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10 Best Pellet Gun For Squirrels 2026 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 by1,142
Velocity
Accuracy
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
9141 reviews

Velocity
The Gamo Varmint is pushing pellets at a consistent 910 feet per second. Excellent results!
Accuracy
This rifle and Gamo scope are AWESOME! Over 250 rounds and zero held, with good weight and decent quality for the price.
Weight and Ergonomics
Very, very accurate and easy to shoot with a nice lightweight feel. Cocking effort is minimal.
Noise Level
It is very powerful with a very long range. So far no jamming, but it is pretty loud.

The Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle is a solid choice for those looking to humanely manage squirrel populations. With a .177 caliber, this rifle delivers impressive velocity, shooting pellets up to 1250 feet per second, which enhances accuracy and effectiveness for small game hunting. Its single-shot, break-action design is straightforward to use, making it a good option for both beginners and experienced users. The included 4x32 scope can help improve aiming, while the synthetic stock offers a lightweight and ergonomic feel, ensuring comfortable handling during longer shooting sessions.

One notable advantage is the anti-beartrap mechanism, which adds a layer of safety when reloading. The rifle's relatively light weight of 7 pounds makes it portable, an essential feature for those who might carry it through the woods.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The plastic frame may not be as durable as wooden alternatives, possibly raising concerns for heavy use. Additionally, being a single-shot rifle means you'll need to reload after each shot, which could be less convenient in fast-paced situations. While the noise level is lower than that of traditional firearms, it still produces sound, which could scare away game if not used carefully. The Gamo Varmint Air Rifle is a strong contender for casual hunters and pest control enthusiasts, offering a good mix of power, accuracy, and safety features. If you're looking for something lightweight and user-friendly, this rifle is worth considering, but keep in mind that some might prefer a multi-shot option for quicker follow-up shots.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,142
Velocity
Accuracy
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
9141 reviews

Velocity
The Gamo Varmint is pushing pellets at a consistent 910 feet per second. Excellent results!
Accuracy
This rifle and Gamo scope are AWESOME! Over 250 rounds and zero held, with good weight and decent quality for the price.
Weight and Ergonomics
Very, very accurate and easy to shoot with a nice lightweight feel. Cocking effort is minimal.
Noise Level
It is very powerful with a very long range. So far no jamming, but it is pretty loud.
#2

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
9.4
Velocity
Power Source
Accuracy

Most important from
204 reviews

Velocity
The rifle demonstrates exceptional power and accuracy, reliably hitting targets at 35 yards with potential for even longer distances using heavier pellets.
Power Source
The break-barrel design ensures reliability and maintenance simplicity without reliance on batteries or CO2, while the recoil-reducing rail enhances handling comfort.
Accuracy
The rifle demonstrates exceptional power and accuracy, reliably hitting targets at 35 yards with potential for even longer distances using heavier pellets.
Weight and Ergonomics
Despite its strength, the rifle's weight makes it challenging to cock repeatedly, which can lead to fatigue during extended shooting sessions.

The Gamo Swarm Magnum PRO 10X GEN3i is a break-barrel air rifle designed for small pest control like squirrels, offering a solid balance of power and convenience. It uses a .22 caliber pellet, which provides good stopping power for small animals. Its maximum velocity reaches up to 1,300 feet per second with .22 caliber pellets, which is quite fast and helps with accuracy and range. The rifle features an inertia-fed magazine holding 10 pellets, allowing for quick follow-up shots without reloading each time, which is handy in active situations. The adjustable two-stage trigger helps improve shooting precision, and the recoil-reducing rail makes the gun more comfortable to handle.

At about 6.88 pounds, it is moderately heavy, providing steady aiming but might feel somewhat heavy for long periods of use, especially for younger or smaller shooters. The break-barrel design means it doesn't require batteries or CO2, making it reliable and easy to maintain. Break-barrel air rifles generally produce moderate noise—loud enough to be noticed but quieter than firearms. The manual safety and automatic cocking safety add protection during handling.

The stock design improves grip and comfort, which supports accuracy. However, the rifle’s size, at about 49 inches long, may be less convenient for very tight spaces or transport. This gun is well-suited for those needing a powerful, semi-automatic pellet rifle for squirrel control, offering good speed, respectable accuracy, and ease of use without complex power sources.

