Imagine this: you’re enjoying a peaceful afternoon in your yard, only to find those pesky squirrels have once again raided your bird feeder. It’s a common frustration for many homeowners! Dealing with squirrel problems can be a real headache, and when it comes to choosing a tool for the job, the sheer number of pellet rifle options can be overwhelming. You want something effective, safe, and easy to use, but where do you even begin?
That’s where this guide comes in. We understand the challenges you face when trying to find the best pellet rifle for squirrel control. We’ll cut through the confusion and give you the clear information you need. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a much better idea of what makes a good squirrel-hunting pellet rifle, what features to look for, and how to make a smart choice that solves your problem.
So, let’s dive in and equip you with the knowledge to tackle those furry invaders effectively and responsibly.
Our Top 5 Pellet Rifle For Squirrels Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Pellet Rifle For Squirrels Detailed Reviews
1. Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel .177 Caliber Pellet Air Rifle
Rating: 9.0/10
The Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel .177 Caliber Pellet Air Rifle is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful air rifle. It’s designed for target practice and pest control, offering a great balance of performance and affordability. This rifle will help you improve your shooting skills.
What We Like:
- It shoots pellets at a speedy 1250 feet per second, which is quite fast.
- It comes with a 4×32 scope and mount, so you can start shooting right away.
- The steel barrel is protected by a polymer jacket, making it durable.
- The synthetic stock is comfortable to hold, with raised cheekpieces for a better aim.
- It has a manual safety to prevent accidental firing.
- The anti-beartrap mechanism keeps your fingers safe when you cock the rifle.
What Could Be Improved:
- The breakbarrel action can be a little stiff for younger or smaller shooters.
- While the scope is included, serious enthusiasts might want to upgrade it for better precision.
This Gamo Varmint air rifle offers a lot of value for its price. It’s a solid option for those new to airguns or looking for a dependable plinker.
2. Gamo 611006875554 Swarm Whisper Air Rifle
Rating: 8.5/10
The Gamo 611006875554 Swarm Whisper Air Rifle in .22 caliber offers a quiet and powerful shooting experience. Its sleek black design and advanced technology make it a standout choice for airgun enthusiasts. You’ll love how this rifle performs.
What We Like:
- The IGT piston system gives you faster shots and a smoother feel. It also lasts longer than old-style springs.
- Whisper Technology makes this rifle very quiet. This is great for backyard plinking or pest control without disturbing neighbors.
- The Shock Wave Absorber buttpad really cuts down on recoil. This makes shooting more comfortable and accurate.
- The all-weather synthetic stock is tough and has nice black rubber grips. It feels good in your hands.
- The .22 caliber is a good size for many small game targets and target practice.
What Could Be Improved:
- The rifle is quite long at 47.7 inches, which might make it a bit bulky for some shooters or in tight spaces.
- The package dimensions suggest it comes in a large box, so storage might require a bit of planning.
This Gamo Swarm Whisper is a fantastic option for those seeking a quiet, comfortable, and effective air rifle. It delivers on its promises of performance and user experience.
3. Crosman CLGY1000KT Legacy Variable Pump .177-Caliber Pellet/BB Air Rifle With Scope
Rating: 9.4/10
The Crosman CLGY1000KT Legacy Variable Pump .177-Caliber Pellet/BB Air Rifle With Scope is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a fun and versatile air rifle. Its durable, waterproof synthetic design means it can handle outdoor adventures. Plus, the rifled steel barrel helps make your shots more accurate.
What We Like:
- It’s built tough with a durable, waterproof synthetic design.
- You get variable power control, letting you choose between 750 and 1000 feet per second.
- It shoots both .177-caliber pellets and traditional steel BBs, giving you options.
- Safety is important, and the crossbolt safety keeps things secure.
- It comes with a fiber-optic sight and a 4 x 15 mm scope to help you hit your targets.
- It’s perfect for plinking and backyard adventures.
What Could Be Improved:
- Pellets and BBs are not included, so you’ll need to buy those separately.
- The scope is a 4x15mm, which is good for beginners but might be a bit basic for experienced shooters.
This air rifle is a solid option for fun and practice. It’s ready to go for your next airpower adventure.
4. Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal (Rifle + Pellet Pen Bundle)
Rating: 9.0/10
The Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal is a great starter air rifle. It comes as a bundle, which means you get more for your money. This rifle is designed for fun and target practice. It’s easy to handle and its features make it a good choice for beginners.
What We Like:
- It’s a single-shot, spring-piston breakbarrel rifle. This means it’s simple to load and operate.
- This rifle shoots .177 caliber pellets really fast, up to 1250 feet per second. That’s quick!
- It comes with a 4×32 scope. This scope helps you aim better and see your targets clearly.
- The bundle includes an Air Venturi Pellet Pen. This handy tool makes loading pellets easier and cleaner.
- It has a synthetic Monte Carlo stock with dual raised cheekpieces. This makes it comfortable to hold and shoot.
- The rifle has a manual safety. This helps prevent accidental firing.
- It features a steel barrel with a fluted polymer jacket. This adds durability and a cool look.
- The anti-beartrap mechanism is a smart safety feature. It prevents the barrel from snapping shut unexpectedly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The rifle does not come with pellets. You’ll need to buy those separately.
- Using the wrong kind of pellets can cause problems with how the rifle works. It’s important to use good quality ammo.
This Gamo Varmint air rifle bundle is a solid option for anyone looking to get into airgun shooting. The included scope and pellet pen add great value, making it an enjoyable and convenient package.
