Quietest Air Rifles – Buyer’s Guide
The story starts on a bright sunny day where the birds were singing, and people were enjoying the tranquility of their surroundings. However, for some, the loud noise of their air rifle shattered the peacefulness. That’s when we stepped in with a mission – to find the quietest air rifles available. As we delved into our research, we discovered that sound was a critical factor in airgun performance and what might be quiet for one person could be different for another. But with so many factors that could affect shooting noise, it was difficult to choose one clear winner. Nevertheless, we were determined to provide some useful guidance for those looking for the Quietest Air Rifles out there. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Benefits of Quietest Air Rifles
The Quietest Air Rifles offer a range of benefits that make them a popular choice for shooting enthusiasts. From their relatively low noise levels to their versatility in different types of shooting, there are many reasons why air rifles have become increasingly popular in recent years.
- Fast and effective solution for pest control, while being humane and quieter than firearms. Quite air rifle doesn’t make too much noise or needs special permissions.
- A fun recreational tool that allows you to shoot in your own backyard or other locations without disturbing the peace.
- Less expensive equipment than other types of firearms, making air rifles a cost-effective option for training young shooters.
- Ideal for shooting practice and skill development.
- A versatile option for different types of shooting, such as target shooting, plinking, and hunting small game.
So, whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting, the Quietest Air Rifles can be an excellent option for various purposes. To learn more about the benefits of air guns, check out our guide and read ahead!
Types of Air Rifles
Here are the types of air rifle for you to consider:
| 1. Variable Pump Air Rifle | The variable pump is the simplest type of air rifle. Because it’s manually operated, there are no motors or batteries to deal with. Because un-powered pistols and rifles use only the force of gravity (or a spring in some cases) they can be surprisingly quiet. On the downside, you need to expend energy in order to shoot each pellet. This means you need to pump the rifle before each shot which reduces your effective rate of fire. You will also expend a lot of energy if you’re shooting multiple rounds in quick succession. |
| 2. Break Action Air Rifle | Break action air rifles are similar to firearms in that the cocking mechanism is separate from the barrel. Pulling back on a lever or twisting an exposed rod pulls back the piston which then compresses the spring (or uses stored potential energy). When you release, it shoots forward pushing the pellet out of the barrel. With no time wasted pumping the rifle, this type of airgun is easier to work with. They can be a bit louder due to the spring and piston action so you may need hearing protection if your shooting in an enclosed area. |
| 3. Nitro Piston Air Rifle | Nitro piston air rifles replace the spring used in other types of airguns with a nitrogen gas tank. The benefits to this include reduced vibration after the shot and no need to manually cock the piston before each round. You’ll still need to pump it up before you fire but that only needs to be done every 10-20 shots or so. |
| 4. Nitro Piston 2 Air Rifle | The latest iteration of the Nitro Piston, this type offers even more benefits. It’s quieter than the standard variation while also being lighter and easier to cock. The piston is filled with nitrogen gas which means it can be fitted in several areas of the rifle, including under the barrel! This allows for a shorter stock (handle) reducing its overall length. |
| 5. Precharged Pneumatic (PCP) Air Rifle | PCP air rifles allow you to store the compressed air in a tank which is then used to power the shot. They can be filled with a compressor or charged by hand pump and typically have a much better effective range than spring-powered models. PCPs tend to be more expensive due to the high cost of manufacturing and filling tanks but they’re also the most powerful types of air rifle. They’re typically used for hunting or long-range shooting with high accuracy being a priority. |
| 6. CO2 Air Rifle | CO2 airguns work with disposable CO2 capsules which are inserted into the grip of the gun. They work similarly to PCPs though they’re limited by how many shots you can fire before needing to swap out an empty CO2 cartridge for a new one. These types of rifles can be as powerful as PCPs but only if properly maintained and the pressure of the CO2 is high. |
Quietest Air Rifles: Do They Exist?
The best air rifle in the world isn’t worth much if you can’t use it without alerting your target. If your goal is to use an air rifle to shoot small game like rabbits and squirrels, there’s a good chance they’ll get spooked by the sound of a gunshot. While this doesn’t mean you should just give up, you’ll need to find a way to make your shots quieter. If you want to use an air rifle for hunting, this is something you’ll need to think about.
