How quiet is an air rifle?

Author:

Steve

Published:

August 21, 2021

Updated:

August 31, 2023

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Hunters and shooters know the importance of a quiet rifle. A single noise can be enough to scare away your prey or alert an enemy in the distance.

This is why many hunters use air rifles for hunting small game such as rabbits or pigeons, the lack of noise that these weapons produce makes them ideal for this type of activity.

Air rifles are significantly quieter than more conventional firearms as they use compressed gas to propel the pellet. Most air rifles produce sound in the region of 70 to 90 decibels although this sound is very localised to the weapon and does not travel like the noise produced by cartridge based rifles such as rimfires.

What is an air rifle?

An air rifle is a gun that uses compressed air to shoot small projectiles.

The compressed air is delivered either via a disposable cartridge of gas or by cocking or pumping the rifle to generate a charge.

In terms of noise output, they are much quieter than traditional firearms as there is no explosive charge used to propel the pellet and there is no need for a cartridge or shell casing to be ejected once fired.

This makes them ideal for hunters who want to minimize their presence when hunting game, and for people who enjoy shooting recreationally without disturbing others nearby.

Top 5 Quietest Air Rifles

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Is .177 or .22 quieter?

.22 pellets are quieter than .177.

They are larger and heavier which means that they travel with less velocity resulting in less discharge volume.

However, the noise difference is pretty minimal and your choice of air rifle should be made based on what you will use the weapon for as opposed to how quiet it is.

If you want to shoot small game such as squirrels or pigeons, then a .177 will be sufficient due to its smaller diameter pellets (although it does not necessarily have to be .177, any calibre between 5.5mm and 6mm will be suitable).

If you are looking to shoot larger game such as rabbits or feral pigs, then a .22 is more appropriate due to its increased power which means that it packs much more of a punch when hitting its target.

Should I buy a .177 or .22 air rifle?

.177 is a solid caliber choice for small mammals like squirrels and rodents, as it is generally capable of firing faster velocity pellets.

What are the benefits of air rifles?

Air rifles have a number of advantages over traditional firearms, some of which we will be looking at here.

They Are Quieter Than Other Weapons

As outlined above, air rifles produce significantly less noise than other types of weapons. One test carried out by an American television program showed this to be true, they shot a .22 calibre rifle a few metres away from an airgun and then again with an air rifle.

The .22 produced sounds of approximately 100 decibels whereas the latter only reached levels of between 70 and 80 dB. This is significantly less than what you would expect to hear if someone were to fire a gun in your direction.

They Are Much Safer Than Other Weapons

Air rifles are also safer to use than other forms of weaponry due to the fact that there is no risk of an explosive charge being exploded or a cartridge ejecting. These facts mean that even if you were to drop your weapon, there is little risk of it firing unexpectedly.

They Are Easy To Maintain

Compared to other types of weapons, air rifles are very easy to maintain and do not require much in the way of maintenance when they are used regularly. A small amount of lubrication is usually all that is required every month or so depending on how often you use your weapon.

This makes them ideal weapons for beginners, as you will find that their ease of use makes it easier to build your skills as a shooter. It also means that they are suitable for children too, although adult supervision should always be provided.

They Are Cost Effective To Operate

Air rifles can also be extremely cost effective to maintain, and they are also cheaper to buy.

Pellets are much cheaper than those used for other weapons.

If you are looking for a weapon that is cost effective and economical to use, then an air rifle would be a good choice of weapon.

What considerations should I take into account when buying an air rifle?

There are a variety of considerations that you need to take into account when buying an air rifle. Paying attention to these will ensure that you are armed with all the information you need before making a purchase.

They include:

The Size – make sure that the weapon is suited for your needs, and that you are able to handle it.

The power – depending on the type of game that you intend to hunt or the targets you want to hit, a powerful rifle could be required.

The Price – some rifles can cost thousands of pounds or more which is not an investment everybody can make. If your budget is more limited, then be prepared to compromise on a few features.

The Safety Features – air guns are usually safe weapons but you still need to use them with caution and make sure that you do not point it at anyone or anything that could be damaged by the pellets.

How do you use an air rifle quietly?

Using an air rifle is relatively straightforward and, unlike other rifles, you will have no trouble keeping the rifle quiet.

It uses compressed air to propel a pellet out of the barrel.

There are different types of airgun, including spring-piston, gas ram and pre-charged pneumatic.

Once you have loaded your cartridge or cylinder with pellets, you will need to cock the weapon (partially) before you can fire it. This is done by pulling back the cocking rod (or cocking lever).

Position the sights on your target and squeeze the trigger to fire.