Did you know that airguns have been used for hunting as early as the 15th century? These were expensive items for the time, so only rich men could afford them. The oldest preserved airgun is currently housed by the Royal Armoury Museum in Stockholm, and it dates from about 1580. The early quietest air rifle models had notable advantages over the rudimentary firearms of those times. First of all, they were quieter, they had no muzzle flash or smoke, and they could also be discharged in wet weather. Moreover, they could discharge faster.
These features are present in today’s air rifles as well, only differently, as you might imagine. If you are looking for a really quiet air rifle, you should know that we have gathered a lot of information about these guns that can help you make the right decision. Also, the quiet air rifle reviews below will get you acquainted with the top-rated models on the market today.
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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Gamo Silent Cat Air Rifle |
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Hatsan BullBoss Quiet Energy PCP Air Rifle |
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Gamo Raptor Whisper Air Rifle |
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Benjamin Trail Nitro Piston 2 Air Rifle with Scope |
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Gamo 611006325554 Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle |
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Stoeger X20S Suppressor Spring Piston Air Rifle |
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Gamo Wildcat Whisper Air Rifles |
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Quietest Air Rifles Reviews
1. Gamo Silent Cat Air Rifle
High-velocity is one of the most appreciated features of the Gamo Silent Cat air rifle. Even though it is a bit slower than other competitive models, it will enable you to hit your targets just where you want them.
Furthermore, the skeleton buttstock of this rifle is worth mentioning. Its remarkable design makes this powerful weapon lightweight as well as extremely comfortable to use. This model is a great choice for predator and varmint control. However, it can also be used as a very effective target shooting gun.
No matter what activity you need it for, this model shots fast and it enables you to hit your target exactly where you want it to. Thanks to the break barrel design, you will be able to load the rifle easily by simply breaking down the barrel. Once you finish loading, it, you only need to put the barrel back together and start shooting.
Pros
- Even though it is very lightweight, this rifle is made of durable and high-quality materials
- The gun comes with a 4×32 air rifle scope with rings
- The accuracy level of this model is excellent
Cons
- The scope’s windage and elevation adjustments are not very easy to operate
What characterizes this .177 air rifle is its accuracy in shooting while not making a lot of noise. It is a great option for hitting both paper targets as well as small critters such as squirrels. This model can effectively be used in suburban settings to eliminate varmints without alarming your neighbors. The Hatsan BullBoss Quiet Energy PCP Air Rifle is a short and compact rifle but the barrel is 23 inches long. For this reason, it is capable of delivering velocities of up to 1170 FPS using lead pellets. Moreover, the rifle is equipped with a fully adjustable two-stage match trigger. Another thing you might like about this gun is the weight displacement of the bullpup design that distributes its 8.6 pounds really well. Therefore, follow-up shots are very easy to perform since you can also keep the rifle shouldered while operating it. Pros Cons This model is equipped with a whisper noise dampener which reduces the noise created when operating it. Even though it is a bit louder than other products in this line, it is also more powerful and can be used for bigger games. The Gamo Raptor Whisper Air Rifle comes with a break barrel action, so it can only shoot one bullet at a time. The power source of the rifle comes from the Inert Gas Technology that is a gas-piston. Since it is built with a steel barrel with a fluted polymer jacket, the gun is not the most discreet model in this line. However, it still produces a lower noise level than most air rifles. Even though the unit is equipped with a synthetic stock, it still has a reliable shock wave absorber recoil pad as well as a textured pistol grip and forearm. The adjustable two-stage Smooth Action Trigger makes this model a good choice for beginners. Pros Cons What makes this rifle so quiet is its advanced Nitro Piston Technology that is usually quieter compared to a spring-piston. Even though it is a supersonic gun, you can use this gun without worrying you might disturb your neighbors. You should know that it is not the quietest model available, but it makes less noise than many competitors. The barrel of this gun is synthetic. You can efficiently use the Benjamin Trail Nitro Piston 2 Air Rifle with Scope for hunting but bear in mind that it weighs over nine pounds with the scope mounted. Therefore, it might not be the best choice for small-figured shooters. It is, however, a good option is you are looking for efficiency with a lower price tag. This model can shoot up to 1400 FPS and deliver 23-foot pounds of energy which makes the unit a deadly weapon. The unit is also equipped with a fully-adjustable trigger which is an excellent feature for such