Best Pellet Gun for Squirrels in 2022: Guide & Comparison Table
A pellet gun is a type of air gun that shoots compressed air pellets or BBs. The air gun often comes with a stock that the shooter can use to aim and fire. Pellet guns are typically used for hunting wild animals and shooting targets on a range.
The pellet gun is considered to be one of the safer guns to use. Anyone can use it at any time, as it has three major components; the pistol grip, trigger, and chamber. The weapon is inexpensive and can be put together in a few hours.
The guns come in different power, which can affect the weapon's range. High-powered pellet guns can shoot further than low-powered weapons, yet both are legal for use by shooters. If you are a squirrel hunter, you can use this weapon in your hunting activities.
How Low-Powered and High-Powered Guns Differ
The Pellet Gun is owned by individuals who have varying power ammunition. The type of gun you own will determine the power level of the pellet gun.
- You must shoot close to hitting the target if you use a low-powered pistol.
- A high-powered gun can shoot over thirty yards during hunting events.
If this is an activity you do for the first time in your life, you need to get a low-power pellet gun. The caliber of your gun will determine the type of pellet you will be used for hunting.
- .22 Caliber is best for shooting medium-sized squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and crows.
- .177 Caliber is best for pest control for small rodents such as mice, rats, petite squirrels, nuisance birds, and snakes.
The weight depends on the frame material: metal/wood, polymer, or plastic. When we compare the weight, the .177-caliber pellet gun is lightweight, only 1.9 pounds, while the weight of .22-caliber rifles is about 8-10 pounds.
Customers' Choice .177 Caliber | Best Pellet Gun under $100
Best Rifle for Pest Control with Scope, Fiber Optics Sight & Noise Reduction | .22 Сaliber for hunting squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and crows
Gamo 611006325554 Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle by Amazon.com
- .22 Cal pellet single cocking break barrel, 1020 fps with PBA Platinum
- Powerful, quiet, accurate. Thanks to the IGT MACH 1 gas piston that delivers higher muzzle velocity, less vibration, and smoother cocking. It also features the Whisper Fusion technology, the quietest noise reduction technology patented by Gamo.
- Gamo 3-9x40 scope with RRR (Recoil Reducing Rail) - Absorbs the recoil of the rifle, increasing the lifespan of the scope. Manual Safety. It is equipped with a Gamo 3-9×40 scope
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Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use Pellet Gun | Tips & Safety Rules
The following steps will give you an informative guide on how to use a pellet gun for hunting squirrels. Squirrels are difficult to shoot at, so you must find their home and plan action based on what you know about their habits.
- Make Bait. Offer them a treat such as nuts or bird seed plentiful in the area where they live. Squirrels will know that you are hunting them and will be on high alert. The squirrel is more likely to come out of their burrow when they think you are going to leave them alone.
You can set up feeding stations close to the burrows. After you have set up Bait, choose an appropriate location not too far from the traps to set up your hunting post.
- Purchase the Correct Projectile. Finding the correct ammunition for your gun is critical if you are to hit the squirrels in the first shot.
You will have to purchase high-quality ammo that is designed for the kind of gun you have. If you have a high-powered pellet gun, you want to use an impacting projectile. The projectile's impact will help the squirrel fall to the ground immediately. Low-powered guns will require a lightweight projectile. You should not aim at your target's head as it can be dangerous.
- Charge Your Pellet Gun. If your pellet gun has a lever action, you will have to swing your lever as high as you can.
The action of swinging the lever will load the spring and the ammo at the same time. You can then look through a slit in the gun to confirm that the ammo has been loaded. Multi-pump pellet guns may require you to pump five to ten times. The pump action will load the chamber.
- Turn off Safety. Often, safety features are present with every pellet gun. This feature is to prevent any accidental discharge of the gun. When the safety feature shows a red indication for most guns, it means that it is off. Most shooters will turn the feature back on as they load their shots.
- Grip and Mount Your Pellet Gun. Now would be a good time to turn on safety. To maintain a stable aim, the weapon should rest on a bag or other support so that you can use both hands to shoot. It would help if you began your hunt with the rifle at an angle in the direction of your target.
Aiming the weapon too high means that you will not be able to get a good shot. To test the pellet gun, you can attach a cardboard box to see if it is stable enough to shoot. A stable weapon will have your target still in view when you shoot.
- Shoot. Once you have located your target, you should hold the weapon with both hands and quickly swing the muzzle directly into the face of your target.
You will be putting a lot of pressure on your shots, so you will want to breathe through your mouth as you shoot. If your target is moving, you will want to look through a hole in the rifle and track it as you fire.
Safety Tips While Shooting
- Keep your finger off of the trigger. The gun can discharge quickly while you are moving around.
- Look at your target, and do not look directly down the barrel of your gun.
- Never point the weapon at anything you do not want a shot.
- Safety glasses should always be worn while shooting a pellet gun. These glasses help prevent eye injury if the pellet gun is accidentally discharged.
- More severe injuries may occur when more than one person is using a weapon.
Conclusion
A pellet gun is an important tool used by hunters. Professionals, as well as beginners, can use it. Shooting animals with pellets is legal and can be done without any charges. This is a tool to add to your arsenal if you are a hunting club member or are simply looking for ways to improve your game.
They are also used for target practice and can be used indoors or outdoors. This type of gun is widely used in competitions to shoot targets and achieve small space.
