5 Best Pellet Guns for Squirrels (+ Buyers Guide)
Pellet guns, also known as “air rifles” are perfect for squirrel hunting. They make very little noise, so you and your buddies don’t have to worry about scaring off every other squirrel in the area. Plus, it has small enough rounds that they won’t cause too much damage beyond the takedown.
In my experience, squirrel hunting can’t be done with just any old air rifle. In fact, most pellet guns sold off the rack don’t pack the required 10 foot-pounds of energy needed for a clean kill. That’s why I’ve put together a list of my top picks of the best pellet guns for squirrel hunting to save you the effort of trial-and-error. But before we get into it let me tell you how I made this list and give you a bit more context on the types of pellet guns.
How I Chose the Best Pellet Guns
As a seasoned hunter with over a decade of hunting experience, I’ve tried numerous pellet guns to find the best ones. I considered my own favorites and asked my hunting buddies for suggestions on different models. After evaluating factors like accuracy, ergonomics, durability and value, I compiled the list of top-performing pellet guns. I also sorted them into categories, so everyone can find something they like.
Based on my experience and recommendations from friends, I’m confident these pellet guns will enhance your squirrel shooting experience. However, remember that preferences vary. My rankings reflect my experiences, but the choice picking the right pellet gun ultimately rests with you.
Now, I know you’re eager to get to the list of guns, but let’s quickly check out the types of pellet guns available and figure out which one might be the best fit for you.
Types of Pellet Guns
Pellet gun technology has come pretty far over the past few years, and there are a ton of models with different operating mechanisms. Here’s a rundown of the most popular mechanisms you’d find in today’s pellet guns:
- Spring piston – Rifles with a spring piston mechanism have a spring coiled inside the chamber that gets compressed when they’re cocked. When you release the trigger, the spring decompresses and moves the piston to shoot the pellet. These are great if you’re looking for something that’s affordable and easy to use.
- Gas piston – Gas piston pellet guns technically work the same as a spring piston gun, except that it uses a gas filled cylinder instead of a spring. I use a gas piston pellet gun whenever I’m plinking with my kids (that’s when I set up a few cans for shot practice). I do this because these guns are much more consistent than the ones with the spring piston mechanism.
- Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) – PCP air rifles are my top choice because they are high power and have virtually no recoil. They use a high pressure reservoir that’s pumped with compressed air, and the air is then forced through the barrel to shoot the pellets. Good PCP rifles give you multiple high-accuracy shots before the reservoir runs out. The downside is that they need to be charged or “pumped” often with compressed air.
- CO2-powered – CO2-powered pellet guns work the same way as PCP guns, but they use carbon dioxide cartridges instead of pressurized air. While they are recoilless, you can’t count on consistent power and accuracy each time. This is due to environmental factors. The performance of the CO2 in the cartridges depends on the weather you’re shooting in.
Having a good idea of the different types of guns can help you pick the right one based on your preferences. My recommendations feature a mix of the different types of pellet guns I’ve mentioned above, so there’s something for everyone. Let’s get to it.
Gun University’s Choices of the Best Pellet Guns for Squirrels
Best Pellet Guns for Squirrels
Best Overall Benjamin Marauder (PCP) Synthetic or Wood |  |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best Beginner Umarex Origin (PCP) | |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best Compact Hatsan FlashPup QE, Wood | |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best Budget Gamo Swarm Magnum | |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best Premium Brocock Commander XR | |
| Check Price |
Pellet Gun Spec Comparison
Below is a table of the specifications for each of the pellet guns.
