Ive shot 1000s of rabbits with an air rifle,both 177 and 22.The 177 shoots flatter ,further and alot faster than a 22.With the right pellet the 177 hits very hard and kills rabbits instantly at 40-50yds(provided the air rifle is somewhere near 12ft lbs).Most people who say that the 22 is better have never tried the 177.Try it and you will be pleasantly suprised