Have you ever watched a squirrel outsmart you? They’re quick, clever, and can be a real nuisance in your yard. If you’re dealing with these furry bandits, you might be thinking about squirrel hunting. But, the question is: what’s the best way to do it safely and effectively?
Choosing the right pellet gun for squirrel hunting can feel tricky. There are so many different types and brands. You have to think about power, accuracy, and safety. It’s easy to get confused by all the choices! Plus, you want to make sure your shots are humane and ethical. This guide will help you sort through the choices and avoid common mistakes.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for in a pellet gun. You’ll learn about the best features, the right calibers, and important safety tips. You’ll also discover how to choose the perfect pellet gun to help you manage those pesky squirrels. Get ready to become a more informed and confident hunter. Let’s get started!
Our Top 5 Pellet Gun For Squirrel Hunting Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Pellet Gun For Squirrel Hunting Detailed Reviews
1. Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel .177 Caliber Pellet Air Rifle
Rating: 8.7/10
The Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel .177 Caliber Pellet Air Rifle is a powerful airgun. It is designed for target practice and pest control. This breakbarrel rifle uses a spring-piston system. It shoots .177 caliber pellets at a high speed. The rifle comes with a scope for better aiming. It has a sturdy build and is easy to handle.
What We Like:
- High velocity of 1250 feet per second.
- Includes a 4×32 scope and mount, ready to shoot.
- Steel barrel with a fluted polymer jacket for accuracy and protection.
- Synthetic Monte Carlo stock with dual raised cheekpieces for comfortable shooting.
- Features a manual safety for safe operation.
- The anti-beartrap mechanism adds extra safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- Spring-piston rifles can be harder to cock than other types.
- The included scope might need adjustment.
This Gamo air rifle is a good choice for shooters. It offers power and accuracy. It is a solid air rifle for a range of uses.
2. Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i Inertia Fed .22 Caliber Break Barrel air Rifle. High Power 10-Shot Pellet air Gun. 1
Rating: 9.4/10
The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i is a powerful .22 caliber air rifle. It’s a break barrel air gun that shoots pellets. This air rifle uses a 10-shot magazine, so you don’t have to reload as often. It shoots pellets at a fast speed, up to 1,300 feet per second! The rifle also has a gas piston for more power and a custom trigger for better shooting. It is perfect for target practice or pest control.
What We Like:
- The 10X GEN2 Quick-Shot technology lets you shoot ten pellets without reloading.
- It has a powerful IGT Mach 1 gas piston.
- The trigger is adjustable for a better shooting experience.
- It has both manual and automatic safety features.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the break barrel action takes some getting used to.
- The high velocity might make it louder than other air rifles.
In conclusion, the Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i is a great air rifle. It is powerful and has many features that make it fun to shoot.
3. Crosman CLGY1000KT Legacy Variable Pump .177-Caliber Pellet/BB Air Rifle With Scope
Rating: 8.6/10
The Crosman CLGY1000KT Legacy Variable Pump air rifle is a versatile choice for airgun enthusiasts. This .177-caliber rifle shoots both pellets and BBs. It has a variable pump system that lets you control the power. The rifle also comes with a scope for better aiming. It’s a great option for target practice and outdoor fun. You can start your airgun adventures with this Crosman rifle!
What We Like:
- Durable design. The synthetic design is waterproof.
- Variable power. You can adjust the speed from 750 fps to 1000 fps.
- Versatile ammo. It shoots both pellets and steel BBs.
- Safe to use. It has a crossbolt safety.
- Improved accuracy. The rifle includes a fiber-optic sight and a 4×15 mm scope.
What Could Be Improved:
- Ammo not included. You must buy pellets and BBs separately.
This Crosman air rifle offers many great features for the price. It is a good choice for anyone looking for a fun and reliable air rifle.
4. Barra Air Guns Sportsman 900 BB Gun Rifle for Adults
Rating: 9.1/10
The Barra Air Guns Sportsman 900 is a fun air rifle for adults. It shoots both pellets and BBs. This .177 caliber airgun is good for target practice and backyard fun. It has a scope and sights for better aiming. The rifle uses a multi-pump system and a bolt-action. It can shoot pellets and BBs at up to 800 FPS!
What We Like:
- You can choose between pellets or BBs.
- It has a 20-inch rifled barrel for accuracy.
- A scope and adjustable sights help you aim.
- The bolt-action is fun and easy to use.
- You can load up to 50 BBs or one pellet.
- It’s more powerful than other multi-pump BB guns.
- It can shoot ammo up to 800 FPS for accuracy.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger magazine capacity for pellets.
- The multi-pump system requires some effort.
