The Bunny Buster: Best Air Rifle For Rabbits (Reviews and Buying Guide 2024)

The talk of rabbits and crop farmers feels like crying.

In both fiction and real life, rabbits have been known to be troublesome. 

The story is told of Bunny the rabbit, the fox, and the wolf.

Bunny steps out of her hole one beautiful sunny day.

A hungry fox rushes up to her from behind and pounces on her.

The fox shouts, “Today I’ll have you for lunch”

Undeterred, the Rabbit replies: “Please wait for a few more days”

Fox: (visibly flabbergasted) Wait? Why on earth should I?

Bunny: I am completing my research on ‘Why rabbits are superior to foxes and wolves’

Fox: Never! Rabbits will never defeat foxes!

Bunny: In case you doubt me, drop into my hole and read for yourself. If not convinced, you can have me for lunch.

Deal made! Fox descends the rabbit hole.

Never comes out.

The wolf was the next predator.

Or is it prey?

Same encounter as the fox, the same talk.

And the wolf got into the rabbit hole.

Never came out.

A few days later, the research project is complete, and Bunny is caught celebrating with her furry buddy.

Asked what’s with all the joy, Bunny discloses her successful research project and the friend decides to go read it personally.

What do they find?

Thesis in one corner, a pile of fox bones in another corner, a pile of wolf bones in another corner.

And in the middle of the room, a satisfied lion deliciously licking her lips was actually the project supervisor.

What’s the moral of this story?

You guess it.

But it shows that rabbits can be a pest.

You till the land so hard, plan your potential yields, and start dreaming about the fortunes.

Only for a colony of rabbits to eat and trample on the remainder of the crops.

Did you know that:

1. 10 rabbits eat the same amount of pasture as one ewe?
2. Rabbits can render agricultural land useless as a result of extensive soil erosion that comes through burrowing.
3. Feral rabbits cost Australian crop producers $ 113 million annually destroyed produce and control costs.
4. Rabbits, with their rodent-like teeth, look for tiny seedlings of the most nutritious plants and eat them before they can grow.
5. Do rabbits indirectly contribute to the decline of native species?  

Hunt the rabbits

Whichever country you are reading this from, you must have come face to face with the menace of rabbits. 

Methods suggested for controlling rabbit populations include poisoning, fencing, tree wrapping, cleaning up, using repellents, keeping dogs, trapping, and shooting. 

Here is a brief account of the methods.

Poisoning

The most commonly used poisons for eradicating rabbits include Pindone and 1080.

You will first need to give the rabbits some carrots or other bait before giving them the poison. 

Fumigants

This is used where rabbit burrows are deep and elaborate.

Rabbits inside the burrows inhale the toxic fumes and die.

Rabbit proof fencing

These can be used around farms to keep rabbits from accessing.

Trapping

Rabbit traps are set at strategic locations in the bushes.

Shooting

This is an easy and effective way to eradicate rabbits.

The method has grown in popularity owing to the fun derived while controlling pests.

(What does rabbit taste like? See this post for more)

As much as rabbits are animals, they don’t deserve the suffering they undergo through poisoning, fumigation, and trapping.

With shooting, you literally take their lives in the spur of a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, without passing them through extended periods of suffering.

For this reason, thousands have taken to shooting as their most preferred rabbit control method.

It is the most used rabbit control method as of this moment.

Specifically, consider using air rifles for shooting the rabbits.

I doubt you will need the power of a firearm.

Air rifles are quite numerous in brand, design, and performance.

To save you the pain of going through the hundreds of rabbit air rifles available, I have compiled a detailed review of the top 10 you need to consider.

Here is a quick list of the best air rifles for rabbits. 

Quick list

Detailed Review

Air Arms TX200 MKIII – Best Overall air rifle for rabbits

This lethal weapon by Air Arms adds to your chances of smacking that squirrel fast.

It is a perfect combination of power and accuracy in hunting.

Its sliding breach, revealed only after you cock the underlever, allows you to load ammo smoothly. 

The TX 200 Air rifle features the coveted Lothar Walther Barrel plus an enhanced richly finished Monte Carlo stock .

