We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Air Rifle For Squirrels 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,416
Power Source
Accuracy
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
906 reviews

Power Source
The cocking effort is minimal, making it accessible even for younger users, though they might need some assistance initially.
Accuracy
The included scope, while needing occasional re-sighting, significantly aids in accuracy, especially at 20-25 yards.
Weight and Ergonomics
The rifle is lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for both hunting and backyard plinking.

The Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle is a solid choice for those looking to handle squirrel populations effectively. One of its standout features is its impressive velocity, capable of shooting .177 caliber pellets at speeds up to 1250 feet per second, providing the power needed for small game hunting. The included 4x32 scope aids in accuracy, making it easier to hit small targets like squirrels.

Additionally, the air rifle features a synthetic Monte Carlo stock with dual raised cheekpieces, offering good ergonomics and comfort during use. The manual safety and steel barrel with fluted polymer jacket add to its durability and safety features, while the anti-beartrap mechanism prevents accidental firing when loading the gun. The package also includes an Air Venturi Pellet Pen, which is a handy addition for quick and easy pellet loading.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Weighing in at 7 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for younger or smaller users. The spring-piston mechanism, while powerful, can also be somewhat noisy, which might not be ideal if you are trying to avoid alerting other wildlife. The plastic frame, while durable, might not appeal to those who prefer the feel and look of wooden stocks. Despite these points, the Gamo Varmint Air Rifle remains a popular and well-reviewed option for small game hunting, particularly for those focused on squirrel hunting.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,416
Power Source
Accuracy
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
906 reviews

Power Source
The cocking effort is minimal, making it accessible even for younger users, though they might need some assistance initially.
Accuracy
The included scope, while needing occasional re-sighting, significantly aids in accuracy, especially at 20-25 yards.
Weight and Ergonomics
The rifle is lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for both hunting and backyard plinking.
#2

Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i Break Barrel Pellet Air Rifle - IGT Mach 1, Inertia Fed 10-Shot Magazine, High Velocity .177 or .22 Caliber Airgun - Black

Rating
10.0
Power Source
Accuracy
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
832 reviews

Power Source
Power is impressive enough to break the sound barrier with the right ammo, comparable to a rimfire .22 LR in sound and impact.
Accuracy
This air rifle delivers unbelievable power and accuracy up to 70 yards, making it highly effective for small game hunting.
Weight and Ergonomics
Built with a sturdy metal frame and aluminum barrel, the rifle feels extremely well-made and durable with a natural balance in hand.
Noise Level
While the rifle is a bit louder than expected for a spring-piston model, the sound tends to mellow after extended use.

The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i is a multi-shot air rifle that uses .177 caliber pellets, which are common and suitable for small game like squirrels. It delivers a high velocity of up to 1650 feet per second, giving it enough power for effective and humane squirrel hunting. The rifle operates on a spring-piston mechanism, meaning it doesn’t require batteries or gas, which makes it reliable and easy to maintain. One of its standout features is a 10-round magazine, allowing multiple shots without reloading each time—this is handy if you want quick follow-up shots.

Weighing about 6.9 pounds, it's fairly manageable in weight for most users, though some might find it a bit heavy if they prefer a very lightweight rifle. The rifle’s metal frame and aluminum barrel contribute to its durability while keeping weight balanced. It comes with a scope included, which helps with accuracy — important when targeting small animals like squirrels. The noise level typical of spring-piston rifles might be noticeable, which could be a factor if you want a quieter shooting experience. The size and ergonomics seem straightforward and suitable for adult users.

With a solid 4.3-star rating from many users, it is recognized as a dependable choice for small game hunting. The main downsides are that it’s not the quietest option, and beginners might need some practice to master its break-barrel loading system and recoil. If you’re looking for a powerful, multi-shot air rifle with good accuracy suited for squirrels and small game, this model offers a good balance of features and performance.

