If you are on the lookout for an efficient and low-noise means to harvest small game, then an air rifle for squirrel hunting just might be what you need for your next hunt. Air rifles are incredibly versatile and work for everyone, whether you are a novice or a seasoned hunter. An air rifle remains a top choice if you are looking for unmatched control and stealth in the woods.
Let’s take a quick look at just why air rifles work so amazingly well for squirrel hunting. We are also briefly discussing what caliber performs best, and how to choose a top-tier PCP air rifle specifically for squirrel hunting.
Why Air Rifles For Squirrel Hunting Work
The main reason air rifles work for squirrel hunting is that they deliver just the power you need for hunting small game in backyards, woodlands, or suburban forests. Under these circumstances, using any sort of traditional firearm can be a bit of overkill, unnecessarily loud, or bring a number of other needless dangers and complications. An air rifle for squirrel hunting solves all of these issues in the following ways:
1. Low Decibel Levels: Quiet Operation
Just about all air and PCP rifles are a whole lot quieter than their firearm counterparts. This holds even truer when you go ahead and pair your air rifle with a suppressor. This means less disturbance to wildlife - and unperturbed neighbors.
2. Lower Recoil Makes Air Rifles More Comfortable
Air rifles, especially Pinty PCP rifles, have virtually no recoil to speak of. This means you'll be able to group your follow-up shots all that much faster than with a firearm. In case you miss the first shot, you'll harvest your game animal in the next one.
3. They are Less Expensive to Run
Ammunition costs are one of the more unpleasant facts of life – but it won’t bother you since pellets are less expensive than even rimfire rounds!
4. Fewer Legal Complications
While air rifles are not entirely unregulated, firearms laws don't apply to them because they are not firearms to begin with.
That said, however, not all air rifles are created equal. To get the most out of your hunts, you need that perfect combination of power, caliber, and, of course, build quality.
How to Choose the Best Air Rifle for Squirrel Hunting
When you go about choosing that ideal air rifle for squirrel hunting, two factors matter most: Caliber size and power source.
1. Begin with Caliber: .177 vs .22
The debate between .177 and .22 calibers comes up quite often amongst air gun aficionados. Let's see what caliber air rifle is best for squirrel hunting?
| .177 Caliber Air Rifle | .22 Caliber Air Rifle |
|
Higher velocity ( could be as high as 800–1200 fps) |
Slower muzzle velocity (typically 600–900 fps or so) |
| Flatter trajectory, great for long-distance sighting | Heavier pellets tend to transfer much more energy on impact |
| A smaller wound channel requires extremely precise shot placement |
A larger wound diameter means quicker and more ethical hunting |
| Best for experienced shooters. That is, pros who can hit small targets - day in and day out |
Forgiving of minor aiming errors: better for beginners |
The .22 air rifle for squirrel hunting is generally considered by many, if not most knowledgeable enthusiasts, to be, by far, the better choice of the three. It delivers knockdown power that would be more than enough to ensure humane kills while also maintaining manageable recoil and range.
2. Power Source: Spring-Piston, CO2, or PCP?
Let’s break down the three main types of air rifles around:
Spring-Piston Air Rifles: Pros and Cons for Squirrel Hunting
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable |
Recoil is higher |
| No external power source needed | Slower to reload |
|
Shot strings may be inconsistent |
CO2 Air Rifles: Pros and Cons for Squirrel Hunting
| Pros | Cons |
| Smooth and easy to operate |
CO2 Air rifles can be sensitive to cold weather |
| The design is compact, making it flexible and versatile to handle and use | Shot count is limited as per the size and capacity of the CO2 cartridge |
PCP Air Rifles: (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) Pros
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely high accuracy |
Requires an air tank or pump |
| Almost no recoil | |
| Multiple high-powered shots |
|
For the beginner and the serious hunter alike, PCP air rifles offer the very best combination of accuracy and power. They tend to provide consistent velocity across multiple shots (especially when using regulated PCP rifles, vastly superior accuracy, and minimal vibration: all features deemed perfect for stalking those ever-wary squirrels.
Explore the Best .22 Air Rifles for Squirrel Hunting from Pinty
If you’re searching for a dependable and reliable high-performance air rifle for squirrel hunting, then Pinty’s line of PCP air rifles definitely deserves your attention. Designed with the amateur as well as the experienced marksman in mind, Pinty combines the key attributes of innovation, durability, and value. You can check out their full range of best PCP air rifles for small game here.
One of the best rifles for squirrel hunting would be the Model PT-22PCP:
1. Pinty 10 Pellet .22Cal PCP Pellet Gun Air Rifle
This 10-Pellet PCP Air Rifle is the perfect partner for precision shooting and small game hunting. Fire 5.5 mm .22 caliber pellets at speeds of up to 800 fps, ensuring you hit your target every time. The 225 cc air reservoir, filled to 3600 psi, provides up to 80 shots per fill, allowing you to stay in the action longer.
- The 10-pellet magazine means fewer reloads and more time focused on your target.
- Featuring a 130 mm long and 11 mm wide dovetail rail for easy attachment of scopes or lights, this air rifle is fully customizable to suit your shooting style.
- Its 18.1-inch barrel and 37.1-inch overall length ensure a compact, easy-to-handle design. Shot Capacity: 10+ shots per fill (the rifle comes with its own regulated valve system).
For a more sophisticated option, consider the 9 Pellet .22Cal Bullpup PCP Air Gun High Power for small game hunting and shooting.
Tips for Successful Squirrel Hunting with Your Air Rifle
1. Practice head and heart shots.
The head and heart are the only ethical kill zones on a squirrel. Hitting the right spots (behind the ear or through both eyes for brain shots, or center-chest for heart/lung hits) takes a lot of practice.
2. Always Check Hunting Laws and Regulations
One thing you don't want when out hunting is to break the law. Some states, and even certain areas within states, require licenses even for air rifle use, and certain municipalities restrict shooting within city limits.
3. Use a Scope Whenever Possible
A scope or any other optical device (red dots, holographic sights, etc.) enhances accuracy at typical hunting ranges (usually 20-40 yards). For squirrel hunting, you can use a red dot sight if you are shooting at close distances, or even an LPVO for more versatility.
4. Stay Downwind as Much as Possible
Squirrels have sharp senses. Wear camouflage and scent-free clothing, and work consistently on stealth.
Final Thoughts on Squirrel Hunting with an Air Rifle
When it comes to squirrel hunting with air rifle setups, nothing beats that picture-perfect combination of precision, affordability, and quiet operation that's almost always offered by a quality .22 PCP rifle.
So grab your gear and head out into the woods - and experience the satisfaction of harvesting squirrels with a true air rifle for squirrel hunting: one that’s powerful, precise, and perfectly suited to your very own unique style.
