texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed, Trappernewt, casyoo
71987 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,416
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,769
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics537,019
Posts9,719,442
Members86,987
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? #6601081 12/24/16 04:49 PM
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 94
M
Microsktr Offline OP
Outdoorsman
OP Offline
Outdoorsman
M
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 94
Wanted to ask the varmit hunting portion of the forum about your opinions regarding what you consider the best (and quietest) break-barrel .22 caliber Air Rifle for taking out neighborhood raccoons. I live and hunt on 17 acres and have a couple of feeders going all year long for deer. However, the raccoon population is completely ridiculous, to the point they come right up on my back porch going after my cats' food before I have a have to put it away for the night. I do have neighbors nearby, but they don't do anything to try to control them in the neighborhood. I have taken several raccoons out with my crossbow at the feeders and have trapped several of them in live animal traps as well, but now the time has come that I would like an air rifle, so I can grab it real quick and take out the raccoons before they get too far away if I spot them. I used to have a .177 caliber Air Rifle as a kid, but I haven't shopped for one in ages. Here's what I would like:

1. Must be .22 caliber
2. Must be a break-barrel Rifle that is easy to load and shoot (don't want to mess with CO2, pumps, etc)
3. Must be quiet as well as accurate
4. Must be reasonably priced (I am willing to spend a couple hundred dollars if needed to get a quality rifle)
5. Must be powerful enough to kill large raccoons on the first shot if I aim it correctly

In short, I need a good "grab and go" Air Rifle I can use when the masked bandits appear out of nowhere. I was looking around at the Gamo rifles and Crossman rifles, but if there is a better brand out there you feel I need to research that I may have not considered, I would definitely appreciate the input.


AF(Retired)/DV; busted mine to save yours then...bustin' Bambi to save the American hunting dream now!
Re: Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? [Re: Microsktr] #6601120 12/24/16 05:49 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,487
syncerus Online Content
Extreme Tracker
Online Content
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,487
You might consider bumping up to .25 caliber for raccoon use, if that's the primary purpose of the rifle.


NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
Re: Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? [Re: Microsktr] #6601158 12/24/16 06:31 PM
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,045
M
mikei Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
M
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,045
I would urge you to talk to these folks: http://www.airgunsofarizona.com/

I've bought from them a couple of times before and they are the most knowledgeable and helpful folks I've found. Tell them what your intended purpose is, at what range you'll be taking most of your shots, and what your willing to spend on your air rifle. They'll recommend 2 or 3 that meet your requirements and help you with pellet selection and, if you want to put some sights on it, which ones to consider. I have a couple of airguns; one in .17 cal and one in .22. With both calibers, head shots from 10-15 yards result in one shot kills. If you ranges are going to be longer and you can't be pretty sure of a head shot, the .25's will help your kill ratio. Of course, you normally pay more each time you move up a caliber!

Last edited by mikei; 12/24/16 06:34 PM.
Re: Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? [Re: mikei] #6602396 12/26/16 12:38 AM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 154
2
240z Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
2
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 154
I recently bought a Benjamin Titan NP , very accurate after approx. 250 breaking shots.
Very powerful, will shoot completely thru a pine 1 x 4 with no problem.
I haven't shot any animals with it yet, but feel that a head shot on a raccoon at 20 yds. Would be a 1 shot kill.


Harley Davidson Motorcycles.....the most efficent way to convert gasoline into noise, without the side effects of Horsepower.
Re: Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? [Re: Microsktr] #6602537 12/26/16 03:03 AM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,986
H
HornSlayer Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
H
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,986
I know you said no pumps but a PCP is a little different. Using a paint ball tank filling is very easy and economical. A pCP will allow you to have a kill shot at 100 yards that no one hears. An Air Force Talon will cost you more money but then with a few tweaks you call shoot pigs as well.


They make ammo specifically for hunting for a reason! nidea
Re: Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? [Re: Microsktr] #6602844 12/26/16 03:38 PM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 641
S
savoyspecial1 Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
S
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 641
Personally I would go with a 25 cal. since we don't know the distance you will be shooting I would say you can't go wrong with an rws 34. Its very accurate and not very expensive. It will kill a coon with a brain shot.


Charles Flores
210-422-1853
Lucky JAC Outfitters
Re: Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? [Re: Microsktr] #6604596 12/27/16 10:49 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
R
redchevy Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
R
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
Depending on the range almost anything will kill a coon with a perfect brain/head shot. I feel pretty confident had the seals not gone out on my old .177 cal daisy I could kill one at 20 yards easily with a good head shot. I don't think you are going to see a tremendous increase in killing power unless you really spend some money on one.

I would focus more on precision shot placement. Had one in college we shot "raccoon" sized game with. It was a break barrel 22 cal. I cant remember what make it was, but if you made the shot it was drt. If you missed perfect by even fractions of an inch there was no room for error.


