Have you ever watched a squirrel dart across your yard, a furry blur of mischief? They can be entertaining to observe, but sometimes, they can also become a nuisance, raiding bird feeders or digging up gardens. If you’re looking for a humane and effective way to manage these clever critters, you might be considering a pellet pistol for squirrel hunting. But where do you even begin? The sheer variety of pellet pistols out there can be overwhelming, leaving you wondering which one will actually get the job done without causing unnecessary stress or harm.
Choosing the right pellet pistol for squirrel hunting isn’t just about picking the cheapest one. You need to think about power, accuracy, and how comfortable it is to hold and shoot. Getting this wrong can mean missed shots, frustrated hunts, and even a less-than-ideal experience for the squirrel. This is where our guide comes in. We’re here to cut through the confusion and give you the straightforward information you need.
By reading on, you’ll discover the key features to look for in a pellet pistol for squirrel hunting, understand the different types available, and learn how to choose a model that’s perfect for your needs. We’ll help you make a smart choice so you can approach your next squirrel-management task with confidence. Let’s dive in and find the best pellet pistol for you!
Our Top 5 Pellet Pistol For Squirrel Hunting Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Pellet Pistol For Squirrel Hunting Detailed Reviews
1. Crosman P1377BR American Classic Variable-Pump .177-Caliber Pellet Air Pistol
Rating: 9.0/10
The Crosman P1377BR American Classic is a fantastic air pistol for anyone looking to improve their shooting skills. Its brown synthetic frame and grip feel good in your hand, and the rifled steel barrel means it’s built to last. This pistol is all about control, letting you adjust the power with its variable pump. You can get pellets moving up to a speedy 600 feet per second. Loading is simple with its single-shot bolt action, and the crossbolt safety makes sure you handle it safely every time. Plus, the sights are clear and adjustable, helping you hit your target.
What We Like:
- Variable pump lets you control how fast the pellet flies.
- Easy bolt-action makes loading pellets a breeze.
- Built-in safety feature keeps you safe during use.
- Adjustable sights help you aim accurately.
- Great for learning and practicing shooting skills.
- Durable construction ensures it will last.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s a single-shot pistol, so you have to reload after each shot.
- The pump action requires a bit of effort to build up power.
This air pistol is a solid choice for beginners and those wanting to hone their aim. Start your airpower adventures with this reliable Crosman classic.
2. Barra .177 Cal Pellet Gun – Break Barrel Air Rifle for Adults with Scope
Rating: 9.1/10
The Barra .177 Cal Pellet Gun is a powerful break-barrel air rifle designed for adults. It’s built for small game hunting and target practice, offering impressive speed and accuracy with its 1300 FPS muzzle velocity.
What We Like:
- High-powered break-barrel action is great for small game hunting and long-range target shooting.
- The comfortable grip makes it easy to hold steady for accurate shots.
- It features an 18-inch rifled steel barrel for excellent accuracy.
- Comes with a 4×32 scope and adjustable fiber optic sights for precise aiming.
- Fires .177 caliber pellets up to 1,350 FPS, providing significant power.
- The spring-loaded mechanism means no CO2 cartridges are needed, so you can shoot all day without stopping.
- It’s described as sleek, smooth, and quiet, like a sniper rifle.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “sniper rifle” comparison might set very high expectations for noise levels.
- The phrase “wear out your arms pumping your rifle” implies some effort is still involved, though less than other types.
This air rifle offers a fantastic balance of power and precision for serious shooters. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and enjoyable shooting experience.
3. Crosman P1322 American Classic Variable-Pump .22-Caliber Pellet Air Pistol
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for some serious fun and skill-building with the Crosman P1322 American Classic Variable-Pump .22-Caliber Pellet Air Pistol. This black beauty is built tough with a synthetic frame and grip, but don’t let that fool you. It features a rifled steel barrel for accuracy. Its pneumatic design means you control the power, letting you adjust the velocity up to 460 feet per second. This pistol is perfect for learning the ropes of shooting or just enjoying some backyard target practice.
What We Like:
- The variable pump power lets you control how fast the pellet flies, which is great for learning.
- It’s a single-shot pistol with bolt action, making it simple to load and cock.
- A crossbolt safety is included, which helps ensure safe handling.
- It comes with a fixed front sight and an adjustable rear sight, so you can aim more accurately.
- This pistol is ideal for developing shooting skills and enjoying airpower adventures.
