Best Air Rifles For Squirrels (Reviews & Buying Guide 2022) • Airgunmaniac

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Once upon time, all rodents lived in harmony and shared their meals.

Squirrels and rats are all part of the ecosystem.

The squirrels loved nuts and would eat them all.

They met up, just like squirrels, to discuss how to hoard nuts without being noticed.

They are skilled at finding food and are well-known for being creative.

They are even able to find nuts one foot deep in the snow.

So began the hunt.

To spice things up,  the squirrels decided to cheat the other rodents.

They bought a camouflaged bag to store all their nuts.

They were shocked when the rats called them.

They were forced to move into the nearby bushes after being thrown from the house.

But they still keep coming back for more – using their acrobatic, intelligent, and adaptable means.

rabbit facts Garden Rescue: Best Air Rifles For Squirrels (Reviews & Buying Guide 2022)

Squirrels can be cute and adorable in certain ways but they can become dangerous if left alone for too long.

They dig in your grass, chew on bark from trees, and nibble on your flowers. 

Is Squirrel a Rodent? For more information, see this post

Let’s look at some of the methods that can aid in getting rid of the squirrels:

Repellants

A squirrel repellant can be purchased at most pet shops.

For squirrels to see, apply them to the bark of your trees.

deter1 1 Garden Rescue: Best Air Rifles For Squirrels (Reviews & Buying Guide 2022)

Trapping squirrels

This is for situations in which squirrels aren't abundant.

The traps work because squirrels are curious when they see anything that looks like it is a hole.

They want to go through and that’s how you catch them.

trap 1 Garden Rescue: Best Air Rifles For Squirrels (Reviews & Buying Guide 2022)

Deterrent odors

This is an addition to other methods.

The squirrels will not come to your house if you use ammonia bags or cotton balls soaked in ammonia.

Shooting squirrels

Only two things are required: some pellets, and an airgun.

The hunting method allows you to get rid squirrels of any size and at any moment.

Many believe that shooting squirrels is an excellent way to kill them, as it doesn't require the use of any chemicals that could pose additional dangers to other animals or people.

Squirting directly also eliminates them, and keeps them away.

You also get to treat yourself to a sumptuous meal if you’re feeling adventurous, provided you ascertain that the squirrel meat is safe.

They are easy to prepare and can make up a portion of your diet. 

For squirrel removal, an air gun is the best weapon.

Continue reading to learn which air rifles are best for hunting squirrels.

(How long do squirrels live? For more information, see this post

The top ten rifles you can use for squirrel hunting

The perfect squirrel rifle will give you a precise target at your main goal.

Your rifle should be able to perform the hunting techniques you select.

Here's a list of ten best squirrel hunting rifles to invest in.

  1. Benjamin Trail NP Air Rifle
  2. Weihrauch HW50S break barrel rifle
  3. Air Arms S510XS Regulated FAC PCP Air 
  4. Hammerli 850 air magnum 
  5. Gamo whisper-silent Cat 
  6. SIG Sauer Mcx CO2 Rifle, Black 
  7. Air Arms TX200 MK 11 air rifle
  8. Hatsan MOD 130s vortex QE Break Barrel Air rifle
  9. Benjamin Marauder PCP air rifle Synthetic stock
  10. Diana 350 Magnum Stiker Combo

Before I get into the details about these air rifles, let me tell you what it takes to hunt squirrels.

Tips for squirrel hunting

If you don't take squirrels seriously, you won't be able to see them.

They will scarper if they see you.

Therefore, aim at the squirrels without them being aware.

Here are some useful tips to help you hunt squirrels.

Understanding your quarry

Don’t confuse bush squirrels for park ones.

Squirrel hunting is a painful experience.

These masters in evasion will avoid detection at all costs.

Their places of refuge are in wooded areas. 

Here's a trick they fall for.

You might be able to lure them by your slow and stealthily finding your way under an oak tree.

You can gently rustle the leaves with your hand. 

Your hand mimics the sound of a squirrel feeding, and other people will follow your lead.

Boom! You'll start to notice many of them coming.

The master of scent – the dog 

You will have noticed that most wood hunters own hunting dogs.

The scent of smell and sight are the main means for dogs to hunt.

Once they have spotted the squirrels, they bark at the hunter to alert them. 

The twist is this: After being trained, the dog circles the area, encouraging the squirrel to move around branches and trunks.

Whoa! You're already here.

