10 Best Pellet Gun For Squirrels 2026 in the United States

The Umarex Notos Carbine is a .22 caliber PCP pellet gun that offers strong performance suitable for squirrel hunting and small game. It shoots pellets at 700 feet per second, providing enough power for clean, humane shots on small targets. The fixed, regulated air tank ensures consistent velocity shot to shot, making it reliable and easier to aim accurately. The 7-shot rotary magazine allows quick follow-up shots without immediate reloading, which is a helpful feature in the field.

Weighing around 5 pounds, it is light enough to carry comfortably but still feels solid thanks to its all-metal build. The side lever cocking system is quiet and smooth, helping to avoid scaring away animals. This rifle’s modest barrel length keeps it compact for easy handling in tight spaces like wooded areas. Although it is not the quietest pellet gun on the market, its noise level is reasonable for hunting scenarios.

The Notos Carbine serves as a dependable, accurate, and fairly powerful pellet gun for squirrels or general target shooting. Those wanting ultra-quiet shots or a larger magazine might look elsewhere, but for typical small game hunting, it strikes a nice balance of power, ease of use, and portability.

The Daisy Powerline 880 is a versatile pellet and BB gun that shoots .177 caliber ammo at speeds up to 800 feet per second, making it suitable for small pest control like squirrels as well as casual shooting. Its multi-pump pneumatic power source allows you to adjust the velocity by pumping more, giving you some control over power without relying on batteries or gas. The rifled steel barrel improves accuracy by spinning pellets, which helps with steady shots at typical backyard distances.

Weighing 4.75 pounds and measuring about 38 inches long, it offers a comfortable fit for most adults with a solid grip, balancing stability and ease of handling. A standout feature is the built-in whisper noise reduction, which keeps the shooting quieter than many other air rifles — ideal for use in suburban or backyard settings where noise could be an issue. The ability to shoot both pellets and BBs adds flexibility depending on your shooting needs.

While 800 FPS is decent, it might be on the lower side for very quick or distant squirrel shots compared to higher-powered pellet guns. Also, being a multi-pump pneumatic requires manual effort to build power before each shot, which might not appeal to everyone. This model suits beginners or casual users needing a reasonably quiet, accurate air rifle for backyard squirrel control and general plinking, but it may not satisfy those looking for more power or rapid firing.

The Daisy Adult Red Ryder BB Rifle is a classic-style airgun designed mainly for casual target practice rather than serious pest control like squirrel hunting. It fires .177 caliber BBs at about 350 feet per second, which offers moderate power but is generally on the low side for effectively taking down small animals. Its lever action and full-size design make it easy to handle and aim steadily for adults, and the metal and wood construction feel durable and reliable.

With a large 650 BB capacity, it's great for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloading. The rifle weighs around 3 pounds, which is light enough for comfortable use over time, and its noise level is relatively low, making it less likely to disturb neighbors. However, since it uses BBs instead of pellets, it may lack the accuracy and stopping power needed specifically for squirrels.

This gun is best suited for beginners or those interested in plinking and target shooting rather than dedicated squirrel hunting. If you want a pellet gun for small game, you might want to consider models with higher velocity, pellet ammo, and more focus on precision.