If this is already a conversation and I missed it,I apologize. I am in need of an air rifle to deal with small game pest’s. Might any of you fine ladies/gentlemen have any input on a quality air rifle? Small game is squirrels, chipmunks and sparrows.
Air Rifles for Small Game
- Thread starter kemo357
- Start date
Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) air rifles are easier to aim and hit the target than spring or gas piston. PCP's recoil into your shoulder like a rifle should. Spring piston pulls forward disturbing your aim and requires a different shooting technique.
Nebowictz
9mm
What range are you looking to shoot them at?
Sub 7 yards, a crosman 1377 pumped to 10 pumps will take a squirrel with a headshot.
Crosman 362 is a bigger version and in 22. I haven’t used mine on squirrels but it should have enough power and accuracy for a clean kill at 10-20 yards. You can get accessories at littlebuckrail for scope mounting or the peep sights are pretty good.
Beyond that I’d go with a PCP.
I have a Gamo Urban in 22 which has a smaller 105cc reservoir which makes it easy to hand pump. I get 20 good shots on a fill and can take squirrels and chipmunks out to 30 yards easily with headshots.
If you get a bigger reservoir PcP you’ll probably need a tank or compressor.
I haven’t looked to see what has come out in the last 5 years.
Sub 7 yards, a crosman 1377 pumped to 10 pumps will take a squirrel with a headshot.
Crosman 362 is a bigger version and in 22. I haven’t used mine on squirrels but it should have enough power and accuracy for a clean kill at 10-20 yards. You can get accessories at littlebuckrail for scope mounting or the peep sights are pretty good.
Beyond that I’d go with a PCP.
I have a Gamo Urban in 22 which has a smaller 105cc reservoir which makes it easy to hand pump. I get 20 good shots on a fill and can take squirrels and chipmunks out to 30 yards easily with headshots.
If you get a bigger reservoir PcP you’ll probably need a tank or compressor.
I haven’t looked to see what has come out in the last 5 years.
GTN
.308 Win
I have a Gamo Whisper.22 break action. If I do my part I can take out chipmunks and squirrels at 35-40 yards. I’ve also taken baby woodchucks
Keyzard
.45 acp
If you can find one (or its replacement as it's been discontinued) the Seneca Aspen is a 22 cal PCP with a built in hand pump. I bought one to get my feet wet with PCP air rifles a few years ago and it packs quite a punch. I can hit a 4 inch gong at 50 yards with it. Supposedly it is capable of taking fox with the right shot.
PCP is much easier to shoot than springers. I have one of both and I almost never use the springer anymore.
PCP is much easier to shoot than springers. I have one of both and I almost never use the springer anymore.
I have a Hatsan Flash .22 pellet rifle. High pressure, bought both the hand pump and an electric. Has as much power as a .22 Short and makes very little sound. I've harvested at least 10-12 Mafia Squirrels that tend to overrun and destroy garden and fruit tree harvests. Accurate, large wood stock feels like a full size rifle, plenty of stopping power for small pests, and a great and cheap alternative to rifle rounds if you want to target shoot.
Good choice. If you go the hand-pump route for refilling the cylinder, get a quality made pump like Hill pump. It's a bit of a work out to refill the cylinder, but work out is not a bad thing. Also, sound suppressors are legal on air guns and you can buy one on-line. You can practice in your basement without disturbing the neighbors.
Silent pellet trap can simply be made by stuffing a cardboard box with rags.
More sophisticated pellet trap is a wooden box with 1" to 2" of electricians putty.
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Bustedknees
12-gauge slug (smooth bore)
My buddy bought a cheap full auto bb-gun. I don't know if it has enough power to kill squirrels but it would be fun trying.
Nebowictz
9mm
For pellets, try JSB exact or H&N. Each of my pellet guns seem to like those. (Crosman premier can be found at any store and those can group decently but not as tight or consistent)
None of mine have ever liked pointed pellets.
Taking out squirrels and chipmunks with a silent air gun is so satisfying!
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