10 Best Air Rifle For Squirrel 2026 in the United States

The Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel .177 Caliber Pellet Air Rifle is well-suited for small game hunting, particularly squirrels, due to its excellent caliber and velocity. With a caliber of .177 and a velocity of up to 1250 ft/sec, this air rifle offers impressive performance and accuracy for such small targets. The spring-piston power source provides reliable shooting, making it easier for users to achieve consistent results.

One of the advantages of this model is its inclusion of a 4x32 scope, which enhances aiming precision and is beneficial for those who may not have experience with optics. The synthetic Monte Carlo stock is designed for comfort and stability, which is great when you're taking aim for a shot. Additionally, the anti-beartrap mechanism and manual safety features promote safe handling, which is especially important for beginners.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The air rifle weighs around 5.47 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy for some users, especially during extended periods of use. Noise level may also be a concern; while it is quieter than traditional firearms, air rifles can still produce noticeable noise, potentially scaring off nearby wildlife. Moreover, while the accuracy is generally good, it may require some practice for novice users to master the shooting technique effectively. The plastic frame, while lightweight, may not appeal to those seeking a more durable, heavy-duty option. Lastly, a one-year manufacturer warranty is standard but may not provide the reassurance some buyers desire.

The Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel is a solid choice for those interested in squirrel hunting, offering a combination of speed, ease of use, and safety features that cater to both beginners and more experienced shooters. Keep in mind the weight and noise factors when making your decision.

The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i is a .177 caliber air rifle designed for quick, multi-shot use, making it a solid choice for squirrel hunting. It offers a high pellet speed of up to 1650 feet per second, delivering good power and effective range for small game. The gas-piston power source (IGT Mach 1) provides strong shots while being more reliable and requiring less maintenance than spring-powered rifles. Weighing about 6.9 pounds, it is fairly easy to carry in the field without feeling too heavy.

One of its standout features is the 10-shot inertia-fed magazine. This system automatically loads the next pellet using the rifle’s recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots without manual reloading—handy when hunting quick, small animals like squirrels. The rifle also includes a 3-9x40 scope mounted on a recoil-reducing rail, which helps keep your aim steady and the scope accurate even after repeated powerful shots. Noise level is kept low thanks to Gamo’s Whisper Fusion technology, which uses dual chambers to reduce the muzzle blast noise. This is beneficial for not spooking nearby wildlife and for quieter shooting sessions.

While the rifle is versatile and powerful, .177 caliber pellets can be more affected by wind compared to larger calibers, which might impact accuracy at longer distances. Some users find the recoil noticeable despite the reduction system, which could affect comfort during extended use. The metal frame and aluminum barrel make it sturdy but slightly heavier than some lightweight alternatives. For those seeking a fast-shooting, relatively quiet, and powerful air rifle suited to small game like squirrels, the Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i provides a well-rounded package with modern features, especially if quick multiple shots without reloading and decent accuracy and noise control are priorities.

The Gamo Varmint .177 caliber air rifle is a solid choice for small game like squirrels, thanks to its fast velocity of up to 1250 feet per second, which helps with accurate shots at a distance. It uses a spring-piston power source, meaning it doesn’t rely on batteries or CO2, making it reliable and lower maintenance. The rifle includes a basic 4x32 scope, which is helpful for spotting small targets, but more serious shooters might want to upgrade for better precision.

Its synthetic Monte Carlo stock with raised cheekpieces is comfortable for steady aiming, and the steel barrel with a polymer jacket adds durability. The manual safety and anti-beartrap mechanism improve handling safety, especially for beginners. Weighing around 7 pounds, it’s not too heavy, though it might feel a bit bulky for younger or smaller users. One downside is that it comes without pellets, so you’ll need to buy those separately and should choose quality ammo to avoid performance problems.

Noise level is typical for spring-piston rifles—noticeable but not overly loud, which is decent for backyard or light woodland use. If you're looking for a straightforward, durable air rifle for squirrel hunting or target practice, the Gamo Varmint offers good speed and decent accuracy with safety features, but keep in mind it’s a single-shot breakbarrel, so each shot requires reloading.