When I bought my first squirrel rifle, I had no clue what I was doing. I thought any .22 would work — and while that’s partly true, I’ve since learned that the right rifle makes a big difference in accuracy, noise, and even how much meat I bring home.
Here’s how I break it down:
.22 LR Rifles
- Affordable, quiet, accurate.
- Perfect for beginners and veterans alike.
- My go-to choice 90% of the time.
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.17 HMR Rifles
- Flatter shooting, longer effective range.
- Louder than a .22 and more expensive ammo.
- I use this when squirrels are spooky and staying high in the trees.
Air Rifles
- Legal in many states, but check the regs.
- Great for backyard practice or suburban areas.
- Not as powerful, but very quiet and ethical within 30–40 yards.
👉 Related: Top Air Rifles for Squirrel Hunting
My Take: If I could only have one squirrel rifle, it would be a bolt-action .22 with a decent 3–9x scope. It’s cheap to shoot and deadly accurate.
When I first started squirrel hunting, my choice of rifle was pretty simple: I grabbed the old .22 from my dad’s closet and headed into the woods. That rifle has put a lot of squirrels in the pot, but over the years I’ve tested out different calibers, scopes, and setups. I’ve missed shots, learned what works, and eventually dialed in the gear that consistently gets the job done.
If you’re new to squirrel hunting or just looking to upgrade, this guide will break down the three main options most small-game hunters use: the trusty .22 LR, the flat-shooting .17 HMR, and the increasingly popular air rifle.
Why Your Rifle Choice Matters
Some hunters will tell you that any gun will do, and in a sense they’re right — squirrels aren’t particularly tough. But here’s what I’ve learned:
- Accuracy matters more than caliber. A squirrel’s head is a small target.
- Noise matters if you want multiple chances in one hunt.
- Meat damage matters — you don’t want to destroy what you’re hunting for the table.
That’s why choosing the right rifle (and pairing it with the right ammo and scope) makes a big difference.
The .22 LR Rifle — The Classic Squirrel Gun
If I could only own one squirrel rifle, it would be a .22 LR. Here’s why:
Advantages
- Affordable: Rifles and ammo are cheap. You can practice all summer without breaking the bank.
- Quiet: Especially if you shoot subsonic ammo. I’ve taken multiple squirrels from the same tree because the others didn’t spook.
- Accurate: With a decent scope, I can confidently hit squirrels out to 50–60 yards.
Disadvantages
- Limited range: Beyond 60 yards, drop and wind start to make things tricky.
- Ricochet risk: .22 bullets can carry surprisingly far if they miss. I always pick safe backstops.
My Favorite .22 Rifles
- Ruger 10/22 (semi-auto, reliable, tons of aftermarket upgrades)
- CZ 457 (bolt-action, tack driver out of the box)
- Savage Mark II (budget-friendly, accurate)
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The .17 HMR — For Longer Shots
The first time I shot a .17 HMR at the range, I was blown away by the flat trajectory. It feels almost like cheating compared to the .22 LR.
Advantages
- Flat shooting: Minimal drop at 100 yards.
- Accurate: Headshots at longer ranges are much more achievable.
- Hard hitting: Drops squirrels instantly.
Disadvantages
- Louder: You won’t get a second shot in the same tree.
- More expensive ammo: Roughly 3–4x the cost of .22 LR.
- Meat damage: Body shots often ruin a squirrel for the table.
My Favorite .17 HMR Rifles
- Savage B17 (affordable and accurate)
- Ruger American Rimfire (reliable bolt-action)
- CZ 457 Varmint (serious precision)
I don’t always bring the .17 HMR, but when squirrels are skittish and staying high in the trees, it gives me a real edge.
The Air Rifle — Quiet and Effective (Within Limits)
Air rifles have come a long way in the last 10 years. I used to think of them as BB guns for kids, but modern PCP (pre-charged pneumatic) air rifles are legitimate hunting tools.
Advantages
- Ultra-quiet: Perfect for backyard hunting where legal.
- Affordable ammo: Pellets are dirt cheap.
- Challenging and fun: Great for close-range stalking.
Disadvantages
- Limited range: Ethical kills are usually inside 30–40 yards.
- Power variation: You need a quality air rifle to ensure clean kills.
- Legal restrictions: Some states don’t allow air rifles for squirrels. Always check regs.
My Favorite Air Rifles for Squirrel Hunting
- Benjamin Marauder PCP
- Gamo Swarm Whisper
- Diana Stormrider
👉 Related: Top Air Rifles for Squirrel Hunting
Scopes and Optics for Squirrel Rifles
No matter which rifle you choose, a good optic makes all the difference. I prefer lightweight scopes in the 3–9x range, with a simple reticle. You don’t need a giant tactical scope for squirrel hunting.
👉 Related: Best Budget Riflescopes for Small Game
Which Rifle Do I Recommend for Beginners?
If you’re just starting out, go with a bolt-action .22 LR. It’s affordable, quiet, and accurate. Add a decent 3–9x scope and you’re set.
As you gain experience, you might add a .17 HMR for longer shots, or an air rifle for backyard hunts. But the .22 will always be the backbone of your squirrel arsenal.
Final Thoughts
Squirrel hunting is about precision, patience, and practice. The rifle you choose should match your hunting style and the terrain you’re in.
- Want affordability and versatility? Go with the .22 LR.
- Need long-range accuracy? The .17 HMR is your friend.
- Want the quietest, most low-profile option? A PCP air rifle can be deadly effective.
No matter what you choose, the real key is time in the woods. The more you hunt, the better you’ll understand your rifle and the squirrels you’re after.
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