It shoots at 930 fps in the .177 model and 755 fps in the .22.

Features:

• Spring-piston
• Underlever
• Sliding breech
• 11mm optics dovetail grooves
• No open sights
• Beech Monte Carlo stock
• Raised right-hand cheekpiece
• Checkered forearm and pistol grip
• Ventilated rubber recoil pad
• 2-stage adjustable match trigger

Accuracy

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.22	JSB 18.31 grain pellets	50 yards	< 1 inch
.22	14.66 grain H&N Field Target Trophy	50 yards	< 1 inch
.177	JSB Exact Heavy Diabolo 10.34 gr	20 yards	0.21"
.22	Air Arms Diabolo Fields	12 meters	1/2 inch
.177	JSB Exact Heavy Diabolo 10.34 gr	25 meters	< 1 cm
.177	H&N Sport Baracuda 10.65	50 yards	0.88"
.177	Air Arms Diabolo Field Heavy 10.3 gr	25 yards	0.44"
.177	JSB Match Diabolo 7.87 gr	25 yards	0.33"
.177	JSB 10.34 gr	25 yards	0.25"
.177	Air Arms Field 8.4 gr	35 yards	0.7"
.177	Air Arms 10.3 gr	40 yards	dime size
.177	Air Arms 10.3 gr	50 yards	1/4"
.177	H&N Sport Baracuda 10.65	20 yards	1/4"
.22	Crossman Premier domed 14.3 gr	35 yards	1/2"
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 gr	50 yards	1/4"
.22	H&N Baracuda Green 12.65 gr	25 yards	one hole
.177	Air Arms 10.3 gr	50 yards	1/2"

Chrony tests

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.22	JSB 18.31 grain pellets	572	11.29
.22	14.66 grain H&N Field Target Trophies	635	13.13
.177	RWS Meisterkugeln 8.2 gr	932	15.82
.177	RWS Meisterkugeln 8.2 gr	936	15.95
.177	RWS Meisterkugeln 8.2 gr	941	16.13
.177	RWS Meisterkugeln 8.2 gr	931	15.78
.177	RWS Meisterkugeln 8.2 gr	937	15.99
.22	Air Arms Diabolo Field 16 gr	620	13.66
.177	JSB Exact Heavy Diabolo 10.34 gr	787.89	14.26
.177	JSB Match Diabolo 7.87 gr	898	14.1
.177	Air Arms Diabolo Field Heavy 10.3 gr	830	15.76
.177	H&N Sport Baracuda 10.65	803	15.25
.22	Crosman 14.3 gr	750	17.87
.177	Air Arms Diabolo Field Heavy 10.3 gr	825	15.57
.177	Crosman Premier Light 7.9 gr	880	13.59
.177	Beeman Laser 7.16 gr	966	14.84
.22	Crosman Premier hunting pellets 14.3 gr	735	17.16
.177	RWS Hobby 7 gr	960	14.33
.177	JSB Diabolo 8.4 gr	732	10
.177	Air Arms Diabolo Field 8.44 gr	908	15.46

read review here

Pros and Cons

Check Price on PyramydAir

Gamo Swarm Magnum Gen 3i

The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i Multi-Shot Air Rifle is an ideal choice for shooters looking for an affordable break barrel airgun to take care of squirrels.

With velocities of up to 1650 FPS (with alloy) in .177 caliber, this rifle offers superior accuracy and power. Furthermore, the 10X GEN 3i Quick-Shot inertia-fed magazine makes reloading a breeze – allowing users to make 10 shots without needing to fumble with pellets.

Thanks to its IGT Mach 1 inert gas piston powerplant, you get smoother cocking than with traditional spring piston air rifles, while an adjustable two-stage Custom Action trigger offers independent adjustments of the first and second stages for travel.

