Squirrels are active in most parts of the day. They are just all around you. They can be in the burrows, on trees, on mast crops scouting acorns, or anywhere in the stack. Basically, you can stroll through the daylight and nightlight hours with still a day of productive squirrel hunt.
Hence, if you are up for your first ever squirrel hunting, you have landed in the right reading. Going to your hunting zone requires a lot of preparation. The first thing on the list is choosing the appropriate gun. To guide you, below are the 5 Best 22 Rifles for your Squirrel Hunting:
5 Best 22 Rifles for Squirrel Hunting
1. Ruger 10/22
Since 1964, this neat semi-automatic Ruger 10/22 has been known as an American icon. Its popularity never changes even for more than 50 years of its existence. It is primarily because this model is well-made, reliable, and can be easily maintained. It is made of handful of parts and tools that are readily available in the market. In this case, the replacement of any part that you wish to customize will never be a hard task.
Further, the 10/22 goes with a 10 rounds rotary magazine that sticks neatly in the device during an action. It is also made up with aftermarket box, drum magazines, and a coffin with capacities of 25 to 110 rounds. For hunting, the standard drum can already work given that you also need to keep the weight down. With its 25-round magazine make it very fun to use in shooting.
Overall, the Ruger 10/22 with a mounted scope on it is noted as one of the 22 LR Rifles which can blast a squirrel a hundred yards away. This skill of the device is really remarkable for the past 50 years. At the same time, its light and durable features make it able to be used for long years to come.
Pros
- plusThe system is reliable.
- plusEasy to use in scoping.
- plusVery durable.
- plusTons of aftermarket parts.
Cons
- minusScope mount screws can be easily stripped.
- Triggers are quite rough.
- Accuracy may be slightly less accurate than other semi-automatic rifles.
2. KIDD .22LR Classic Ultra Lightweight Sporter Rifle
Over the past years, the KIDD Sporter Rifle has been developed to outperform all other .22 hunting rifles present in the market. Indeed, its ambition has brought it to the top. It has a black ambidextrous design that you can easily pull off both in your right and left hands. It also contains multiple sling options with its accessories like the light mounts, rails, bipod mounts, foregrips, and a lot more.
Further, this rifle is made out of lightweight steel fluted barrel of 16.75 inches and weighs 1.25 pounds. The said fluted barrel contains a stainless breech which anchors the barrel to offer support. The best part? Each of these rifles is hand lapped in factories to eliminate any inconsistencies in the barrel. In effect, the rifle shoots with increased accuracy.
The trigger is also considered as its strongest point. It is because of its capability for a quick response action as you pull it. Although one of the most expensive .22 LR rifles on the list, the KIDD .22LR Classic Ultra Lightweight Sporter Rifle is still considered as one of the best choices, especially for entry levels.
Pros
- plusMade of lightweight steel material.
- plusContains 14-round tubular magazine.
- plusHas anti-corrosion brass magazine tube.
- plusContains higher capacity than the average .22 LR.
- plusContains the ‘last shot’ bolt open feature.
Cons
- minusSlow to reload.
- Can be very hard to clean.
3. Marlin Model 60
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The Marlin Model 60 has been making their fame for almost 50 years now. This is primarily because the Model 60 is one of the Marlin models that are inexpensive, but extremely reliable. It is simple, yet robust and accurate. True enough, this device can be the ideal weapon for small game as well as hunting squirrels in the woods.
This semi-automatic rifle is also fed from a 15-round tubular magazine under the barrel. It has a magazine tube that can hold more than enough ammunition for hunting purposes. The great advantage of this is that constant reloading will not be needed every time you are up for a game or pest control. Also, its tube is a brass that is proven corrosion resistant.
Another impressive feature of this model is its excellent barrel which contains 16-groove micro rifling and a high-quality crown. This makes the device very accurate during hunting which hits the target the cleanest possible way. Typically, the Marlin Model 60 is also used in small games due to its affordable price. Hence, if you are up for the hunting expedition, this model can be one of your practical choices.
Pros
- plusImpressive accuracy.
- plusReliable in hunting.
- plusMade up of high-quality parts.
- plusThe selection of stocks and barrels matched well with the rifle.
- plusPrice is relatively low.
Cons
- minusSlow to reload.
- Tube-feed magazine is hard to operate.
- Detachable rotary.
- Unimpressive bolt release.
- Covering of warranty.
4. Smith and Wesson MP 15-22
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This semi-automatic rifle is a true M&P 15-22 rifle that was built with style. It features a 10 inches slim handguard and another 6 position telescoping stocks. At the same time, it contains a 2 inches rail panel that is used for customization options. The stocks and grips of this rifle are interchangeable allowing you to customize it based on your needs. All of its controls function well making the weapon’s manipulation drills extremely realistic.
