Best Air Rifles for Hunting Squirrels
Over the years, technology has completely changed hunting the way it used to be. Weapons that were used then are not even recognizable to some modern hunters today. With technology, came the ease of hunting and while this is an advantage as you are able to collect more trophies every time you hunt, the challenge is somewhat not there anymore. Some hunters even use nothing but traditional muzzleloaders to hunt, just for the thrill the challenge brings. Other hunters are also using air guns to hunt small game. Whichever your reason is, you need the best air rifle for squirrels that you want to get rid of.
Here is a list of our favorite air guns for hunting squirrels
| Product | Image | Price |
| Magnum Air Rifle |  |
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| Ruger Blackhawk Combo air rifle |  |
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| DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle with Dual Action Capability |  |
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| Hornet Maxxim Air Rifle |  |
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| Hatsan Edge Air Rifle, Vortex Piston, Black air rifle |  |
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| Gamo Swarm Maxxim Air Rifle |  |
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| Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal |  |
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| Crosman air Rifle |  |
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| Benjamin Trail NP2 Air Rifle Combo air Rifle |  |
Best Air Rifle for Squirrels Hunting Review
#1) Magnum Air Rifle
As one of the best air rifle for squirrels, the magnum air rifle comes with the best features to successfully take down a squirrel. It features the incredible IGT Mach 1 system that provides constant power, better accuracy, and reduced stock vibration. Additionally, the system also provides more power to the rifle. This air gun comes with whisper fusion technology which lessens the noise as the pellet is fired. This is ideal especially if you don’t want to disturb your neighbors with the noise. Additionally, you get a 3-9×40 adjustable objective scope and a recoil-reducing rail. It is an air gun that makes squirrel hunting easy by having features like, custom action trigger, an automatic cocking safety system, and a high power plant 33 mm cylinder. Features
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#2) Ruger Blackhawk Combo air rifle
The Ruger Blackhawk is one of the best air rifle for squirrels on the market. It comes with an ambidextrous all-weather stock so both left-handed and right-handed users can comfortably use it. The grip and forearm areas are checkered to give you an enhanced grip on your air gun. The sights installed ensure target acquisition is quick and precise. Additionally, it comes with a 4×32 airgun scope that makes sure spotting a squirrel is quick. Features
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#3) DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle with Dual Action Capability
The DPMS Full Auto SBR is one of the best air rifle for squirrels for many reasons. It is packed with features that make squirrel hunting a fun activity. It features an adjustable stock that has 6 adjustable positions. These different positions make the rifle easy to shoulder and handle. This air gun can fire up to 1400 rounds per minute with speeds of up to 430 fps. It has an adjustable rear sight and a removable pop-up sight that helps you stay on target. Thumb-selector safety is fitted to provide safe handling. Features
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#4)Hornet Maxxim Air Rifle
The Hornet Maxxim Air rifle is a high-quality air rifle that comes with the latest technology for great performance. You will like the fact that it comes with the whisper maxxim silencing technology which is responsible for lessening the noise and improving the muzzle break design. It is also equipped with the IGT propulsion system that improves accuracy and knockdown power making it one of the best air rifles for squirrels hunting. The custom action trigger lets you independently adjust the 1st and 2nd stages of the trigger while the recoil reducing rail absorbs recoil therefore increasing the scope’s lifespan. The 3-9×40 scope helps you spot and ethically take down a squirrel from a distance. All this is covered by a 3-year warranty. Features
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#5) Hatsan Edge Air Rifle, Vortex Piston, Black air rifle
Packing the best features for easy squirrel hunting, the Hatsan Edge is one of the best air rifle for squirrels on the market. It can fire a 0.25 caliber with a muzzle velocity of up to 650 fps. You also get a 3-9×32 scope and mount. This airgun features a synthetic thumbhole stock with a textured grip and forearm. It provides smooth shooting and cocking effort which ensures you don’t experience spring fatigue Features
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#6) Gamo Swarm Maxxim Air Rifle
The biggest advantage of the Swarmo Maxxim is the Quick-Shot technology that lets you shoot up to 10 pellets without needing to reload. Additionally, it comes with a fluted polymer jacketed rifled steel barrel that features the whisper maxxim technology for noise dampening. The Inert Gas Technology gas piston delivers more power and less vibration for the ultimate air gun performance. With PBA platinum, the muzzle velocity is 1300 fps. You also get a fog proof 3-9×40 scope that lets you home in on your target. The non-slip texture design on grip and forearm ensures a firm grip on the air gun. This is one of the best air rifle for squirrels on today’s market. Features