5. Barra Air Guns Sportsman 900 BB Gun Rifle for Adults
Rating: 8.9/10
Looking for a fun and powerful air rifle for target practice or backyard plinking? The Barra Air Guns Sportsman 900 BB Gun Rifle is a great option for adults. It lets you shoot either .177 caliber (4.5mm) pellets or BBs, giving you lots of choices for shooting fun. You’ll have plenty of power for hitting targets at different distances.
What We Like:
- You can use both .177 caliber pellets and BBs, which is awesome for variety.
- The 20-inch rifled barrel helps you hit your targets more often.
- It comes with a 4×15 scope and adjustable fiber optic sights for better aiming.
- The multi-pump action is easy to use, and the bolt-action feels real.
- It can shoot BBs or pellets up to 800 FPS with good pellets, which is pretty fast.
- It looks good and is more reliable and powerful than many other multi-pump BB guns.
What Could Be Improved:
- You can only load one pellet at a time, or up to 50 BBs.
- While it’s great for plinking and target practice, it’s not meant for serious hunting.
The Barra Air Guns Sportsman 900 offers a solid shooting experience with its versatility and accuracy features. It’s a dependable choice for anyone wanting to enjoy airgun sports.
Choosing the Best Pellet Rifle for Squirrel Hunting
Hunting squirrels with a pellet rifle can be a fun and rewarding experience. It’s also a great way to control squirrel populations that might be causing damage to your garden or property. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the perfect pellet rifle for your squirrel-hunting adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a pellet rifle, keep these important features in mind:
- Caliber: For squirrels, .177 or .22 caliber pellets are usually best. .177 is faster and flatter shooting, while .22 has more power.
- Power (FPS): Higher Feet Per Second (FPS) means the pellet travels faster and hits harder. Aim for rifles with at least 700 FPS for squirrels.
- Accuracy: A good rifle should be accurate. This means it shoots pellets consistently in the same spot.
- Type of Action: Pellet rifles come in different types: spring-piston, gas-piston, and PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic). Spring-piston are common and affordable. Gas-piston offer smoother shooting. PCP rifles are the most powerful and accurate but also the most expensive.
- Sights: Many rifles come with iron sights. For better accuracy, you might want a rifle that can easily mount a scope.
Important Materials
The materials used in a pellet rifle affect its durability and performance.
- Barrel: Most barrels are made of steel. A rifled barrel is essential for accuracy. Rifling spins the pellet, making it fly straighter.
- Stock: Stocks can be made of wood or synthetic materials. Wood stocks look classic and feel good. Synthetic stocks are lighter and more durable, especially in wet weather.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a pellet rifle better or worse.
What makes a pellet rifle higher quality?
- A good quality barrel is crucial for accuracy.
- A smooth trigger pull makes it easier to shoot accurately.
- A well-built stock feels solid and helps with aiming.
- A powerful air source means more consistent shots.
What can make a pellet rifle lower quality?
- A rough or loose barrel can hurt accuracy.
- A stiff or jerky trigger makes precise shooting difficult.
- A flimsy stock can feel unstable.
- Low power means you might not humanely take down a squirrel.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your pellet rifle.
For Beginners:
If you’re new to pellet rifles, a simple spring-piston model in .177 or .22 caliber is a good starting point. They are easy to use and maintain. You can practice your aim in your backyard or at a local range.
For Experienced Hunters:
If you’re a seasoned hunter, you might want a more powerful and accurate rifle. A gas-piston or PCP rifle with a good scope will give you the best results. These rifles are great for longer distances and more challenging shots.
Where can you use a pellet rifle?
You can use pellet rifles for pest control in your yard, target practice, and small game hunting. Always check your local laws and regulations before hunting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best caliber pellet rifle for squirrels?
A: The .177 or .22 caliber pellet rifles are generally considered best for squirrels. The .22 caliber offers more stopping power.
Q: How much power (FPS) do I need for squirrel hunting?
A: You should look for a pellet rifle that shoots at least 700 Feet Per Second (FPS). More power helps ensure a humane takedown.
Q: Do I need a scope for squirrel hunting?
A: While not always necessary, a scope greatly improves accuracy, especially at longer distances. Many pellet rifles are designed to easily mount a scope.
Q: What is the difference between spring-piston and gas-piston rifles?
A: Spring-piston rifles use a metal spring. Gas-piston rifles use compressed gas. Gas-piston rifles are often smoother to shoot and last longer.
Q: Are PCP rifles good for squirrels?
A: Yes, PCP rifles are very good for squirrels. They are powerful and accurate, but they are also more expensive and require an air compressor or pump.
Q: How do I maintain my pellet rifle?
A: Keep the barrel clean and dry. Lightly oil the moving parts occasionally. Store it in a safe, dry place.
Q: Is it legal to hunt squirrels with a pellet rifle?
A: Laws vary by location. Always check your local wildlife regulations before hunting with any firearm, including pellet rifles.
Q: What kind of pellets should I use for squirrels?
A: For squirrels, pointed or hollow-point pellets are usually recommended because they offer better penetration and expansion.
Q: How far away can I effectively shoot a squirrel with a pellet rifle?
A: With practice and a good rifle and scope, you can be effective up to 30-50 yards. Accuracy is key.
Q: Where should I aim on a squirrel?
A: For a humane kill, aim for the head or the heart/lung area. This ensures a quick and clean takedown.
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.