What Could Be Improved:
- Since it’s a single-shot, you have to reload after every shot, which can slow down practice.
- Some users might find the pumping action requires a bit of effort, especially for younger shooters.
Overall, the Crosman P1322 is a fantastic entry-level air pistol for anyone looking to improve their aim and have a blast. It’s a reliable tool for starting your airpower journey.
4. Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal (Rifle + Pellet Pen Bundle)
Rating: 8.6/10
The Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal comes as a bundle, including the rifle and a handy pellet pen. This makes it a convenient package for anyone looking to get into air rifle shooting. It’s designed to be straightforward and user-friendly.
What We Like:
- The rifle shoots .177 caliber pellets very fast, up to 1250 feet per second. This speed is great for target practice.
- It includes a 4×32 scope right out of the box. This means you can start shooting accurately without buying extra gear.
- The bundle comes with an Air Venturi Pellet Pen. This pen makes loading pellets into the rifle much easier and cleaner.
- It has a comfortable synthetic Monte Carlo stock with cheekpieces for better aiming.
- The rifle has important safety features like a manual safety and an anti-beartrap mechanism to keep you safe.
- The steel barrel is covered in a polymer jacket, which adds to its durability.
What Could Be Improved:
- The rifle uses a single-shot, spring piston breakbarrel design. This means you have to load one pellet at a time.
- The product description clearly states that pellets are NOT included. You will need to purchase these separately.
- Using the wrong kind of pellets can cause problems with how the rifle works. It’s important to use good quality ammo.
Overall, this Gamo Varmint Air Rifle bundle offers a good starting point for airgun enthusiasts. The included scope and pellet pen add significant value, making it a ready-to-go package for practice and fun.
5. Barra Air Guns Sportsman 900 BB Gun Rifle for Adults
Rating: 9.3/10
The Barra Air Guns Sportsman 900 BB Gun Rifle is a fantastic option for adults looking for fun and power in their shooting. Whether you’re into target practice or just some backyard plinking, this rifle lets you choose between .177 caliber (4.5mm) pellets or BBs. It’s built for accuracy with a 20-inch rifled barrel, a 4×15 scope, and adjustable fiber optic sights, so you can consistently hit your targets. The multi-pump action is easy to use, and it has a real bolt-action that feels authentic. You can load up to 50 BBs at once or one pellet at a time. This rifle is designed to be better than many other multi-pump BB guns, offering more power and reliability. It can shoot ammo up to 800 feet per second (FPS) with premium pellets, making it accurate even at longer distances.
What We Like:
- You can shoot both .177 caliber pellets and BBs.
- It comes with a scope and fiber optic sights for better aiming.
- The rifled barrel helps make your shots more accurate.
- The multi-pump action is easy to learn and use.
- It has a real bolt-action for a more realistic feel.
- It’s more powerful and reliable than many other BB guns.
- It can shoot ammo at a fast 800 FPS.
What Could Be Improved:
- The scope is a basic 4×15, which might be a bit small for some users.
- Loading BBs one at a time can be slow if you’re shooting a lot.
- The capacity for BBs is 50, which could be higher for extended plinking sessions.
Overall, the Barra Air Guns Sportsman 900 offers a great balance of fun, accuracy, and power for any enthusiast. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a reliable and enjoyable air rifle experience.
Choosing the Right Pellet Pistol for Squirrel Hunting
Squirrels can be a nuisance in gardens and yards. They chew on things and dig up plants. For some, hunting them is a way to control their numbers. A pellet pistol can be a good tool for this. It’s quiet and doesn’t use gunpowder. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at pellet pistols, some things are more important than others.
- Power (Velocity): This tells you how fast the pellet leaves the gun. A higher velocity means the pellet travels faster and hits harder. For squirrels, you need enough power to make a clean shot. Look for pistols that shoot pellets at least 600 feet per second (fps). Some powerful ones go over 1000 fps.
- Accuracy: A pistol needs to be accurate. You want to hit your target precisely. Good sights, like fiber optic sights, can help you aim better. Some pistols also have rails to add a scope for even more accuracy.
- Caliber: This is the size of the pellet the pistol shoots. .177 caliber is very common. .22 caliber is larger and hits harder. For squirrels, either can work, but .22 caliber offers more stopping power.
- Power Source:
- CO2: These use small cartridges filled with carbon dioxide. They are easy to use. You just pop in a new cartridge. They offer consistent power.