You can find the right place to trigger the trigger by paying closer attention. 

This is the perfect opportunity for you if your skills are in making precise shots.

Even better, your dog may be able to help you save your prey by wagging it.

Spot and stalk

This can be extremely productive.

The best time to see squirrels is at dusk and dawn

They will continue to be fed throughout the day.

Avoid frightening them by moving slowly and carefully scanning the treetops. 

While squirrels are busy picking nuts, the squirrels will notice the shuffling leaves and rustling twigs.

If the woods get so silent, calm down – they already know you are nearby.

They will return once they have cleared the coast.

You should always be prepared with a fully-cocked firearm. Get ready to make your move, and I will thank you later.

The leaves are falling

Focus on the low-lying nuts during fall.

The squirrels will seek out the fallen nuts covered in leaves.

The squirrels won't be visible at all during the day.

You should plan to arrive in the woods as soon as possible.

They enjoy gnawing on their food while they keep an eye out for predators.

The sign of prematurely chewed nuts or piles of shavings can be used to indicate they were present.

They are more likely to return.

Let them find the hickory nuts by sitting still.

It is now still, and it is concentrating on the meal.

This should not be a difficult task.

By the creek

You're probably aware how refreshing and relaxing streams and creeks can be.

Believe me, squirrels love them too.

The lazy squirrels will be found if you run the creek by an oak or a Hickory tree. 

They are tired from all the day's runs and will settle here because they don't fear any danger from the water.

Make sure you spot one and aim straight at it.

And now into the main business for the day – How do you choose an air rifle for hunting squirrels?

How to choose the right air rifle for hunting squirrels

You often experience confusion as a buyer when trying to identify the best hunting rifle.

There is a lot of competition in the market and each rifle is different.

Consider these factors next time you are out rifle shopping.

Caliber

Your shooting confidence will increase if you have the right caliber rifle. Bad shooting habits will be caused by a bad caliber rifle.

Experts have shown that squirrels require only 9 FPE to die.

This is possible with the.177 caliber.

However, larger calibers can be purchased to increase the killing force.

(This article will explain how to choose the best air gun caliber for you game.

How big is your cartridge?

How many shots per shot do you need to hunt squirrels?

If you hunt deep woods or thickets, you should choose a heavier cartridge.

It is worth looking into something that provides approximately 50 shots per fill.

It may be difficult to remember to fill the air rifle every five shots.

Finish

Your environment will dictate the rifle you choose to use.

You run the risk that your rifle will get wet if it rains often in your hunting area.

It is possible for the metal parts of your rifle to start rusting.

Wooden stocks may absorb moisture and swell – affecting the bedding quality of the barrel.

This can affect the accuracy and performance of the air rifle.

You can also opt for the synthetic rifle with a waterproof finish.

How to choose a hunting squirrels air rifle

Your satisfaction

Do you love your rifle?

For a moment, think about the rifle.

If the rifle you took out for hunting doesn’t bring you that warm glowy feeling, then it may not be your ultimate rifle.

Your best air rifle is essential if you're a hunter.

Upgrades only make it even better. 

Is it possible to happily pass on the rifle to your family?

If the answer is yes, you've found your ideal air rifle.

This will allow you to take the toy on all hunting trips. I guarantee that you will succeed.

Who doesn’t love playing with their favorite toy?

Take Action

Which hunting style do you prefer?

Do you prefer to take one shot at a given time, or multiple shots in rapid succession? 

There are single-shot and multiple-shot rifles. Select the one that suits you best.

Weight

Weight is an important consideration if you're considering including a dog on your hunt.

You will also likely not enjoy hunting if the rifle you have is too heavy.

The hunting area covered by a hunter is determined by the weight of the animal. 

Overall, if your personality is one that waits for people to come, then you might as well bring your 12-pound air gun.

air rifle weight

A detailed review of squirrel-hunting air guns

Benjamin Trail NP XL – Quiet air rifle for squirrel hunting

You will be amazed and delighted by the quiet operation of this airgun.

This is only true if the ammo you have is sufficiently heavy to not exceed sound speed.

Maximum velocity for the.177 caliber at 1500 fps is the speed of sound, which is 1125.33 FPS.

You will notice the difference.

Quiet air rifle for squirrel hunting

If your shot is accurate, however, the squirrel will be dead long before it can recognize that the sound is coming from a rifle.

