The most delicious I have ever tried is dove–tender, flavorful, and absolutely unmatched. For instance, my friend travels abroad just to go hunting, and he insists that the taste of dove meat does not have any match. Of course, for me it’s long become more than a sport-something like passion.
I recently hunted abroad with two air rifles: the Artemis Snowpeak P35 and the Artemis PR900W. Neither is usually a particularly high choice for dove hunting, although both have surprised me in their reliability. Specifically with the P35, light weight and consistent accuracy left me impressed, while the PR900W serves as a good budget piece for smaller game.
Indeed, I was quite fortunate during my hunting excursions to bag quite a number of turtle doves and collared doves-all common game birds in the USA. Their quite conspicuous patterns of flight and alert insticts make them a highly sought after challenge by most hunters. Among the doves, there are other huntable bird species in the USA, such as pigeons, quails, and starlings, and one could take a game of wild air rifle hunting to be pretty interesting and diverse.
I’m going to share top picks among air rifles, not just for hunting doves but even on small game birds. So if you’re a fan of ethical hunting and precision shooting, welcome aboard!
Why Use Air Rifles for Dove Hunting?
Dove hunting with air rifles is also great because these are quiet, precise, and not expensive. Air rifles can also make killers achieve clean kills without scarifying other birds or annoyed hunters around. They are light in weight, too, making them easier to carry during long hunts. In addition, airgun pellets are cheaper than regular ammunition, and this makes air rifles a good value for keen hunters.
Key Features to Consider
- Caliber (.177 vs. .22):
- .177 offers higher velocity for precise, longer-range shots.
- .22 provides better knockdown power for humane kills.
- Power and Velocity:
- Choose rifles with at least 900 FPS for doves to ensure clean kills.
- Accuracy:
- Look for a rifled barrel and scope compatibility for consistent, precise shooting.
- Weight and Portability:
- A lightweight and ergonomic rifle is essential for extended field use.
- Silent Operation:
- Rifles with integrated suppressors are ideal for minimizing noise and preventing spooking other birds.
Our Top 6 Air Rifles for Small Game Hunting
A seasoned hunter like me personally tested a few of them on careful comparison compared to others based on expert reviews, technical specifications, and real-world performance. Based on this curation, here’s the top six air rifles that stand high in precision, reliability, and effectiveness in small game hunting.
1. Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i: Power and Precision Redefined
- 10X GEN3i Inertia Fed Technology: Rapid reloading with recoil-powered magazine indexing.
- IGT Mach 1 Powerplant: Delivers up to 1,300 fps in .22 caliber for maximum power.
- Whisper Fusion Technology: Quiet shooting with reduced noise levels.
- SWA Recoil Pad: Absorbs up to 74% of recoil for a smoother shooting experience.
- CAT Trigger: Adjustable two-stage trigger for a crisp, personalized pull.
- Durable Stock: All-weather thumbhole stock with non-slip texture for a secure grip.
It makes Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i shine with recoil-powered magazine indexing and smooth reloads for the shooter, making reloading cycles faster and more efficient for follow-up shots.
With the .22 caliber, it can shoot at 1,300 fps really fast; it is sure some punch for small game hunting. Also, the technology Whisper Fusion dampens the shots, an important factor in hunting where stealth is commanded.
The SWA recoil pad is able to absorb up to 74% of recoil; shooting is very comfortable and entails very little fatigue. The CAT trigger is a personally calibrated, smooth pull for better overall accuracy.
Overall, the Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i is a high-powered air rifle which quite simply combines power, precision, and comfort to make small game hunting an excellent opportunity.
Helpful Review
First of all, wow. This rifle has phenomenal power. I’m new to the world of modern air rifles, and I was quite surprised by just how hard this rifle punches- and kicks for that matter. Not that it kicks as hard as even a .22 powder rifle, but I was still surprised to feel the recoil on my first few shots.
So far, I have put 50 H&N Barracuda Hunter Extreme 18.52 grain hollow point pellets through the rifle, and I’ve got it pretty well sighted in. I didn’t want to use a bench since I won’t be using a bench in the real world, and it feels like the recoil might be adding some inconsistency into the equation. But then again, it’s still very accurate and I haven’t gotten it properly broken in yet, much less settled on the most accurate and consistent pellet type.
The rifle is much louder than I expected, but I am not experienced enough with modern air rifles to make any determination or comparison as to how loud it “should” be.
