Hunting a squirrel is never going to be an easy task. Squirrels are very small in size and move swiftly. A good rifle can make your task easy and can bring joy to the experience. It is a difficult task to buy a suitable rifle if you do not have any prior knowledge. Our team spent 124 hours reviewing and testing the top rifles on the market to bring you the most efficient air rifle for squirrels.
Editor's Pick | 4.9/5 | |
 | Bear River Pellet Gun |
Table of Contents
What makes an air rifle worth the buy?
Caliber size
One of the most important aspects to look for while buying a rifle is the caliber size. Mostly, there are two sizes available, 0.177 and 0.22. Both have their pros and cons but any of them can be used depending upon your usage.
The following two questions are important to consider while deciding the caliber size.
- Which regulations are recommended?
First, you should check out the rules and regulations of the State and then make your choice according to those laws. Your hobby must not harm anyone else. We will never recommend having a product that is not under the laws of your state.
- What will be the distance of your target from your position?
If you are an experienced shooter and confident over your accuracy then .177 is going to be perfectly fine for short-range. You are going to experience accurate headshots especially if your target is small like squirrels. Also, .177 are easily available everywhere and are not that much costly.
Sometimes people explain that with .177 squirrels are still alive after a shot. Our research suggests that in that case there is always a problem with the accuracy of the hunter.
Having said that if you are looking for perfection then you should go for .22 caliber. It is never going to leave a squirrel or any other small pest alive. Way more downrange energy is provided for the identical power plant. And will never disappoint even if you are in search of a big game.
Noise Level
Noise level becomes an important factor if you have to use the rifle in an urban area. You should always have the consent of your neighborhood. It would be nice if you help them in finishing squirrels from their gardens.
Always prefer a rifle with less noise level. Otherwise, it can be a problem for your neighborhood as well as for yourself.
Air Rifle Type
Often people buying a rifle for small game are beginners. So, it is very important to select the type which fits you the best. You can choose any of the break barrel, CO2, or PCP rifles.
Top 8 finest air rifles for squirrels
| Image | Name | Features | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear River Pellet Gun | ☞Caliber: 0.177 ☞Speed: 1300 fps | 4.9/5 | View Product |
 | Magnum Air Rifle | ☞Caliber: 0.177 ☞Speed: 1650 fps | 4.7/5 | View Product |
 | Gamo 6110017154 Varmint | ☞Caliber: 0.177 ☞Speed: 1250 fps | 4.6/5 | View Product |
 | Hatsan Air Rifle | ☞Caliber: 0.25 ☞Speed: 650 fps | 4.8/5 | View Product |
 | Gamo Swarm Maxxim | ☞Caliber: 0.177 ☞Speed: 1300 fps | 4.7/5 | View Product |
 | Benjamin BPM77B-N Maximus | ☞Caliber: 0.177 ☞Speed: 1000 fps | 4.9/5 | View Product |
 | CrosmanAirr | ☞Caliber: 0.22 ☞Speed: 950 fps | 4.8/4 | View Product |
 | Umarex Ruger Air Magnum | ☞Caliber: 0.22 ☞Speed: 1200 fps | 4.6/5 | View Product |
1. Bear River Pellet Gun- Best air rifle for squirrels
Key Features:
- Caliber: 0.177
- Speed: 1300 fps
Bear River Pellet Gun is designed perfectly and includes some of the best features to attract customers. It has a synthetic stock with a pistol grip to give you an ultimate hunting experience.
One of the top features includes a high-quality rifled steel barrel. Also, a 6 inches Picatinny rail is equipped with a single magnification scope. You do not need to worry about the range as it shoots with a 0.177 caliber projectile.
It is perfect for the squirrels and some other small games while it may need a high caliber to deal with larger ones. It is not a rifle with the highest velocity, but it doesn’t hinder its performance for small games.
2. Magnum Air Rifle – top-selling air rifle for squirrels
Key Features:
- Caliber: 0.177
- Speed: 1650 fps
Most of the beginners find this product perfect to start their hunting journey. It is a .22 caliber air rifle and never disappoints you with its damage. You are surely going to like its sturdiness.
Beginners are also fond of it due to its lightweight. It is very easy to handle and you can lock your targets without any difficulty. It never over hits the squirrels with its crystal-clear shots so that you can enjoy the maximum of the neat meat. Magnum Air Rifle is very stable and has less recoil. The target escape ratio is going to be minimal with this beauty. It has plenty of features, front sight and rear sight are also part of the package. 74 percent of the felt recoil is minimized by its recoil pad. Also, you can use this rifle in the rainy season without worrying about its durability.
3. Gamo 6110017154 Varmint- good air gun for squirrels
Key Features:
- Caliber: 0.177
- Speed: 1250 fps
Varmint is a great example of a classic rifle with amazing features. It is an affordable product with a .177 caliber size. If your shooting range is up to 30 yards, then you will get satisfied with its accuracy.
