Guide
Best Gun For Squirrel And Rabbit Hunting: The Top 10 Options
Are you looking for the best gun for squirrel and rabbit hunting? We have got you covered. Below we have to put together a list of the top ten options to choose from. Keep reading to learn more!
Best Gun for Squirrel and Rabbit Hunting FAQ
1. Which Gun Is Right for Me?
Choosing a gun for hunting small game can be overwhelming. We always recommend perusing customer reviews to get the most honest feedback on a product. Don’t be afraid to ask sales associates questions or even chat online to find the right fit your budget and hunting needs.
2. Where Can I Buy One?
Purchasing a rifle or gun may be tricky depending on where you live. Some states require a background check and forms to be filled out before purchase. This is a process that can, in some places, take days or weeks to be approved. Make sure you look up your state’s laws before attempting to purchase anything.
How We Reviewed
Our list was extensively researched across a wide range of platforms. Not only did we want to bring you some of the most popular products on the market but guns that had multiple price ranges to fit a wide range of budgets. You’ll notice a strict pros and cons section under each product and a performance category based on unbiased customer reviews.
Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)
Guns can range greatly in price. We have found that most guns used for hunting small game can range anywhere from around $50 all the way up into the hundreds. It is important to note that the higher the price point the higher the quality materials, features, and accuracy the gun is likely to have. We suggest purchasing a gun in stores, at locations such as Cabela’s, as each state’s gun laws may vary.
What We Reviewed
- Ruger Single-Six.22 LR Convertible Revolver
- Gamo Silent Cat Air Rifle
- Browning Buck Mark Contour 5.5 URX.22 LR
- Henry Classic Lever-Action.22 Rifle
- Crosman Recruit Stock.177 Air Rifle with Scope
- Savage MK II FV-SR Landry.22 LR
- Ruger Air Magnum Combo Air Rifle
- CZ 527 Varmint.17 Hornet Bolt-Action Rifle
- Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle.177 Cal
- Ruger 10/22 Takedown.22 LR Rimfire Rifle
Ruger Single-Six.22 LR Convertible Revolver
Features
The Ruger Single-Six.22 LR Convertible Revolver can be purchased on Academy Sports and Outdoors’ website. What puts this gun on our list to find the best gun for squirrel and rabbit hunting is the quality materials. With a hard rubber grip, this gun was meant to shoot comfortably for extended periods of time.
Pros
- Easy to shoot
- Lightweight materials
- Hard rubber grip with checkering
Cons
- More expensive than most guns for squirrel or rabbit hunting
- Not available on Amazon Prime
- No scopes included
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $500.
Where to Buy
Performance
What makes this product a contender for the best gun for squirrel and rabbit hunting is the performance. One reviewer claimed the following: “Bought mine in 1974 and have put many thousands of rounds of.22LR and WMR through it. This is a gun everybody should own. Easy to shoot even with WMR and a ton of fun. The most useful.22 you can own.”
Gamo Silent Cat Air Rifle
Features
Are you looking to step it up a notch from the traditional hand pistol or gun? The Gamo Silent Cat Air Rifle may just be the best gun for squirrel and rabbit hunting on the market due to the affordable price point and great features. The best part is, is this product comes with a one-year limited warranty on all parts!
Pros
- One-year limited warranty
- 1200 feet per second with PBA
- Comes with an attached scope
- More affordable than most guns for squirrel or rabbit hunting
Cons
- Heavy pull trigger
- You can not adjust the trigger weight
- Not as quiet as it claims to be
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $150.
Where to Buy
Performance
Although the Gamo Silent Cat Air Rifle has mixed reviews most consumers agree it has great performance. One reviewer said “First off, don’t believe any reviews about this gun being inaccurate. If you know how to shoot, how to sight in, and you use the right pellets, this gun can shoot an eyeball out of a flea at 30 feet! Secondly, this rifle is lightweight and easy to cock back and load. Not as quiet as advertised, but so what? It’s a pellet gun! And lastly, this beast has power enough to thrust a pellet through plywood like a nail through butter. Great buy and awesome addition to my pest control collection.”
Browning Buck Mark Contour 5.5 URX.22 LR
Features
The Browning Buck Mark Contour 5.5 URX.22 LR comes to us from Academy Sports and Outdoors. This gun may just be the best gun for squirrel and rabbit hunting on the market. What we love about the Browning are the full-length Picatinny scope base and adjustable sights.
Pros
- Adjustable sights
- Includes a pistol rug
- Full-length Picatinny scope base
Cons
- More expensive than the average gun for squirrel and rabbit hunting
- Finger grooves may not fit all sized fingers
- Not available on Amazon Prime
Price
This product can be found on Academy Sports and Outdoors’ website for around $500.
Where to Buy
Performance
The Browning Buck Mark Contour 5.5 URX.22 LR is known for the quality performance. This product is made with an aluminum-alloy frame and other premium and durable materials. If you are looking for the best gun for squirrel and rabbit hunting, this may just be the one to choose!
Henry Classic Lever-Action.22 Rifle
Features
Nothing says classic hunting rifle more than the Henry Classic Lever-Action.22 Rifle. This is a true contender in our list to find the best gun for squirrel and rabbit hunting due to the performance and quality. We can’t help but love the straight-grip stock constructed with American walnut wood.
Pros
- Large loop lever
- Adjustable rear and hooded front sight
- Grooved receiver for scope placement
Cons
- Large loop lever might not fit smaller hands
- Blue barrel is not blue as advertised
- Ill-fitting rear stock
Price
This product can be found on the Dick’s Sporting Goods website for around $300.
Where to Buy
Performance
The Henry Classic performs just as you would hope a classic rifle would. One reviewer claimed “Great gun. Reliable and simple to use. Have hit targets at 200+ yards. But works best at 50-100yds. Highly recommend.”
