I concur with the advise provided by other posters.
Specifically:
-A basic gun safety course is always a good idea, even if you are just using airguns. Especially if you don't have a lot of experience.
-I really doubt a sub 500 fps airgun is going to kill a raccoon, unless it is a head shot at point blank range. Even if it is a .22 cal. Raccoons normally don't attack people, unless you are a threat to them or their young. So for self defense from raccoons, just keep your distance & carry a big stick. My feeing is never shoot at any animal, unless you have a powerfully enough airgun to humanly kill it with one shot.
- Not sure an airgun is your best idea to defend against any animal. Though some people in the southern USA talk about using them to defend against snakes.
- Indoor basement ranges can be a lot of fun. Although some say you need 30 ft. to set up a range, I have found that anything over 20 ft. should work well.
- Proper planning in setting up a basement range is always a good idea. Lots of articles on the subject. Here is parts of a 3 part article on it;
https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2006/12 ... -1bb-guns/https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2006/12 ... llet-guns/-I find Crosman Hollow points are a good basic hunting pellet. But for indoor target shooting I prefer flat head pellets. I really like Stoeger X-Match Precision .22 cal. flathead pellets
-Some replica air rifles require a PAL. For example, the Umarex Legends Cowboy Lever Action, Ruger 1022, Sig Sauer MPX & MCX, etc.
So good luck and happy shooting.
BTW, to some, it is an addiction, not a hobby.