The gun itself also features a carbon steel barrel that is integral in making it durable. Its rear sight is also a dual aperture that gives you an accurate shoot during hunting. As it contains a proven operating system, this rifle has been reviewed as one of the most reliable rifles to be recommended.
Generally, its price is just right for its functions. Aside from being the campers’ favorite rifle, small game and squirrel hunters can take benefit from this rifle. Its proven ergonomics and reliability are the top reasons why. Hence, if you are looking for a rifle especially with a total function AR type 22lr, we would say Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 can be a great deal for you.
Pros
- plusFully upgraded Magpul components.
- plusBlowback semi-automatic action.
- plusDetachable, adjustable dual-aperture rear sight.
- plusConsists of a 10 to 25-round detachable magazine.
- plusAll control functions work realistically.
- plusEasy to load.
- Relatively cheap.
- With a tested operating design.
- Its barrel is strongly made of carbon steel.
Cons
- minusQuite expensive.
- Accessories not interchangeable with other military specs AR.
- Choosing aluminum or steel instead of a polymer can make it more durable.
5. Savage Mark II F Bolt-Action Rimfire Rifle
For a small game hunting, the Savage Mark II F Bolt-Action Rimfire Rifle can be the ideal device for you. This is because the same is proven and tested in target shooting, plinking, as well as small game hunting. Further, this product comes with open front and rear sights that provide more accuracy when shooting a target.A lever is also mounted within the trigger to assure your safe experience with your rifle. This is because the lever serves as a blocker in case of an unintentional light press in the trigger. Further, the bolt features dual extractors for extraction of known spent cases. A 10-round detachable magazine similarly allows for easy and quick loading of the firearm. Generally, the overall convenience that this firearm can provide is worth the price.With its durability, spending a day with the Savage Mark II F Bolt-Action Rimfire Rifle for squirrel hunting or marksmanship practice can be enjoyable. This is primarily because all the needed features of a rifle are all packed in one. The best part? All its synthetic stocks are resistant to different kinds of weather.
Pros
- plusAccutrigger is excellently made, adjustable and safe.
- plusHas two-stage safety when pulling a trigger.
- plusAll-weather synthetic stock.
- plusContains a nice crown.
- plusFront and rear open sights
Cons
- minusA bit heavy.
- Feeding the magazine is problematic.
- Rifle’s surface is rough.
Why 22 Rifle is the Best Option
When you are starting out with squirrel hunting, a .22 LR can really be the best option. This is primarily because this model can be an ideal firearm to learn from before you move to a bigger one. Aside from it is light, its operation is manageable and its parts and ammunition is so cheap. There are so many legendary .22LR Rifles aside from the ones mentioned above. Further, this rimfire is a highly versatile caliber that definitely works well in hunting small game and pest control. Further, its second advantage is that this .22LR uses .22LR ammunition. This ammunition can be your best and cheapest option along with the firearm. It is way cheaper and more capable of taking longer range than the shotgun shells. Apart from this, the .22 ammunition produces quiet sounds in the hunting area which prevents disturbance to other squirrels.
With the use of this ammo, you can directly go through a squirrel’s headshot and yield the rest of the body’s meat. Typically, this ammunition can travel up to one and a half miles. But, shooting squirrels in a far distance can also be challenging as it also contains safety risks.
Spotting Squirrels with Your Hunting Rifle
Aside from the importance of picking the best rifle, spotting squirrels with it is also the key for your successful hunting expedition. You cannot just bring a toolset, but also a skill set. With that said, here are the most important reminders you have to know before you begin:
PICK THE RIGHT PLACE
Picking the right place where the squirrel usually stays is the first step. Start by searching places like trees, foliage, burrows, crops, or any place where they usually live. After that, primed your gun and position it in the place where you can easily see the squirrel targets. But, there are a few unusual tips that you can do to look for them. This is by hearing the squirrels’ sounds rather than visually spotting them.
Listen to them as they move through the leaves when hiding. They can also create sounds of hulling, scrapping, and cutting whenever they nibble at acorns and nuts. To make it easier for you, just find something similar to raindrops.
Squirrels also make noises as they climb trees. You can sense that they are there when you start to hear the sound of rustling tree bark or sections of the bark falling. When you finally hear sounds similar to squirrels, check the colors of their coats. While most squirrels have brown coats, you may also see others that have gray, red, or white. Some squirrels even have shiny black coats. The deal here is to first check if it is really a squirrel you are going to shoot. After that, aim your rifle directly to it for a quick kill.
