Looking for the Best Pellet Guns for Squirrels shooting and hunting? Read on as we go through the best on the market, looking at the features and more.
If left uncontrolled,squirrels and other small pests such as rats and rodents can cause major havoc to your backyard garden or farm. To get rid of them, you’ll need a pellet gun.
In this review and buying guide, we take a look at the best pellet guns for squirrels hunting.
Given the wide range of pellet guns on the market today, you need to ensure that the firearm you get is suitable for pest control and meets your preferences.
With that in mind, let’s now take a look at some of the best pellet guns that perform notably in squirrel control.
Best Pellet Guns for Squirrels
1) Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal
If you are looking for a quiet yet powerful pellet gun for squirrel control, the Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177Cal is your best option. What makes this gun ideal for pest control is its accuracy in both close and long-range. You can use it to easily take down squirrels in a shooting range that’s within 35 yards or more. This gun has a firing velocity of up to 1250FPS. This power is enough to take down squirrels, rodents, and rats with great accuracy regardless of whether you are shooting close range or long range. Thanks to the quiet operation, this gun will let you hunt down squirrels without causing any noise disturbance to your neighbors. The quiet operation also ensures that you don’t wake up the squirrels in case you miss your first shot. Another impressive feature of this pellet gun is the 4×32 scope. You can use the scope to improve your scoreboard. This gun is also lightweight and comfortable to carry around. Features
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2) Crosman .177 Bolt Action Variable Pump Pellet Gun
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3) Raptor Whisper Air Rifle
If you are looking for a powerful pellet gun for squirrel control, this Raptor Whisper Air Rifle will provide great value for your money. This air rifle uses the Whisper Noise Reduction Technology which is patented by Gamo. This noise reduction technology lets you shoot quietly. So, if you are shooting squirrels in the backyard, you won’t cause any noise disturbance to your neighbors. The other selling point about this air rifle is the IGS (Inert Gas Technology) gas piston. Unlike spring piston, it delivers more shooting velocity. With the .177 caliber pellets, you get 1300fps and 975fps in .22 caliber. You also get minimal vibrations, more consistent power as well as a smooth cocking effect. The 4×32 scope included is shockproof and fog proof. Therefore, the scope will provide you with clear target visuals regardless of the weather conditions. Weighing only 5.64lbs, this air rifle is lightweight and comfortable to carry around. The low weight makes long hunting sessions bearable. Features
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4) Crosman Air Rifle
This is an Optimus break barrel rifle that’s both powerful and eye-catching. Made with beginners in mind, this air rifle has a relatively light cocking force that’s is incredibly easy to use This gun is designed for pest control, plinking, and skill development. With a two-stage adjustable trigger, the accuracy of long-range shooting is enhanced. Besides, this rifle also features a micro-adjustable rear sight and fiber optic front sight to help improve your shooting accuracy. This rifle is made to be used in all weather conditions. It has a stylish, ambidextrous hardwood stock with a non-slip texture that enhances comfortable shooting even in wet conditions or when your hands are sweaty. You’ll also get a CenterPoint 4x32mm precision scope for both short and long-range shooting. Weighing just 0.05 pounds, this rifle is extremely lightweight and easy to carry in the field Features
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5) Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle
With, this rifle you can shoot 0.177 cal at 1000fps with lead pellets and 1200fps with alloy pellets. Such velocities will deliver excellent results regardless of the shooting activity you are engaged in. You can also shoot both short and long-range. It features standard front and rear fiber optics which enhance your long-range shooting accuracy. Besides, the rear sights are adjustable for windage and elevation. Another impressive feature of this air rifle is its comfortable stock and grip. As your cheek sets on the ergonomic stock, your grip will be comfortable and secure thanks to the contoured shape and checkering. For added convenience, this air rifle also comes with a 4×32 scope and mounting rings. It is also lightweight and great for field use. Features
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6) Winchester 1977X Dual Ammo Air Rifle
