Last updated July 26, 2026 · By Nick Hall. For the big picture, start with our complete air rifle buying guide.
The .22 is the most popular air rifle caliber for a reason: it carries far more knockdown than a .177 while still shooting flat enough for practical hunting and pest control. If you are buying one air rifle to do everything, a .22 is almost always the right call. Here are the best .22 air rifles in 2026.
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Quick Answer: The best .22 air rifle overall is the Benjamin Marauder, a quiet, accurate multi-shot PCP. The best value .22 PCP is the regulated Umarex Gauntlet 2, the best no-tank option is the Gamo Swarm Magnum break-barrel, and the best budget pick is the Ruger Air Hawk. Choose a PCP for accuracy or a break-barrel for grab-and-go simplicity.
How we tested: Every pick here is ranked against our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun. Where we have not shot a specific variant ourselves, we say so in that section.
Best .22 Air Rifles in 2026
Best Overall: Benjamin Marauder .22 From ~$500
Quiet shrouded PCP with a magazine and adjustable trigger. The .22 that set the standard for value and accuracy.
Best Value PCP: Umarex Gauntlet 2 .22 From ~$350
Regulated for consistency with a big shot count. Punches far above its price in .22.
Best No-Tank Option: Gamo Swarm Magnum .22 From ~$250
A 10-shot gas-piston break-barrel, so you get repeater convenience in .22 with no fill gear.
Best Budget: Ruger Air Hawk .22 From ~$140
An honest, accurate break-barrel with a scope included. A great cheap entry into .22 airgunning.
Best Traditional: Diana 34 .22 From ~$300
German-built spring-piston classic with a smooth power plant and benchmark break-barrel accuracy.
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Why .22 Is the Do-Everything Caliber
Compared to a .177, a .22 fires a heavier pellet that carries more energy and transfers it better into game, giving cleaner, more humane kills on squirrels, rabbits and similar quarry. It gives up a little velocity and trajectory, but at real airgun ranges that barely matters. That balance of power and practicality is why nearly every serious hunting PCP is offered in .22. If you want more knockdown for bigger small game, step up to .25; if you only shoot paper, .177 is cheaper. See the full breakdown in our .177 vs .22 vs .25 guide.
.22 Air Rifle FAQ
What is the best .22 air rifle?
For most people the Benjamin Marauder is the best .22 air rifle, a quiet, accurate multi-shot PCP. The best value .22 PCP is the regulated Umarex Gauntlet 2, and the best self-contained option is the Gamo Swarm Magnum break-barrel.
Is a .22 or .177 air rifle better?
For hunting and pest control, .22 is better because it carries more energy and delivers far more knockdown than .177, while still shooting flat enough for practical ranges. Choose .177 only if you mainly shoot targets or want the cheapest pellets.
How far can a .22 air rifle shoot accurately?
A quality .22 PCP is accurate for hunting out to roughly 40-50 yards in skilled hands, while break-barrels are typically best inside 30-35 yards. Effective range depends on the rifle, your skill, and knowing your pellet's trajectory.
How much FPE does a .22 air rifle make?
A good .22 PCP typically produces 20-30 foot-pounds of energy, which is comfortable small-game and pest-control power. Magnum break-barrels make similar figures. That is well above the 12 FPE minimum for small game.
Is a .22 air rifle good for hunting?
Yes, .22 is the most popular air rifle hunting caliber. Its blend of knockdown and manageable trajectory makes it ideal for squirrels, rabbits, and similar small game, which is why nearly every hunting PCP is offered in .22.
What is the best value .22 air rifle?
The Umarex Gauntlet 2 is one of the best value .22 air rifles, offering regulated PCP consistency and a high shot count for around $350. The Ruger Air Hawk is the best budget break-barrel option.
Want the full field by power plant? See our best PCP air rifles and best break-barrel air rifles. Hunting? Read our best air rifles for hunting guide.
Want the details? Read our full Benjamin Marauder, Umarex Gauntlet 2 and Gamo Swarm reviews.
Read our full Diana 34 review for a classic .22 break-barrel.
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