Features

• 10X GEN3i Quick-Shot inertia-fed magazine
• Break barrel
• Max. velocity (.177): 1650 FPS with alloy
• Max velocity (.22) 1300 fps with alloy, 975 fps with lead
• IGT Mach 1 gas piston
• 2-stage adjustable Custom Action Trigger (CAT)
• Recoil Reducing Rail (RRR)
• Whisper Fusion noise suppression
• Automotive-grade glass-filled nylon all-weather thumbhole stock
• Shock Wave Absorber (SWA) recoil pad
• Checkered grip and forearm
• Barrel length: 21.3″
• Overall length: 49.2″
• 5-year limited warranty

Accuracy

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.177	Gamo Precision	60 yards	1"
.22	Gamo Red Fire 15.4 Gr	30 yards	one hole
.22	JSB Match Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr	40 yards	1"

Chrony tests

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.22	Gamo Red Fire 15.4 Gr	934	29.84
.22	H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme 19gr	833	29.28
.22	JSB Match Diabolo Hades 15.89 Gr	835	24.61
.22	H&N Baracuda Green 13gr	935	25.24
.22	H&N Hornet 16.2 gr	895	28.82

Recommended uses

• Pest control/small game hunting: squirrels, rabbits, pigeons.

Fun fact: Can a .177 pellet rifle kill a black bear?!? You’ll be surprised, Gamo Swarm Magnum Gen3i VS Black Bear:

Pros and Cons

Diana 460 magnum – best Spring air rifle for rabbit control

You can opt for the  .177 or .22 model. Here’s the performance you expect:

Accuracy tests:

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point Pellets 14.3 Gr	20 yards	nickel size
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr	30 yards	dime size
.22	Predator Polymag 15.89 gr	30 yards	3/4"
.22	Predator Polymag 15.89 gr	50 yards	1.5"
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr	20 meters	dime size
.22	RWS Super H Point 14.2 Gr	60 yards	1.5"
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr	25 yards	quarter size
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr	10 meters	one hole
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr	25 meters	0.5"
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr	45 yards	0.5"

Chrony tests

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point Pellets 14.3 Gr	890	25.16
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr	775	24.19
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr	749	19.8
.22	Gamo Raptor 9.9 Gr	911	18.25
.22	H&N Sniper Light 14 gr	825	21.16
.22	RWS Superdome 14.5 Gr	815	21.39
.22	Beeman FTS Copper Plated 14.72 gr	905	26.78
.22	RWS Hobby 11.9 gr	897	21.27
.22	RWS Superpoint 14.5 Gr	820	21.65
.22	RWS Super H Point 14.2 Gr	801	20.24
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo 15.89 Gr	777	21.31
.22	Beeman Kodiak 21.14 Gr	585	16.07

Read review here

Features:

• Underlever action
• 1100 FPS (.177), 900 FPS (.22)
• Loudness: 3 – medium
• Single shot
• Cocking effort: 36 lbs.
• Blade & ramp front sight
• Micrometer adjustable rear sight
• 11mm dovetail scope mount
• Two-stage, adjustable T06 trigger
• Rifled steel barrel
• Ventilated rubber buttplate
• 3.3-lb. trigger pull
• Automatic safety
• Spring piston power plant
• Hardwood stock
• Checkered forestock and grip
• Monte Carlo stock with raised right-hand cheek piece

Pros and Cons

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Beeman R9 Elite Series combo – best air rifle for meat rabbit

Conceived in Germany by the Weihrauch & Weihrauch GmbH & Co but produced in North America under the Beeman brand name.

The result? Great quality!

See below the test results for the .177 model with the 8.64-grain H&N Field Target Trophy Pellets.

We are looking at muzzle velocities of up to 935 fps for the .177 and 740 fps for the .22 model.

The .177 model gives an average muzzle energy of 13 FPE. 

Something else you’ll love about the Beeman R( Elite is the spectacular accuracy. 

Most pellets tested with the rifle yield genuine 1” groupings.

You also get fairly consistent shots.

