Guns

9 Best Air Rifle for Squirrels Hunting

Best Air Rifle for Squirrels

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 Magnum Air Rifle  
Ruger Blackhawk Combo air rifle Ruger Blackhawk Combo air rifle  
DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle with Dual Action Capability DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle with Dual Action Capability  
Hornet Maxxim Air Rifle Hornet Maxxim Air Rifle  
Hatsan Edge Air Rifle, Vortex Piston, Black air rifle Hatsan Edge Air Rifle, Vortex Piston, Black air rifle  
Gamo Swarm Maxxim Air Rifle Gamo Swarm Maxxim Air Rifle  
Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal  
Crosman air Rifle Crosman air Rifle  
Benjamin Trail NP2 Air Rifle Combo air Rifle Benjamin Trail NP2 Air Rifle Combo air Rifle  

 

Best Air Rifle for Squirrels Hunting Review

#1) Magnum Air Rifle

Magnum Air Rifle- Best Air Rifle for Squirrels

 

 

 

 

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 

  • Non-Slip texture design on firearm and grip
  • Fluted polymer jacketed steel barrel
  • 3-9×40 Adjustable Objective
  • All-weather synthetic stock
  • Comes in .177 caliber and .22 caliber
  • IGT Mach 1 system

 

 

 

#2) Ruger Blackhawk Combo air rifle

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

  • Fires at a muzzle velocity of 1200 fps with alloy pellet and 1000 fps with a lead pellet
  • Includes a 4×32 scope
  • Ambidextrous stock
  • Spring piston powered
  • Dual shock reinforcement
  • An adjustable rear sight

 

 

 

 

#3) DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2-Powered BB Air Rifle with Dual Action Capability

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

  • An adjustable stock
  • Thumb-selector safety
  • Adjustable rear sight and a removable pop-up sight

 

 

 

#4)Hornet Maxxim Air Rifle

Hornet Maxxim Air Rifle - Best Air Rifle for Squirrels

 

 

 

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

  • Inert Gas Technology that delivers more muzzle velocity
  • A 3-9×40 scope
  • Whisper maxxim technology for dampening noise
  • 3-year warranty
  • Custom Action Trigger

 

 

 

#5) Hatsan Edge Air Rifle, Vortex Piston, Black air rifle

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

  • 1-year warranty
  • 3-9×32 scope and mount
  • A synthetic thumbhole stock
  • Muzzle velocity of up to 650 fps 

 

 

 

 

#6) Gamo Swarm Maxxim Air Rifle

Gamo Swarm Maxxim Air Rifle - Best Air Rifle for Squirrels

 

 

 

 

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

  • Inert gas technology piston
  • Whisper maxxim technology
  • 3-9×40 scope
  • Custom action trigger
  • muzzle velocity of up to 1300 fps 

 

 

 

#7) Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal

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

  • An ambidextrous all-weather stock
  • 4×32 scope
  • One year warranty
  • Two-stage adjustable trigger
  • Spring powered
  • Fluted polymer jacketed rifled steel barrel
  • Lightweight

 

 

 

 

#8) Crosman Air Rifle

Crosman air Rifle- Best Air Rifle for Squirrels

 

 

 

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

  • 4x32mm scope
  • Spring-powered break barrel 
  • Fires .22 caliber pellets
  • Two-stage adjustable trigger
  • Alloy pellet muzzle velocity of up to 950 fps

 

 

 

#9) Benjamin Trail NP2 Air Rifle Combo Air Rifle

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:

  • Smoother shooting and cocking
  • No spring torque nor fatigue
  •  Still works in cold weather
  • Is more durable

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

  • 2-stage trigger adjustable
  • Picatinny optics rail
  • Wood thumbhole stock
  • Ambidextrous stock
  • Gas piston
  • Rifles steel barrel

 

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!