a unit. Pros Cons Usually, scopes that already come on rifles are not the greatest options in terms of performance and quality. However, the Gamo 611006325554 Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle is equipped with a really good scope, so you will not have to waste time and spend more money on another optical unit for this air gun. This rifle is suitable to be used in suburban and even rural areas for varmint and predator control. Even though it makes very little noise, this model is able to hit targets really hard. The gun operates using Inert Gas Technology and delivers a lot of power. You will probably be very pleased with the unit’s accurate and precise shooting capabilities. What is more, this air rifle can be used even for larger games such as foxes or coyotes. Also, thanks to the Shock Wave Absorber Recoil pad, this model delivers 74% recoil absorption. Pros Cons In case you are looking for an air rifle that is effective, quiet and is able to hit most shots accurately, the Stoeger X20S Suppressor Spring Piston Air Rifle might be exactly what you need. This model is an excellent choice for both varmint control and target shooting. It delivers nice and accurate shootings even from 30 yards. Besides being one of the quietest products in this line, it also comes at an affordable price. The synthetic stock is tough and reliable. The reason why this rifle is so quiet is its improved system that merges the functions of an internal air-regulator ring and baffles that operate in tandem to reduce noise. While other airguns use only sound dampening baffles, this model is designed with the Dual-Stage Noise Reduction System. The air-regulator ring comes with four decompression holes which bleed off most of the compressed air prior to the pellet even entering the baffles. Therefore, the remaining compressed air disperses throughout the baffles, reducing the noise. Pros Cons Gamo is a company that uses its Inert Gas Technology gas piston for their rifles to launch pellets faster and deliver more consistent shots. This model is no exception. The Gamo Wildcat Whisper Air Rifles function well in cold weather, they offer smooth cocking, and are more durable than metal spring powered guns. This air rifle is a great choice for pest control and hunting small game. The 4×32 mm scope enables you to pick-off hard-to-see and small targets. The noise-muting Whisper Technology that has a double integrated noise dampener makes this model ultra-quiet. This reduces the risk of alarming your targets and maximizes your chances of hitting those annoying pests. Since it features a sturdy all-weather synthetic stock, this air rifle merges maximum performance with all-weather durability. Moreover, due to the use of the latest technologies, this model weighs only 5.64 pounds which makes it extremely comfortable and convenient to carry out in the field. Pros Cons In order to understand how can rifles become quiet, it is also important to discuss and understand the levels of noise. Since this article is about the quietest air rifles, the level of noise of each model is extremely important. Even though all seven air rifles are considered very quiet, some deliver less noise than others. If you live in an area with neighbors close to your home, you might want a model that is very quiet so that you will not disturb them. Also, if you want to hunt small animals, a quiet air rifle will also help you keep your stealth and not frighten your targets when hunting. So, in order to understand the noise levels air rifles make, you will need a baseline. We will start at the threshold of hearing, which is when you hear absolutely nothing, and it produces 0 Decibels. A quiet house interior or rural nighttime generates around 20 decibels. A quiet office interior or the watch ticking produces 30 dB. Moving on, the decibel level of people having ordinary conversations in an office is around 60, while a band playing in a bar can reach approximately 110 dB. The threshold of pain which is 64 times as loud as a conversation is considered to be between 120 and 140 decibels. Most quiet air rifles produce between 88 and 94 decibels at point black and between 64 and 69 at a 50-yard distance. Of course, there are models that are capable of producing less noise. But now that we’ve discussed various noise levels from normal environments, you might ask yourself: why are they even called quiet air rifles? Well, you should know that most firearms generate somewhere between 120 and 170 decibels. Therefore, if we are to compare the two categories of weapons, air rifles are definitely the least noisy. Air rifles are usually quiet compared to other types of guns, but sometimes the situation requires finding really quiet solutions. For example, if you live in an urban environment and have many neighbors around, making a lot of noise while getting rid of pests is not the best option. Therefore, an air rifle that makes the least amount of noise possible is an excellent choice. What makes an air rifle quiet is its power source. The most popular ones are PCP or precharged pneumatic, spring-piston, and compressed air. Precharged pneumatic air rifles use a cylinder of compressed air. When the trigger is pulled, some of the air is released from the bottle at high pressure. These types of rifles are usually the quietest. Some models require maintenance, as the bottle needs to be recharged. Pump air rifles are also considered PCP rifles. However, recharging the bottle is done every time you pump the gun. For the PCP air