If you are looking for a multi-pump dual ammo air rifle suitable for pest control and small game hunting, the Winchester 1977X Dual Ammo Air Rifle is your ideal option. This air rifle is compatible with both .177 caliber pellets and traditional BBs. You can easily load up to 50BBs in the port and reload another one every time you pull the bolt. With every pump, you get more power and velocity. For indoor target shooting practice, you can pump the gun up to 3 times. But, if you want to achieve the maximum velocity which is 800fps, you should pump it up to 10x. When it comes to durability, this air rifle features a rugged and durable composite stock and forearm. Therefore, you can take it in the wild and rest assured that it will withstand almost anything that it is subjected to. To help you improve your long-range accuracy, this rifle comes with a 4×32 scope and open sights. The scope is fog proof and shockproof to enhance reliability in all weather conditions. Features
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7) Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X Gen 2 Multi-Shot Air Gun
With the Swarm Fusion 10X Gen 2 Multi-Shot Air Gun you get higher energy downrange for the ultimate impact and penetration. This makes it ideal for the control of small animals such as squirrels, mice, rats, and snakes. This air gun shoots both .177 and .22 caliber pellets. With the .177caliber you get 1300fps and 975fps with the .22 caliber pellets. These velocities are effective for firing both close and long-range targets. Featuring the whisper fusion noise reduction technology, this gun shoots quietly. If you prefer to hunt down the squirrels at night, you don’t have to worry about waking up your neighbors. The 10x GEN2 quick shot technology makes this air gun lighter, more compact with a low profile. The all-weather stock is carefully made to fit different shooters and to align perfectly with the scope. Speaking of scope, a Gamo 3-9×40 scope is also included. This scope is fully shockproof and fog proof for optimum accuracy and reliability. Weighing about 5.78 pounds, this firearm isn’t the lightest on the list. However, it’s not that heavy, so you’ll have quality time taking down squirrels. Features
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Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Pellet Guns for Squirrels
- FPS or Velocity
FPS refers to the speed at which the pellets will reach the target. The amount of FPS you’ll need depends on the shooting distance. For occasional, short-range squirrel and pest control, an air rifle with 600-700FPS will do. Medium and standard power air guns have an FPS rating of about 700-850. Some powerful models can reach up to 950FPS and above. Such guns are more versatile and suitable for multiple shooting activities, not just squirrel control.
- Caliber
The ideal pellet caliber depends on your shooting needs. Most air guns are compatible with both .177 caliber pellets and BBs. 177caliber pellets are the fastest among them all. For pest control which includes squirrels, rats, and rodents, the .177 caliber pellet will be more effective.
- Air Rifle Type
There are multiple types of air rifles to choose from. Each comes with its pros and cons.
Pneumatic Air Rifles
This type of air rifle is powered by manually pumping the level to pump air into the chamber. You can either shoot pellets or BBs with such guns. They are considerably affordable and easier to reload for young people. They are perfect for plinking and target shooting.
Spring Powered Air Rifles
With these air rifles, a spring compresses the air inside the chamber to be used as the power source. Compared with other air rifles, spring-powered air guns are more powerful and easy to use. Their drawback is that they are more expensive and difficult to reload for the less energetic people.
CO2 Powered Air Rifles
These air guns use compressed gas or cartridges as their power source. They require frequent cartridge refill after depletion. On average a CO2-powered air gun can fire 30 shots before a refill is done. When it comes to power, there are less powerful and difficult to shoot at long distances.
- Weight
Weight is the other important factor to consider when buying a pellet gun. Luckily, most air guns are lightweight and comfortable to carry around. Make sure that the air gun is lightweight if you intend to use it for long hunting sessions.
Best Pellet Guns for Squirrels FAQs
- How much FPS does it take to kill a squirrel?
In most cases, a 1,000FPS will instantly take down the squirrel. Smaller pests such as rats, mice, and small varmints require a lower velocity of about 750FPS
- Which is more powerful, a .177 or .22?
177 caliber pellet has a higher initial velocity but lower muzzle energy. It also has a longer kill zone range. It’s the versa for the .22 caliber. For squirrel control, the .177 is better.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this review has provided you with the information you were looking for about the best pellet guns for squirrels. All of the air guns listed above are quality products. You can use any one of them for squirrel control as well as other shooting activities.
See Also
- Gamo Air Rifles Comparison Chart
- Which is the Most Accurate Gamo Air Rifle?
- Best Gamo Air Rifles Guide
- 7 Quietest Break Barrel Air Rifles
- 6 Best Break Barrel Air Rifles
- Best Scopes for Pellet Guns
- Best Pellet Rifles for Hunting
- 7 Best Pellet Guns for Rabbits
- 7 Best Pellet Guns for Pigeons