What I can say is that I bought this for eliminating pigeons in my back yard, and I went WAY overboard. I wanted something that will instantly and ethically dispatch a pigeon, and a well-placed shot with this will more than achieve that goal. But as I am in a neighborhood, this may actually be too much power and also be a bit too loud to just start plinking like I had expected. I feel a bit naive, and that I didn’t do adequate research for my specific purpose, but that should not take away from the quality or amazing-ness of this rifle.
I’ve now read reviews of this thing taking out coyotes, and I do not doubt it one bit. Highly recommend for its intended purpose of hunting! Plinking pests in the back yard might warrant further consideration.
Sean I.
2. Umarex Notos Carbine .22: Compact, Reliable, and Deadly Accurate
- Compact Design: Lightweight and easy to handle with a collapsible stock.
- 7-Shot Auto-Indexing Rotary Magazine: Quick transition between shots for fast follow-up.
- High-Pressure Air Tank: Fills to a maximum pressure of 3,625 psi for consistent performance.
- Side-Lever Action: Smooth and easy cocking action for precision.
- Impressive Power: Launches a 12 grain .22 caliber pellet at 780 fps with 16 ft-lbs of muzzle energy.
- Customizable: Compatible with aftermarket parts for personalized modifications.
That should be a game-changer in the PCP world, especially for those who want compact power. For me, personally, the 7-shot auto-indexing magazine is great: it makes easy transitions from shot to shot without extra hassle. The side-lever action is quite smooth, and the compact form of this rifle with a collapse stock makes it versatile for all kinds of hunters.
This PCP rifle proves quite reliable on shots at 780 fps with 16 ft-lbs of energy suitable for killing small game such as rabbits or squirrels, with a maximum fill pressure of 3,625 psi.
The muzzle device SilencAir is helpful in keeping quiet shots, good for stealth hunting. It is further customizable, so after-sales parts can give it a different appearance or enhance performance.
In general, the Umarex Notos is a solid, reliable air rifle for small game hunting, plinking, or target shooting. Its combination of power, precision, and portability makes it an asset that stands towards the top for anyone looking to dip into the PCP airgun world.
Helpful Review
I love air guns. Over a lifetime I have owned many types and brands: German Springers ($$$), pump-up Crossmans and Daisys, Cheap Chinese stuff, Slavias, Winchester, Benjamin, Beemans…lots of them. But this is my all-time favorite.
Why? It is lightweight without feeling cheap. It is so quiet! It is easy to fill as it has a smaller reservoir for air, yet it shoots 25 consistent shots without refilling. It is regulated and gives repeated and accurate results. Speaking of that; its accuracy is nothing short of phenomenal when you consider barrel length. I was hitting a soup can at 60 yards in a seated position with little effort and a cheap 4x scope. It also shoots cheap and expensive pellets well. (It likes Barracuda Match the best over long distances, but Crossman Premiers also shoot well at reasonable distances and are dirt cheap.
You can buy an upgraded Plenum from eBay if you want even more shots per fill.
Any drawbacks? The action is a little gritty in terms of loading when you first get it, and it is not as smooth of a trigger as the German Rekord on the R7 and R9s…but this is just picky stuff.
Just a bit of advice from a seasoned air gunner, buy an electric PCP pump. So worth not having to deal with a hand pump.A terrific carbine that shoots as well as some high-end German rifles which are more than 4x the cost. A no-brainer purchase. Get one! Being as balanced in this reviews as I can: About the only thing that I can say as a negative is that the multi shot magazine is total garbage.
The spring inside is weak and often fails or comes out of its small retaining hole. This ruins the magazine. Buy the internet sold aftermarket mags for the Notos instead. They do not fail and are not made in China garbage.
Steve Olsen
3. Umarex Ruger Targis Hunter Max: All-in-One Performer for Small Game
- Turbo Nitrogen Technology (TNT) Gas Piston: Delivers powerful and smooth shots at 800 FPS with .22 caliber pellets.
- Ergonomic, All-Weather Stock: Built for durability in all conditions, with checkered rubber inserts for a firm grip.
- Integrated Nucleus Rail: Exclusive to Umarex, ensures scope stability and reduces vibrations, preserving accuracy.
- SilencAir Noise Dampener: Built-in 5-chamber suppressor for quieter shots, ideal for maintaining stealth in the field.
- Adjustable 3-9×32 Scope: Precision optics for improved targeting and shot accuracy.