Check out this review

This is the velocity graph for the.177 Model, which was tested with 4.7-grain Gamo Platinum pellets.

Benjamin Trail NP XL performance chart

PyramydAir: Check the Price

Air Arms TX 200 MkIII – best .177 air rifle for squirrel hunting

a22 Garden Rescue: Best Air Rifles For Squirrels (Reviews & Buying Guide 2022)

Air Arms' lethal weapon increases your chances of getting the squirrel down quickly.

It's the perfect combination of power and accuracy when hunting.

The sliding breach is visible only when you cock it. It allows you to load ammo easily. 

The TX 200 Air rifle comes with the Lothar Walther Barrel and an enhanced richly-finished Monte Carlo Stock.

It shoots at 930 FPS in the.177 and 755 FPS in.22.

This graph shows the average muzzle energy achieved with the.177 model when it was tested with different pellets.

Air-arms-TX-200-MkIII-Air-rifle-performance-chart

PyramydAir: Check the Price

Gamo Whisper Silent Cat – Best air rifle for shooting squirrels

w1 1 Garden Rescue: Best Air Rifles For Squirrels (Reviews & Buying Guide 2022)

This air rifle costs less than $200, but don’t judge a book by its cover.

It is easy to label it as powerful, effective, and comforting. 

It is a.177 (4.5mm), which has a maximum muzzle velocity (1200 fps).

High-velocity rifles can be more accurate because the ammo penetrates the air and doesn't resist.

This gun is not heavy – weighs only 5.28 lbs.

It can be carried for quite a while without getting tired.

Take a look at the muzzle velocity that you will likely achieve with different pellets.

  • 4.7-grain Gamo Platinum
  • 10.65 grain H&N Baracuda Match
Best air rifle for shooting squirrels

These are the groupings at approximately 25 yards.

Gamo Whisper silent cat air rifle

PyramydAir: Check the Price

Benjamin Marauder PCP – best PCP air rifle for squirrel hunting

b1 Garden Rescue: Best Air Rifles For Squirrels (Reviews & Buying Guide 2022)

This is the most well-known pre-charged pneumatic air rifle.

Minimum numbers can be counted.

Look at how people love it – based on orders completed at Pyramyd Air between 2015 and 2018.

No2015201620172018
1Benjamin MarauderBenjamin MarauderBenjamin BulldogBenjamin Bulldog
2Benjamin BulldogBenjamin BulldogAir Arms T200 SporterBenjamin Armada
3Airforce Texan Big BoreBenjamin ArmadaSeneca Dragon ClawAirForce Texan Big Bore
4Air Arms T200 SporterAirArms TX200Airforce Texan Big BoreAir Arms TX200
5Benjamin ArmadaAirforce Texan Big BoreBenjamin ArmadaAirForce Texan SS
6Sam Yang Dragon ClawAirForce Condor SSAirforce Condor SSBenjamin Marauder Filed & Target
7Air Venturi  Wing ShotAir Arms T200 SporterAir Arms TX200Seneca Dragon Claw
8Sumatra 2500Hatsan GladiusSeneca Sumatra 2500AirForce Condor SS
9Air Arms TX200Sam Yang Dragon ClawSeneca Wing Shot IISeneca Wing Shot II
10AirForce Condor SSAir Venturi Wing ShotAirforce Texan SSAir Arms T200 Sporter

b3 Garden Rescue: Best Air Rifles For Squirrels (Reviews & Buying Guide 2022)

With a loudness rating of ⅖, we can say it is quieter than many other PCPs. 

Crosman Corporation went one better with their synthetic stocked version.

This is the advanced version with a vertically adjustable combing.

Check out this review

The.177 model has a phenomenal 1100 fps muzzle speed. Maximum muzzle velocity for the.22 model is 1000 fps.

b2 Garden Rescue: Best Air Rifles For Squirrels (Reviews & Buying Guide 2022)

PyramydAir: Check the Price

Hatsan MOD 130S Vortex QE Air Rifle – pocket, friendly squirrel, hunting air rifle

The manufacturer labels it with a “Serious, Solid Impact” slogan.

There’s no doubt about that.

Breaking open the barrel and loading your.30 caliber will give you high speeds up to 590fps, with an average energy of 34ft/lbs.

This may sound too complicated for squirrels, but they sometimes deserve a good hard shot.

Hatsan MOD 130S Vortex QE Air Rifle

The rifle includes an integrated suppressor that limits sound and shock absorber systems.

