I’ll let you in on a tip that most preppers overlook—one that could save you a ton of money while keeping you well-fed in a long-term survival scenario.

You don’t need a .22 rifle for small game hunting. In fact, an air rifle is the smarter, more cost-effective choice, and here’s why.

The Hidden Advantage of Air Rifles

A good .22 rifle and quality ammo aren’t cheap. And when supply chains go down, finding affordable .22LR cartridges could be a nightmare. But an air rifle? That’s a one-time purchase with ammo that costs next to nothing. You can stockpile thousands of pellets for the price of a few boxes of .22 rounds. That means long-term sustainability without draining your wallet.

And before you ask—yes, an air rifle can absolutely take down small game like rabbits, squirrels, and birds with precision. Modern air rifles are powerful, accurate, and quiet, making them perfect for survival hunting.

Air Rifle Laws—What You Need to Know

Unlike traditional firearms, air rifles in California are easier to own and use legally. 

Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• No License Required – Unlike standard firearms, air rifles typically don’t require a permit to buy or own. However, some areas have strict regulations on pellet guns, so always check local laws. 
• Age Restrictions – You must be 18 or older to buy one, but minors can use them with parental consent.
• Transport Rules – Always carry it unloaded and in a case when traveling.
• Hunting Regulations – Air rifles are legal for small game hunting, but you need at least a .177 caliber. Check the latest regulations from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for seasonal restrictions.

Best Air Rifles for Preppers

Now that you know why an air rifle is a prepper’s secret weapon, let’s talk about the best options. When choosing a rifle, you want something powerful, reliable, and easy to maintain. 

Here’s what I recommend:

1. PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) Air Rifles – The Top Choice for Serious Hunters

Why It’s Good for Prepping:

• Powerful, accurate, and capable of taking down small to medium game.
• Can fire multiple shots without reloading.

Best Models:

• AirForce Condor (.22 or .25 cal) – One of the most powerful air rifles available, great for serious survivalists.
• Benjamin Marauder (.22 or .25 cal) – Extremely quiet and accurate, perfect for stealth hunting.
• FX Impact M3 (.22, .25, .30 cal) – High-end and modular, but an investment worth considering.
• Hatsan AT44 (.22 or .25 cal) – A solid entry-level PCP rifle for those new to airguns.

Downsides:

• Higher initial cost.
• Requires a hand pump or compressor to refill the air reservoir.
• More maintenance than other airgun types.

2. Spring-Piston Air Rifles – Simple and Reliable

Why It’s Good for Prepping:

• No external power source needed—just cock and shoot.
• Lower cost and easy to maintain.

Best Models:

• Weihrauch HW97K (.22 cal) – Excellent German engineering for long-term reliability.
• Diana RWS 34 (.22 cal) – A classic break-barrel design that just works.
• Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X Gen 3i (.22 cal) – A rare multi-shot springer, great for faster follow-up shots.

Downsides:

• Some recoil (but manageable).
• Louder than PCP rifles.
• Not as consistent from shot to shot.

3. Gas-Piston (Nitro Piston) Air Rifles – A Smoother Alternative

Why It’s Good for Prepping:

• Quieter and smoother than spring-piston models.
• Less recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately.

Best Models:

• Benjamin Trail NP2 (.22 cal) – A powerful, quiet rifle with minimal recoil.
• Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1 (.22 cal) – Built-in sound suppression makes it stealthy for hunting.

Downsides:

• Can be expensive to repair if something breaks.
• Limited ability to tune or modify for more power.

The Smart Preppers Choice

If you’re serious about long-term survival, a PCP air rifle in .22 or .25 caliber is your best bet. If you want something lower-maintenance and cheaper, a spring-piston or gas-piston model will still get the job done.

Bottom line

While everyone else is fighting over dwindling .22LR supplies, you’ll have an air rifle and thousands of rounds of cheap, effective ammo. That’s called thinking ahead.

Make the smart move and add an air rifle to your prep today. You’ll thank yourself later.