Crosman Recruit Stock.177 Air Rifle with Scope
Features
The Crosman Recruit Stock.177 Air Rifle with Scope is available for purchase with a one-year limited warranty. If you are looking to find the best gun for squirrel and rabbit hunting, this Crosman Recruiter is a wonderfully affordable choice!
Pros
- More affordable than most guns for squirrel or rabbit hunting
- One-year limited warranty
- Adjustable stock
- Comes with a 4×15 scope
Cons
- Requires a lot of pumping before a shot
- Difficult to pump the rifle
- Rail is canted to the right
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $52.
Where to Buy
Performance
Many people feel that the Crosman Recruit has an agreeable performance for the low price point. One customer put it perfectly, stating “Very accurate and powerful gun for the price. This one is good if you have kids and need an adjustable stock so everyone in the family can use it. If you need a full-size gun and stock then you should pick a different gun. Scope would not fit with the iron sights still installed. Front sight is low-light fiber-optic. Shoots BB’s around 680 fps and is great for plinking and small game.”
Savage MK II FV-SR Landry.22 LR
Features
The Savage MK II FV-SR Landry.22 LR is another gun coming to us from Academy Sports and Outdoors’ website. This product is surprisingly signed by TV personality Troy Landry. Featuring a unique camouflage print, this gun is constructed from matte carbon-steel.
Pros
- More affordable option
- Signed by Troy Landry
- Adjustable AccuTrigger
Cons
- Not available on Amazon Prime
- Only available in camouflage print
Price
This product can be found on Academy Sports and Outdoors’ website for around $300.
Where to Buy
Performance
The Savage MK II FV-SR Landry.22 LR is an ideal gun if you are looking to stay stealthy during your small game hunt. The matte carbon-steel and steel receiver ensures for quality performance. Not to mention, the adjustable AccuTrigger and the synthetic stock will help ensure you hit your target.
Ruger Air Magnum Combo Air Rifle
Features
The Ruger Air Magnum Combo Air Rifle is one of the most unique products on our list. What makes this product a contender to compete for the best gun for squirrel and rabbit hunting are the size options. Choose from the 0.22 cal. combination or the large size.
Pros
- One-year limited warranty
- Comes with a 4×32 scope and mount
- More affordable option
Cons
- Poor quality scope
- Not very durable materials
- Easily broken if dropped or handled roughly
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $218.
Where to Buy
Performance
The Ruger Air Magnum is a quality rifle that has decent performance based on the lower price point. One customer said, “Well made with nice finish. Louder than expected when shot. Can get hard to pump after a couple dozen shots. Good and cheap way to refine rifle and scope use skills. This is not a toy but would make a great gift for a young person to learn the rules of the range and safe firearms handling. Better than a Red Ryder. I doubt many younger children could cock it without adult help. Built-in supervision. Ruger nameplate means quality unit.”
CZ 527 Varmint.17 Hornet Bolt-Action Rifle
Features
The CZ 527 Varmint.17 Hornet Bolt-Action Rifle, although one of the more expensive options on our list. has overwhelming quality. What puts this product on our list for the best gun for squirrel and rabbit hunting is the forged-steel and included scopes. The rifle is in the American style and features a palm swell and wide fore-end.
Pros
- Claw extractor
- Single-set trigger
- 13.5-inch length of pull
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Right-handed option only
- Not available on Amazon Prime
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $700.
Where to Buy
Performance
The CZ 527 Varmint.17 Hornet Bolt-Action Rifle features a two-position manual to ensure safety and accuracy. With this product, you receive 16-millimeter dovetail scope bases to further help performance. Not to mention, this gun is a bolt action style with a single-set trigger.
Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle.177 Cal
Features
Are you looking for a best seller to add to your collection? The Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle.177 Cal may just be our winner for the best gun for squirrel and rabbit hunting. Take a look at over 300 five-star reviews complimenting the quality, accuracy, and affordable price point.
Pros
- Considered an Amazon.com #1 Best Seller
- More affordable than most options
- Fluted polymer jacketed barrel
Cons
- Poor quality scope included
- Louder than expected
- Firing the gun changes the scope
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $83.
Where to Buy
Performance
As long as you read the instructions this gun has a great quality performance for the price point. One reviewer summed it up with their experience saying “Squirrel problem destroying attic wiring and water pipes… just received and went to work. Successful early morning hunt— 2 hits, 8 instant kills within 30 yards out of the box. Population is declining rapidly.”
Ruger 10/22 Takedown.22 LR Rimfire Rifle
Features
Another Ruger gun comes to us from Cabela’s the World’s Foremost Outffiter. What we love about this gun is the fact that it comes in three different color options. Choose from a rich brown to a striking matte black and even a classic black and silver combination. The best part about this product is the quick separation of the fore end and buttstock.
Pros
- Three different color options
- Impact and abrasion-resistant trigger housing
- Weather-resistant barrel and stock
Cons
- Not very accurate
- Poor quality materials
Price
This product can be found on Cabela’s website for around $400.
Where to Buy
Performance
Although this gun is not incredibly accurate for the price point, it does perform well. A customer reviewed that, “This Takedown Ruger is like a universal can opener, pocket knife. It does a little bit of everything well. Breaking down makes it a great backpacker. Shoots smoothly and is a true tack driver. If you are a ‘prepper’ this is your rifle. Light inexpensive ammo, 500 rounds fit in your pocket. Can be a hunting rifle.”
The Verdict
After reviewing all of the guns above it is clear which one is the best of the best. The winner has to be the Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle.177 Cal. The reason this gun stands out among the competition is due to the quality and price point. At just $83, this gun is accurate and effective in taking care of squirrels and rabbits!