rifles that do not have a pump, recharging the bottle is done similarly to recharging a Scuba bottle. Spring-piston air rifles use a spring that is compressed by the shooter. Usually, this is done through a break at the breech or another type of lever. The spring is decompressed when the trigger is pulled, and a pocket of air gets released from a piston and it is then pushed forward. Spring-piston rifles are louder because of the internal moving parts as well as the spring that slams forward every time you shoot. In the case of compressed gas air rifles, a cartridge that uses CO2 or another type of gas propels the round. These guns are also quiet, but they are not very powerful. They also require the cartridges to be replaced frequently. As a conclusion, PCP air rifles are the quietest option. However, they are also the most expensive ones. If you need something really quiet, this is the best choice. Still, if this aspect is not that important you have other options as well. Airguns have a rich history and, thanks to the current technology, a good quiet air rifle is a great choice for your tactical gear. These silent weapons excel in small game hunting such as rabbits, birds, squirrels, as well as other small varmints. In the past, air rifles have been used in many battles and events. We have, for example, the famous Girandon air rifle that was used during the Lewis and Clark expedition around the 1780s. This early air rifle could penetrate plywood at 100 yards. Even though it had to be pumped over 1,200 times to reach enough pressure to fire 40 bullets, it was a remarkable weapon at the time. In the past years, these weapons started to come back with new technologies. So, why use a quiet air rifle and what are the benefits? For example, this is a great feature when you miss the first shot. Since there is no loud sound, your target is unaware of what happened, so you will be able to take another soundless shot. Moreover, and we have mentioned this before, you will not be bothering your neighbors while you are trying to get rid of varmints around your home. Pellet guns are extremely easy to shoot. They are easy to point and even more user-friendly for beginners and inexperienced shooters. Do not get this the wrong way! Air rifles are no toys, and they can certainly do a lot of damage. Still, they are more appropriate for beginners than firearms. Airguns are often available for very reasonable prices, and so are the calibers. You can practice with an air rifle even if you have a limited budget. Moreover, spring-piston air rifles only require pressured air that is provided by a pump to shoot. This is a great option in terms of long-term usage. Pellet air rifles are often equipped with iron sights, and they are extremely accurate. With a reliable air rifle scope, the user can shoot very close groups. You can even hit small games from a 10 to 50 yards distance. Air guns, in general, are legal to own and use in most areas. Since they are not considered firearms, you are not required to have a gun permit to own one. This will save you a lot of time and trouble. However, before you actually buy an air rifle, make sure you check your local legislation, just in case. An air rifle can be kept secret from outsiders or even your kids, for example, with an air-sealed container, together with a maintenance kit and some pellets. All that you need is a PVC pipe with two end caps. You can hide or bury the container, whichever you like. It is known that airgun pellets do not lose their quality easily. Since they are simple metal pieces, there are no cases, primers, or powders to worry about. With minimum tool supplies, you can even cast your own calibers by yourself. As already mentioned, air rifles are not toys, and can even prove to be dangerous. Serious injuries and deaths have been recorded caused by airguns. However, the number of these cases is infirm compared to the deaths and injuries generated by the use of firearms. It does not matter if you are browsing through pellet pistols, airsoft sniper rifles, or air rifles, it is never a good idea to take the word of the seller when deciding to purchase one. There are certain aspects you should consider if you want to get the quietest air rifle which also best suits your needs. First of all, you need to consider where you are going to use your air rifle. If you are going to shoot around your home and if you have neighbors close by, you will need a model that is really quiet so that you will not freak out those living near you. This aspect may not be so important if you need an air gun to practice target shooting in the field, far away from other people. This is another aspect that you should bear in mind before ordering the first model you can find. Do you need an air gun for pest control? For target shooting? Or do you need one for hunting? This will also determine the power and the caliber you need for your rifle. Many air guns can be used for both small game hunting and target practice. For such activities, you should look for the 20 and 22-caliber air rifles. However, if you are going to be using the weapon mostly for hunting, you should look for models that are specifically designed for this purpose. Target shooters and hunters require an extremely quiet air rifle rather than a very powerful one due to the location and purpose of the activity. Still, if you need a powerful weapon that can take down a game, you should get a model that fires below 1,200 FPS. This is the maximum point where the pellet breaks the sound barrier