We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Pellet Guns 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,175
Accuracy
Velocity
Power Source

Most important from
9152 reviews

Accuracy
The rifle delivers consistent accuracy within 20 to 25 yards, making it ideal for backyard pest control and target shooting.
Velocity
The power and pellet velocity are impressive, capable of penetrating multiple small targets and effectively neutralizing small pests.
Power Source
Breaking the barrel to cock the rifle demands significant force, which might be challenging for younger shooters without assistance.
Weight and Ergonomics
The rifle’s weight and build provide a solid feel that balances fun and functionality, suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Noise Level
Shooting the rifle is quiet enough for neighborhood use, adding to its appeal for casual backyard shooting without disturbing others.

The Gamo Varmint Air Rifle is a solid choice for someone looking for a .177 caliber pellet gun that delivers good speed and decent accuracy. It shoots pellets at up to 1250 feet per second, which is fairly fast and useful for target practice or small pest control. Its spring-piston power system means it doesn’t need batteries or gas, making it easy to use and maintain, though it requires manual cocking before each shot.

The included 4x32 scope helps improve accuracy, especially for beginners, and the synthetic stock with raised cheekpieces offers comfortable handling. Weighing around 7 pounds, it’s not too heavy but may feel a bit bulky for younger or smaller users. The gun also includes safety features like a manual safety and an anti-beartrap mechanism, which helps prevent accidental injuries when loading.

The noise level of spring-piston rifles can be noticeable when fired, so it may not be the quietest option if noise is a concern. Pellets are not included in the package, so you will need to buy those separately and should use good quality pellets to avoid performance problems. This air rifle is suitable for beginners or casual shooters seeking a reliable, straightforward pellet gun with decent power and accuracy.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,175
Accuracy
Velocity
Power Source

Most important from
9152 reviews

Accuracy
The rifle delivers consistent accuracy within 20 to 25 yards, making it ideal for backyard pest control and target shooting.
Velocity
The power and pellet velocity are impressive, capable of penetrating multiple small targets and effectively neutralizing small pests.
Power Source
Breaking the barrel to cock the rifle demands significant force, which might be challenging for younger shooters without assistance.
Weight and Ergonomics
The rifle’s weight and build provide a solid feel that balances fun and functionality, suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Noise Level
Shooting the rifle is quiet enough for neighborhood use, adding to its appeal for casual backyard shooting without disturbing others.
#2

Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i Inertia Fed .22 Caliber Break Barrel air Rifle. High Power 10-Shot Pellet air Gun. 1,300 fps Velocity.

Rating
9.7
Accuracy
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
2662 reviews

Accuracy
Impressive power and accuracy, with 1-inch groups at 35 yards.
Weight and Ergonomics
Despite being a bit stout to cock, the power is worth the effort.

The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i is a .22 caliber break barrel air rifle that offers impressive features for both beginners and experienced users. One of its standout strengths is the 10X GEN2 Quick-Shot technology, allowing you to fire up to ten pellets in quick succession without the need to reload. This can significantly enhance your shooting experience, especially during target practice or small game hunting. With a velocity of 1,300 fps, it delivers powerful performance, making it suitable for a variety of uses, from recreational shooting to pest control.

The IGT Mach 1 gas piston system provides smooth operation and improved accuracy, while the two-stage adjustable trigger allows for a customizable shooting feel, catering to different preferences. Weighing 6.9 pounds, it's relatively manageable but may feel a bit heavy for users who prefer lightweight options.

As for ergonomics, the metal frame and aluminum barrel ensure durability, though the dimensions are somewhat compact. However, the noise level may be a concern for some, as air rifles can still produce noticeable sound, which might not be ideal for backyard shooting in quiet neighborhoods.

Rating
9.7
Accuracy
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
2662 reviews

Accuracy
Impressive power and accuracy, with 1-inch groups at 35 yards.
Weight and Ergonomics
Despite being a bit stout to cock, the power is worth the effort.
#3

Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X GEN3i Inertia Fed .177 Caliber Break Barrel Air Rifle. High Power 10-Shot Pellet Air Gun. 1,300 FPS Velocity

Rating
9.4
Power Source
Accuracy
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
1830 reviews

Power Source
The gas piston system significantly reduces recoil, providing a steadier and more consistent shooting experience.
Accuracy
The rifle delivers impressive accuracy, with tight groups achievable after some break-in and experimentation with pellet types.
Weight and Ergonomics
The rifle’s lightweight design makes it easy to carry for extended periods, though it demands a firmer grip due to noticeable movement from recoil.
Noise Level
Despite the quiet Whisper Fusion technology, using the recommended Gamo pellets is essential to maintain the rifle’s low noise signature.

The Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X GEN3i is a powerful and innovative .177 caliber air rifle that stands out for its speed and convenience. It shoots pellets at up to 1,300 feet per second, making it suitable for target practice and small game hunting where high velocity is beneficial. One of its key features is the 10-shot inertia-fed magazine, allowing quick follow-up shots without reloading after each pellet. This is a big plus if you want smoother shooting sessions.

The rifle uses a gas piston power source instead of a traditional spring, which helps reduce recoil and provides a more consistent shooting experience. It also incorporates Gamo's Whisper Fusion noise reduction technology, making it one of the quieter air rifles in its class—good if you want to avoid disturbing neighbors or wildlife. Weighing 5.8 pounds and made with metal and aluminum parts, it feels solid but is still manageable to carry and handle. The included adjustable trigger (CAT) lets you customize how it feels, which can improve accuracy since you can find a pull that suits you best. Additionally, the Recoil Reducing Rail helps protect scopes from the strong recoil, which is helpful if you're using optics like the included 3-9x scope.

On the downside, while the rifle is well-built, its size and weight might be a bit much for very young or smaller users. Also, the .177 caliber is versatile but less powerful than larger calibers for bigger game. The 10-shot magazine, while convenient, may sometimes face minor feed issues characteristic of inertia magazines, though this is not a common complaint. This pellet gun is ideal for adult beginners or experienced shooters who want a quiet, powerful rifle with quick follow-up shots and customizable features. Its balance of power, noise reduction, and ergonomics makes it a strong choice for hunting and target shooting.

Rating
9.4
Power Source
Accuracy
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
1830 reviews

Power Source
The gas piston system significantly reduces recoil, providing a steadier and more consistent shooting experience.
Accuracy
The rifle delivers impressive accuracy, with tight groups achievable after some break-in and experimentation with pellet types.
Weight and Ergonomics
The rifle’s lightweight design makes it easy to carry for extended periods, though it demands a firmer grip due to noticeable movement from recoil.
Noise Level
Despite the quiet Whisper Fusion technology, using the recommended Gamo pellets is essential to maintain the rifle’s low noise signature.

Buying Guide for the Best Pellet Guns

Choosing the right pellet gun can be a rewarding experience if you know what to look for. Pellet guns are used for various purposes such as target shooting, pest control, and small game hunting. Understanding the key specifications will help you select a pellet gun that best fits your needs. Here are the main factors to consider when making your decision.
CaliberCaliber refers to the diameter of the pellet that the gun fires. The most common calibers are .177 and .22. The .177 caliber is typically used for target shooting and is known for its higher velocity and flatter trajectory, making it easier to hit distant targets. The .22 caliber, on the other hand, is preferred for hunting and pest control due to its greater stopping power. Choose .177 if you are primarily interested in target shooting, and .22 if you need more power for hunting or pest control.
VelocityVelocity is the speed at which the pellet leaves the barrel, usually measured in feet per second (FPS). Higher velocity means the pellet travels faster and can be more accurate over longer distances. For target shooting, a velocity of 500-800 FPS is generally sufficient. For hunting or pest control, you might want a gun with a velocity of 800-1200 FPS to ensure the pellet has enough power to be effective. Consider what you will be using the pellet gun for to determine the appropriate velocity.
Power SourcePellet guns can be powered by different mechanisms, including spring-piston, gas piston, CO2, and pre-charged pneumatic (PCP). Spring-piston and gas piston guns are popular for their simplicity and reliability, making them great for general use. CO2 guns offer semi-automatic firing and are easy to use but require CO2 cartridges. PCP guns provide the highest power and accuracy but are more complex and expensive. Choose a power source based on your experience level and intended use. For beginners, spring-piston or gas piston guns are often the best choice.
AccuracyAccuracy is crucial, especially for target shooting and hunting. Factors that affect accuracy include the quality of the barrel, the type of sights or scope, and the overall build of the gun. Rifled barrels, which have grooves inside, provide better accuracy than smoothbore barrels. Additionally, a good quality scope can significantly improve your shooting precision. If accuracy is a top priority, look for a pellet gun with a rifled barrel and consider investing in a high-quality scope.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and ergonomics of a pellet gun affect how comfortable it is to use, especially during extended shooting sessions. Lighter guns are easier to carry and handle, making them suitable for younger shooters or those who plan to shoot for long periods. Heavier guns can offer better stability and reduce recoil, which can improve accuracy. Consider your physical strength and how you plan to use the gun when choosing the weight and design. Ergonomic features like adjustable stocks and grips can also enhance comfort and control.
Noise LevelThe noise level of a pellet gun can be an important factor, especially if you are shooting in a residential area or want to avoid scaring away game. Some pellet guns are designed to be quieter, using built-in suppressors or shrouded barrels. If noise is a concern, look for models that are specifically marketed as quiet or have noise-dampening features. For backyard target practice or hunting in noise-sensitive areas, a quieter gun will be more suitable.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now