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10 Best Air Rifle For Squirrel 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal (Rifle + Pellet Pen Bundle)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,433
Accuracy
Velocity
Weight

Most important from
8988 reviews

Accuracy
The rifle delivers impressive accuracy within 20 to 30 yards, making it very effective for backyard pest control and small game hunting.
Velocity
Its rifled barrel and consistent velocity provide reliable shot placement, especially when paired with quality pellets like H&N Match Rifle wad cutters.
Weight
The rifle is lightweight and well-balanced, making it easy to carry and shoot comfortably during extended sessions.
Noise Level
The rifle performs quietly enough for backyard use, minimizing disturbance while maintaining good power and penetration.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,433
Accuracy
Velocity
Weight

Most important from
8988 reviews

Accuracy
The rifle delivers impressive accuracy within 20 to 30 yards, making it very effective for backyard pest control and small game hunting.
Velocity
Its rifled barrel and consistent velocity provide reliable shot placement, especially when paired with quality pellets like H&N Match Rifle wad cutters.
Weight
The rifle is lightweight and well-balanced, making it easy to carry and shoot comfortably during extended sessions.
Noise Level
The rifle performs quietly enough for backyard use, minimizing disturbance while maintaining good power and penetration.
#2

Gamo 611006875554 Swarm Whisper Air Rifle, .22 Caliber,Black

Rating
9.4
Caliber
Power Source
Weight

Most important from
2010 reviews

Caliber
The rifle's .22 caliber provides plenty of power for small game hunting, ensuring well-placed shots with enough impact to handle pesky pests effectively.
Power Source
The air rifle's strong spring delivers a powerful shot without needing to buy cartridges continuously, ensuring it should last for years.
Weight
Upon the first shot, it was clear that this lightweight rifle packs a tremendous punch and is impressively silent.
Accuracy
Perfect for backyard shooting, the rifle is consistently precise at 25 yards using lead pellets and has a powerful impact, even going through 1.5 inches of hard plywood cleanly.
Noise Level
Upon the first shot, it was clear that this lightweight rifle packs a tremendous punch and is impressively silent.

The Gamo Swarm Whisper Air Rifle is tailored for squirrel hunting with its .22 caliber and impressive features. One of its standout strengths is the Inert Gas Technology (IGT) piston, which provides higher velocity and less vibration compared to traditional spring-powered airguns. This not only enhances performance but also extends the lifespan of the rifle, making it a reliable choice for hunting enthusiasts. The Whisper Technology significantly reduces noise, which is a crucial factor when hunting skittish animals like squirrels. Additionally, the built-in Shock Wave Absorber helps minimize recoil, contributing to a more enjoyable shooting experience.

Weighing in at just 5.43 pounds, the rifle is relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry during extensive hunts. The all-weather synthetic stock is designed for durability and comfort, though the plastic frame might not appeal to those looking for a more robust build.

While the accuracy is decent for the price, some users may find that it doesn't match the precision of more expensive air rifles. Also, the plastic frame could raise concerns about longevity in rough outdoor conditions compared to wooden alternatives. The rifle is designed for unisex adults, making it suitable for a broad user base, but beginners might require some practice to master its features.

Rating
9.4
Caliber
Power Source
Weight

Most important from
2010 reviews

Caliber
The rifle's .22 caliber provides plenty of power for small game hunting, ensuring well-placed shots with enough impact to handle pesky pests effectively.
Power Source
The air rifle's strong spring delivers a powerful shot without needing to buy cartridges continuously, ensuring it should last for years.
Weight
Upon the first shot, it was clear that this lightweight rifle packs a tremendous punch and is impressively silent.
Accuracy
Perfect for backyard shooting, the rifle is consistently precise at 25 yards using lead pellets and has a powerful impact, even going through 1.5 inches of hard plywood cleanly.
Noise Level
Upon the first shot, it was clear that this lightweight rifle packs a tremendous punch and is impressively silent.
#3

Gamo Swarm Magnum PRO 10X GEN3i Inertia Fed Break Barrel air Rifle. High Power 10-Shot Pellet air Gun. 1,650 fps Velocity. New Stock Design. (.22 Caliber)

Rating
9.1
Weight
Accuracy

Most important from
170 reviews

Weight
The rifle is quite heavy, which might be a concern during extended use.
Accuracy
This gun is a beast and doesn't take hostages once the scope is locked in on it. Good power, easy to use, and the scope was easy to zero in 10 shots at 35 yards.