and makes a loud popping sound. As a general rule, the heavier the pellets are, the more power is needed to push them through the barrel. If you need a very quiet air gun, you should not use pellets that are heavier than 177 or 22-caliber range because they are too powerful and make a lot of noise. No matter what application you need the air rifle for, accuracy is as important as silence and velocity when shooting. If you keep missing the target, it will become quite frustrating. Rifles that shoot at a 1,000 FPS velocity with heavier pellets tend to be more accurate. However, if your target is at a 35 to 50 yards away, you should also use a reliable air rifle scope. Your air rifle should be made of high-quality materials. This will ensure that you are able to use and enjoy your gun for a long time to come. If the model you select is made with cheap materials, you will soon discover that you have wasted money and time for nothing, and you will have to resume your search. Furthermore, quality materials also ensure a good performance of your rifle. Look only for products provided by trusted manufacturers, and read as many customer reviews as you can. This will give you a good idea about the item’s performance and durability. Whether the quiet air rifle is for hunting, target shooting, or pest control, you need to be able to handle it comfortably. If the gun is too heavy, you will encounter issues when using it. You will not be able to hold it properly as your hands will tire very soon. If you have to carry it for long distances, again, you will become tired very soon. There are many models available on the market that come equipped with all sorts of accessories. For example, if the one you select has a good air rifle scope, you will not have to waste even more time and money looking for such an item. Also, we suggest getting an air rifle with good reflex sights as they will increase your accuracy when shooting. You may also opt for a model that comes with a strap or a case. Of course, it is up to you and your needs. You should not overlook the regular maintenance of your airgun. Look for an appropriate cleaning kit for your type of rifle and make sure you perform all the necessary procedures following the gun’s maintenance requirements. If you do this, not only will you be keeping the performance of your gun at a high level, but you will also be able to enjoy it for a very long time. The durability of a quiet air rifle is not only provided by the materials it is made of, but also by the way to take care of it. Even though air rifles are definitely quieter compared to other types of guns, some models might not be as silent as you might like. If you want to make less noise when shooting with your air rifle, there are certain things you can try. Silencers are also known as suppressors, sound suppressors or moderators. Their purpose is to limit the noise that is produced when the gun is fired as much as possible. A silencer is basically an accessory that can be added to the end of the air gun and that limits the sound emitted when shooting. Some suppressors work better than others. Depending on the air rifle’s power source, some guns are louder than others. For instance, a silencer is more effective on a PCP air rifle than on a spring-loaded model. In the case of PCP air guns, the loudest noise is made when the compressed air exits the barrel. Adding a silencer on such a weapon reduces this sound very effectively. Things can be a bit trickier with spring-piston rifles because the noise is partially generated by expanding the spring which is located within the weapon, and it does not come from the muzzle. Some noise is also produced by the piston movement, as well as when the air exits the barrel. Therefore, on some types of air rifles, using a sound suppressor might not make a big difference to you, but it may reduce the sound heard from further away. It is also possible to build your own suppressors for your air rifle. While some people might believe that an air rifle silencer might affect accuracy and power, it is not true at all. Actually, by adding a suppressor you might even increase your accuracy because you will no longer be worried or distracted about excessive noise. Furthermore, a sound moderator does not affect a rifle’s power. This aspect is influenced by the choice of ammunition you are using. Still, it is important to mention that attaching a silencer to your air rifle will add extra weight and length to your weapon. This requires a change in balance and the way you carry the gun. It may also affect the impact point of the pellet, so you should readjust your sights to account for this modification. Besides using a sound suppressor, there are other things to consider as well, if you want your shots to be as quiet as possible. Some shooters use subsonic ammunition. This type of ammo travels below the speed of sound when fired. As a consequence, the sound produced is much lower than that generated by trans sonic or supersonic ammunition. The choice of pellet is another important aspect in terms of silence. Usually, a lighter pellet travels faster than a heavier one. The latter is a better choice because its weight slows it down a bit, generating less noise. Another way to reduce the noise produced by your air rifle is to clean it with cleaning pellets and without using any cleaning solvents. Then, try shooting over 75 pellets. Airguns are known to quiet down after shooting a number of pellets that are sent down the barrel. Even if it seems strange, this