It is a powerful and skillful rifle. Our research and public reviews suggest that most of the users are pretty much satisfied with its performance. Squirrels will always fall after due to its powerful shots.
The only drawback of this air gun is its noise. It produces a loud noise which can disturb you as well as your surroundings. So, you always need to inform your neighbors first if you are using it in an urban area.
4. Hatsan Air Rifle – best air rifle pellets for squirrels
Key Features:
- Caliber: 0.25
- Speed: 650 fps
Hatsan Air Rifle is one of the most popular choices at a very attractive price. You can easily clean your backyard from squirrels in less than two weeks by using it.
It is one of the best shooting guns for squirrels. It is .22 caliber and has great accuracy. A beautiful walnut wooden stock is used to increase its classy look. Also, there’s a clean break for the trigger which is not often found in this price range.
It delivers a velocity of a minimum of 800 fps. In our recommendation, it is not suitable to use .177 with it. It does not have enough power to handle it accurately. Another drawback with it is its weight. Most reviewers complained about its heavyweight.
5. Gamo Swarm Maxxim- budget efficient Air Rifle for squirrels
Key Features:
- Caliber: 0.177
- Speed: 1300 fps
Looking for a rifle in a range of 200$? You can have an impressive rifle Gamo Swarm Maxxim in this range. It’s always going to be a fun experience when this product is in your kit. It is equipped with a ten-shot magazine so keep firing without any need to reload earlier.
You need to be careful with the pellets some may get stuck. You can use it in a range of 60 to 70 yards with accuracy but if you want perfection then it is best for 25 yards.
A pretty good scope is also part of the whole package. It is not like other ordinary scopes with the rifles. You can utilize it for the ultimate experience.
6. Benjamin BPM77B-N Maximus- most popular airgun pellet
Key Features:
- Caliber: 0.177
- Speed: 1000 fps
Benjamin BPM77B-N is a top-notch PCP rifle. If you want to get rid of the loud noise of the rifle you should use a PCP rifle. They are much calmer than the Springer ones.
If you want to have the best PCP, must try this one. A lot of features are the reason behind this bold statement some of them are its price, easy to use technique, and its accuracy.
It is much lighter in weight and you can carry it very easily anywhere. It’s loading time is minimal and is very convenient to load. Also, you will never be disappointed with their customer care service. They always respond on time and have a great customer service policy.
You can have fun with the most accurate headshots by using it. For small game, you are not going to miss the target due to the gun at all.
7. CrosmanAirr Durable Rifle for squirrel hunting
Key Features:
- Caliber: 0.22
- Speed: 950 fps
With a size of .22 caliber and a lot of power, you are going to hit each squirrel with this rifle. It is a powerful rifle, especially at short range.
Your targets are never going to get butchered. It offers great accuracy so that you can hit as many headshots you want. The top velocity using the alloy pellets is 950 fps.
The design of the rifle is also very elegant. It is 45 inches long and includes a scope with the 4x33mm magnification power. The trigger of this rifle is very special. It is adjustable up to two stages and is a light cocking force trigger.
This is an ideal option to get rid of pests from your backyard. Squirrels are always in danger while facing this beast.
8. Umarex Ruger Air Magnum – Air rifle for squirrels and small game
Key Features:
- Caliber: 0.22
- Speed: 1200 fps
This rifle is produced by a trustworthy brand. The market value of this brand is always reviewed to be great. It features a synthetic stock that is light in weight and adjustable up to two stages.
You can enjoy both, the pest control, and the small game with it. It is only possible because of its high caliber. It is equipped with a mounted fixed magnification scope. Single-shot cocking is used to make its breaking barrel up to date.
Furthermore, its never going to be heavy on your pocket. Speed and range of the rifle is also very appropriate for squirrel hunting. In short, squirrels are never going to escape if your shot is accurate
Conclusion
If you are in search of the perfect air rifle to hit down squirrels, we have made your task a bit easier. Keeping in mind the requirements of most of the customers and some most recent required features we have enlisted 8 best air rifles.
Choose the best rifle according to your needs and have fun but keep in mind the safety of other people. Don’t forget to follow the rules and regulations of the state you live in.
FAQs
1. Which air rifle is best to deal with the squirrels?
Bear River Pellet Gun is designed perfectly and includes some of the best features to attract customers. It has a synthetic stock with a pistol grip to give you an ultimate hunting experience.
2. Is airsoft gun sufficient to hit the squirrel?
No, it is not sufficient. It is only used to keep the squirrels away with the intention of keeping them alive with minimal damage.
3. Do we need .22 to kill a squirrel?
It is recommended since a headshot with a .22 leaves no chances of survival. .177 is also usable but it is not as powerful.
4. In which season I should go for squirrel hunting?
If you are looking for the best time, then winter mornings are the perfect opportunity.
5. Can I find squirrels at night?
No, squirrels are mostly available in the evening and morning hours. Usually, they rest at night.
6. How to attract squirrels before hunting?
Food is the best way to attract any animal. You can spread their favorite food and then just wait for their arrival.
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