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10 Best Pellet Gun For Rats 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Benjamin Bulldog BPBD4S .457 PCP Hunting Air Rifle

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,126
Power Source
Accuracy
Noise Level

Most important from
25 reviews

Power Source
However, the need for air refills can be challenging, requiring either a manual hand pump or a high PSI compressor, which adds to the overall cost and effort.
Accuracy
The Benjamin Bulldog BPBD4S .457 PCP Hunting Air Rifle delivers impressive accuracy, achieving 1-inch groupings at 120 feet with a Vortex scope.
Noise Level
Despite its noise level, which may be a concern for those with close neighbors, the rifle is a lot of fun to shoot in more rural settings.
Weight and Ergonomics
The rifle's weight distribution can be front-heavy, but adding a bipod can help balance it out for better handling.

The Benjamin Bulldog BPBD4S .457 PCP Hunting Air Rifle is designed for hunters seeking a powerful and compact solution for pest control, especially effective against rats. Its .457 caliber delivers impressive stopping power with velocities reaching up to 760 fps, making it suitable for this purpose. The rifle's PCP power source ensures consistent performance, allowing for up to three effective shots per fill, depending on your air reservoir setup which could be a downside if you don't have an air compressor handy. The durable synthetic design with a bullpup configuration contributes to its compactness, which can be beneficial in tight spaces often found in urban environments.

A key highlight is the baffle-less sound trap shroud, which significantly reduces noise, making it less likely to disturb neighbors—a crucial factor for urban pest control. The rifle features a rifled steel barrel for improved accuracy, a 5-shot magazine for easy loading, and a 26-inch Picatinny rail for mounting accessories.

The weight of 11 pounds may pose a challenge for some users, particularly during extended use. It’s also important to note that this air rifle may not be the best fit for inexperienced users, as it requires some knowledge of air pressure systems and proper maintenance.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,126
Power Source
Accuracy
Noise Level

Most important from
25 reviews

Power Source
However, the need for air refills can be challenging, requiring either a manual hand pump or a high PSI compressor, which adds to the overall cost and effort.
Accuracy
The Benjamin Bulldog BPBD4S .457 PCP Hunting Air Rifle delivers impressive accuracy, achieving 1-inch groupings at 120 feet with a Vortex scope.
Noise Level
Despite its noise level, which may be a concern for those with close neighbors, the rifle is a lot of fun to shoot in more rural settings.
Weight and Ergonomics
The rifle's weight distribution can be front-heavy, but adding a bipod can help balance it out for better handling.
#2

Gamo Swarm Magnum PRO 10X GEN3i Inertia Fed Break Barrel air Rifle. High Power 10-Shot Pellet air Gun. 1,650 fps Velocity. New Stock Design. (.22 Caliber)

Rating
10.0
Power Source
Accuracy
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
199 reviews

Power Source
The rifle delivers exceptional power and precision, making it highly effective for pest control like rat hunting.
Accuracy
The included scope is disappointing, with poor focus, no parallax adjustment, and durability issues that compromise accuracy.
Weight and Ergonomics
Despite its strength, the gun is quite heavy, which can make extended shooting sessions tiring even for very strong users.

The Gamo Swarm Magnum PRO 10X GEN3i is a break-barrel air rifle designed for quick follow-up shots, thanks to its unique 10-shot inertia-fed magazine. It uses .22 caliber pellets, which are well-suited for pest control like rats, providing a powerful velocity of up to 1300 feet per second with .22 pellets, ensuring effective stopping power. The rifle features a two-stage adjustable trigger, which helps improve accuracy by allowing more control over each shot.

Weighing nearly 7 pounds, it might feel a bit heavy for younger or smaller users but offers good stability when aiming. The new stock design and recoil-reducing rail improve shooting comfort and reduce felt kickback. Noise levels are typical for a break-barrel pellet gun, so it is reasonably quiet but not completely silent. Its manual and automatic safety systems contribute to ease of use and safety during handling.

The inertia-fed magazine speeds up shooting, although loading it may require some practice. This air rifle represents a reliable, multi-shot option for controlling rats, combining power and accuracy with user-friendly features, though its weight and size might be less ideal for casual or youth shooters.