- Lightweight and Durable: The all-weather polymer stock and rubber recoil pad provide comfort for long hunting sessions.
Really, it is a true showstopper for the hunters who require both power and precision in their air rifle. From my experience of having this air rifle, this is an absolute beast while hunting small game. The TNT gas piston system can offer a velocity of up to 800 FPS, which makes it perfect to knock down targets easily.
I find especially nice on the Ruger Targis Hunter Max the SilencAir noise dampener. Your shots are quite quiet, which, of course, is vital to hunting stealthily. The Nucleus rail, built into the rifle, gives you a very stable platform for the 3-9×32 scope, so after a few shots, your zero never leaves you.
On the other hand, an ergonomic stock with checkered rubber inserts offer very tight hold, even in hot and wet hunting conditions. An adjustable nylon sling also further enhances its portability, giving you an easy trekking through the woods while carrying.
In short, the Ruger Targis Hunter Max is a balanced rifle that puts together reliability and power with stealth and comfort. It is appropriate for serious hunters to use in boosting small game hunt activities.
Helpful Review
Very good varmit gun, it’s pretty heavy and very well built. It’s not terribly loud either but it is noticeable to neighbors. There’s an automatic safety that pushes toward you when you prime the pump, you must tick it off each time before a shot.
I’ve gotten accurate shots up to 100 feet, the scope is a pain in the ass to zero though. It has fake knobs that screw off to adjust a flat plastic piece that is soft and will get damaged if you use pliers to adjust.
The iron sights are easy to adjust and are pretty accurate, even though my rear is canted slightly it’s much more reliable than the scope. It’s a good scope, don’t get me wrong. It just doesn’t stay zeroed for long and is a pain in the ass like I said.
You’re probably going to need a second shot occasionally because of this and I’ve taken to reloading very fast after I get a hit, just in case I have to put a more fatal shot in.
It has plenty of power to kill, just don’t rely on the scope if it’s zoomed in very far you will need to rezero anytime you change anything.
Daleo
4. Gamo Swarm Maxxim Generation 2 Pellet Rifle
- 10X GEN2 Quick-Shot Technology: Horizontal magazine integration for a more compact and lightweight design with faster, smoother follow-up shots.
- Whisper Maxxim Noise Suppression: Dual noise dampening chambers and improved muzzle break design for quieter shooting.
- IGT (Inert Gas Technology): Pneumatic gas piston provides smoother, more consistent power with reduced vibration for increased accuracy.
- CAT (Custom Action Trigger): Independently adjustable 1st and 2nd trigger stages for a personalized, smooth, and crisp pull.
- Recoil Reducing Rail (RRR): Reduces recoil impact on the scope, ensuring long-lasting accuracy and scope durability.
- SWA Recoil Pad: Adjustable shock absorber with removable cells for added comfort during extended shooting sessions.
The Gamo Swarm Maxxim G2 is the latest technology air rifle that stands out with its advanced 10X GEN2 Quick-Shot Technology. In integrating the magazine horizontally into the rifle, this has reduced its profile, making it lighter and more compact, while increasing its 10-shot capacity. This innovation is very suitable for small game hunters who find themselves needing to fire multiple shots quickly and with minimal effort.
One impressive feature would be Whisper Maxxim sound suppression, enabling much noise reduction through its dual-chamber dampening system. Coupled with this is that Swarm Maxxim G2 is a good stealthy hunt due to the masking of the shooter from his prey.
It has consistent power of the IGT gas piston system that reduces vibrations at cocking and thus is giving smooth power. For producing enough terminal velocity with desired accuracy, in hunting small game such as rabbits or squirrels, this air rifle is required.
CAT Custom Action Trigger – This trigger pull puts the control right in your hands to deliver crisp, clean shots according to your preference. Coupled with the Recoil Reducing Rail that reduces scope recoil, the Swarm Maxxim G2 is a guarantee of long-life accuracy and durability.
Overall, the Gamo Swarm Maxxim Generation 2 is one heck of a very impressive, high-performance rifle that combines state-of-the-art technology with ease of use and superior stealth. This is a proper tool for hunters who may desire quick follow-up shots, less noise, and comfort.
Helpful Review
I bought this Gammo .22 Cal after my tried and proven Ruger .177 finally gave up. I mainly use the air rifle in a residential neighborhood to eradicate squirrels. The Rugar did an ok job but I wanted something with a little more power.