It's hell eatin em live
Re: Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? [Re: Microsktr] #6605365 12/28/16 03:35 PM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,052
glocker17 Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,052
RWS 48 IN 22 Cal might be a suitable option. There are many cheaper alternatives, look for a heavier rifle and it will be less hold sensitive. High power springer airguns take some practice to shoot well compared to a powder burner.

An inexpensive PCP would still be a better option as you can leave it charged and be ready to gp, and no springer issues.

Re: Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? [Re: Microsktr] #6617082 01/05/17 02:49 AM
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 94
M
Microsktr Offline OP
Outdoorsman
OP Offline
Outdoorsman
M
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 94
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. A friend of mine recently let me test drive his RWS 460 Magnum, and I fell in love with it. I wanted to buy it from him, but he couldn't part with it. I told him I wanted an Air Rifle for the raccoons, and he mentioned that if I wanted to put a NV Scope on it (which was my plan), I would have to go with a PCP model. Guess I'll be looking at an RWS PCP Rifle at this point; the RWS air rifles seem to be made very well, from my observation.


AF(Retired)/DV; busted mine to save yours then...bustin' Bambi to save the American hunting dream now!
Re: Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? [Re: Microsktr] #6619245 01/06/17 03:32 PM
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 34
V
Volfy Offline
Light Foot
Offline
Light Foot
V
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 34
RWS is nice, but they get pricey in a hurry. You could start off with a Benjamin Maximus .22 for $200 or less. Plenty accurate enough for dispatching coons. Only needs 2000psi so you can easily charge it with a manual pump. Threaded barrel so you can add a moderator later. Save you money to spend on better hardware once you've gotten a taste of PCP air gun hunting.

Re: Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? [Re: Microsktr] #6626017 01/10/17 06:56 PM
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 7
C
cdallre Offline
Green Horn
Offline
Green Horn
C
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 7
Definitely look into the Benjamin Trail NP2. I have this and LOVE it. I've never taken out a raccoon with mine but would not hesitate at the opportunity. Shot placement is key anyways regardless of caliber.

28 lbs cocking effort
1100 FPS advertised (with alloy pellets)
weighs about 8 lbs
is one of the quietest air rifles I've heard

Usually runs under $200 on sale.

Check it out!

Re: Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? [Re: Microsktr] #6626585 01/11/17 01:02 AM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,052
glocker17 Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,052
Trail NP2 is nice, but loud compared to a moderated pcp that will shot at higher energy levels. Good thing is no pumping. Maximus would be good at that price range, although the ones I have seen were not threaded, barrel was to small in diameter, moderators I have are a slip on fit with a grub screw.

Re: Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? [Re: Microsktr] #6626589 01/11/17 01:04 AM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609
S
SapperTitan Offline
Taking Requests
Offline
Taking Requests
S
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609
If you have a 22lr already just buy some CCI quiets I think 800 FPS I've killed a few coons with them and they are about the same loudness as my gamo

Re: Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? [Re: cdallre] #6650448 01/27/17 02:59 AM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 377
S
skeeteroneal Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
S
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 377
Originally Posted By: cdallre
Definitely look into the Benjamin Trail NP2. I have this and LOVE it. I've never taken out a raccoon with mine but would not hesitate at the opportunity. Shot placement is key anyways regardless of caliber.

28 lbs cocking effort
1100 FPS advertised (with alloy pellets)
weighs about 8 lbs
is one of the quietest air rifles I've heard

Usually runs under $200 on sale.

Check it out!

Just got this gun for Xmas. Me/daughter broke it in on some rabbits last weekend. I wouldn't hesitate on popping a coon with it. I really like this gun.


Re: Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? [Re: Microsktr] #6656775 02/01/17 05:13 AM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,986
H
HornSlayer Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
H
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,986
Originally Posted By: Microsktr
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. A friend of mine recently let me test drive his RWS 460 Magnum, and I fell in love with it. I wanted to buy it from him, but he couldn't part with it. I told him I wanted an Air Rifle for the raccoons, and he mentioned that if I wanted to put a NV Scope on it (which was my plan), I would have to go with a PCP model. Guess I'll be looking at an RWS PCP Rifle at this point; the RWS air rifles seem to be made very well, from my observation.


So what did you buy? If you go the PCP route I have a scuba tank I no longer use if your interested.


They make ammo specifically for hunting for a reason! nidea
Re: Best .22 air rifle for raccoons? [Re: HornSlayer] #6661928 02/05/17 12:57 AM
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 94
M
Microsktr Offline OP
Outdoorsman
OP Offline
Outdoorsman
M
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 94
I'm going to have to wait just a little longer before I drop some dough on a new air rifle now. I caught a beautiful gray fox in my live trap the other day, and the spouse and I really wanted to get it mounted, so part of the money destined for the air rifle went to taxidermy instead. Appreciate the offer on the scuba tank, though...will let y'all know once I finally get by funds back in order to get an air rifle later this year.


AF(Retired)/DV; busted mine to save yours then...bustin' Bambi to save the American hunting dream now!
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3