Accuracy

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.22	Crosman Premiere Hollow Point 14.3 gr	20 yards	dime size
.22	Air Arms Diabolo Field 16 Gr	25 yards	dime size
.177	H&N Baracuda Match 10.65 gr	10 yards	0.16"
.177	H&N Baracuda Match 10.65 gr	20 yards	0.17"
.177	H&N Baracuda Match 10.65 gr	30 yards	0.49"
.22	Predator GTO 11.75 Gr	25 yards	0.5"
.22	Predator GTO 11.75 Gr	50 yards	1"
.22	H&N Barracuda Hunter Extreme	20 yards	1/4"
.22	RWS Meisterkugeln 14 gr	50 yards	dime size
.177	Beeman Kodiak Match 10.65 gr	60 yards	quarter size
.22	H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 gr	25 yards	0.5"
.177	H&N Baracuda Match 10.65 gr	25 yards	0.4"
.22	Beeman FTS Double Gold 14.66 Gr	25 yards	one hole
.22	JSB Exact pellet	25 yards	dime size
.22	RWS Hobby pellet	30 meters	dime size
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Express 14.3 gr	50 yards	quarter size
.177	H&N Field Target Trophy 8.64 Gr	25 yards	dime size
.177	H&N Baracuda Match 10.65 Gr	25 yards	dime size
.177	RWS Supermag 9.3 gr	25 yards	1/2"
.177	Crosman Premier Heavy 10.5 gr	20 yards	dime size
.177	Predator Polymag 8.0 gr	25 yards	1/4"
.177	Beeman FTS 8.64 gr	50 yards	7/16"
.22	RWS Meisterkugeln 14gr	20 yards	0.22"
.22	JSB Hades 15.89 gr	25 yards	0.44"
.22	H&N Terminator 16.36gr	25 yards	0.35"
.22	H&N Terminator 16.36gr	50 yards	0.65"

Chrony tests

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.22	H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 gr	750	18.32
.20	JSB Exact 13.9 gr	708	15.48
.20	H&N Field Target 11.42 gr	772	15.12
.22	Predator GTO 11.75 Gr	757	14.95
.20	H&N Field Target 11.42 gr	780	15.43
.22	RWS Meisterkugeln 14 gr	741	17.07
.22	H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 gr	730	17.35
.20	Beeman H&N Match 10.03 Gr	820	14.98
.22	Beeman FTS Double Gold 14.66 Gr	680	15.06
.177	JSB Match Diabolo Exact 8.44 Gr	860	13.86
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 14.3 Gr	725	16.69
.22	H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 gr	700	15.95
.177	JSB Match Diabolo Exact 8.4 Gr	803	12.03
.177	Crosman Premier 7.9 Gr	830	12.09
.22	RWS Meisterkugeln 14gr	713	16
.22	JSB Hades 15.89 gr	656	15.19
.22	H&N Terminator 16.36gr	658	15.73
.22	H&N Baracuda 18.21 gr	651	17.14
.22	Predator GTO 11.75 gr	814	17.29
.22	JSB Exact Jumbo 13.43 gr	674	13.55
.177	Beeman Kodiak 10.6 gr	770	13.97
.177	RWS Hobby 7.0 gr	931	13.45

With the energy of more than 17 FPE, H&N Field Target Trophy, Baracuda and RWS Meisterkugeln 14 gr are your best bets for hunting raccoons and skunks. 

Features:

• Brand:Beeman
• Caliber: .177 (4.5mm)
• Max Velocity: 935 fps
• Suggested for: Small game hunting/target practice
• Powerplant: Spring-piston
• Loudness: 3-Medium
• Weight: 7.3 lbs

• Breakbarrel
• Spring-piston
• 11mm Dovetail rail
• 2-stage adjustable Rekord trigger
• Checkered hardwood stock
• Includes open sights
• 14.25″ Length of Pull
• Fully-adjustable rear sight

read review here

Pros and Cons

Recommended uses

• Target shooting/plinking
• Pest control/ small game hunting: skunks, squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, possums, starlings, pigeons.

check price on Pyramyd Air

Diana Stormrider multi-shot PCP – affordable air rifle for rabbit hunting

Imagine you can get this for less than 200 bucks.

That’s fair. But not imply the air rifle quality is compromised.

Diana has been known for producing top-quality air rifles since the late 19th century.

And the Stormrider is no different.

Just a look at its ambidextrous beech stock will melt your worries.

The bedding quality of the blued metal parts is likewise admirable.

Have a look at the testing results for the .177 and .22 model.