Pros and cons:
Pros: This air rifle packs a punch; I can usually dispatch a squirrel with a single shot at distances of 100+ feet. The accuracy is good. With a good hold, trigger control, and follow through, I can cover 3 shot groups at 75’ with a ½ dollar and many times with a quarter. This is plenty accurate for what I need. The balance of the air rifle is good. The optics are an adjustable 3-9 scope.No parallax adjustment and no focus adjustment for different distances but for the money, it’s what I expected. The air rifle does come with a clamp-on rail system and the kit includes the rings. The trigger isn’t too bad for what this is (some take-up and creep but once you get a feel for it, the trigger is consistent). I like the composite stock. It’s “grippy” enough. I’ve never had the benefit of a 10-shot magazine and will say that it is nice not having to reload and fumble with a pellet for each shot.
Cons: The cocking barrel is operated with a heavy spring. I have to place the butt on the ground and operate the barrel cocking with two hands. I am however small at 5’8” and 130 lbs. I’d be confident that larger people could operate it with one hand. I also appreciate how quiet the air rifle is. I missed a squirrel at about 30’ and it didn’t even flinch.
Biggest complaint is that the owner’s manual is of NO BENEFIT. The manual contains too many inaccuracies, and it just does not provide useful information to properly setup the air rifle. For instance, the 10-shot magazine instructions are useless. Nothing to help know which way the pellets go in (point first or base first) and nothing to show how to insert the magazine into the breach.
There is nothing in the manual on the trigger adjustments. Although there is a small allen head where you’d expect it to be for adhusting the trigger, there are no detials and nothing to indicate the proper size allen wrench or whether it is SAE or metric.
Overall I’m very happy with the air rifle and look forward to running out of targets very soon. Captain Moore
5. Crosman C362 Classic: Timeless Design Meets Modern Efficiency
- Compact .22-Caliber Single Shot: Delivers up to 875 fps with .22-caliber pellets for efficient small game hunting.
- Rugged, Water-Resistant Synthetic Frame: Designed for durability and easy pumping, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions.
- Fully Adjustable Rear Sight: Helps maintain accuracy for consistent target shooting and hunting success.
- Variable Pump Action: Allows shooters to adjust the power, making it suitable for learning and advancing hunting skills.
- Ideal for Small Game Hunting: Perfect for beginners aiming to hunt small game like rabbits and squirrels, as well as for range practice.
- Crosman Legacy: Backed by over 100 years of innovation and trust in the air rifle industry.
Though ranked lower here, the Crosman C362 Classic is still a top-of-class contender, beating up nearly any newcomer and seasoned hunter in terms of reliability and versatility. This variable-pump, single-shot air rifle represents a modern take on the classic Crosman design, delivering compact, durable functionality. It shoots .22-caliber pellets at an impressive 875 fps, making it powerful enough to deliver effective small game hunting at a respectable price point.
The rear sight is adjustable, meaning that accuracy can be ensured at ranges and in the field. Its rugged, water-resistant synthetic frame ensures that nothing gets destroyed. It makes it an essential companion for all sorts of weather conditions.
The variable pump action characteristic of this shotgun will define your shooting experiences because users can already tailor or set up different types of power outputs. It’s suitable both for practicing good aiming or taking on small game.
For those beginning their journey in small game hunting or competitive target shooting, the Crosman C362 Classic is an excellent choice blending classic craftsmanship with modern technology. It’s built to last and shoots well, which is why this particular air rifle must be in every serious contender’s kit when learning how to hunt with the air rifle.
Helpful Review
Disclaimer: First rifle I received was a lemon, 6-to-7-inch groups at 25 yards with possible keyholing, returned for a replacement through Amazon and the new one is dead on accurate, consistently punching cans at 50 yards as I would expect from a Crosman. Now to be fair, when any company is mass producing air rifles at these numbers, lemons are going to happen from time to time, it’s just in the nature of mass production.
Now to the rifle itself, it’s nearly everything I want in a multi pump air rifle, .22 caliber, proper bolt action, full size, non-fiber optic sight, excellent trigger, easy to pump and a plethora of possible mods as it is built off of the tried-and-true 1300 series. Also, the use of a magnet to hold the pump arm in place instead of a plastic wear prone latch like on the 2100 is a massive improvement as it will naturally last far longer albeit at the expensive of louder noise when pumping.
