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Squirrel hunting with an air rifle is one of the most accessible ways to get into small game hunting. It’s legal in most states, can be done on smaller properties where firearms aren’t practical, and provides excellent practice for larger game hunting. But choosing the right pellet gun for squirrels requires understanding what actually works in the field—not just what looks good on paper.
In this guide, we’ll cover the real-world requirements for effective squirrel hunting and recommend air rifles that consistently get the job done.
What You Actually Need to Hunt Squirrels
Before looking at specific rifles, let’s establish the baseline requirements for ethical squirrel hunting:
Power Requirements
Squirrels are surprisingly tough animals. For clean, humane kills you need:
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Minimum: 12-15 foot-pounds of energy (FPE) at the muzzle
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Recommended: 18-25 FPE for consistent performance
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Maximum practical range: 30-40 yards for most hunters
Whether you’re hunting squirrels for sport or managing them as backyard pests around gardens and bird feeders, these power requirements apply equally. For a broader look at matching air rifle power to various pest species including rats, pigeons, raccoons, and groundhogs, see our guide to best air rifles for pest control.
These numbers come from decades of airgun hunting experience documented by organizations like the Airgun Forum and publications like Hard Air Magazine. Below 12 FPE, you risk wounding animals rather than dispatching them cleanly.
Caliber Selection
.22 caliber is the overwhelming choice for squirrel hunting. Here’s why:
| Caliber | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| .177 | Flat trajectory, cheap ammo | Less energy transfer, pass-throughs common | Marginal—headshots only |
| .22 | Excellent energy transfer, good accuracy | More holdover than .177 | Recommended |
| .25 | Maximum knockdown power | More expensive, more drop | Good if you have the power |
Accuracy Requirements
A squirrel’s kill zone (head/vitals) is roughly 1-1.5 inches. At typical hunting ranges of 20-40 yards, your rifle needs to consistently group under 1.5 inches. Most quality air rifles exceed this easily, but shooter skill and proper pellet selection matter enormously.
Best Pellet Guns for Squirrel Hunting
1. Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X Gen 3i – Best Overall
The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X Gen 3i in .22 caliber is our top recommendation for squirrel hunters. Its 10-shot magazine solves the break-barrel’s biggest weakness—slow follow-up shots.
Key Specifications:
| Caliber | .22 |
|---|---|
| Velocity | ~975 FPS with lead pellets |
| Energy | ~24-26 FPE |
| Magazine | 10-shot rotary |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs |
| Price | $200-280 |
Why It Works for Squirrels:
The Swarm Magnum delivers legitimate hunting power—24+ FPE puts it well above the minimum threshold. The 10-shot magazine means if a squirrel moves after your first shot, you can follow up quickly without breaking your shooting position. The included 3-9x40 scope is serviceable for hunting distances.
The IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston performs more consistently in cold weather than traditional springs—important for early morning hunts.
Real-World Performance:
Expect 1-1.25″ groups at 30 yards with quality pellets like JSB Exact or H&N Field Target Trophy. The Whisper Fusion suppressor makes it noticeably quieter than unshrouded break-barrels.
2. Air Venturi Avenger – Best PCP Option
For hunters willing to deal with air fills, the Air Venturi Avenger offers superior accuracy and shot-to-shot consistency.
Key Specifications:
| Caliber | .22 (also available in .177, .25) |
|---|---|
| Velocity | Up to 1,000 FPS |
| Energy | Adjustable up to ~30 FPE |
| Magazine | 10-shot rotary |
| Shots/Fill | ~60 at medium power |
| Price | $300-350 (rifle only) |
Why It Works for Squirrels:
The Avenger’s Lothar Walther barrel delivers exceptional accuracy—many shooters report consistent sub-1″ groups at 50 yards. For squirrel hunting, this precision means reliable headshots at typical distances. The adjustable power lets you dial back for backyard pests or maximize power for longer shots.
The side-lever action is faster than a break-barrel for follow-up shots, and 60 shots per fill means you won’t run out during a morning hunt.
Additional Cost Consideration:
Remember to budget $80-100 for a hand pump or $250+ for a carbon fiber tank if you don’t already have a filling solution.
3. Benjamin Marauder – Proven Hunting PCP
The Benjamin Marauder has been taking squirrels for over a decade. Its reputation for reliability makes it a favorite among serious small game hunters.
Key Specifications:
| Caliber | .22 (also .177, .25) |
|---|---|
| Velocity | Up to 1,000 FPS |
| Energy | ~30 FPE |
| Magazine | 10-shot rotary |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs |
| Price | $450-500 |
Why It Works for Squirrels:
The Marauder’s choked barrel produces remarkably tight groups. Combined with its extremely quiet operation (one of the quietest PCPs available), it’s ideal for hunting in areas where sound carries. The lower fill pressure (3,000 PSI vs 4,500) is easier on hand pumps.