Chrony tests:

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.177	Crosman Premier Domed Field 10.5g	876	17.9
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 14.3 gr	705	15.79
.22	Slug HP 21gr	760	26.94
.177	JSB Exact Heavy 10.34 gr	825	15.63
.177	Crosman Premier Ultra Magnum 10.5 gr	925	19.95
.22	H&N Sniper Lights 14 gr	900	25.19
.22	H&N Hornets 16gr	870	26.9
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Domed 15.89gr	829	24.25
.22	JSB Match Diabolo Exact Jumbo RS 13.43 Gr	887	23.47

Accuracy tests

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.22	Predator Polymag 15.89 gr	40 yards	dime size
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.1 Gr	55 yards	0.5"
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point Pellets, 14.3 Gr	30 yards	0.5"
.22	H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 Gr	50 yards	3/4"
.177	Crosman Premier Light 7.9 Gr	25 yards	0.5"
.177	JSB Match Diabolo Exact 8.44 Gr	20 yards	dime size
.177	H&N Excite Hollow Point 7.4gr	25 yards	nickel size
.177	H&N Excite Hollow Point 7.4gr	40 yards	quarter size
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 14.3 Gr	50 yards	1/4"
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Domed 15.89gr	25 yards	7/16"
.22	Crosman Premier Domed 14.3 gr	25 yards	9/16"
.22	JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Domed 15.89gr	45 yards	3/8"
.22	Crosman Premier Domed 14.3 gr	45 yards	7/8"
.22	JSB Match Diabolo Exact Jumbo RS 13.43 Gr	50 yards	1.05"
.22	JSB Match Diabolo Exact Jumbo RS 13.43 Gr	100 yards	3.6"

To me, that is excellent enough for rabbit hunting.

read review here

Other features of the Diana Stormrider

• PCP
• Bolt-action
• Repeater
• Up to 26 FPE in .22 / 20 FPE in .177 with lead pellets
• Up to 900 fps in .22 / 1050 fps in .177 with lead pellets
• Manual safety
• Gen. 1 Rifles feature a single-stage, non-adjustable trigger
• Gen. 2 Rifles have the new DIT (Diana Improved Trigger) 2-stage adjustable trigger
• Checkered beech stock
• Raised cheek piece for right-handed shooters (stock still usable for left-handed shooters)
• Fully adjustable rear sight
• 11mm dovetail
• Integrated manometer (pressure gauge)
• 200 BAR/2900 psi fill pressure
• 9 shot magazine in .177 / 7 in .22
• Includes fill probe with male quick disconnect fitting
• Includes rotary magazine and single-shot tray

Pros and Cons

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Hatsan 135 QE Vortex – beautiful air rifle for rabbit hunting

Hatsan is synonymous with beauty and power combined.

Who wouldn’t love:

• The handsome ambidextrous walnut stock of Turkey origin?
• The patented vortex gas piston by Hatsan
• Offers steady and more consistent power between successive shots?
• Gets rid of the recoil associated with the heavy Springs of springers?
• Offers much quieter and smoother shooting?
• The QE rifled barrel that reduces noise by 50%?
• The 1250 fps muzzle velocity for the .177 caliber model?
• The 1000 fps muzzle velocity for the .22 caliber model?

read review here

Features:

• Vortex gas-piston
• QuietEnergy fully shrouded barrel and integrated sound moderator – approximately 50% quieter
• Breakbarrel
• Single-shot
• Rifled steel barrel
• Quattro 2-stage adjustable match trigger (adj. for trigger-pull weight, first stage, second stage & length of travel)
• 11mm and Weaver optics rail with scope stop
• Fixed red TruGlo fiber optic front sight
• Fully adjustable green TruGlo fiber optic rear sight
• Anti-beartrap mechanism
• Automatic safety
• Ambidextrous Turkish walnut Monte Carlo stock with an adjustable, raised cheekpiece
• Checkered pistol grip and forearm
• Rubber recoil pad with SAS (shock absorber system) that reduces vibration
• 9.90 lbs.

Pros and Cons

Airforce Talon SS PCP – most powerful air rifle for rabbit hunting

Airforce continuously sets the bar higher for pre-charged pneumatics, and their Talon SS air rifle is no different.

