MeatEater - 7 Best Air Rifles For Squirrel Hunting

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7 Best Air Rifles for Squirrel and Other Small Game

Air rifles nowadays are quiet, cheap to shoot, easy to use, and deadly accurate. Check out our picks for the best air rifles for squirrel hunting.

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[rugertoter]

Would like to get into the PCP game, but can't afford all the "gearing up" process. Well, that is if I took money away from traditional firearms.

I was surprised not to see at least one NP gun in the mix. I would rather shoot a Springer, but I do have a couple of NP's, and they do pretty well too.

 

[bwframe]

Would like to get into the PCP game, but can't afford all the "gearing up" process. Well, that is if I took money away from traditional firearms.

I was surprised not to see at least one NP gun in the mix. I would rather shoot a Springer, but I do have a couple of NP's, and they do pretty well too.

Buying used PCP's and knowing I'd be hand pumping is what convinced me. Can't believe I waited so long.

 

[d.kaufman]

Would like to get into the PCP game, but can't afford all the "gearing up" process. Well, that is if I took money away from traditional firearms.

I was surprised not to see at least one NP gun in the mix. I would rather shoot a Springer, but I do have a couple of NP's, and they do pretty well too.

Picked up an Umarex Gauntlet in .22 to get into the pcp game. Got the rifle, 4 mags and a hand pump for around $400. Threw a cheap 3-9×32 Simmons scope I had laying around. Very accurate rifle

My old springer would take a few shots to dispatch a coon. This will do it in 1, so squirrels shouldn't be an issue.

I'm happy with it for sure.

The filling with the hand pump gives a decent workout too

 

[Onebad06vtx]

PCP's are the way to go.
But that list left out many other good ones like AA 410's for example.

 

[bwframe]

Picked up an Umarex Gauntlet in .22 to get into the pcp game. Got the rifle, 4 mags and a hand pump for around $400. Threw a cheap 3-9×32 Simmons scope I had laying around. Very accurate rifle

My old springer would take a few shots to dispatch a coon. This will do it in 1, so squirrels shouldn't be an issue.

I'm happy with it for sure.

The filling with the hand pump gives a decent workout too

View attachment 330438

I think I want one of those.


People are quite intimidated by the hand pump. I pace myself and grin every time I use mine, between the cost savings and needed exercise.

 

[Jarvitron]

I wimped out and bought the Yong Heng for $230 and it works fine for me so far. The crappy aquarium pump they include for cooling died after a year. I have a NP Gamo 177 that never ever gets used because my 22 pcp is so much quieter.

 

[Scott58]

I'm the opposite. I'm getting away from pcp. Want a standard handgun next, but a Beeman R9 elite is in my future.

 

[walkercolt]

I just picked up Benjamin Marader which is 1st on the list, havent shot it yet still waiting on the scope and rings. I bought it from Amazon new last week on sale for $384.35, wood stock and .25 caliber.

I also have the Gamo Swarm Magnum 10x gen 3, which is 2nd on the list, in .22 caliber. Its been great for the squirrel hunting, if you hit them they are done and if you miss you may get a 2nd shot from the rifle being fairly quiet. It has pretty good standard sights, but I mounted a scope on mine.

As others have mentioned, there's alot of other rifles that could have been or should have been on the list, it's all opinion.

 

[Mgderf]

I found a .22 caliber springer air gun at an auction years ago.
It had the name "Mendoza" on the barrel.
I had time to Google search the name before the auction went off, and yes, it is THAT Mendoza, the crime syndicate/drug kingpin.
It looked brand new, and no-one else there really bid against me.

I think I paid $40 and I've been more than happy with it for the price I paid.

 

[gemihur]

I was a Sheridan shooter for many years
A Beeman R9 changed my mind
I have 'em both in 5mm.
Just like my Contender compared to my centerfires, It's the trigger that makes ALL the difference!

 

[baranjhn]

Interesting article, but definitely geared to the newbie or the guy that says "you want how much for a bb gun!” All are available at the big box stores and could be a fair place to start.

 

[brewski]

There are several electric PCP pumps on amazon for under $200, anybody have experiences good or bad?

 

[Bosshoss]

There are several electric PCP pumps on amazon for under $200, anybody have experiences good or bad?

GX pumps have a decent reputation I have a CS4 and happy with it.
The cheaper ones are supposed to be good also.
https://gxpumpofficial.com/?ref=GXProducts

 

[singlesix]

I’ve heard that the main concern with cheaper pumps is that they might introduce moisture into the fill air, which could lead to corrosion inside your air rifle. This was a few years back; I just went with a scuba tank. Get it filled at the local dive shop.

 

[Bosshoss]

I’ve heard that the main concern with cheaper pumps is that they might introduce moisture into the fill air, which could lead to corrosion inside your air rifle. This was a few years back; I just went with a scuba tank. Get it filled at the local dive shop.

Moisture can be a problem when using a compressor to fill a large scuba tank. It can take a while to fill a large tank and it can be done in stages that will keep the compressor cooler and from introducing water to the tank. Water separators can be used also.
Filling smaller gun mounted tanks usually doesn't generate any moisture.
That is why many compressors run on 12 volt and 110 volts.
I take my compressor to the range and fill the tank off the car battery.
I just refill my gun mounted tank when it gets low. Short run times doesn't even get the compressor warm and doesn't generate moisture.