TARGETING THE BODY
When shooting a squirrel, the best place to aim your gun is in the head area. This is because hitting the brain alongside, ensures that the squirrel will die instantly. Aside from it lessens the squirrel’s suffering, it also preserves its fur and meat freshly.
For instance that the head is too difficult to aim, targeting the heart instead can be a great alternative. The heart of a squirrel is located near the upper body and not too far from the neck. Shooting the body of the squirrel, like a deer – is not something favorable if you want to keep the meat edible and intact.
SHOOT!
Look out for the squirrel carefully when aiming. If it is now still, shoot it either in the head or in the heart. This is because shooting the squirrel while moving can give you a an unclean shot. You either leave the squirrel wounded and not catch it, or you can kill it with all the body meat smashed. Overall, you will end up with poor quality meat.
Other Safety Points You Have to Remember
Before you go out for squirrel hunting, make sure that you are equipped with safety rules for hunters. Some are simply common sense, while others may be unfamiliar. Here are some of them:
- Keep the muzzle and chamber of your gun clean.
- Keep distance from the squirrel.
- You can use binoculars to see the squirrel from a distance.
- Avoid hunting under a damaged tree. Branches might fall on you.
- Point your firearm on to the ground when not in use.
- Do not place your finger on the trigger if you are not yet ready to shoot.
- If you are out hunting with friends, wear bright clothes to be visible.
- Do not shoot yet if you cannot see the target perfectly.
- Do not go after a moving target.
- Avoid hunting during windy season.
FAQ’s
What is the best caliber for shooting squirrels?
The best caliber for squirrel hunting is the .22 LR (Long Rifle). It’s accurate, quiet, affordable, and powerful enough to take down squirrels cleanly without destroying too much meat. If you prefer shotguns, a .410 bore or 20-gauge with small shot also works well, especially in dense woods.
Is .22 good for squirrels?
Yes — the .22 LR is a classic choice for squirrel hunting. It offers excellent accuracy at typical squirrel ranges (25–50 yards) and doesn’t produce much recoil or noise. It’s also easy to find ammo for and works great for headshots, which is ideal if you plan to eat the meat.
What gun to use for a perfect squirrel?
A lightweight, accurate bolt-action or semi-automatic .22 rifle is perfect. Popular models include the Ruger 10/22, Marlin Model 60, and CZ 457. If you prefer a shotgun, a .410 or 20-gauge with #6 or #7½ shot gives you a forgiving spread for moving targets in the trees.
How far should you sight in a .22 LR for squirrel hunting?
Sighting in your .22 LR at 25 to 30 yards is ideal for squirrel hunting. That distance keeps your bullet’s trajectory flat enough to make accurate head or chest shots without much holdover out to about 50 yards.
What is the most accurate .22 squirrel rifle?
Several rifles are known for exceptional accuracy. The CZ 457 is often praised for its precision right out of the box. The Ruger 10/22 Target and Savage Mark II are also excellent options, with crisp triggers and great consistency. For serious accuracy, a Volquartsen custom rifle is hard to beat.
What size shot is good for squirrels?
If you’re using a shotgun, go with #6 or #7½ lead shot. These sizes offer a good balance of pellet count and stopping power without ruining too much meat. #6 is slightly heavier and hits harder, while #7½ gives a denser pattern for small targets.
What is the most reliable .22 rifle?
The Ruger 10/22 is widely considered the most reliable .22 rifle ever made. It’s lightweight, dependable, customizable, and handles a wide range of ammo. Other reliable models include the Marlin Model 60 and Henry Lever Action .22.
Where is the best place to shoot a squirrel with a .22?
Aim for the head or just behind the ear. A clean headshot ensures a quick, humane kill and preserves the meat. If that’s not possible, a shot to the upper chest or shoulder area will also work effectively.
Is squirrel meat good?
Yes — squirrel meat is surprisingly tasty! It’s lean, slightly sweet, and often compared to a cross between rabbit and chicken. It’s also high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy wild game option.
Is a Squirrel with a Gun worth the money?
If you’re talking about the video game Squirrel with a Gun, it’s meant to be a fun, light-hearted sandbox experience rather than a serious shooter. It’s generally considered worth the money if you enjoy quirky, physics-based games with humor and creativity.
What are the minimum specs for Squirrel with a Gun?
While the exact system requirements may vary, most modern PCs can run Squirrel with a Gun. Generally, you’ll need:
OS: Windows 10 or later
CPU: Intel i5 or equivalent
RAM: 8 GB
GPU: GTX 960 / RX 470 or better
Storage: ~10 GB free space
How to get perfect quality squirrel?
To harvest a clean, high-quality squirrel, use a small-caliber rifle like a .22 for precise headshots. Hunt early in the morning or late afternoon when squirrels are most active. Dress and cool the meat quickly after the hunt to maintain flavor and texture.