| Pellet Gun | Speed (FPS) | Caliber | Weight (lbs) | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Marauder (Wood Stock) | 1100, 1000, 900 | .177, .22, .25 | 8 | Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) |
| Benjamin Marauder (Synthetic Stock) | 1100, 1000, 900 | .177, .22, .25 | 7 | Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) |
| Umarex Origin (PCP) | 1075, 950 | .22, .25 | 6.8 | Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) |
| Hatsan FlashPup QE, Wood | 1150, 1000, 900 | .177, .22, .25 | 6.1 | Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) |
| Gamo Swarm Magnum | 1600, 1300 | .177, .22 | 6.9 | Gas-piston (Springer) |
| Brocock Commander XR | 900+ | .177, .22, .25 | 6.8 | Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) |
Best Pellet Guns for Squirrels
Here is our list for the best pellet guns for hunting squirrels:
Best Pellet Guns for Squirrels – Reviews
1 Benjamin Marauder (PCP) Synthetic or Wood : Best Overall
- Accuracy A+
- Ergonomics A+
- Durability A+
- Value A
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Benjamin Marauder (PCP) Specs
- Speed (FPS) 1100, 1000, 900
- Caliber 177, .22, .25
- Weight (lbs) Wood stock 8 lbs, Synthetic 7 lbs
- Mechanism Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP)
Benjamin Marauder (PCP) Review
The Benjamin Marauder PCP Synthetic Stock Multi-Shot Bolt Action air rifle is my top pick for the best overall pellet gun for squirrels. The Marauder comes in three calibers (.177,.22, and .25) but I prefer to use the .177 and .22 when I’m shooting squirrels since they’re built for smaller game. There’s also a variant with a wood stock. While it definitely has a nice traditional feel to it, the synthetic stock is much more durable, which is why it’s my usual go-to when I’m out in the field.
These guns can give you powerful and accurate shots back to back: when I took the guns out to the range, the .177 caliber shot at up to 1100 FPS (Feet Per Second) while the .22 shot at 1000 FPS. These speeds are more than enough for shooting squirrels and usually make for quick, clean kills as long as your aim is on point.
The rifles have a two-stage adjustable trigger, making them perfect for squirrel hunting. I like it because it lets me control the shot and I know exactly when the firing will take place. The Marauder is also incredibly quiet for a pellet gun. It has an internal shroud (a covering that encloses the barrel of a gun), so it’s not going to scare away all the other squirrels when you shoot.
This gun has a vertically adjustable comb and a broad, flat forend that makes it easy to rest on any kind of surface. This gives me a bit more flexibility when I’m shooting and helps to distribute the weight a bit, especially since it does get a bit heavy to carry around.
While the Marauder is a great pellet gun for squirrels, there are some issues to be aware of. The first is the weight; it is pretty heavy and that can make it uncomfortable to use if you’re a beginner or if you end up having to walk a lot. Second, these rifles can be pretty pricey ($600), but I do think they’re worth the cost since they come with a 5 year warranty in addition to all the features.
Benjamin Marauder (PCP) Pros and Cons
- Internal shroud for extra quietness
- Vertically adjustable comb
- Two-stage adjustable trigger
- Adjustable for different velocities
- Expensive
- Heavy
2 Umarex Origin (PCP) : Best Beginner
- Accuracy A
- Ergonomics A+
- Durability A
- Value A+
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A+
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TBD
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Umarex Origin (PCP) Specs
- Speed (FPS) 1075, 950
- Caliber .22, .25
- Weight 6.8 lbs
- Mechanism Pre-charge pneumatic (PCP)
Umarex Origin (PCP) Review
The Umarex Origin (PCP) is my top pick for beginners because it’s incredibly easy to use and comes with a few handy features a beginner would appreciate.
This air rifle comes in two calibers and can reach a velocity of up to 1075 FPS, which is perfect if you’re a beginner at squirrel hunting. The Umarex Origin has a two-stage adjustable trigger, just like the Benjamin Marauder. This is super helpful when you’re just starting out and learning how to time your shots. This trigger can also improve shooter accuracy, so a beginner can quickly learn to fire clean shots.
Umarex Origin’s pumping mechanism is definitely my favorite of its features because it makes charging it easier. The rifle’s patented pre-pressurized air tank only needs 13 pumps for a full-power shot and 100 pumps to fill it up completely, which easily gives you 40 shots. The high shot count works out well for a beginner since it’ll give you more shots to practice with in one go.
Another feature that I think is super convenient is that some Umarex Origin rifles come with a 4,500 PSI HPA Hand Pump and Fill Probe. With this, you don’t have to go through the hassle of buying them separately. That being said, it’s worth mentioning that a couple of my friends have got defective hand pumps and had to use another hand pump they had lying around.
Honestly, the biggest issue with the Umarex Origin is that it’s loud; it can definitely scare off all the squirrels in the area, leaving you with nothing to shoot. If you’re just starting out and trying to get some practice shots in at the range, the noise shouldn’t be a big problem. However, if you’re heading outdoors, my suggestion is to attach a silencer like I did.
You can get this air rifle for around $360, which is a steal compared to the market average ($700), even considering the noise level. Everything about the Umarex Origin makes it a good pellet gun for beginners to start with as long as you handle the sound.