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#7) Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal
As one of the best air rifles for squirrel, the Gamo Varmint Air Rifle is a great rifle for squirrel hunting. It comes with a 4x32mm scope that allows you to spot the smallest squirrels around. A Monte Carlo cheek pad is fitted to help you align your eye with the scope. It is equipped with an all-weather synthetic stock that allows you t use it under any weather conditions. The stock has a non-slip grip to provide a firm grip which ensures you securely handle the air gun. Additionally, the stock is ambidextrous which means it’s comfortable to use for both left-handed and right-handed users. What’s more, this air gun shoots .177 PBA pellets at a muzzle velocity of 1250 fps. Features
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#8) Crosman Air Rifle
The Crosman Air Rifle is crafted to get the job done. It is a beautifully designed air gun that comes with an ambidextrous hardwood stock. It features a 4x32mm precision scope that lets you target a squirrel from a distance. With pellets, the muzzle velocity is up to 800 fps while with alloy pellets the velocity goes up to 950 fps. It is a high-performance air gun that lets you easily hunt varmint and control pests. With its light cocking force and two-stage adjustable trigger, using this ar rifle has never been easier. Features
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#9) Benjamin Trail NP2 Air Rifle Combo Air Rifle
As one of the best air rifle for squirrels, this air rifle comes with a decent 3-9×40 scope that is okay in spotting a squirrel from a distance. It comes with a Nitro Piston 2 gas plant which has several advantages over a metal spring:
This air gun comes with a sound suppression system that lessens the noise for you to hunt comfortably. It comes with an ambidextrous wood thumbhole stock that offers more comfort while in use. A crisp trigger helps you take down that squirrel you have spotted. Features
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Types of Air Rifles
Air rifles use either compressed air or gas to eject the pellets out of the barrel. There are 5 different ways this happens.
Spring Piston Air Guns
Often called break barrel guns because of how they are cocked, Spring piston air guns are less expensive in comparison to other types but come with the highest recoil.
Gas Ram Air Guns
These are almost the same as spring-piston guns, the difference is in how the pellets are shot. For spring-piston air guns, a spring-loaded piston is what is mainly responsible for pushing out the pellets. For Gas ram air guns, they come with a closed container that contains compressed air. This is primarily responsible for releasing the pellets out. They have lower recoil compared to spring-piston air guns.
Pneumatic Air Guns
These types of guns are of the traditional style category. They require a lot of effort to pump and fire pellets and this is the reason they are not really ideal for squirrel hunting. or any type of hunting as it is really hard to fire quickly and make quick follow-up shots. However, target shooters like these air guns for their low recoil.
PCP Air Guns
This type comes with an internal air reservoir that contains compressed air which helps in propelling the pellets out. They are better than pneumatic air guns as they can fire several shots without the rifle needing a pump. These guns also have low recoil.
CO2 Air Guns
These are powered by 12-ounce CO2 canisters even though some come in reservoirs alike to a PCP gun. You can get these air guns at varying prices from high-end to really cheap guns.
Best Air Rifle for Squirrels Buying Guide:
Sensitivity- This is about trigger sensitivity. You need an air rifle that reacts immediately you pull the trigger. You don’t want to miss your shot at taking down a squirrel because your rifle jammed. Ensure the rifle’s trigger is connected to the match trigger for your rifle to react instantly.
Calibers- The best air rifles allow you to use multiple several calibers. You don’t have to purchase an air rifle every time you want to use a different caliber. For example, an air rifle that can shoot .177 caliber pellets and .22 caliber pellets is better than one that can only use one type of caliber pellets.
Durability
A great air rifle is one that withstands the test of time. It is crafted from durable materials and is fitted with features that ensure the rifle lasts longer. For example, some air rifles come with recoil-reducing rails for recoil absorption and to reduce the stress of internal components. This, in turn, makes the air rifle last long.
Best Air Rifle for Squirrels FAQs
Can a .22 air rifle kill a squirrel?
Yes, it can.
Is .177 or .22 better?
According to the test conducted, the .177 caliber has a longer kill zone range, a lower muzzle energy but its initial velocity is higher. The .22 has more muzzle energy but a lower initial velocity.
Would a pellet gun kill a squirrel?
Yes. Using the best pellet guns to kill squirrels is the easiest way to ethically take a squirrel down.
Conclusion
Air rifles are great for pest control, hunting, and even target shooting. What we have highlighted here are some of the best air rifles that will help you ethically bring down squirrels. We want you to spend your hard-earned money on something that will serve your purpose. We hope it helps!
Happy hunting!