What’s the secret to a successful rabbit hunt? Many experienced hunters will tell you it starts with the right tool in your hands. Choosing the perfect rabbit hunting gun can feel like navigating a maze. You want accuracy, reliability, and something that feels right when you shoulder it. But with so many shotguns and rimfires available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure if you are picking the best one for your needs.
Getting the wrong firearm can lead to missed opportunities and frustration in the field. We know you want equipment that helps you connect with those quick, darting bunnies. That is why we dove deep into the world of rabbit hunting weaponry. By the end of this post, you will understand the key features that matter most, from caliber to choke. Prepare to learn exactly which types of guns excel in various hunting scenarios.
Table of Contents
Top Rabbit Hunting Gun Recommendations
- USE YOUR CHOICE OF .177 CALIBER(4.5mm) PELLETS OR BBs for tons of shooting fun with plenty of power for target shooting and backyard plinking.
- CONSISTENTLY HIT YOUR TARGETS WITH A 20 Inch Rifled Barrel, included 4x15 Scope, and Adjustable Fiber Optic Sights.
- FUN AND EASY TO USE MULTI-PUMP POWER with a real working Bolt-Action. Load up to 50 BBs or one pellet at a time.
- BETTER LOOKING AND MORE RELIABLE AND POWERFUL than competitors Multi-Pump BB Guns, and the Black Ops Junior Sniper Rifle shoots BBs or Pellets.
- SHOOT AMMO UP TO 800 FPS with premium pellets for maximum accuracy even at long range.
- Excellent for hunting/For PCP rifles only
- Content: 200 air gun pellets
- Pellet Caliber/Weight: . 177 / 15. 74 Grains
- For air pistols / rifles with a minimum muzzle energy of 18. 5 ft. lbs
- Screw-on lid prevents accidental pellet spills
- caliber: 0.22
- quantity: 200 pellets
- Quality materials used for all primos products
- 100 percent designed and tested for the toughest situations and environments
- Whether you are a professional, recreational user, or even casual, primos will fit the mold for all types of people
- Hands-free option
- Sport type: Hunting
- AIR RIFLE SMALL GAME PELLET GUN: BB gun rifle is ideal for small game hunting or target shooting with high-powered Break Barrel action for long-range accuracy. These pellet guns for adults will keep you shooting and having a good time.
- ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ง๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฃ: Use your choice of 0.177 caliber (4.5mm) air gun rifle pellets for tons of shooting fun with plenty of power for target shooting and small game hunting. This pellet rifle has a comfortable grip that helps you settle in for your shots.
- ๐ญ๐ด-๐๐ก๐๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐: Engineered with spring piston technology for a smooth trigger pull, the 1200 Air Rifle fires .177 caliber pellets up to 1300 FPS for impressive power and consistency. Pellet air guns accurately hit your targets with an 18-inch rifled steel barrel, included 4x32 rifle scope with covers, and adjustable fiber optic sights.
- ๐๐๐๐-๐ฃ๐ข๐ช๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ง๐ฆ: Shoot ammo up to 1,300 fps with premium pellets for maximum accuracy even at long range. This air guns for adults break barrel piston can fire high-powered shots rapidly. The 1200 has unmatched long-range accuracy. Itโs sleek, smooth, and quiet as you need a sniper rifle to be.
- ๐ก๐ข ๐ ๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฎ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ง๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐ฆ: Thanks to the spring loaded firing mechanism you'll be able to shoot for a full day without needing to replace any air cartridges or wear out your arms pumping your rifle!
- โถ Rated for .22 Caliber Air Guns - Up to 950 fps, Rated for .177 Caliber Air Guns - Up to 1200 fps (NOT FOR .22 LR)
- โถ Length: 11.8 inches, Yellow Target: 1.5 inches, Orange Target: 2 inches, Target Thickness: 3mm
- โถ The color is bright and can be clearly seen in the distance. When hitting, it makes a sound and gets feedback in time
- โถ When shooting, first hit the Yellow target plate above, and then hit the orange target plate below to reset
- โถ It has multiple use scenarios, can be inserted into the ground and trees. (NEEDS THE HELP OF AN ELECTRIC SCREWDRIVER FOR INSTALLATION)
- AUTO RESET: Fix the pellet gun target on the ground, first shoot the yellow round target above, then the 2" target below to reset the unit and start over. There is no need to walk or pull the rope to reset the target unless you go to get another bottle of beer.
- MATERIAL AND DURABLE: The BB gun targets are made of heavy-duty steel, this resetting target set ensures reliability and longevity, Even with long hours of shooting target practice. Rated for .177 .22 air rifle pellets.
- EASY TO SET UP: The spinner reactive targets only take 10 seconds to set up and start shooting with its lightweight and portable design perfect for outdoor and backyard pinking.
- CORROSION RESISTANCE: Made from high-quality lightweight steel with a corrosion-resistant powder coating, this shooting target is durable and long-lasting, ensuring confidence while using it in various outdoor environments.
- PRODUCT DESIGN: Full steel animal rabbit silhouette on the front, the thickness of the yellow round target is 3 mm, Size: 21.2'' x 5.7'' (54x14.5cm), Weight: 2.4lb (1.1kg)
- Hunting Conducive:BLISSWILL hunting Backpack made of waterproof premium soundless fabric,to give hunters quick, quiet access to gear.precise stitching,lightweight and durable.Camo pattern:maximum camouflage during hunting.Size:20.9*14.7*10inch.Weight:1.4kg.