Of particular interest in the design of this rifle is the removable air tank.

It doubles up as the butt of the gun.

This way, the need for a big stock, which adds considerable weight to the gun is eliminated.

The result is a lightweight air rifle (5.25 lbs) with a shorter barrel that is convenient to carry around.

It additionally features spin-loc technology which allows you to fill the air cylinder without detaching it from the gun.

Features

• Action: Single Shot
• Air Tank Volume: 480cc
• Barrel: 12 Inches, 12mm
• Caliber: .22
• Energy: Up To 50 Foot Pounds*
• Length: 32.75 Inches
• Max Fill Pressure: 3000 PSI
• Rails: 11mm Dovetail
• Safety: Automatic on Cocking
• Sights: Open or Optical May be Used
• Trigger: 2 Stage, Adjustable for position
• Twist: 1:17
• Velocity: 400 – 1000 Feet Per Second*
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• Weight: 5.25 Lbs

Pros and Cons

Check Price on PyramydAir

Air Arms Pro-Sport – most accurate air rifle for rabbit hunting

Not to mix me up, I reckon that this is specially designed for field target shooters.

But it doesn’t really matter if you kill the boredom between shooting competitions to harvest a few rabbits for dinner.

You will especially love its excellent accuracy and ease of shooting. Regarding power, the .177 gives you about 13 FPE when tested with the 8.44-grain JSB Exact Diabolo pellet.

At 9 lbs weight, it seems rather heavy, given that there are air rifles as light as 5 lbs.

Coupled with this is the very beautiful hardwood beech stock.

Accuracy

Calibers	Pellets	Distances	Groups
.22	H&N Terminator 16.36 gr	40 yards	one hole
.22	Air Arms Falcon 13.43 gr	35 yards	dime size
.22	H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 gr	35 yards	dime size
.177	JSB Match Diabolo Exact 8.4 Gr	25 yards	0.25"
.177	JSB Diabolo Heavy	40 yards	one hole
.22	JSB Diabolo Heavy 18.13 gr	35 yards	1/2"
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 14,3 gr	30 yards	one hole
.22	Air Arms Diabolo Hunter 16 gr	23 yards	0.75"
.22	JSB Hades Diabolo 15.89 gr	30 yards	dime size
.22	JSB Hades Diabolo 15.89 gr	25 yards	0.33"
.22	JSB Exact Jumbo 13.43 gr	25 yards	0.32"
.22	Predator GTO Lead Free Pellets 11.75 gr	25 yards	0.21"
.22	JSB Hades Diabolo 15.89 gr	50 yards	1.29"
.22	JSB Jumbo Heavy 18.13 Gr	35 yards	3/8"
.22	H&N Baracuda Match 21.3 gr	35 yards	3/8"

Chrony tests

Calibers	Pellets	FPS	FPE
.22	H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 gr	720	16.88
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 14.3 Gr	728	16.83
.177	JSB Match Diabolo Exact 8.4 Gr	755.9	10.66
.177	JSB Diabolo Heavy 10.34 gr	770	13.62
.22	JSB Diabolo Heavy 18.13 gr	635	16.24
.22	H&N Field Target Trophy 14.66 gr	717	16.74
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 14,3 gr	704	15.74
.22	Crosman Premier Hollow Point 14,3 gr	710	16.01
.22	JSB Hades Diabolo 15.89 gr	620	13.57
.22	JSB Exact Jumbo 13.43 gr	675	13.59
.22	Predator GTO Lead Free Pellets 11.75 gr	805	16.91
.22	JSB Hades Diabolo 15.89 gr	665	15.61
.22	JSB Jumbo Heavy 18.13 Gr	583	13.69

Features

• Max Velocity: 950 fps
• Overall Length: 40.5″
• Buttplate Ventilated rubber
• Function: Single-shot
• Weight: 9.03 lbs
• Trigger Pull: 3.0 lbs
• Scopeable: 11mm dovetail
• Safety Automatic
• Suggested for Small game hunting/target practice
• Caliber: .177 – .22
• Loudness: 3-Medium
• Barrel Length: 9.5″
• Shot Capacity: 1
• Cocking Effort: 39.6 lbs
• Barrel Rifled
• Front Sight: none
• Rear Sight: none
• Trigger: Two-stage adjustable
• Action: Underlever
• Powerplant: Spring-piston

Pros and Cons

Buying Guide

Rabbit hunting tips

Gerald Almy of BassProShops lists 12 tips for successful rabbit hunting. Outlined below are the top tips that concern us.