Umarex Origin (PCP) Pros and Cons
- Great accuracy
- Hand pump for easy filling
- High shot count
- Tends to be loud
- Hand pump can be defective
3 Hatsan FlashPup QE, Wood : Best compact
- Accuracy A
- Ergonomics B+
- Durability A-
- Value A+
Our Grade
A
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Hatsan FlashPup QE Specs
- Speed (FPS) 1150, 1000, 900
- Caliber .177, .22, .25
- Weight 6.1 lbs
- Mechanism Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP)
Hatsan FlashPup QE Review
If you’re looking for a compact pellet gun, then I recommend going with the Hatsan FlashPup QE’s wood stock model. Weighing at just over 6 lbs, it’s the lightest of the bunch and its design makes it pretty easy to carry as well.
While I don’t own one myself, I’ve used my buddy’s .22 caliber and let me tell you—even though it’s super compact, the FlashPup QE definitely packs a punch. With 1150 FPS, it is more than enough to take down squirrels. The two-stage trigger helps control the shot better as well, which is always a good thing in my books.
The main selling point to me after its compactness is how soundless it is; the only thing you could really hear with each shot was the sound of the pellet hitting the squirrel.
That said, there are a couple of reasons that held me back from getting one myself. The first is that I found that the cocking bolt was a bit too far back. This meant I had to bring the gun down every time I wanted to cock it, which slowed me down from taking repeat shots. The position of the side lever also feels a little weird since it’s right below the cheek rest, which makes it difficult to reach.
The second issue is more of a personal preference because I like using synthetic stocks over wooden stocks for durability’s sake. The wooden stock is classic and very attractive, but it won’t outlast a synthetic stock. While I only used my buddy’s rifle a couple of times one season, I’ve spoken to a few owners who have told me it can become a problem over the years. Something else I noticed while using it is that the FlashPup’s fill port can be unreliable. The one I used leaked a little, which makes me think that the seal might need replacing after you use it for a while.
That said, while it’s not the best fit for my needs personally, I would still say that the wood stock Hatsan FlashPup QE is a great pickup for anyone looking for a compact pellet gun.
Hatsan FlashPup QE Pros and Cons
- Lightweight and compact
- Quiet
- Powerful and accurate
- Attractive wood stock design
- Bolt action could be stiff
- Sidelever positioned right below the cheek piece
4 Gamo Swarm Magnum : Best budget
- Accuracy A
- Ergonomics A
- Durability A-
- Value A
Our Grade
A
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A+
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Gamo Swarm Magnum Specs
- Speed (FPS) 1600, 1300
- Caliber .177, .22
- Weight 6.9 lbs
- Mechanism Gas-piston (Springer)
Gamo Swarm Magnum Review
The Gamo Swarm Magnum became my best budget pick because it’s consistently powerful, silent, and has good sights—a great all-rounder for just $300.
It comes in two calibers, .177 and .22. The .177 gives you a shot at a speed of about 1600 FPS (which is super impressive for an air rifle). The .22 caliber that I use shoots at around 1300 FPS, which is more than enough for a clean shot when hunting squirrels.
I wasn’t expecting much out of an air rifle that costs less than half the market average, but I was pretty surprised by all the accessories that came with the Gamo Swarm Magnum.
There’s a built-in scope that’s shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof with decent accuracy, and it hasn’t messed up any of my sights so far. There’s also a silencer with the Whisper Fusion Noise Dampening Technology, which is basically a double-integrated sound moderator. The manufacturers label this gun the quietest in the Gamo series and I believe them; it’s quiet and perfect for stealthy shots, which is a necessity when you’re dealing with jumpy prey like squirrels.
The Gamo Swarm Magnum also comes with a couple of attachments to reduce discomfort when shooting. These are the Recoil Reducing Rail and the ShockWave Absorber Recoil Pad. They are designed to absorb any recoil at the barrel and buttstock of the rifle, respectively. I really liked these two features. As a gas piston air rifle with this much velocity, the Gamo Swarm Magnum was bound to have some noticeable recoil.
One big issue I have with the Gamo Swarm Magnum is that the cocking mechanism is a bit stiffer than I would have preferred. While it didn’t affect my shots, I don’t think a younger shooter or someone with less arm strength could pull it off. It’s also worth knowing that the Gamo Swarm Magnum is not compatible with all kinds of pellets. I used short skirt-type pellets and they fell out while I was trying to cock the gun. So you might not have a lot of choice when pellet shopping for your Magnum. That said, if you can get past the cocking mechanism and the recoil, I think the Gamo Swarm Magnum is a pretty good contender for the best budget-friendly air rifle. I’d even say it’s worth more than what you’re paying for it because it comes with some cool and handy features on top of shooting super fast and accurately.