Rating
9.4
Velocity
Power Source
Accuracy

Most important from
204 reviews

Velocity
The rifle demonstrates exceptional power and accuracy, reliably hitting targets at 35 yards with potential for even longer distances using heavier pellets.
Power Source
The break-barrel design ensures reliability and maintenance simplicity without reliance on batteries or CO2, while the recoil-reducing rail enhances handling comfort.
Accuracy
The rifle demonstrates exceptional power and accuracy, reliably hitting targets at 35 yards with potential for even longer distances using heavier pellets.
Weight and Ergonomics
Despite its strength, the rifle's weight makes it challenging to cock repeatedly, which can lead to fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
#3

Umarex Notos Carbine .22 Caliber PCP Pellet Gun Air Rifle

Rating
8.5
Velocity
Power Source
Accuracy

Most important from
308 reviews

Velocity
The gun delivers impressive power and accuracy for its price, shooting pellets at over 700 fps and producing tight groups even at 30 to 35 yards.
Power Source
Its regulated air system provides consistent velocity and allows multiple shots per fill, maintaining strong pressure well above the regulator's limit.
Accuracy
The gun delivers impressive power and accuracy for its price, shooting pellets at over 700 fps and producing tight groups even at 30 to 35 yards.
Weight and Ergonomics
The lightweight, well-balanced design with an adjustable AR15-style buttstock makes handling comfortable and suitable for use in confined spaces.
Noise Level
The side lever cocking system is quiet and smooth, helping to avoid startling small game during hunting.

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.

Rating
8.5
Velocity
Power Source
Accuracy

Most important from
308 reviews

Velocity
The gun delivers impressive power and accuracy for its price, shooting pellets at over 700 fps and producing tight groups even at 30 to 35 yards.
Power Source
Its regulated air system provides consistent velocity and allows multiple shots per fill, maintaining strong pressure well above the regulator's limit.
Accuracy
The gun delivers impressive power and accuracy for its price, shooting pellets at over 700 fps and producing tight groups even at 30 to 35 yards.
Weight and Ergonomics
The lightweight, well-balanced design with an adjustable AR15-style buttstock makes handling comfortable and suitable for use in confined spaces.
Noise Level
The side lever cocking system is quiet and smooth, helping to avoid startling small game during hunting.

Buying Guide for the Best Pellet Gun For Squirrels

Choosing the right pellet gun for dealing with squirrels involves understanding various specifications and how they align with your needs. It's important to consider factors such as power, accuracy, and ease of use to ensure you select a pellet gun that is effective and safe. Here are some key specifications to consider when making your choice.
CaliberCaliber refers to the diameter of the pellets that the gun uses. Common calibers for pellet guns are .177 and .22. The .177 caliber is smaller and generally offers higher velocity, making it suitable for small game like squirrels. The .22 caliber, being larger, delivers more impact and is better for ensuring a quick, humane kill. Choose .177 if you prioritize speed and accuracy, and .22 if you prioritize stopping power.
VelocityVelocity is the speed at which the pellet is fired from the gun, measured in feet per second (FPS). Higher velocity means the pellet travels faster and can be more accurate over longer distances. For squirrel hunting, a velocity of 600-800 FPS is generally sufficient. If you need to shoot from longer distances, consider a gun with higher velocity. However, higher velocity can also mean more noise and potential for over-penetration, so balance your needs accordingly.
Power SourcePellet guns can be powered by different mechanisms such as spring-piston, gas piston, or pre-charged pneumatic (PCP). Spring-piston guns are reliable and easy to maintain, making them a good choice for beginners. Gas piston guns offer smoother shooting and are less affected by temperature changes. PCP guns provide consistent power and are great for more experienced users who need high performance. Choose based on your experience level and how often you plan to use the gun.
AccuracyAccuracy is crucial for hitting small targets like squirrels. Factors affecting accuracy include the quality of the barrel, the trigger mechanism, and the presence of a good scope. Look for a gun with a rifled barrel, which spins the pellet for better stability. A smooth, adjustable trigger can also improve your shooting precision. Consider a gun that comes with a scope or has the option to mount one for better targeting.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and ergonomics of the pellet gun affect how comfortable it is to use, especially over extended periods. Lighter guns are easier to carry and handle, making them suitable for younger or less experienced users. However, heavier guns can offer better stability and accuracy. Ergonomics, such as the design of the stock and grip, should also be considered to ensure the gun feels comfortable and secure in your hands.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially if you are shooting in a residential area or want to avoid scaring away other wildlife. Some pellet guns come with built-in noise dampening features. Spring-piston and gas piston guns tend to be quieter than PCP guns. If stealth is important to you, look for a gun specifically designed to minimize noise.

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