• Many hunters go for the large farms, some even developed with the most modern equipment
  • Focus on smaller farms and neglected public hunting lands.
• Search for overgrown hedges, land lying fallow, and brushy ditches.
• Rabbits like hiding in the abandoned property
  • If you spot any old barn, dilapidated machinery, or destroyed sheds, hang around longer than you had planned.
• Rabbits love basking after cold spells
  • If such are the current conditions, target the sunny slopes.
• Rabbits feed more after dawn and toward dusk
  • Plan your hunting sessions well to coincide with these times.

• Many hunters go for the large farms, some even developed with the most modern equipment
• Focus on smaller farms and neglected public hunting lands.
• Search for overgrown hedges, land lying fallow, and brushy ditches.
• Rabbits like hiding in abandoned property – If you spot any old barn, dilapidated machinery, or destroyed sheds, hang around longer than you had planned.
• Rabbits love basking after cold spells
  • If such are the current conditions, target the sunny slopes.
• Rabbits feed more after dawn and toward dusk
  • Plan your hunting sessions well to coincide with these times.

That said, what should you consider when choosing air rifles for hunting rabbits?

How to choose a rabbit hunting rifle

Perhaps the most important criterion for your choice should be the punching power of the air rifle.

Before we proceed, consider the following recommendations by hunting experts.

Game	Minimum acceptable caliber	Minimum energy (FPE)
Small birds	.177+	5
Medium birds	.177+	7
Large Birds	.22+	11
Squirrel-sized prey	.22+	9
Rabbit-sized prey	.22+	9
Raccoon-sized prey	.25+	25
Possum-sized prey	.25+	25
Fox-sized prey	.30+	35
Coyote-sized prey	.30+	50
Javelina-sized prey	.357+	90
Small deer	.357+	100
Medium deer	.40+	150
Large deer	.45+	200
Hog	.45+	200

It seems you need muzzle energy of only 9 FPE to humanely kill a rabbit.

Quite a lot of mid-range air rifles can achieve this killing force. 

Caliber

In conjunction with the punching power is the air rifle caliber.

You certainly don’t need a big-bore air rifle for rabbit hunting.

Leave the .50 air rifles for the cape buffalo and hogs.

Leave the .45 air rifles for deer.

Leave the .357 air rifles for Javelina.

Leave the .30 air rifles for coyotes.

Also, the .177 should not necessarily be considered because of its low power, unless there is a perfect shot placement.

(For more on how to choose the right air gun caliber for your game, see this post.)

We are left with the .22 and the .25.

These two are the perfect caliber for rabbit hunting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you kill a rabbit with an air rifle?                

Yes, we have demonstrated this fact throughout the entire piece.

Indeed, an air rifle is the recommended weapon for shooting rabbits.

Most medium-budget air rifles can achieve the recommended killing power for rabbits of 9 FPE.  

Firearms are still usable, but the power is always too much for rabbits.

For instance, a .22 BR Remington gives you a whole 1590 FPE.

What do you need that for?

Unless you have a long-standing grudge against the rabbits and you just wanna show them firepower. 

Which are better, 177 or 22 airguns?        

When discussing the factors to consider when choosing air rifles for rabbit hunting, I touched on when to go for the .22 and when to opt for the .177.

It’s all about power and accuracy.

A very generalized guideline will look as follows:

• Go for the .22 air rifle if you need more killing power
• Go for the .177 air rifle if you need to shoot longer distances.

Personally, with the experience I have accumulated over the years, I prefer the .22.

Can a .177 pellet gun kill a rabbit?

Sure, it can. Stories aside have a quick look at the following test results for the .177 Diana Stormrider.