One way of making the shot quieter is by using a suppressor or “silencer”. These attach to the end of your barrel and work by trapping gas at the muzzle helping to reduce the noise while also preventing your pellet from breaking the sound barrier. If you want the best possible experience, there are air rifles that are designed with suppressors in mind. For example, the CB Series from Benjamin is specifically optimized for use with a suppressor to reduce noise.
Another idea is to seek out pellet guns instead of pellets rifles if you plan on hunting small game like squirrels or rabbits. Quiet pellet guns are designed with a built-in suppressor which helps to reduce the noise from each shot. Don’t worry if you have an air rifle without a suppressor, there are adapters that can be used to turn your gun into a quiet “pellet gun”.
Important Features to Consider while Choosing the Quietest Air Rifles
While there’s a world of different air rifles out there to choose from, not all of them are great. Some have low-quality internals which can lead to a variety of problems over time. Others just aren’t comfortable to hold or don’t offer enough accuracy for small game hunting. Here are the key features you’ll want to consider while shopping.
| 1. Noise Level | If you’re buying an air rifle for hunting, noise is going to be a big concern. In many countries, it’s either illegal or frowned upon to use a firearm. Not only that but most states have strict laws on when and where you can fire your gun so being discreet is very important. Air rifles are inherently quieter compared to firearms so you can get away with using them in more locations. In addition, if you buy a CO2 or quiet air rifle, you’ll notice they’re much quieter than spring-powered varieties. |
| 2. Caliber Options | A “caliber” is the size of your air rifle’s barrel. While the majority of air rifles are made with .177 pellets in mind, there are options that can handle larger projectiles. .22 caliber air rifles are good for hunting big game while still being relatively quiet. If you want to hunt small games or just shoot for fun, a .177 is a good choice. |
| 3. Range of Use | Long-range shooters will typically use high-grade pellets designed to fly far. These are heavier than standard ammo and it’s necessary to have a powerful rifle if you’re shooting anything beyond 50 feet away. For close quarters, many air rifles appear sleek but don’t handle well after 20 or 30 yards. If you plan on using your air rifle for distance, look for something that’s designed with long-range shooting in mind. |
| 4. Power Source | As previously mentioned, there’s a wide variety of air rifles out on the market. Some are spring-powered while others run off CO2 or HPA (compressed air). Spring-powered rifles are simple and easy to use, but they don’t offer as much power as their counterparts. If you want to use an air rifle for hunting, you need something that can handle strong recoil. CO2 is much better for this, particularly if you decide to use a suppressor. |
| 5. Trigger & Safety | Prior to the shooting, you should always make sure your gun’s safety is turned on. This will prevent it from firing when you’re not expecting it (when transporting your rifle for example). While some air rifles have a basic trigger, others feature a two-stage or “break” setup which lets you pre-load the gun before taking a shot. If you’re looking for an air rifle that can handle both long-range shooting and hunting, having a two-stage trigger will be beneficial. |
| 6. Velocity | The velocity of an air rifle measures how fast it can fire a projectile. Many manufacturers boast about their rifles’ muzzle velocities (MV) which tells you the speed at the end of the barrel, not including propulsion from any source. Having a faster MV is always better as long as your gun is built well and won’t break if you pull the trigger too hard. |
| 7. Accuracy | An accurate or precise rifle is simply one that’s able to land pellets on target. There are many factors that makeup accuracy, including your firing technique and the quality of your gun. A powerful air rifle can shoot with high precision but won’t be accurate when fired at an extreme angle (near the ground). If you plan on hunting or shooting at long range, make sure your rifle has good precision. |
Quietest Air Rifles: Comparison Table & Main Features
1. Benjamin Marauder Wood Stock Air Rifle – Carry On The Tradition
- PCP-POWERED .22-CALIBER AIR RIFLE
- TURKISH WALNUT STOCK - Balanced, raised adjustable cheek piece
Benjamin Marauder Specifications
| Action | Bolt Action |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Caliber | .22 |
| Front Sight | None |
| Lead Pellet Velocity | Up to 1000 fps |
| Material | Hardwood |
| Mounting Rail | Dovetail |
| Powerplant | PCP |
| Product Weight | 8.20 lbs |
| Rear Sight | N/A |
| Safety | Lever |
| Stock Material | Hardwood |
| SKU | BP2264W |
| Noise Level | 74 dB |
Power & Accuracy
The Benjamin Marauder is built for hunters and shooters who aim to be accurate at long range. When you’re shooting small targets from a distance, even the smallest detail can make a big difference in your accuracy. Having a gun that’s precise is important if you want to hit your mark every time.
