
3) Would an air rifle kill a groundhog?
Yes. An air rifle is a great way to kill groundhogs. It is also ideal to eliminate other small rodents like rats and squirrels.
Conclusion
Groundhogs can be a nuisance and may sometimes even be dangerous. Cages or repellents always don’t work. Hence there is a need for a solution that is more reliable. The air rifles explained above are the best solution to control the invasion of groundhogs.