Gamo Swarm Magnum Pros and Cons
- Budget friendly
- Super powerful and consistent
- 40mm objective lens
- Auto-loading technology
- Magazines are not compatible with all pellet types
- Cocking mechanism can be stiff
5 Brocock Commander XR : Best premium
- Accuracy A+
- Ergonomics A+
- Durability A
- Value A-
Our Grade
A
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TBD
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Brocock Commander XR Specs
- Speed (FPS) 900+
- Caliber .177, .22, .25
- Weight 6.8 lbs
- Mechanism Pre-charge pneumatic (PCP)
Brocock Commander XR Review
If you want a reliable rifle to hunt squirrels and have extra money, go for the Brocock Commander XR. It’s my top pick for the best premium pellet gun. These pellet guns come in three calibers, but I stuck to a .22 since it’s my go-to for hunting squirrels and other small game.
The Commander XR is not as powerful as some others on this list at 900 FPS, but it makes up for it with tons of flexibility. It’s got an adjustable stock that you can customize so the gun sits comfortably and a power dial that lets you switch between high, medium, and low power. These two features mean I can easily use the same gun when I’m shooting in close quarters like a barn and in larger areas like a field. I really enjoy the versatility the Commander XR offers.
I thought the Commander XR’s Huma-Air Regulator, which is supposed to reduce the shot-to-shot inconsistencies, was a marketing gimmick at first. However, after testing it out, I can honestly say it works great. It improved my accuracy downrange and consistently gave me a good amount of powerful shots with each fill. The magnetic portcap and adapter also makes charging super easy and quick, and the two-stage trigger gives you a lot more control of your shot.
The most impressive part for me was how quiet the gun is once you actually take a shot; it’s got its own built-in silencer that easily lets you shoot multiple times in the same area without scaring off your game. If you want to dampen the sound even more, it’s got an adapter for a second silencer as well; you just have to remove the end of its shroud to get to it.
I will say though, that the shroud needs a lot of cleaning, especially after a long day of hunting. It’s also got a side lever to cock your gun. While this gets the job done, side levers tend to twist and unbalance your gun because of their added weight.
The Brocock Commander XR has great features, but it comes with a high price tag to match. This means it might not be appealing to beginners and casual hunters. That said, I personally consider it a worthwhile investment because of its adjustability and performance.
Brocock Commander XR Pros and Cons
- Powerful and accurate
- Improved ergonomics
- Lightweight
- Quiet
- Expensive
- Shroud requires cleaning after heavy use
- Unbalanced
Buyers Guide
While the reviews can help you narrow down your choices, finding the right pellet gun to hunt squirrels depends mostly on your personal preferences and hunting requirements. There are a ton of factors to keep in mind, so I’ve compiled a list of things you should consider when choosing a pellet gun.
What to look for in a pellet gun
With pellet guns, not all specs are made equal. Here’s what to look for when you’re looking to buy an air rifle for squirrel shooting:
- Caliber – Your rifle’s caliber size affects the distance and the style of your hunt. For squirrels, the most commonly used caliber sizes are .22 and .177, because they’re fast, powerful, and work well on small animals for clean and ethical kills. .22 calibers give a more powerful hit and can be a good choice for large squirrels, while .177 calibers are faster and have a flatter trajectory, perfect for small squirrels.
- Shooting mechanism – The shooting mechanism of your gun can determine its accuracy, noise, recoil and ease of use. I prefer PCP guns for hunting squirrels because they’re very accurate, but they can be expensive. Spring piston guns are more affordable and they’re easy to use, which is good if you want a more budget-friendly alternative. Gas piston guns also work well, especially if you’re looking for something that’s quiet and has less recoil.
- Noise – Squirrels are small animals that can be easily spooked by loud noises. I recommend choosing quiet rifles that come with built-in silencers, especially when hunting in areas where there isn’t much environmental noise.
- Comfort – Since you’ll have to hold your gun for long hours during the hunt, getting a comfortable air rifle can be the difference between a missed shot and a bullseye. Pay attention to the stock design, cocking mechanism, recoil, and overall feel of the gun in your hands or against your body and try to find one that suits you and your hunting style.
