Air rifles come in two variations: .177 caliber PCP air rifle and .22 caliber air rifle. Your choice of air rifle will likely come down to these two models. These two airguns dominate the market and cater to different needs. It’s the airgun world’s version of “PC vs Mac”.
Airguns have a wide range of practical, recreational, and competitive uses.
How do you know which one is right for you? It depends on how you plan to use it. Here’s a detailed comparison of the ballistics, legal differences, best use cases, accuracy, and cost. This blog will break it down for you and help you decide which one’s better for you: a .177 caliber PCP air rifle or a .22 air rifle.
Ballistics Comparison
The .177 Caliber PCP air rifle
These blasters are fast and light. A .177 caliber PCP air rifle pellet usually shoots at over 900 feet per second. This means that:
§ Pellet weight is typically 7.0 and 10.5 grains.
§ Velocity often exceeds 900-1000 FPS (feet per second).
§ Lower kinetic energy due to lighter weight (usually between 11-13 FPE).
§ A flatter trajectory means that it travels longer distances before dropping.
§ Great for plinking targets at 25-50 yards.
§ Less power means less damage. It reduces the risk of damage if you miss the target.
The .22 Caliber air rifle
This one’s a heavy hitter. The .22 is slower (maybe 700-800 FPS) but makes up for it with weight and impact.
§ Pellet weight ranges from 14.0 to 21.0 grains.
§ Velocity is generally slower, averaging 600-900 FPS.
§ Higher energy (15-30 FPE) due to greater pellet mass.
§ The drop is more pronounced, requiring range estimation skills.
§ It hits harder (for targets like squirrels and pigeons).
§ It’s louder, heavier, and packs a punch.
If you are looking for something with value precision at longer ranges, the .177 caliber PCP air rifle’s flatter trajectory will meet your needs. For more stopping power and impact (particularly hunting) .22 air rifle would be the better choice.
Legal Considerations
Laws regarding airguns are different in different regions and countries. Airgun ownership and use in India are governed by the Arms Act,1959, and the Arms Rules, 2016. Caliber and muzzle energy play a role in the legislation of airguns.
.177 caliber PCP air rifle
They are more widely accepted and are exempt from licensing if:
§ The caliber is .177 inches (45mm) or less
§ Muzzle energy is 20 joules (15 FPE) or less
They must be purchased from a licensed dealer. The buyer must be above 18 years old, and a valid ID and address proof are required at purchase.
.22 caliber air rifle
They need a license if:
§ Caliber exceeds .177 inches (i.e., .22 is larger)
§ Muzzle energy exceeds 20 joules (~15 FPE)
Most .22 caliber airguns in India require a gun license, especially if they are PCP rifles or powerful springers with high muzzle energy.
Summary Table
|
Specification
|
.177 caliber PCP air rifle |
.22 Caliber air rifle |
|
Caliber Size
|
≤ 0.177 inches (45mm) |
>0.177 inches |
|
Muzzle Energy
|
≤ 20 joules (legal limit) |
Usually, > 20 joules |
|
License Requirement
|
❌ Not Required |
✅ Required |
|
Legal Use Without License
|
✅ Yes
|
❌ No |
|
Best for
|
Sports, training, plinking |
Hunting, pest control |
Some Important legal considerations:
§ Transport: You cannot carry airguns in public unless they are secured and with a valid reason.
§ Hunting: The Wildlife Protection Act makes it illegal for even licensed airguns to be used for hunting most wildlife.
§ Replica airguns (they look like real firearms) are restricted regardless of caliber.
Best Use Cases
|
Use Case |
.177 Caliber PCP air rifle |
.22 Caliber air rifle
|
|
Target Shooting
|
✅ Excellent choice for paper punching |
❌ More drop, less ideal for precision targets
|
|
Small Game Hunting
|
Possible but limited stopping power |
✅ Preferred for humane dispatch |
|
Pest Control
|
Suitable for small pests only |
✅ Better for rats, squirrels, and similar
|
|
Youth/Beginners |
✅ Lightweight and easier to manage |
❌ Heavier recoil and weight
|
Choose a .177 caliber PCP air rifle for target work and training. If hunting or pest control are your goals, go for a .22 caliber air rifle.
Accuracy and Precision
.177 caliber PCP air rifle: It has a flatter trajectory, so you don’t have to be as precise with your range or aiming adjustments. There’s less guesswork. It’s great for hitting bullseyes. Wind resistance is higher due to lighter pellets.
.22 Caliber air rifle: Its trajectory requires more skill and calculation. It offers better terminal accuracy due to increased mass. It has lower susceptibility to minor obstacles like foliage or wind gusts.
For consistent bullseye shooting, a .177 caliber PCP air rifle will perform better. For terminal accuracy on a target, a .22 caliber air rifle will be a better choice.
Cost Breakdown
.177 caliber PCP air rifle
§ Rifle cost is often slightly cheaper
§ Pellet cost is lower and higher in availability
§ Maintenance is comparable
§ Accessory costs are the same for scopes, mounts, etc
.22 Caliber air rifle
§ Rifle cost is slightly higher due to the build
§ Pellet cost is higher, but not too much
§ Maintenance is comparable
§ Accessory cost is the same for scopes, mounts, etc
The .177 caliber PCP air rifle is slightly more affordable in the long run.
The Arawn from Trajectron is a new contender and a model to look out for. It is a world-class airgun with high durability and robust design. This airgun is compact and lightweight for ease of travel. You can order it online with no hassles.
Closing shots
Whatever the reason, if you are into shooting, you’re in for a good time. The kind of air rifle you want to start with depends on your skill as much as your purpose. Both calibers are solid choices. It all boils down to how you plan to use them.
If you are into target practice or paper shooting, a .177 caliber PCP air rifle is your best option. Target practice requires a lot of ammunition or pellets. Pellets are more affordable for the .177. It is the ideal choice for a beginner or for a youngster trying to get into the sport.
If pest control or small-game hunting is your purpose, the .22 Caliber air rifle should be your choice. It has a better knockdown power and will compensate for any wind gusts because of the heavier pellets. It requires more skill, and the shooter will have to adjust for the pellet drop. Pellets are more expensive than the .177.
With the information provided in this blog, you are armed to make an informed call. When you are certain about your skill and clear about the purpose, then the choice is clear. Keep the cost breakdown also in mind when you make a decision. Legal considerations should always be followed when getting into this sport.
Get ready to hit the bullseye! Happy shooting to all the marksmen and women out there!