The Barra Air Guns Sportsman 900 is a great air rifle for beginners and experienced shooters. It is a good choice for target practice and fun.
5. Crosman P1377BR American Classic Variable-Pump .177-Caliber Pellet Air Pistol
Rating: 9.0/10
The Crosman P1377BR American Classic is a .177-caliber pellet air pistol. It features a brown synthetic frame and grip. This pistol uses a variable-pump pneumatic design. You can control the power. It has a rifled steel barrel for accuracy. The single-shot bolt action makes loading easy. It also includes a crossbolt safety for safe handling. The fixed blade front sight and adjustable rear sight help you aim. This air pistol is great for skill development and fun.
What We Like:
- The pistol has a rifled steel barrel. This helps with accuracy.
- You control the power. Pump it more for more speed, up to 600 fps.
- The single-shot bolt action is easy to use.
- It includes a crossbolt safety. This keeps you safe.
- The sights are good for aiming.
- It is perfect for skill development training.
What Could Be Improved:
- The plastic frame may not feel as sturdy as metal.
- Pumping the pistol takes some effort.
This Crosman air pistol is a good choice for beginners. It’s a fun and safe way to practice shooting skills.
Squirrel Hunting with Pellet Guns: A Smart Buyer’s Guide
Hunting squirrels with a pellet gun can be fun. But you need the right equipment. This guide helps you choose the best pellet gun.
Q: What are the main Key Features?
A: You should look for these features:
- Accuracy: A good pellet gun needs to hit the target. Look for guns with rifled barrels. These barrels spin the pellet for better accuracy.
- Power (Velocity): The pellet needs enough power to take down a squirrel. Look for guns that shoot pellets fast. Speed is measured in feet per second (FPS). A higher FPS means more power.
- Type of Action: There are different ways to load and shoot a pellet gun. Some are pump-action. You pump them before each shot. Others are spring-piston. You cock them with a lever. Still others use compressed air (PCP or CO2).
- Sighting System: You need to aim! Many pellet guns have scopes. Scopes help you see the target clearly. Some have iron sights. These are simpler and good for close shots.
- Safety: A safety is very important. Make sure the gun has a safety to prevent accidental firing.
Q: What important materials are used in pellet guns?
A: Pellet guns use different materials:
- Barrel: Barrels are usually made of steel. Steel is strong and durable.
- Stock: The stock is the part you hold against your shoulder. It is made of wood or synthetic materials like plastic. Wood stocks look nice. Synthetic stocks are often more weather-resistant.
- Receiver: The receiver holds the gun’s internal parts. It is usually made of metal or strong plastic.
- Seals: Seals help keep air from leaking. They are often made of rubber.
Q: What factors improve the quality of a pellet gun?
A: Some things make a pellet gun better:
- Quality Barrel: A well-made, rifled barrel is very important. It makes the gun more accurate.
- Good Trigger: A trigger that is smooth and easy to pull helps with accuracy.
- Solid Construction: The gun should be built well. It should feel sturdy.
- Consistent Power: The gun should shoot pellets at a consistent speed every time.
Q: What factors reduce the quality of a pellet gun?
A: Some things can make a pellet gun worse:
- Cheap Materials: Plastic parts and low-quality steel can break.
- Poor Assembly: If the gun is not put together well, it won’t work right.
- Inconsistent Power: If the pellet speed changes, it is hard to hit the target.
- Poor Sighting System: A bad scope or iron sights will make it hard to aim.
Q: What is the user experience like?
A: Using a pellet gun for squirrel hunting can be rewarding. It takes practice to aim and shoot well. You need to be patient and quiet. You also need to know where to hunt. You can use a scope to see the squirrels better. It’s important to follow all hunting laws and safety rules.
Q: What are some use cases for pellet guns?
A: Pellet guns are great for:
- Squirrel Hunting: This is the most common use.
- Pest Control: You can use them to get rid of other small pests.
- Target Practice: They are fun for shooting at targets.
- Training: They can help you practice shooting.
Q: What is the best pellet gun action type?
A: The best action type depends on your needs. Spring-piston guns are simple and affordable. Pump-action guns require more work, but can be powerful. PCP guns are very powerful and accurate, but they are also more expensive.
Q: What is the right caliber for squirrel hunting?
A: .177 caliber pellets are common. They are accurate and fast. .22 caliber pellets are heavier. They have more stopping power. Both work for squirrel hunting.
Q: What kind of pellets should I use?
A: Use pellets designed for hunting. These pellets are made to expand on impact. This helps to take down the squirrel quickly.
Q: How much should I spend on a pellet gun?
A: You can find good pellet guns for squirrel hunting at different prices. You can find a good one for under $100. Better guns with scopes might cost more. Think about your budget and needs.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.