- Unique Design:Upgrades with compass,can be used to judge direction in hunting.In an emergency, sound the lifeguard whistle.
- Ergonomic Design:Expandable pocket to carry your gun or compound bow securely, and an adjustable torso system, you can comfortably carry your hunting essentials, padded shoulder straps, a padded cool mesh back, an adjustable sternum strap and a waist belt,decompressed,breathable and comfortable
- User-Friendly :Ergonomic design,Unique strapping system makes it easy for heavier load. Bottom pocket built-in removable blaze flag . You can see your location at a glance outdoors, easy to find
- Carry a weapons system๏ผExternal straps and boot carry your rifle or your bow The compression straps on the front and sides make it easy to stabilize bulky loads. Providing an impressive 3087 cu.in(50L)
The Essential Rabbit Hunting Gun Buying Guide
Picking the right firearm for rabbit hunting makes your trip safer and more successful. Rabbits are quick targets, so you need a gun that handles fast action. This guide helps you choose the best tool for the job.
Key Features to Look For
1. Gauge and Caliber
For rabbits, most hunters prefer smaller shot sizes. A 20-gauge shotgun is often the top choice. It offers enough power to bring down a rabbit cleanly but has less recoil than a 12-gauge. If you hunt in thick brush, a .22 caliber rimfire rifle can also work well for accuracy.
2. Barrel Length and Choke
Shorter barrels are better for moving through brush. A shorter barrel makes the gun easier to handle. For shotguns, the choke controls how spread out your shot pattern is. A modified or improved cylinder choke usually works best for rabbits. This gives you a spread wide enough for moving targets but tight enough for decent range.
3. Weight and Balance
You might carry your gun for hours. A lighter gun reduces fatigue. Good balance means the gun points naturally when you raise it. Test how the gun feels in your hands before you buy it.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used determine how long your rabbit gun lasts and how well it performs.
- Receiver and Barrel: Look for strong steel. Stainless steel resists rust better, which is great if you hunt in damp weather. Aluminum receivers keep the gun lighter but might feel less durable than steel.
- Stock and Forend: Traditional wooden stocks look nice. However, synthetic (polymer) stocks are often better for hunting. Synthetic materials do not warp when wet and handle bumps better.
- Finish: A matte or blued finish reduces shine. Bright metal can scare skittish rabbits away.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Boosters:
Good sights improve accuracy. Fiber optic or simple bead sights help you line up the shot quickly. Smooth actions mean the gun cycles reliably. When you pull the trigger, the firing mechanism must work instantly. High-quality rifling (in a rifle) or smooth barrels (in a shotgun) ensure the projectile travels straight.
Quality Reducers:
Poorly finished internal parts cause sticking and jamming. Heavy, rough triggers slow down your reaction time. Cheap plastic components break easily under stress. If the metal isn’t treated well, rust quickly damages the gun.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you hunt rabbits changes what gun you need.
- Walk-Up Hunting (Flushing): If you walk through tall grass or woods, you need a fast-handling shotgun. Quick aiming is vital. A 20-gauge with a shorter barrel shines here.
- Still Hunting (Waiting): If you sit quietly near a known rabbit trail, accuracy over distance is more important. A light, accurate .22 rifle gives you a precise shot when the rabbit finally appears.
- Beginner Hunters: New hunters should choose a firearm with low recoil, like a lighter 20-gauge shotgun. Simplicity in operation also helps beginners learn faster.
Rabbit Hunting Gun FAQs
Q: What is the best gauge for rabbit hunting?
A: The 20-gauge shotgun is generally considered the best all-around choice for rabbits. It balances power and manageable recoil.
Q: Should I use a rifle or a shotgun for rabbits?
A: Shotguns are better if you are moving or if there are multiple rabbits close together. Rifles offer better precision for single, stationary targets at slightly longer ranges.
Q: How does barrel length affect my rabbit hunt?
A: Shorter barrels are lighter and easier to maneuver in thick brush. Longer barrels can sometimes offer a slightly better sight plane but can slow you down.
Q: What is a choke, and why does it matter for rabbits?
A: The choke narrows the end of the shotgun barrel. For rabbits, you want an open choke, like ‘Modified’ or ‘Improved Cylinder,’ so the shot spreads out enough to hit a fast-moving, small target.
Q: Is a synthetic stock better than wood for rabbit hunting?
A: Yes, synthetic stocks handle rain, moisture, and bumps much better than wood. They require less maintenance.
Q: What is recoil, and why should I care?
A: Recoil is the backward kick you feel when you fire the gun. Lower recoil means you can shoot more comfortably and stay on target for follow-up shots.
Q: Are expensive rabbit guns always better?
A: Not always. A mid-range gun with good basic features (like reliable cycling and decent sights) works great. Spending more usually gets you nicer finishes or lighter weight, not necessarily better core performance.
Q: What kind of ammunition works best?
A: For shotguns, use birdshot or #6 shot size. For rifles, standard velocity .22 Long Rifle ammunition is effective.
Q: How important is the gun’s finish?
A: The finish is very important for durability. A good finish protects the metal from rust and corrosion caused by weather and sweat.
Q: Can I use my deer rifle for rabbit hunting?
A: You can, but it is not ideal. Deer rifles often use powerful cartridges that will destroy a small rabbit. A smaller caliber rifle or a shotgun is the preferred choice.