Velocity & Scope
For precision shooting, the best air rifles are typically those with both high velocity and accuracy. The faster your projectile travels through the air, the more time it has to adjust course if there’s any wind or disturbance. A .22 caliber rifle is the highest allowed on this list, which gives it an advantage over lower calibers when traveling long distances. This gun also uses a high-quality scope which you’ll need to buy separately.
Overall
The Benjamin Marauder is an air rifle for those who want high-quality accuracy at long range. It’s built with hunters and competitive shooters in mind, featuring a wood stock that’s ergonomic for firing aim. Because you’ll need to buy your own scope, this gun isn’t suited for beginners or casual users. However, if you’re experienced with firearms or are looking for a rifle that will last you many years, the Marauder is worth investing in. Check price at Crosman.com.
Video: Benjamin Marauder-Unboxing-{.22-Caliber}-Wood Stock-Air Rifle
2. Hatsan 135 Vortex QE Big Bore – Hasan’s Quiet Energy
- .30 Caliber; Vortex gas piston; Single shot break barrel
- QuietEnergy technology with integrated sound moderator; Quattro Trigger - 2-stage fully...
Hatsan 135 Vortex Specifications
| Model | MOD 135 Vortex QuietEnergy |
| Caliber | .25 |
| Max Velocity (Lead-Free Pellets) |
.25 – 900 FPS |
| Max Velocity (Lead Pellets) |
.25 – 850 FPS |
| Max Energy | .25 – 34 FPE |
| Stock | Genuine Turkish Walnut With Elevation Adjustable Comb |
| Key Features | QuietEnergy fully shrouded barrel and Integrated Sound Moderator – Approximately 50% Quieter Quattro Trigger Combo Scope Rail (11mm and 22mm) Vortex Gas Piston SAS Shock Absorber |
| Overall Length | 47.2″ |
| Barrel Length | 10.6″ |
| Weight | 9.6 lbs. |
| Rear Sights | TruGlo 0.9mm (.035″) Green – Micro Adjustable |
| Front Sights | TruGlo 1.5mm (.060″) Red |
| Noise Level | 79 dB |
Power & Safety
Hatsan built the Vortex QE for hunters who want to fire multiple shots without needing to reload. Its 12-shot rotary magazine prevents you from having to manually load heavy pellets into the gun’s chamber, letting you focus on aiming. The safety catch system also has two different trigger settings that let you shoot rapidly or accurately.
Ultra-Quiet
Hatsan’s 135 Vortex QE Big Bore is the perfect air rifle for anyone looking for a quiet, powerful weapon. This gun features a sound moderator that makes it significantly quieter than other rifles in its class, while still providing impressive power and accuracy. The 135 Vortex QE Big Bore is perfect for anyone who wants to take their shooting skills to the next level.
Overall
Hatsan’s 135 Vortex QE Big Bore is a great air rifle for hunters who want to shoot multiple shots before reloading. The gun also comes with a bipod mount that you can attach to the front end of the rifle, providing stability for long-distance shots. Going along with the high-powered spring-piston engine, this gun is best suited only for experienced shooters or those interested in competitive shooting.
Video: Hatsan 135 .25 cal. tuning
3. Umarex Ruger Blackhawk .177 Caliber Pellet Gun Air Rifle – Thumping Power + Value
- caliber: 0.177
- velocity: 1000.00 ft/sec
Umarex Ruger Blackhawk Specifications
| Air Gun Power Type | Spring-Piston |
| Caliber | .177 |
| Max Velocity (Lead-Free Pellets) |
1200 fps |
| Max Velocity (Lead Pellets) |
1000 fps |
| Dimensions | 46.5 x 6.5 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 1 Kilogram |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Scope & Mounting Rings | Comes with a 4×32 air rifle rated scope and the rings to mount it with |
| Fiber Optic Sights | Light collecting fiber optic sights are standard both front and rear |
| Stock and Grip | The ergonomic stock and the grip will be comfortable and sure with its contoured shape and checkering |
| Trigger Pull | 3.3 lb |
| Length of Pull | 14.5 inch |
| Cocking Effort | 30 lbs |
| Noise Level | 80 dB |
Mountain Rings and Scope Included
This Ruger Blackhawk pellet rifle is perfect for anyone who wants the power and accuracy of a gun with the convenience and safety of an air rifle. It comes with a 4×32 air rifle-rated scope to help you hit your target, and the rings are included so you can start using it right away.