Pellet	Grain	Average muzzle velocity	Average muzzle energy
Gamo Raptor Platinum	4.7	1068 fps	11.9 FPE
H&N Field Target Trophy Green	5.56	1037 fps	13.3 FPE
RWS Hobby	7.0	977 fps	14.9 FPE
Crosman Premier HP	7.9	958 fps	16.1 FPE
JSB Exact Diabolo	8.44	927 fps	16.1 FPE
H&N Field Target Trophy	8.64	939 fps	16.9 FPE
H&N Baracuda Match	10.65	886 fps	18.6 FPE

The muzzle energy listed on the far right is what mainly matters.

Experts have shown that 9-foot pounds of energy is enough to kill rabbits. So a .177 pellet gun can cleanly kill rabbits.

What is caliber pellet best for hunting rabbits?

Being more of a subjective question, I’ll give a personal expert opinion.

The best caliber is .22.

Whenever I shoot, I do not want to merely wound the animal.

I always feel I’ve done it when I incapacitate the rabbit with one blow of the ammo. 

I’m always afraid that the .177 ammo can penetrate the rabbit and pass out through the other side without doing much harm.

But that’s me. Should we say unfounded fears?

Certainly, yes. Coz experts and I have proven beyond doubt that the .177 is enough to humanely kill rabbits.   

What is the best air rifle for killing rabbits?                

I will also most likely suggest to you the air rifle I own.

Because I have tested it and seen its good and bad side.

That is the .22 model of the Air Arms Pro-Sport.

That will set you back about 600 bucks. Pocket-friendly indeed!

(For more on the best air rifle for the money see this post)

How many FPS does it take to kill a rabbit?        

FPS alone is not enough to determine the killing power of ammo.

The killing power is tied around the muzzle energy.

Therefore, when talking about the FPS, we must accompany it with the weight of the ammo, so that we have an idea of the resultant muzzle energy.

You can have a pellet with terrific speed but negligible weight.

That may fail to kill even a rat.

But if the weight is sufficient, a pellet with the same velocity will kill even a rabbit.

Can 600 fps kill a rabbit?

In line with the discussion above, the answer to this is both Yes and No.

Can you legally shoot rabbits?                

According to the UK government, rabbits are categorized as pests.

In this regard, the question can read: Is it legal to control pests that destroy your crops? Certainly, yes.

Rabbits are not a protected species in many jurisdictions.

But when the shooting element sets in, laws vary widely from country to country.

The Pest Act 1954 states that all land occupiers have a continuing obligation to kill or take any wild rabbits living on the land, by methods such as gassing, snaring, trapping, fencing, ferreting, and shooting.

However, as to who can or cannot shoot, gun ownership legislation is applied. 

Then there is the shooting of rabbits as a form of pest and the shooting of rabbits as a recreational activity.

Not all countries and states see eye-to-eye – and therefore the laws vary.

Make sure to check your local laws so you are not caught on the wrong side of the law.

Conclusion

Taking all things into account, hunting rabbits by shooting is both legal and enjoyable.

Whether you are on the recreational side or the pest control one, never shoot the rabbits and simply leave them to rot.

Wild rabbits are edible. Very delicious and nutritious indeed.

All you need is to get the facts and equipment and gear ready for the hunting season. 

We already covered the facts at the beginning of this piece. Perhaps I can list the equipment and gear you may need:

• Waterproof boots
• Hat
• Hunter orange vest
• Gloves
• Socks
• Vinyl-faced canvas field pants
• Sturdy hunting coat
• A firearm or air rifle
• Ammo for the weapon
• Air rifle case
• Airgun cleaning kit
• Hunting license
• Knife
• Flashlight
• Map and Compass
• Fully charged smartphone
• Game bag

All in all, take it easy, and stay within the dictates of the law.

Kill only what you can eat.

Even if your rabbit air rifle has 200 shots per fill, exercise self-control.

You are not out there to terminate the rabbit population.

I sign off with a light touch.

Two men were out hunting when one of them saw a rabbit. 

“Quick,” said the first, “shoot it.” 

“I can’t,” said the second. “My gun isn’t loaded.” 

“Well,” said the first, ”You know that and I know that, but the rabbit doesn’t.”