The 5 Best Air Rifle for Squirrels Hunting 2020

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Hunting for small but fast animals like squirrels can be a hard task, which is why you need an appropriate weapon. To get the most out of your hunting, you will need the best air rifle for squirrels.

If you are keen on squirrel hunting, we recommend taking a look at the rifles reviewed below. We’ve checked out some of the best airguns that are perfect for squirrel hunting in particular and selected the best ones. Continue reading for information that will help you to narrow down your choices and buy the right air gun for your needs.

Top 5 Best Air Rifles for Squirrel Hunting

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Air Rifles for Squirrel Hunting Reviews

With so many models of air rifles, it can be a difficult task to opt for one. Here are the top 5 air rifles on the market when it comes to squirrel hunting.

Our Rating

Top Rated Air Rifle
5/5

As opposed to other air rifles that are primarily intended for target shooting while can also be helpful for small game hunting, the Gamo Silent Cat is produced specifically for squirrel hunting. The noise control mechanism (noise dampener) can reduce the noise of the gun by about 50 percent. This ensures that you won’t disrupt the squirrels while hunting.

Besides, there’s an automatic safety system and a cocking system, which makes shooting much easier. The construction is remarkably durable, featuring an all-weather synthetic stock. On the skeleton stock, the rifle is fitted with ventilated twin cheek rubber pads that decrease recoil.

As for the optics, there are 2 sights on this .177 caliber rifle: rear sight and front sight. Thanks to the O-ring seal, the sight is both fogproof and waterproof. That allows for clear images.

PROS

  • Quiet operation
  • Excellent optic sight
  • Durable
  • Powerful shots
  • Effective at over 1,200 FPS

CONS

  • A bit wobbly

Summary: If there’s a product capable of changing your attitude about air-rifle hunting, then this GAMO rifle is it. With the .177 caliber and velocity of 1200 feet per second, this is one of the best air rifles specially designed with squirrel hunting in mind.

Our Rating

4.9/5

This air rifle for squirrels sets itself apart from other models with two features. The first one is the high-quality 2-stage trigger which is surprisingly easy to engage; it has the ideal pressure that lets the users take the shots exactly when they want to. Plus, this gun highlights the precision-milled steel barrel that doesn’t only look nice but also offers exceptional accuracy.

There are three versions — .25, .22, and .177 — each of which offers good performance. While the .22 has a max velocity of 1, 000 FPS and offers decent quality accuracy, the .177 caliber is suited for long-range shooting and a maximum velocity of 1,300 FPS. The .25 has a max Velocity of 650 feet per second.

The Hatsan Air Rifle Combo comes with the top-notch open sights that allow for clear shots. It is suitable for both short-range and mid-range shooting. That makes this one of the best air rifles for squirrel hunting.

PROS

  • Anti-beartrap mechanism
  • Clean shots
  • Accurate
  • Lightweight
  • Sturdy gun

CONS

  • Grouping is inaccurate
  • Difficult gun to cock
Summary: The Hatsan 95 is an awesome air gun that blends beautiful design with walnut wood, quality components, and superior accuracy. There are 3 versions to choose from — for 0.177, 0.22 and 0.25 caliber pellets. Overall, it’s a fun air gun offering lots of great features for the price.

Our Rating

4.7/5

When handling this gun for the first time, you are going to be impressed by its sturdy construction and high accuracy. The lightweight design lets you easily control the gun while acquiring targets. For improved accuracy and control, this product comes with a pistol grip and durable synthetic stock making it one of the best air rifles for squirrel hunting.

Vibration is minimized because of a recoil pad which reduces the recoil to 74 percent so that you will enjoy stable shots. Due to the clear images, the squirrels don’t appear battered when firing the gun. The optic sight is very reliable, meaning you’ll be able to acquire targets with great precision. The Magnum Air Rifle is equipped with both rear and front sight. Keep in mind that the rear sight can be adjusted to enhance the viewing, which is not possible with front sight because it is fixed.

Also, note that this air gun is available in two caliber options: .177 and .22. With the .22 caliber, the shots are considerably quicker, as it features a max velocity of 1,300 fps. On the other hand, the .177 variant affords the velocity of up to 1650 fps.

PROS

  • Minimal vibration
  • Sufficient kill force
  • Solid synthetic stock
  • Adjustable trigger
  • High velocity

CONS

  • It needs more adjustment
  • A little bulky
  • Loud
Summary: The 33-millimeter cylinder, 2-stage trigger adjustment, variable magnification, rifled steel barrel, and gas piston IGT Mach 1 make this magnum-powered rifle a well-designed firearm. There are two caliber options: .177 and .22. Both are good for small game hunting.

Our Rating

4.5/5

If you are looking for a 0.22 cal. pump air rifle for squirrel hunting, look no further than the Benjamin 392. This action rifle is an excellent performer that is worth purchasing. For such a type of gun, it is extremely quiet and powerful. Most importantly, this air rifle delivers sufficient power for accurate shots at relatively great distances.

This single-shot air rifle employs a special pump mechanism that is slightly difficult to trigger. It can shoot at up to 685 fps. Maybe that’s somewhat slow in comparison with other air rifles available today, but we found it quiet and nice. The rear sight is very easy to adjust, which is beneficial for target acquisition.

The rifle is suitable for both small game hunting and target shooting. Apart from the squirrels, you can take down many other smaller animals with this gun. The full-rifled brass barrel and American hardwood Monte Carlo stock make this air rifle highly durable yet lightweight. Weighing only 6 pounds, it’s easy to bring and carry around.