- Spring Piston: These pistols have a spring you cock. When you pull the trigger, the spring releases, pushing a piston. This is a classic design. It doesn’t need CO2 cartridges.
- Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP): These are more advanced. You fill them with compressed air from a pump or tank. They are very accurate and powerful but also more expensive.
- Trigger: The trigger is important for accuracy. A smooth, light trigger pull helps you shoot without jerking the pistol.
- Safety: Always check for a safety mechanism. This stops the pistol from firing accidentally.
Important Materials
The materials used affect how durable and how the pistol feels.
- Barrel: Most pellet pistol barrels are made of steel. A rifled barrel is important. Rifling spins the pellet as it travels. This makes it fly straighter and more accurately.
- Stock and Grip: These can be made of wood or synthetic materials like polymer. Wood feels classic and can be beautiful. Synthetic materials are often lighter and more weather-resistant. A good grip feels comfortable in your hand.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a pellet pistol better, while others make it worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built pistol feels solid. There are no loose parts. The finish is smooth. This usually means it will last longer.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making good pellet guns. Researching brands can help you find reliable options.
- Maintenance: How easy is it to clean and maintain the pistol? A pistol that’s hard to care for might not perform as well over time.
- Noise Level: Some pellet pistols are louder than others. For hunting, a quieter pistol is often better. It won’t scare away other animals.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good pellet pistol should be enjoyable to shoot.
- Ease of Use: How simple is it to load, cock, and shoot? For beginners, an easy-to-use pistol is best.
- Recoil: Some powerful pellet pistols have recoil. This is the kick you feel when you shoot. Less recoil makes it easier to shoot accurately.
- Hunting: The primary use here is squirrel hunting. You need enough power for a humane kill. Accuracy is key for ethical hunting.
- Target Practice: Many pellet pistols are also great for practicing your aim in your backyard or at a range.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pellet Pistols for Squirrel Hunting
Q: What is the best caliber for squirrel hunting with a pellet pistol?
A: Both .177 and .22 caliber can work. .22 caliber offers more power, which is good for squirrels. It makes a cleaner shot.
Q: How powerful does a pellet pistol need to be for squirrels?
A: You need enough power to make a humane kill. Look for pistols that shoot pellets at least 600 feet per second (fps). More is usually better.
Q: Do I need a scope for a pellet pistol when hunting squirrels?
A: Not always. Good open sights, like fiber optic sights, can be very accurate. A scope can help with longer shots or if your eyesight isn’t perfect.
Q: Are CO2 pellet pistols good for hunting?
A: Yes, CO2 pistols are easy to use and offer consistent power. They are a popular choice for many hunters.
Q: What is the difference between spring piston and CO2 pistols?
A: Spring piston pistols use a cocked spring for power. CO2 pistols use small cartridges of carbon dioxide gas. Spring piston pistols don’t need refills, but CO2 pistols are often easier to cock.
Q: How far can I realistically shoot a squirrel with a pellet pistol?
A: With a good, accurate pistol and a skilled shooter, you can often hit squirrels accurately up to 20-30 yards. It depends on the pistol and the conditions.
Q: Is it legal to hunt squirrels with a pellet pistol?
A: Laws vary by location. Always check your local hunting regulations before you hunt. Make sure it is legal in your area.
Q: What kind of pellets should I use for squirrel hunting?
A: For squirrels, heavier pellets are usually better. Look for pointed or hollow-point pellets. These are designed to expand on impact and transfer more energy.
Q: How do I ensure a humane kill when hunting squirrels with a pellet pistol?
A: Aim for the head. A well-placed shot to the head is the most humane way to hunt small game. This requires good accuracy and a powerful enough pistol.
Q: What safety precautions should I take when using a pellet pistol?
A: Always treat a pellet pistol like a real firearm. Never point it at anything you don’t intend to shoot. Always engage the safety. Wear safety glasses. Store it unloaded and out of reach of children.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mette Morgan—a lifelong pet enthusiast and the heart behind PetNobs.com.. My journey with animals began at an early age, and over the years, I’ve gathered invaluable experiences and insights on everything from everyday pet care to the unique quirks each animal brings to our lives. Here at PetNobs, I share my genuine passion, practical tips, and personal stories to help you create a loving, well-informed environment for your furry, feathered, or scaled friends. Welcome to my little corner of the pet world—it’s a joy to have you here!