Fiber Optic Sights Standard
The Ruger Blackhawk is a workhorse of an air rifle. Featuring fiber optic sights, this gun is perfect for plinking in the backyard or taking out the small game. With an 80 dB noise level, it’s also great for target practice without disturbing your neighbors.
Overall
Umarex’s Ruger Blackhawk is an essential gun if you’re trying to perfect your aim. It comes with a 4×32 scope and rings so you can start shooting right out of the box, which makes it especially well suited for anyone who doesn’t have experience with firearms or air rifles. This gun isn’t built specifically for hunting, making it best for casual shooters or target practice. Check price at Walmart.com.
Video: Umarex USA Ruger Blackhawk Combo 4×32 Scope .177 cal 2244010 Shooting Gaming Unboxing
4. Gamo 611006325554 Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle – Whisper Technology
- .22 Cal pellet single cocking break barrel, 1020 fps with PBA Platinum
- Powerful, quiet, accurate. Thanks to the IGT MACH 1 gas piston that delivers higher muzzle...
Gamo 611006325554 Specifications
| CALIBER | 0.22 |
| ACTION | Single cocking system |
| POWERPLANT | IGT Mach 1 Inert Gas Technology gas piston (33 mm cylinder) |
| TRIGGER | Two stage independently adjustable CAT (Custom Action Trigger) |
| CHECKERING | Non-Slip texture design on grip and forearm |
| SAFETY | Manual safety and automatic cocking safety system |
| RAIL | 11 mm aluminum rail, RRR (Recoil Reducing Rail) |
| WARRANTY | 5 Year |
| LENGTH | 46 in. |
| AMMUNITION | Any .22 Cal. Pellet |
| BARREL LENGTH | 20.5 in. |
| VELOCITY | 1,100 fps with alloy pellets |
| NOISE DAMPENING | WHISPER FUSION, Noise Level 89 dB |
| BARREL | Fluted polymer jacketed rifled steel barrel with WHISPER FUSION noise dampening technology |
| STOCK | Automotive grade glass filled nylon all-weather |
| RECOIL PAD | SWA (Shock Wave Absorber) Recoil pad with up to 74% recoil absorption |
| OPTICS | GAMO 3-9×40 air rifle scope with rings (shockproof, fogproof) |
| SIGHTS | Adjustable windage and elevation fiber optics rear sight., Fiber optics front sight |
| WEIGHT | 6.61 lbs. |
| LENGTH OF PULL | 14.2 in. |
| TRIGGER PULL | 3.2/2.6 lbs. |
| COCKING EFFORT | 32 lbs. |
Powerful and Quiet
This air rifle is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a powerful, quiet, and accurate gun. The IGT MACH 1 gas piston delivers higher muzzle velocity, less vibration, and smoother cocking. The Whisper Fusion technology ensures that this rifle is the quietest on the market.
Custom Action Trigger (CAT)
The Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the sport of shooting. Its CAT trigger ensures that you’ll be able to adjust it to your own personal preferences, making it predictable and comfortable. Plus, its all-weather synthetic stock makes it easy to use in any condition.
Overall
Gamo’s Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle is an ideal choice for hunters looking to take down small game without disturbing the wildlife. This air rifle is built with powerful, quiet technology and a CAT trigger that makes it incredibly easy to use. Check price at Walmart.com, Sears.com.
Video: Whisper Too Loud? How To Get Quiet Shots From Your Gamo Air Rifle
5. Gamo Raptor Whisper Air Rifle – Shoot Like a Pro
- .22 Cal pellet single cocking break barrel, 975 fps with PBA Platinum. Weight: 7.50 pounds
- The IGT (Inert Gas Technology) is a gas piston that replaces the spring delivering more...