The BIG design flaw with this is the single screw that holds down the fixed buttstock, this can loosen and cause the action to rock when pumping, and it still slightly rocks when tightened while pumping. It REALLY needs a second hold down screw under the rear sight to keep the action firmly in place at all times. I would rate this rifle 4.5 out of 5 if I could due to this.
Changes that would be nice: Beef up the rear stock, its rather thin, while this might be nice for kids and smaller hands, it feels lacking to someone who has larger hands. Another improvement since these are popular with modders, I think cutouts for the safety pin in the stock would be a thoughtful quality-of-life feature for people who want to mod their rifles since you would need to remove the safety pin to take the stock off as it is.
Overall, it is a rifle with a LOT of potential.
Sam
6. Umarex Zelos: Lightweight Excellence for Every Hunter
- 26-Inch Barrel in a 36-Inch Bullpup Design: Offers impressive power and accuracy in a compact form.
- 20-Round Auto-Indexing Rotary Magazine: Enables extended shooting without frequent reloads.
- Adjustable Pressure Regulator: With 1000-2000 PSI adjustable settings and a 3625 PSI tank for optimized performance.
- Shoots .22 Caliber Pellets at Up to 1000 FPS: Delivers high velocity for precise, impactful shots.
- Integrated Picatinny Rails: For easy attachment of optics and accessories.
- Side-Lever Cocking Mechanism: Provides excellent ergonomics for smooth and quick operation.
Although the Umarex Zelos .22 is at the tail end of the list, it’s certainly not a middle-of-the-road option. An upper-end air rifle with a high-end price, the Umarex Zelos rests firmly within the premium category based on precision, built, and features. The Zelos delivers performance that is unmatched, and those serious about their guns will truly appreciate the top-tier technology.
The bullpup design allows a long 26-inch barrel to be packed into a 36-inch overall length, providing powerful shots with the added benefit of easy handling. Its 20-round auto-indexing rotary magazine minimizes reloads, and with the adjustable pressure regulator and high-pressure tank, you can easily tune the rifle for maximum performance using your preferred ammo.
With an accuracy of 1000 FPS and a customization possibility for a custom muzzle device, this Umarex Zelos .22 is, in fact, a versatile high-performance rifle perfect for those who are truly serious about air rifle shooting. Integrated Picatinny rails, an adjustable two-stage trigger, and the side-lever cocking mechanism all guarantee a seamless ergonomic shooting experience with 360-degree customization to suit even the most temperamental shooters.
For those who want high-performance precision with loads of power and innovation, the Umarex Zelos .22 is worth every penny, even if it comes with a higher price.
Helpful Review
I like everything about it. It misfired one time in about 1,000 shots; nothing came out, and on the next shot two came out.
I like everything about this rifle.
Rafael
Responsible Dove Hunting: Preserving Life and Values and Securing Safety
Responsible hunting serves to safeguard wildlife, uphold ethics, and protect all parties involved. The following are some key considerations:
- Identify Your Target And Beyond: Make sure your target is clearly visible and know what lies behind it to avoid causing possible harm.
- Use Adequate Power for Humane Kills: Seek air rifles with sufficient power for quick kills that would end the bird’s struggle much sooner.
- Follow Bag Limits and Usage Guidelines: Only harvest what you will eat to avoid wasting meat.
- Wear Safety Attire: Eyewear is essential, and if you use loud rifles, ear protection is also important; put on highly visible clothing, especially if you plan to hunt in areas open to the public.
- Respect Private Property and Wildlife Laws: Hunt only in designated areas and observe local and state regulations.
FAQs About Air Rifles For Dove Hunting
1. Are there any laws governing hunting doves with air rifles in the USA?
Yes, but the laws vary according to the states. Check local hunting regulations and laws before hunting.
2. Which air rifle is more suitable for dove hunting, PCP or spring-piston?
PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) is more quiet, consistent, and best for precision shots, so they are the guns well-suited for dove hunting. Spring piston guns are cheaper, but for accuracy shots, more skills and practice will be required.
3. What time of day is ideal for dove hunting?
The best time is early morning and late afternoon, as doves are most active during these hours. These periods also ensure better visibility and milder weather conditions.
4. Which kind of pellets is suitable for dove hunting with air rifles?
For dove hunting, heavyweight pellets like domed or hollow-point are most suitable. They deliver better accuracy and penetration for humane kills.
5. Is there an ethical issue with air rifle hunting?
Yes, ensure clean and humane kills avoid overhunting respect local wildlife systems always look for vital areas and do not take shots if you’re unsure of the kill.