The gun is quite long but easy to use. You can set the Quattro trigger for your preferred pull.

PyramydAir: Check the Price

Diana 350 Magnum Striker Combo – best spring piston air rifle for squirrel hunting

st1 Garden Rescue: Best Air Rifles For Squirrels (Reviews & Buying Guide 2022)

This gun can be purchased in both a.177 or a.22. 

It is a springer and can travel at speeds between 1000-1250 fps.

This means that you can catch the squirrel even if it is far away.

This is the rifle to have if you love spring-piston.

Below is the manufacturer’s comparison for different Diana air rifle models.

best spring piston air rifle for squirrel hunting

PyramydAir: Check the Price

Air Arms S510 XS – high-end air rifle for shooting squirrels

Her beauty and accuracy are a result of her English manufacturer.

Ideal if your budget is slightly higher than 1000 USD

The XS Xtra tag indicates that it is the full-size model.

The longer air cylinder allows for more shots per fill.

air arms s510 xs xtra fac - the best pcp air rifle 2020

It’s magazine houses 10 rounds for quick repeat shots. Here's an overview of its performance.

  • .177” caliber – 4.5 mm – 1035 fps – 20 FPE
  • .22” caliber – 5.5 mm – 950 fps – 32 FPE
  • .25” caliber – 6.35 mm – 815 fps – 44 FPE
Air-Arms-S510-XS-for-shooting-squirrel

PyramydAir: Check the Price

Hammerli 850 air magnum – best CO2 air rifle for squirrel hunting

This German-made gun will make squirrel hunting look completely new.

It is our first CO2 air rifle.

This could be the last. There are still two more. Keep reading. 

See this post for additional information

Take a look at these muzzle energies with different.22 pellets to dispel any doubts.

Hammerli 850 air magnum performance chart

This rifle has the best all-weather properties.

You can expect 200 shots per cartridge with the 88-gram size.

That means that you can hunt for as long as 5 days without refilling your airgun.

best-CO2-air-rifle-for-squirrel-hunting

PyramydAir: Check the Price

Weihrauch HW50S break barrel rifle – pocket, friendly airgun for shooting squirrels

50s Garden Rescue: Best Air Rifles For Squirrels (Reviews & Buying Guide 2022)

The rifle's spring-piston break barrel weighs 6.8 pounds. You can choose from the.177 (4.5mm) or.22 (5mm) calibers. 

Here are typical velocities you can expect with the Weihrauch HW50s using 8.18-grain H&N Match Rifle pellets:

Weihrauch-HW50S-break-barrel-rifle-performance-chart

Click here to see the lowest price

Ruger Blackhawk Air Rifle – cheap air rifle for hunting squirrels

Finally! Finally!

Hunting is expensive enough, but who said it had to be?

This powerful air rifle can be yours for less than $150.

cheap air rifle for hunting squirrels

It is a.177 caliber, with a maximum muzzle velocity at 1000 fps.

It weighs 6.95 lbs and features black synthetic stock, as expected given its price. 

Check out this review

You don't have to be unhappy about the single shot capability, as you will probably use it in your backyard.

Front and rear sights both of fiber optic design.

It additionally comes with 4×32 airgun scope and mount.

PyramydAir: Check the Price

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Can a.22 rifle kill a squirrel

Certainly, yes! One.22 can kill a squirrel.

The killing power is directly linked to the caliber.

These are given in foot-pounds.

The weight of the pellet is a factor in the punching power. 

Here are some examples of the.22 Hammerli 850 Air Magnum results:

PelletGrainAverage Muzzle VelocityAverage Muzzle Energy
Gamo Raptor Platinum9.7674 fps9.8 FPE
H&N Field Target Trophy Green14.66668 fps9.9 FPE
RWS Hobby11.9640 fps10.8 FPE
Crosman Premier14.3606 fps11.7 FPE
JSB Jumbo Exact14.35610 fps11.9 FPE
H&N Field Target Trophy14.66609 fps12.1 FPE
H&N Baracuda Match21.14519 fps12.6 FPE

It takes only 9 FPE to kill one squirrel, as we've already said. 

What is the minimum FPS required to kill a squirrel?

It is considered cruel to shoot an animal with an unpowered pellet gun.

A recommended FPS of 1000 fps is the norm.

This value can however be as low at 500 fps depending upon 3 things:

  • The Range
  • Caliber of Pellet
  • Pellet weight

Although they have a lower velocity, pellets that are heavier will punch harder.