PROS

  • Accurate shooter and quiet performer
  • Durable construction
  • Reliable optic sight
  • Lightweight
  • Modestly priced

CONS

  • Difficult to pump
  • Poor velocity
Summary: Those searching for a 0.22 caliber pump air rifle should check out this model. It’s fun to take for hunting trips and can be used for mid-range shooting successfully. The rifle is extremely durable as well as pretty powerful and quiet. The only drawback is the poor velocity at just 685 fps.

Our Rating

4.2/5

Do you want to get rid of annoying squirrels and enjoy small game hunting along the way? Do the extensive range of high-powered firearms and the expense of ammunition concern you? If so, air rifles for small game and squirrels are likely to completely meet your concerns.

Ruger is a trusted brand in the firearms industry that’s known for high-quality air rifles. The same is true for the Ruger Magnum Combo. This amazing gun boasts two-stage adjustable trigger, lightweight design, and synthetic stock. Additionally, it features a fixed 4×32 magnification scope and 19.5-inch barrel with single-shot cocking.

There are two versions available. The .22 caliber offers 1,200 fps. This caliber projectile is suited for squirrels and small game hunting. However, if you need the greater velocity, go for the .177 caliber version.

Due to a higher caliber, you’ll get a sufficient kill force from this rifle. That makes it favorable for target shooting, small game hunting, and pest control. At last, we want to point out that this is a well-balanced air rifle that is reasonably priced given the fact that it comes with a mounted magnification scope.

PROS

  • Well-balanced gun
  • Fixed magnification scope
  • 2-stage adjustable trigger
  • Heavy caliber
  • Ideal for small game hunting and target shooting

CONS

  • Kill force is greater than actually needed for squirrels
  • A little on the heavy side
Summary: Whether you choose the .22 or .177 caliber, you will be impressed by what this gun has to offer for the money. The Ruger Air Magnum Combo air rifle is deemed to be one of the most accurate and durable guns on the market. It is a great choice for those who want to optimize their muzzle energy and downrange velocity to the fullest.

Do Air Rifles kill squirrels?

Yes, they do though the killing force and appropriate range vary from one air rifle to the next. A rifle with a light range will struggle to kill squirrels and other small game, especially when shooting at a range. A model with a medium-range pack’s a little more killing force and rifles of this class usually have a range of 30 to 50 yards.

Magnum air rifles for squirrels have a greater range of about 50 to 70 yards and they are able to generate enough power to put out a stubborn squirrel in your backyard. Super magnums air rifles, on the other hand, are specialty air guns that can reach a maximum range of 85 yards. Such air guns are specifically useful when hunting rabbits. squirrels, and rats that are difficult to get close to.

Those who are serious about squirrel hunting should go for air rifles with more range so as to reach the clever squirrels who know how to hide and anything less than a medium-range air rifle will be very limited. A better choice would be to get a magnum class air rifle especially if you will be using the rifle to hunt small games other than squirrels.

The ability to kill squirrels also depends on the ability of the shooter. If you can accurately hit the target, then the caliber you use and the range of the rifle will be of little consequence. Always aim to hit the squirrel on the kill zone which is either the head or the lung/heart region and you will be able to put down the squirrel you are hunting.

What is the Best Air Rifle for shooting squirrels?

best air rifle for squirrels

The best air rifle for shooting squirrels is the Gamo Silent Cat Air Rifle. Designed with an effective noise control mechanism, this air rifle is able to reduce the noise generated when firing the rifle and this ensures that you don’t disturb the squirrels when hunting.

The rifle is easy to load thanks to its break-open design and this adds to the convenience of using this rifle for your squirrel hunting adventures. You will be able to shoot 0.177 caliber pellets at 1200 feet per second which are perfect for shooting squirrels.

The rifle has a durable build and this will ensure that you are able to use it for long without having to worry about repairs and replacements. It has an automatic cocking and safety system that makes using the gun to hunt squirrels very easy. The rifle is also built with rubber pads that decrease the recoil when one is shooting. This makes the rifle safe to use and as such, you will definitely enjoy your time outdoors hunting squirrels and other small game.

How many FPS does it take to kill a squirrel?

To dispatch a squirrel you will need about 3 FPE (foot-pounds of energy) provided you direct the pellet at the kill zone which is either the head or heart region. With the average pellet of an air rifle weighing about 8 grains, this translates to 415 FPS at the point of impact. For a .22 caliber air rifle, an average pellet needs to travel at 300 feet per second to generate the same amount of energy need to kill a squirrel.

What is the Best Rifle for pest control?

Using an air gun to control pests is environmentally safe as you will not have to use harmful chemical substances to kill and eliminate the vermin. It is also fun as you get to put your shooting skills to use as you attempt to get rid of the stubborn squirrels feasting on the vegetables in your backyard garden.

The best rifle for pest control is that with a sufficient range that will allow you to make a successful shot even when you are far away from the target. When it comes to vermin control, the intention is always to put out the animals that are causing annoyance in your home and in this case, you need an air rifle that is able to generate enough velocity.

The .177 caliber pellet is sufficient for pest control but the 0.22 caliber rifle guarantees extraordinary penetration power and efficiency especially at longer distances making it ideal for vermin control by shooting at range.

Wrapping It Up

Each of the air rifles reviewed here is sure to serve you well for many years to come. They are perfect for pest control, especially for squirrel hunting. You can use them for recreational shooting as well. Once you have chosen the air rifle from our list and got down your practice, you’re going to be ready for your hunting adventures.

Hopefully, you have already found the best air rifle for squirrel hunting that suits your hunting trips. If not, we recommend choosing the Gamo Silent Cat Air Rifle. This gun offers a good target acquisition and is quite easy to use. Furthermore, it’s rather lightweight so that you’ll be able to control your firearm with ease. Good luck!