Best Air Rifle for Raccoons

Raccoons can pose serious problems in areas where they coexist with people. These nocturnal mammals will eat almost anything – including pets, crops, stored feed, and trash. Raccoons also carry diseases and parasitestransmittable to humans and other animals.

Trapping and relocating raccoons is always the most humane option. But when they persistently threaten livestock or cause property damage, lethal control becomes necessary. An accurate, high powered air rifle allows quick and ethical removal from a safe distance.

Below we review top considerations for selecting an air gun to deter raccoons on your land.

Key Air Rifle Features for Raccoon Control

Shooting skill plays a major role, but certain air rifle attributes also influence effectiveness on raccoons:

Power Source
• Spring-piston – Break barrel cocking compresses air spring to deliver significant velocity for hunting medium game like raccoons
• PCP (pre-charged pneumatic) – External hand pump or scuba tank allows multiple shots. More accuracy than spring-loaded models

Caliber
• .177 – Lighter pellets shoot fastest providing flatter trajectories but less humane kills
• .22 – Heavier pellets deliver more foot-pounds of energy for ethical kills; harder hits decrease wounding risk

Velocity
• 900+ fps – Ensures enough force for ethical raccoon kills; closer to 1000 fps ideal

Accuracy
• Under 2” grouping at 50 yards – Indicates reliable precision

Components
• Rifled steel barrel – Spinning pellets enhance stability, accuracy downrange
• Adjustable trigger – Smoothes pull needed to fire pellet
• Scope – Higher magnification helps precision shot placement

Our Top Air Rifle Picks for Raccoons

Based on key features above, these break barrel and PCP air rifles each perform well in raccoon removal.

Benjamin Marauder Synthetic Stock PCP Air Rifle

• 60+ consistent shots from 3000 psi fill pressure
• Built-in manometer tracks tank pressure
• .22 cal and 1000 fps performance
• 5-shot clip and synthetic ambidextrous stock
• Includes scope rail and sling mounts

Pros – 10 shots as powerful as first and adjustable trigger aid precision

Cons – Adding hand pump or scuba tank inflates cost

Gamo Whisper Silent Cat Air Rifle

• .177 pellet velocities approaching 1200 fps
• Non-removable noise dampener
• Custom 2-stage trigger with easier pull
• Shockproof rubber recoil pad
• 4×32 scope with optics coated for anti-glare

Pros – Ultra quiet shot yet enough speed for humane kills

Cons – Scope offers lower magnification than ideal for 50 yard shots

Benjamin Trail NP XL Air Rifle
• Generates 1500 fps velocities in .177 caliber
• Nitro Piston 2 power plant (no spring recoil)
• Synthetic all-weather ambidextrous stock
• 5 mm dovetail mounting rail for scopes
• Includes CenterPoint 3-9x32mm scope

Pros – Most high powered model reviewed; sturdy built-in scope

Cons – Heavy for younger or smaller framed shooters

Crossman Optimus Break Barrel Air Rifle
• Adjustable hollow steel muzzle break
• Custom 2-stage trigger
• Raised cheek piece on factory Monte Carlo stock
• 11mm dovetail scope mount
• .177 cal shoots 1000+ fps

Pros – Lightweight and affordable option still effective inside 35 yards

Cons – Lower long range accuracy than others reviewed

Safety Considerations for Lethal Air Rifle Use

Ensure ethical, lawful raccoon removal by:

• Reviewing state/local statutes on using air rifles for wildlife control
• Shooting only from proper backstops – dirt berms or sand traps
• Establishing safe shooting zones away from roads, buildings and people
• Using lead pellets and practicing until proficient at shot placement
• Ensuring vital organ hits for clean, quick kills rather than wounding
• Approaching downed raccoons cautiously before handling carcasses

The bottom line? Modern PCP and spring-loaded air rifles offer the accuracy and power for effective raccoon control. Select equipment matched to your budget, experience and shooting needs. Then sharpen skills with ample target practice before field use. Responsible, proficient air rifle application helps protect property without excessive suffering.