The Gamo Swarm Magnum Pro Gen3i Multi-Shot Air Rifle is a powerful option for squirrel hunting. It features a 0.22 caliber, which is effective for small game hunting, and boasts an impressive velocity of 1300 ft/sec, ensuring high impact on target. The IGT Mach 1 gas piston power plant contributes to a consistent and smooth shooting experience, providing better accuracy and reduced vibrations compared to spring-powered rifles.

The air rifle weighs 6.88 pounds, making it relatively easy to carry for extended periods during hunting trips, but it might feel a bit heavy for some users over time. Additionally, the rifle comes with a one-year limited warranty, offering some peace of mind for potential buyers. On the downside, the product dimensions (49.2 x 2 x 6.5 inches) indicate it is quite long, which may affect maneuverability in dense environments.

Testing it personally is recommended to ensure it fits your specific needs and preferences.

Rating
9.1
Weight
Accuracy

Most important from
170 reviews

Weight
The rifle is quite heavy, which might be a concern during extended use.
Accuracy
This gun is a beast and doesn't take hostages once the scope is locked in on it. Good power, easy to use, and the scope was easy to zero in 10 shots at 35 yards.

Buying Guide for the Best Air Rifle For Squirrel

Choosing the right air rifle for squirrel hunting involves understanding various specifications that can impact your hunting experience. It's important to consider factors such as power, accuracy, weight, and ease of use to ensure you select a rifle that meets your needs. Here are some key specifications to consider when picking an air rifle for squirrel hunting, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
CaliberCaliber refers to the diameter of the rifle's barrel and the size of the pellets it uses. For squirrel hunting, the most common calibers are .177 and .22. The .177 caliber is known for its higher velocity and flatter trajectory, making it suitable for longer shots. The .22 caliber, on the other hand, offers more stopping power and is better for ensuring a quick, humane kill. If you prioritize accuracy and longer range, go for .177. If you want more impact and are hunting at closer ranges, .22 is a better choice.
VelocityVelocity is the speed at which the pellet leaves the barrel, measured in feet per second (FPS). Higher velocity can improve accuracy and penetration, which is important for ensuring a clean kill. For squirrel hunting, a velocity of 800-1000 FPS is generally sufficient. If you are hunting in areas with dense foliage or need to take longer shots, a higher velocity air rifle might be beneficial. However, extremely high velocities can sometimes reduce accuracy, so balance is key.
Power SourceAir rifles can be powered by different mechanisms, including spring-piston, gas piston, and pre-charged pneumatic (PCP). Spring-piston rifles are reliable and easy to maintain but can be heavier and have more recoil. Gas piston rifles offer smoother shooting and are less affected by temperature changes. PCP rifles provide the highest power and accuracy but require a separate air source for refilling. Choose a power source based on your preference for ease of use, maintenance, and the type of hunting you plan to do.
WeightThe weight of the air rifle can affect your comfort and mobility while hunting. Lighter rifles are easier to carry and maneuver, especially during long hunting sessions. However, heavier rifles can offer better stability and accuracy. Consider your physical strength and how much walking or climbing you will be doing. If you need to be highly mobile, opt for a lighter rifle. If you prioritize stability and can manage the extra weight, a heavier rifle might be more suitable.
AccuracyAccuracy is crucial for successful squirrel hunting, as you need to hit small targets precisely. Factors that influence accuracy include the quality of the barrel, the trigger mechanism, and the overall build of the rifle. Look for rifles with adjustable triggers and high-quality barrels. Reading reviews and testing different models can help you find a rifle that consistently hits the mark. If you are a beginner, consider rifles known for their ease of use and forgiving nature.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially if you are hunting in areas where you don't want to disturb other wildlife or alert other squirrels. Some air rifles come with built-in noise dampening features. Spring-piston and gas piston rifles tend to be noisier than PCP rifles. If stealth is important to you, look for rifles with noise reduction technology or consider using a PCP rifle, which generally operates more quietly.

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