Rating
10.0
Power Source
Accuracy
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
199 reviews

Power Source
The rifle delivers exceptional power and precision, making it highly effective for pest control like rat hunting.
Accuracy
The included scope is disappointing, with poor focus, no parallax adjustment, and durability issues that compromise accuracy.
Weight and Ergonomics
Despite its strength, the gun is quite heavy, which can make extended shooting sessions tiring even for very strong users.
#3

Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal (Rifle + Pellet Pen Bundle)

Rating
9.1
Power Source
Accuracy
Noise Level

Most important from
9129 reviews

Power Source
Delivers impressive power and accuracy within 20-25 yards, making it highly effective for backyard pest control.
Accuracy
Delivers impressive power and accuracy within 20-25 yards, making it highly effective for backyard pest control.
Noise Level
Quiet operation suitable for backyard use without causing significant disturbance to neighbors or pets.
Weight and Ergonomics
Lightweight and well-balanced design makes it comfortable to carry and steady to shoot during extended plinking or hunting sessions.

The Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle is a solid choice for controlling rats and small pests. It uses .177 caliber pellets, which are common for this type of shooting, and offers a fast velocity of up to 1250 feet per second. This means it delivers enough power to be effective in pest control. The spring-piston power source is reliable and doesn't require batteries, but it does mean each shot needs manual cocking.

The rifle comes with a 4x32 scope included, which helps with aiming and accuracy, making it easier even for beginners to hit small targets. Its synthetic Monte Carlo stock with raised cheekpieces makes it comfortable to hold and shoot, while the anti-beartrap mechanism adds safety during use. The noise level is moderate—quieter than firearms but louder than some PCP air rifles—so it's suitable for backyard use without causing too much disturbance.

It only shoots single shots, which reduces rapid firing ability. Weighing about 7 pounds, it is manageable for most users but might feel a bit heavy for younger or smaller shooters. This air rifle balances power, accuracy, and safety features well for those looking to handle rat problems with a straightforward and dependable pellet gun.

Rating
9.1
Power Source
Accuracy
Noise Level

Most important from
9129 reviews

Power Source
Delivers impressive power and accuracy within 20-25 yards, making it highly effective for backyard pest control.
Accuracy
Delivers impressive power and accuracy within 20-25 yards, making it highly effective for backyard pest control.
Noise Level
Quiet operation suitable for backyard use without causing significant disturbance to neighbors or pets.
Weight and Ergonomics
Lightweight and well-balanced design makes it comfortable to carry and steady to shoot during extended plinking or hunting sessions.

Buying Guide for the Best Pellet Gun For Rats

Choosing the right pellet gun for dealing with rats requires careful consideration of several key specifications. The goal is to select a pellet gun that is effective, humane, and suitable for your specific needs. Understanding the different features and how they impact performance will help you make an informed decision. Here are the key specs to consider when selecting a pellet gun for rats.
CaliberCaliber refers to the diameter of the pellets that the gun uses. The most common calibers for pellet guns are .177 and .22. The .177 caliber is smaller and typically offers higher velocity, making it suitable for small pests like rats. The .22 caliber is larger and delivers more impact, which can be more effective for ensuring a quick and humane kill. For rats, a .177 caliber is usually sufficient, but if you want more stopping power, consider a .22 caliber.
VelocityVelocity is the speed at which the pellet is fired from the gun, measured in feet per second (FPS). Higher velocity means the pellet travels faster and can penetrate more effectively. For rats, a velocity of 600-800 FPS is generally adequate. If you need to shoot from a longer distance or want to ensure a more powerful impact, look for a pellet gun with a higher FPS. However, be mindful that higher velocity can also mean louder noise and more recoil.
Power SourcePellet guns can be powered by different mechanisms, including spring-piston, gas piston, CO2, and pneumatic. Spring-piston and gas piston guns are popular for their reliability and consistency. CO2 guns offer convenience and ease of use but require regular replacement of CO2 cartridges. Pneumatic guns, either single-stroke or multi-pump, provide variable power but can be more labor-intensive. Choose a power source based on your preference for ease of use, maintenance, and consistency.
AccuracyAccuracy is crucial for effectively targeting and humanely dispatching rats. Factors that influence accuracy include the quality of the barrel, the type of sights or scope, and the overall build of the gun. Look for a pellet gun with a rifled barrel for better precision. Additionally, consider whether you prefer open sights or a scope. A scope can help with aiming, especially at longer distances, but it may add weight and complexity to the gun.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially if you are using the pellet gun in a residential area or indoors. Some pellet guns are designed to be quieter, using built-in suppressors or shrouded barrels. If noise is a concern, look for a pellet gun that advertises low noise or has noise-dampening features. Keep in mind that higher velocity guns tend to be louder, so balance your need for power with the need for quiet operation.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and ergonomics of the pellet gun affect how comfortable it is to handle and shoot. A lighter gun is easier to maneuver, especially in tight spaces or for extended periods. However, a heavier gun can offer better stability and reduce recoil. Consider the design of the stock and grip to ensure it fits comfortably in your hands. If possible, try handling different models to find one that feels right for you.

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