The Benjamin air rifles are powerful and inexpensive (I own a Sheridan), but they’re too loud for your purpose. If you’re going to own just one pellet rifle, consider the RWS Diana in .177 cal. It’s a bit pricey, but you’ll be proud to own it.
I’ve never owned a side-lever type, due to paranoia over placing my fingers in the breech of a cocked spring airgun.
.177 or .22? I prefer the flatter trajectory and longer useful range of the .177, but you may find either caliber fit for your purpose. Scopes are not needed for airguns, they seem more to get in the way.
I remember getting a solid hit on a fair-sized Grackle with my Diana .177, and walked over to examine it, picking it up by the wingtips. The body fell away, leaving me holding each wing by the tip, due the size of the exit hole in the bird’s back.
Thank you all for the advice.
Heading to Acadamy now to see what they have . . .
Leaning toward rifle, break barrel, that “whisper” one if they have it.