Rating
10.0
Power Source
Accuracy
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
832 reviews

Power Source
Power is impressive enough to break the sound barrier with the right ammo, comparable to a rimfire .22 LR in sound and impact.
Accuracy
This air rifle delivers unbelievable power and accuracy up to 70 yards, making it highly effective for small game hunting.
Weight and Ergonomics
Built with a sturdy metal frame and aluminum barrel, the rifle feels extremely well-made and durable with a natural balance in hand.
Noise Level
While the rifle is a bit louder than expected for a spring-piston model, the sound tends to mellow after extended use.
#3

Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel .177 Caliber Pellet Air Rifle

Rating
10.0
Power Source
Accuracy
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
8500 reviews

Power Source
The spring-piston power source provides consistent performance, and the rifle remains highly accurate even after extensive use.
Accuracy
This air rifle is extremely powerful and accurate, making it perfect for backyard squirrel hunting.
Weight and Ergonomics
The rifle's lightweight and ergonomic design make it easy to handle and shoot, even for extended periods.
Noise Level
The rifle is quiet enough for backyard use, which is great for not disturbing neighbors.

The Gamo Varmint Breakbarrel .177 Caliber Pellet Air Rifle is designed for small game hunting, such as squirrels. This air rifle features a .177 caliber, which is a good choice for precision shooting. It has a high velocity of 1250 feet per second, providing powerful shots that are crucial for effective hunting. The spring-piston power source is reliable and offers consistent performance. It comes with a 4x32 scope to help improve accuracy, although some may find that they need to upgrade for better precision.

Weighing 5.5 pounds and constructed with a synthetic Monte Carlo stock, it is lightweight and ergonomically designed, making it comfortable to handle during extended periods of use. The steel barrel with a fluted polymer jacket adds to its durability. Noise levels are moderate due to the spring-piston mechanism, making it reasonably quiet compared to other air rifles, which is beneficial for not scaring away other game. Safety features include a manual safety and an anti-beartrap mechanism, enhancing safe handling.

While the frame is made of plastic, which may not appeal to everyone, it does contribute to its lighter weight. This pellet air rifle is highly rated by users and is ranked well in its category, indicating reliability and customer satisfaction. It is suitable for those looking for an effective, lightweight, and affordable option for squirrel hunting.

Rating
10.0
Power Source
Accuracy
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
8500 reviews

Power Source
The spring-piston power source provides consistent performance, and the rifle remains highly accurate even after extensive use.
Accuracy
This air rifle is extremely powerful and accurate, making it perfect for backyard squirrel hunting.
Weight and Ergonomics
The rifle's lightweight and ergonomic design make it easy to handle and shoot, even for extended periods.
Noise Level
The rifle is quiet enough for backyard use, which is great for not disturbing neighbors.

Buying Guide for the Best Air Rifle For Squirrels

Choosing the right air rifle for hunting squirrels involves understanding several key specifications that will affect your hunting experience. The right air rifle should be powerful enough to humanely take down a squirrel, accurate enough to hit small targets, and comfortable for you to use. Here are the key specifications you should consider when selecting an air rifle for squirrel hunting.
CaliberCaliber refers to the diameter of the pellets that the air rifle shoots. 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. However, the .22 caliber offers more stopping power, which is crucial for ensuring a humane kill. If you prioritize accuracy and longer range, go for .177. If you want more impact and stopping power, .22 is the better choice.
VelocityVelocity is the speed at which the pellet leaves the barrel, 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 800-1000 FPS is generally sufficient. If you are hunting in a dense area with shorter shooting distances, a lower velocity might be adequate. For open areas where you need to shoot from a distance, a higher velocity is preferable.
Power SourceAir rifles can be powered by different mechanisms, including spring-piston, gas piston, and pre-charged pneumatic (PCP). Spring-piston rifles are simple and reliable but can 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 tank or pump. Choose a power source based on your comfort and the level of maintenance you are willing to perform. For beginners, spring-piston or gas piston rifles are often easier to manage.
AccuracyAccuracy is crucial for hitting small targets like squirrels. Factors that affect accuracy include the quality of the barrel, the trigger mechanism, and the overall build of the rifle. Look for rifles with rifled barrels, which spin the pellet for better stability and accuracy. Adjustable triggers can also help you achieve a more precise shot. Test different models if possible to find one that feels comfortable and accurate in your hands.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and ergonomics of the air rifle affect how easy it is to carry and shoot. A lighter rifle is easier to carry around during long hunting sessions, but it might have more recoil. Heavier rifles are more stable but can be tiring to carry. Ergonomics, such as the shape of the stock and the placement of the trigger, should feel comfortable to you. Try holding different rifles to see which one feels the best in terms of balance and comfort.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially if you are hunting in a residential area or want to avoid scaring away 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 models that advertise reduced noise levels or consider adding a suppressor if legal in your area.

FAQ