4. Hatsan 95 – Best Budget Spring Rifle
For hunters on a tight budget, the Hatsan 95 delivers solid performance at an entry-level price.
Key Specifications:
| Caliber | .22 |
|---|---|
| Velocity | ~800 FPS with lead pellets |
| Energy | ~18-20 FPE |
| Weight | 7.8 lbs |
| Price | $150-180 |
Why It Works for Squirrels:
The Hatsan 95 provides adequate power for squirrels within 30 yards. The Turkish walnut stock and quality metalwork offer value that exceeds its price point. Hatsan’s Quattro trigger is adjustable and breaks cleanly.
Limitation: Single-shot only. If you miss, the squirrel will likely be gone before you can reload. Practice your first-shot accuracy.
Best Pellets for Squirrel Hunting
The right pellet matters as much as the rifle. For squirrel hunting, you want pellets that:
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Fly accurately to ensure shot placement
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Transfer energy effectively on impact
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Don’t pass through without causing sufficient damage
Top Recommendations:
1. JSB Exact Diabolo – The gold standard for accuracy. Domed design provides good energy transfer while maintaining flight stability.
2. H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme – Hollow point design expands on impact for maximum energy transfer. Slightly less accurate than domed pellets but more effective on game.
3. H&N Crow Magnum – Large hollow point specifically designed for hunting. Excellent expansion but best used within 30 yards where accuracy remains high.
Shot Placement: The Most Important Factor
No amount of power compensates for poor shot placement. For squirrels:
Primary Target: Head
A headshot ensures instant, humane dispatch. The brain is roughly centered in the skull—aim for just behind and slightly below the eye.
Secondary Target: Heart/Lungs
The heart/lung area sits just behind the front leg. This is a larger target than the head but may not result in instant dispatch. A squirrel can travel 20-30 yards after a lung hit.
Avoid: Gut shots or shots through the hindquarters. These cause suffering without quick dispatch and ruin meat if you plan to eat your harvest.
Legal Considerations
Before hunting squirrels with an air rifle, verify:
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Season dates: Many states have specific squirrel seasons (typically fall)
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Bag limits: Usually 5-10 per day depending on state
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Air rifle legality: Most states allow air rifles for small game; some specify minimum caliber or energy
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License requirements: A small game hunting license is typically required
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Property permissions: Written permission for private land; specific rules for public land
Check your state’s wildlife agency website for current regulations. For example:
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California Fish and Game Commission – See our California pellet gun hunting law guide for specific California airgun regulations
Comparison Table: Squirrel Hunting Air Rifles
| Rifle | Type | Power | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamo Swarm Magnum | Break-barrel | ~25 FPE | $200-280 | Best Overall |
| Air Venturi Avenger | PCP | ~30 FPE | $300-350 | Best Accuracy |
| Benjamin Marauder | PCP | ~30 FPE | $450-500 | Quietest Operation |
| Hatsan 95 | Spring-piston | ~19 FPE | $150-180 | Best Budget |
Our Recommendation
For most squirrel hunters, the Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X Gen 3i offers the best combination of power, features, and simplicity. The 10-shot magazine addresses the break-barrel’s traditional weakness, and you don’t need to deal with air tanks or pumps.
If you’re already invested in PCP equipment or want maximum accuracy, the Air Venturi Avenger will outperform any break-barrel at the cost of added complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the minimum power needed to hunt squirrels?
12-15 FPE is the generally accepted minimum for ethical squirrel hunting, assuming proper shot placement. We recommend 18+ FPE for a margin of error.
Can I use a .177 caliber for squirrels?
Yes, but it’s marginal. A .177 at high velocity can take squirrels with perfect headshots, but the lighter pellet is more affected by wind and has less energy transfer on body shots. We recommend .22 caliber for hunting.
How far can I shoot squirrels with an air rifle?
Most hunters keep shots within 30-40 yards. Beyond this, accuracy drops and energy diminishes. Know your rifle’s capabilities and your own skill level.
Do I need a scope for squirrel hunting?
While skilled shooters can use iron sights, a scope makes target acquisition faster and shot placement more precise. A 3-9x40 scope is ideal for typical hunting distances.
Sources
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Hard Air Magazine – Airgun testing and hunting information
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Airgun Forum – Community hunting experiences and data
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State wildlife agency regulations (linked above)
For more hunting-focused content, see our Pellet Gun Hunting Guide and Best Air Rifles for Hunting.
Last updated: November 2026