How much is Squirrel with a Gun on Steam?
The price can vary depending on sales, but it typically costs around $20–25 USD. Always check Steam for the latest pricing and promotions.
What FPS for squirrel hunting?
A standard .22 LR bullet travels around 1,050 to 1,200 feet per second (fps), which is more than enough for squirrels. Subsonic rounds (~1,050 fps) are quieter and great for close-range shots, while high-velocity rounds (~1,200 fps) offer slightly flatter trajectories at longer distances.
How to get the Gravity Gun in Squirrel with a Gun?
In the game, the Gravity Gun is typically unlocked through exploration or completing certain objectives. Keep an eye out for hidden areas, complete missions, and interact with NPCs — these are common ways to unlock special weapons.
What is the best time to shoot squirrels?
The best times are early morning (shortly after sunrise) and late afternoon. Squirrels are most active during these periods, searching for food and moving around in the trees, which makes spotting and shooting them much easier.
What is the best .22 LR for raccoon hunting?
A .22 LR can work for raccoons, but you’ll want something slightly more powerful if possible. If you stick with .22, use a reliable rifle like the Ruger 10/22 or CZ 457, and aim carefully — raccoons are tougher than squirrels, so precise shot placement is key.
Is .223 too big for squirrels?
Yes — a .223 is overkill for squirrels. It will destroy too much of the animal, making it unsuitable if you plan to eat the meat. Stick with a .22 LR or a small-gauge shotgun for ethical and practical squirrel hunting.
How strong is the Gravity Gun?
In Squirrel with a Gun, the Gravity Gun is a powerful tool that lets you manipulate objects and enemies with physics. It’s more about creativity and solving challenges than raw firepower, but it’s one of the most fun and versatile tools in the game.
What console will Squirrel with a Gun be on?
The game is expected to release on PC (Steam) and is planned for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Always check the official store pages for the latest platform updates.
What’s the point of Squirrel with a Gun?
The game is a comedic sandbox experience where you play as a squirrel causing chaos with firearms — solving puzzles, fighting enemies, and exploring a human world. It’s designed for fun and creativity rather than realism or story depth.
What are the limitations of a Gravity Gun?
Its main limitation is that it’s not a traditional weapon — it can’t deal heavy damage like a firearm. It’s better for moving objects, launching enemies, or solving physics-based puzzles. Range and weight limits also apply, so you can’t lift everything.
What is the difference between Physgun and Gravity Gun?
The Gravity Gun is a weapon that pulls and launches objects with force, while the Physgun (from Garry’s Mod) gives you more precise control to move, rotate, and position objects. The Physgun is about building and manipulation, while the Gravity Gun is more action-oriented.
What is the strongest gun in existence?
The title often goes to the GAU-8 Avenger, a massive 30mm rotary cannon used on the A-10 Warthog aircraft. For handheld firearms, the .700 Nitro Express double rifle and Smith & Wesson Model 500 revolver are among the most powerful.
What is the best range to sight in a .22 for squirrel hunting?
A sight-in distance of 25 to 30 yards is ideal. Most squirrel hunting shots happen within that range, so your bullet will hit close to your point of aim without significant drop.
What is the most accurate rifle of all time?
That’s debated, but rifles like the Anschutz 54, Sako TRG, and Accuracy International AXMC are known for legendary precision. In the .22 LR world, Anschutz and CZ 457 rifles are often considered among the most accurate for small game.
What is the best scope for a .22 squirrel rifle?
A 2–7×32 or 3–9×40 scope is ideal. These offer plenty of magnification for small targets without being bulky. Popular choices include the Leupold VX-Freedom, Vortex Crossfire II, and Bushnell Banner — all reliable, clear, and great for rimfire rifles.
THE TAKEAWAY
Anyone of the 5 rifles featured will make your next hunting expedition more enjoyable and productive. Choosing the right one only depends on your price point. But, if you are looking for the absolute best .22LR rifle for your budget, going to the Ruger 10/22 is definitely a good deal. This model basically beats every feature in just about every category.
Hence, for our best option, the Ruger 10/22 seems to be the most favorable. For the past 50 years, this has already been noted as one of the 22 LR Rifles which can blast a squirrel a hundred yards away. This skill of the device is really remarkable for the past 50 years. At the same time, its light and durable features make it able to be used for long years to come.
The bottom line: whatever you choose, the best takeaway we have in writing this guide is to be patient. Squirrels are a bit active and energetic, so they move around a lot. They are fast and hardly ever stand still at certain times of the day. Wait carefully and aim for safety.
Read more: 8 Types of Squirrels in Illinois (Pictures and Identification)