- Weight – Squirrels are fast moving targets and you want to move your gun easily, so make sure your gun is lightweight and has a balanced weight distribution. This’ll help give you a strong grip and a steady aim.
- Accuracy – Small, fast-moving targets like squirrels require extremely accurate pellet guns for quick and ethical kills. PCP guns are known to be highly accurate and you can also focus on features like optics. If you prefer not to use PCP, you can always add a good optics scope in about 3-9x40mm configuration which can really improve your aim.
- Speed – The speed of your pellet gun is crucial for small game hunting. The recommended FPS (feet per second) for squirrel hunting is at least 800 FPS, but I usually prefer 1000 FPS as it helps me make a quick, clean kill.
Having the right air rifle is just one part of becoming a good squirrel hunter. Here are some tips to follow when you are out hunting squirrels.
Tips for Hunting Squirrels with Air Guns
Squirrel hunting tips and best practices can vary based on your location, hunting style, and personal preference. That said, there are some general tips you can follow to make your experience better, and here are some of mine.
- Check your local legal regulations – The first thing you should do when exploring new hunting grounds is to check the local regulation. Laws on hunting squirrels can vary state to state, so always make sure you are up to date with your state’s laws before you go shooting. The rules will usually tell you about hunting seasons, techniques, bag limits and some regions may even require you to have a valid hunting license to hunt small game.
- Pick the correct gun and caliber size – When shooting squirrels, pick a .22 or .177caliber gun because these are designed to hunt fast and small game. I usually default to a .22 caliber gas piston or PCP air rifle, but any rifle made for small game hunting can work.
- Practice shot placement – Practicing your shots and angles before you take your air rifle out hunting can help you become familiar with your equipment and increase the chance of success at huntsMy recommendation for practice is target shooting. Set up targets in a tree at varying heights with some hitboxes that are about 1″ in diameter instead of using a standard range target for squirrel hunting practice. When you can hit those targets at least 80% of the time, you’re ready to hunt some squirrels.
- Select the right scope – A good scope can drastically improve your accuracy and when hunting small game like squirrels, you need all the accuracy you can get. Look for scopes with a minimum of 4x magnification and adjustable parallax settings, as they can help you adjust the distance according to your needs.
- Study your hunting location – Spend time scouting your hunting area to identify the best locations where squirrels are likely to be found. Look for areas that have easy access to squirrel foods like nut or berry bearing trees, since these are hotspots for squirrels.
Squirrel hunting can seem tough to get into as a newbie hunter, but as long as you follow these tips, you’ll have a fantastic hunting experience and before long, several clean kills to your name.
Conclusion
Having the right rifle when you are out squirrel hunting can make it a lot easier and more enjoyable. The reviews are a good point to start your search, but it’s important that you try out a few rifles to find one that feels good to use. Spend some time shooting different rounds with the pellet guns that catch your eye and you’ll be able to find the right fit for you in no time. If you are not sold on using a pellet gun and want to use a rimfire, check out our best 22 LR rifles. Happy hunting.
Best Pellet Guns for Squirrels FAQs
I consider .22 pellets the best option for squirrel hunting since they are larger and heavier than other pellets and can land on the target with more force to make quick and ethical kills. The design also supports long-range shots and withstands windy weather conditions.
Air rifles or pellet guns are the most commonly used guns for small and fast moving game like squirrels. They are consistent, accurate in long-ranges, and most importantly, very quiet when fired.
Yes, .177 is a great choice for squirrels as its pellets have a small and light build. This makes the pellets gain high speed and reach targets with great accuracy. The shots also travel in a straight path, making them ideal for long-distance targets as well.
Both .22 and .177 are good options for squirrels. Which is better for you depends on your specific requirements as both these sizes come with their own uses. .22 is larger and heavier than a .177 and works well for large squirrels in long-range hunting. .177, on the other hand, is smaller and lighter than .22, which makes them faster and highly accurate, perfect for small squirrels.
The Brocock Commander XR has to be the best pellet gun option that’s out there for squirrel hunting. This PCP rifle is quiet, accurate, and can deliver around 55 foot-pounds of power on the target. It also comes with smooth side lever action and efficient trigger operation for simple and easy use.
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About Dave Chesson
Dave Chesson is prior Navy with a specialty in international arms dealing for the US government across multiple countries. Having traveled the world and abided by ATF and ITAR, Roy has a unique background in legal as well as practical capabilities of weapons deployment and use.
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