method can help burn off any remaining lubricants from the barrel. In case you plan on plinking in your backyard often, you can use your house as a noise barrier, provided you have enough space in your yard. If you shoot from the other side of your house, it will prevent the noise from reaching your neighbors. This is, of course, if space and layout permit it. Even though the federal government does not commonly regulate air guns, there are some state and local governments that do. According to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, there are currently 23 states and the District of Columbia that regulate air guns to a certain degree. States such as New Jersey and Rhode Island consider all non-powder guns as firearms. Illinois defines certain high-power and large caliber non-powder guns as firearms. Connecticut, North Dakota, and Delaware consider non-powder guns as dangerous weapons but not firearms. Other states regulate air guns by imposing age restrictions or explicitly regulate possession on school grounds. Also, along with state laws, some local country laws and ordinances may be imposed. Therefore, before you buy an air rifle, you should check if there are any local restrictions you should keep in mind. You can read more about air gun laws. There are air rifles that are extremely accurate and have velocities that are more than capable of delivering a kill shot. 22, 30, as well as 45-caliber rifles, can hit targets from distances of 20 to 100 yards. A 45-caliber air rifle has enough killing power even for a white-tailed deer. However, you should know that only very few states allow air guns to be used for hunting big animals. Therefore, if that is the intended use for your air rifle, you should check the local legislation before you purchase it. Also, make sure that the rifle you decide on has enough power and velocity to deliver that kill shot. You should also have a lot of accuracy in your shooting if you decide to go for this type of hunting. Hurting and torturing an animal before actually managing to kill it is not the way to go. This depends on the design of your air rifle. Break-barrel rifles, for example, can be quite inaccurate when used with a scope. Since you will be constantly breaking the barrel, it can become loose over time. Even if it’s microscopical, the minute or arc in mind can make a big difference at long ranges. The way to see this is by using open sights as they are attached to the part of the barrel that moves. Therefore, your accuracy will remain constant. When a scope is mounted, it is sighted according to the position of the barrel. If the position of the barrel loosens over time, it can create all kinds of accuracy issues when using the scope. With this type of airguns, such problems are unavoidable. If you want to mount a scope on your hunting tool, we recommend using a fixed-barrel spring pneumatic air rifle. These types of rifles require cocking them using a lever that is usually placed on the side or even underneath the barrel. Since you will not have to frequently move the barrel, your scope will always stay in place, adding extra accuracy to your every shot. When it comes to airguns, getting the quietest air rifle is the best option after taking into consideration a number of factors. Among these, such an item allows you to shoot without disturbing others as well as keeps you hidden from your targets when hunting. Since the market is so rich and the sellers go to the moon and back to convince you that their product is the best, finding a reliable quiet air rifle can be a bit tricky. Fortunately, we have prepared this article to help you out with your search. The quiet air rifle reviews should offer a good idea about the models that are currently available on the market. Also, our buying guide, as well as all the other information we managed to compile, should provide you with all the necessary knowledge you might need in order to make the most suitable choice, tailored around your particular needs. 2. Hatsan BullBoss Quiet Energy PCP Air Rifle
3. Gamo Raptor Whisper Air Rifle
4. Benjamin Trail Nitro Piston 2 Air Rifle with Scope
5. Gamo 611006325554 Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle
6. Stoeger X20S Suppressor Spring Piston Air Rifle
7. Gamo Wildcat Whisper Air Rifles
How Quiet is Quiet?
Decibels
What Makes an Air Rifle Quiet?
Power source
Gas Air Rifles
Benefits Of Quietest Air Rifles
1. Quiet shots
2. Perfect for beginners
3. Affordable price
4. Accuracy
5. Legal in most states
7. Pellet quality
8. Safer
Quiet Air Rifle Buying Guide
1. Environment
2. Intended use
3. Power
4. Caliber and pellets
5. Accuracy
6. Materials and durability
7. Weight
8. Accessories
How To Make an Air Rifle Quieter?
1. Silencers
2. Do silencers affect performance?
3. Ammunition
4. Other ways to reduce noise
FAQ About Quietest Air Rifles
1. Do I need a licence to buy a quiet air rifle?
2. Can I use my quiet air rifle to hunt bigger games?
3. Can I use a scope with my air rifle?
Quietest Air Rifles Comparison Chart
Product Length Weight(Pounds) Caliber Price Gamo Silent Cat air rifle 46,0" 5,28 177 $$$ Hatsan BullBoss Quiet Energy PCP Air Rifle 36.8" 8,6 177 $$$$$ Gamo Raptor Whisper Air Rifle 44.5" 5,64 177 and 22 $$ Benjamin Trail Nitro Piston 2 Air Rifle with Scope 46.25" 9,8 177 and 22 $$$$ Gamo 611006325554 Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle 46.5" 8 22 $$$$ Stoeger X20S Suppressor Spring Piston Air Rifle 43" 7 22 $ Gamo Wildcat Whisper Air Rifles 44.5" 5,64 177 and 22 $-$$$ Wrap Up