This is also true for higher caliber pellets.

Even 500 FPS will suffice if the squirrel is just 10 yards away 

Can pellet guns kill a squirrel?

Definitely, yes! It is important to note that killing squirrels with a pellet gun takes skill and patience.

First, identify which pellet is most compatible with your rifle.

Before you use an air rifle, ensure that the pellets are fully filled. 

With over a dozen pellet brands to choose from, it will take practice to settle on your “holy grail”. 

What should I do if grey squirrels become a problem?

It's ironic, however, that grey squirrels are illegally killed in most of the United States and other countries.

Consider how dangerous and intrusive they can be.

They even eat the red squirrels.

What do the laws say about grey squirrels in your area? 

If I were the president or governor of the United States, I would legalize squirrel hunting. Two reasons:

  • They are delicious!
  • They devastate food farms

Can a.177 poison kill a squirrel

The .177 that produces more than 9  ft-lbs can take out a squirrel.

This depends on the pellet weight and muzzle velocity.

The range is something you might want to think about.

Shooting from a distance can cause the ammunition to lose a lot of its punching power, before hitting the squirrel.

The velocity of the ammunition can also affect the trajectory of the ammo and cause it to veer off course.

Which pellet gun is best to use to kill squirrels?

The best pellet gun is one that you are proficient in using.

You can choose from a.22 or even a.177.

The majority of hunters believe that.177 is best for feathers, and.22 for fur.

Both work! They both work, but the hunter is just as good as his rifle.

For both guns, the key factor is pellet placement.

You can choose from the 10 air rifles that we have discussed and close your eyes to randomly select one.

Damn! They are all wonderful.

If you require a specific suggestion, I recommend the Air Arms S510 XS Air Rifle.

How should I treat my squirrel rifle?

Before you hang up, please take note of these points.

18 years old and over

The principle rule is that you can own an air gun, but only after you’re 18.

For kids’ airguns, check what your local authority says.  

Your child may be able to handle the rifle if you take him hunting.

You must monitor your surroundings.

You should never allow your child to hunt alone with an air rifle.

You should always be there if you truly care.

Never underestimate the danger of an accident. 

Storing your air rifle

If an air rifle is in the wrong hands, everything can go wrong.

It is not a smart idea to keep the rifle somewhere that everyone has access to.

It is crucial to make sure your rifle is safe.

It is important to lock your rifle in a cupboard.

It is important that you ensure that your rifle is not accessible to anyone else.

In the event of an accident, you will be held responsible.

Boundaries

When shooting outdoors, make sure you mark your territory to ensure that no one is in your way.

If you let people know, it is possible to avoid serious accidents.

Airguns have a lower power than other types of guns. 

They are therefore safe to use in the backyard. People can also be afraid of guns.

Your hunting activities should not be used to disrupt the lives of your neighbors.

You should set limits on the pellet range for hunting in your backyard.

To keep pellets within limits, you can also use a pellet backupstop.

You can also focus on the noise your metal makes in order to reduce noise pollution.

Use caution

Always treat a rifle like a loaded firearm

To be human means to make mistakes.

A rifle might be loaded but you could make the biggest mistake in your life. 

Never point a gun at anyone.

If not properly handled, air rifles can cause serious damage. 

Be sure to unload your airgun before you store it.

This will help you avoid making indecisive choices before you start hunting.

If you misuse a rifle, you can even inflict injury to yourself.

Once you are out there, never load a rifle until it’s time to fire it. Make sure you are in a safe shooting position and that no one is within range.

Licensing

Make sure you know how to purchase a rifle.

A hunting license is required in order to be permitted to hunt outdoors.

You are responsible for the use of the rifle for hunting.

If you lend your rifle to someone and an accident happens, you will likely be responsible.

Yes, rifles are possible to be borrowed.

Make sure that the borrower is at least 18 years old to be able to use the rifle.

You could also warn them before giving them the rifle.

Prevention is always better than treatment.

Final words

The air rifle is just as good as the hunter.

Your rifle is just an aid tool.

To hunt squirrels, you need to have the right skills and strategies.

Veteran hunters will tell that it is easier to hunt a squirrel than a deer. 

That will give you an idea of how much time you need to spend there. It is a fun pastime.

The more difficult the job is, the more skilled you will be.

You will have a successful hunt if you keep the squirrels quiet and are patient.

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