Gamo Raptor Specifications
| CALIBER | 177 |
| ACTION | Single cocking system |
| POWERPLANT | IGT Inert Gas Technology gas piston |
| TRIGGER | Two stage trigger |
| CHECKERING | Non-Slip texture on grip and forearm |
| SAFETY | Manual safety and automatic cocking safety system |
| RAIL | 11 mm, Grooved cylinder |
| WARRANTY | 1 Year |
| LENGTH | 46 in. |
| AMMUNITION | Any .177 Cal. Pellet |
| BARREL LENGTH | 19.1 in. |
| VELOCITY | 1,300 feet per second (fps) with PBA Platinum |
| NOISE DAMPENING | WHISPER FUSION, Noise Level 90 dB |
| BARREL | Fluted polymer jacketed rifled steel barrel with WHISPER noise dampening technology |
| STOCK | Automotive grade glass filled nylon all-weather |
| RECOIL PAD | Ventilated rubber |
| OPTICS | GAMO 4×32 scope with rings (shockproof, fogproof) |
| WEIGHT | 5.64 lbs. |
| LENGTH OF PULL | 14.4 in. |
| TRIGGER PULL | 3.53 lbs. |
| COCKING EFFORT | 30 lbs. |
Powerful Spring-Piston Engine
Gamo Raptor Whisper is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to take down small game without having to worry about scaring away their target or surrounding wildlife. Its powerful 1300 fps spring-piston engine delivers superior accuracy over long distances.
Inert Gas Technology
With its IGT (Inert Gas Technology), the Raptor Whisper Air Rifle delivers more terminal velocity, less vibration, and more consistent power. It’s also incredibly easy to cock, making it a great choice for any shooter. So if you’re looking for a powerful and smooth-cocking air rifle, the Raptor Whisper is perfect for you.
Overall
Gamo Raptor Whisper Air Rifle is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to take out squeaky rodents. Although it isn’t built specifically for hunting games, this rifle does come with all the technology you need to maximize your shooting potential. Check price at Walmart.com, Sears.com.
Video: Gamo Raptor Whisper .177 Review
6. Hatsan Bullboss .25 Caliber Airgun – Great Accuracy
- Caliber - .25; Bullpup Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP); Side lever action
- QuietEnergy technology with integrated sound moderator; Quattro Trigger - 2-stage fully...
Hatsan Bullboss Specifications
| Model | BullBoss |
| Overall Length | 36.8″ |
| Trigger | Quattro Trigger |
| Stock | Bullpup advanced polymer |
| Loudness | 4-Medium-High, Noise Level 92 dB |
| Powerplant | Pre-charged pneumatic |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs. |
| Max Velocity (Lead-Free Pellets) | 1,000 fps |
| Max Velocity (Lead Pellets) | 1,000 fps |
| Bundle Description | Wearable4U 100x Paper Targets and 150x .25cal Lead Pellets |
| Shots At Optimal Velocity | 30 |
| Features | QuietEnergy, 230cc Removable Cylinder, Quattro Trigger, Combo Scope Rail (11mm and 22mm), Rotary Magazine, Easy To Use Side Lever Action, Sidelever |
| Barrel | Rifled |
| MPN | HGBullBoss-25 |
| Function | Repeater |
| Action | Side Lever |
| Ammunition Type | Pellet |
| Max Energy | 49 FPE |
| Barrel Length | 23″ |
| Caliber | .25 |
Push-Button Cheek Rest Adjustment
The Hatsan Bullboss airgun is perfect for shooters of all experience levels. With a simple push-button cheek rest adjustment, you can customize your shooting experience to perfection.
Quiet Energy Moderator
The Hatsan Bullboss airgun is a great choice for someone looking for a powerful, yet quiet firearm. The fully shrouded barrel and Quiet Energy moderator help to keep noise levels down, while the 92 dB rating ensures you won’t disturb your neighbors. This gun is perfect for backyard target practice or game hunting.
Overall
This Hatsan Bullboss air rifle is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a powerful and quiet gun. With its push-button adjustable cheek rest and fully shrouded barrel, this rifle is perfect for shooters of all experience levels.
Video: Hatsan BullBoss Review
In Conclusion
The most important thing to remember is that you should be able to find the perfect rifle for your budget. Whether it’s a beginner, intermediate or professional model, there are plenty of options available on the market. We hope this guide has helped point out some features and benefits of these rifles so you can make an informed decision about which one will best suit your needs! If not, feel free to reach out anytime with any questions – we’re happy to help answer them as well as provide more details about our favorite models.
