Squirrels

[rocker]

I have lots of nuisance squirrels in my area. Which also happens to be a country tract setting. I have been using my pellet gun a .177 but its hard when they are on the run which is often. So I usually only get 1 shot at them. I want to use a .22 with snake shot. Can anyone suggest a rifle to use....cheap? Hopefully something quite like my pellet sort of. What about a Marlin 795 or ???? Thanks!

[buffybuster]

The shot capsule rounds, should be use in a bolt or single-shot action. They may not cycle a semi-auto and if the capsule breaks during a misfeed the shot jams the action.

[SOCMOB]

I answered this in Handguns too ..... I'd get a pellet rifle, and use that.

It takes a God of marksmanship to hit squirrels reliably with a handgun. With a rifle, it's a lot easier.

With a pellet rifle, you have quiet, decent accuracy, and if you get caught, you'll *probably* get off a lot lighter if it's a pellet gun.

I recommend a Gamo from Big-5, I like my Gamo Delta which is a kid's rifle really, but I'm not big. If you're big, get its big brother, the Gamo Big Cat.

[Baxter]

I would just use a 22lr with bulk federal or win. 36hps. Those coming out of my model 60 are alot more quite than my pellet gun.

[TWoods450]

I'm curious about the neighbor situations.

You should forgo the rimfire option and go big, 7.62.54r, get a mosin, that'll teach the little ****ers. I kid, I kid. unless you are the only person for a mile or so I'd stick with a pellet gun.

[k1dude]

Use CCI CB longs or Aguila Super Colibris in a rifle. They are much quieter than a pellet gun. Be aware that they don't recommend Colibris in a rifle. But I've never had a problem. Just make sure the lead actually exits the barrel before shooting another shot.

Shoot from inside the house after cracking open a window or door if you can. Step back a couple feet from the crack. It will be really loud in the house, but sound much quieter to anyone outside. Just make sure the window or door doesn't accidentally close as you're squeezing your shot off. That wouldn't be good.

Bait the squirrels with a pile of bird seed. They'll stand still as they chow.

Make sure you check your local laws and regulations. It may be illegal to discharge a firearm where you are. It may also be illegal to bait for squirrels.

[rocker]

K1 dude, can the Aguila kill a squirrel at 50ft? I dont shoot any squirrels past that. Usually 25-30ft or less.

[HotRails]

If these were rabbits I would suggest one of those mini 80 pound crossbows that they sell at gunshows. They are deadly to varmint within about 20 yards and acceptably accurate for something the size of a rabbit. A squirrel would be much more of a challenge but very doable within 10 yards. Like others have said if your neighbors are close stick with the pellet gun but still many people that hear a pellet gun would know exactly what you are doing and depending on your neighbors' disposition, may cause trouble for you. Like k1dude said, leave the window open a crack and I have also found that curtains make a nice blind as well. The name of the game from here on out is patience. Once they become comfortable they will stop scurrying around and youll get a clear shot. ive found a side shot through the midsection to be the most reliable killshot with pellet gun against squirrel. Have fun! (im almost jealous of you!)

[Demoni]

Aguila Super Colibris in a rifle. They are much quieter than a pellet gun. Be aware that they don't recommend Colibris in a rifle. But I've never had a problem. Just make sure the lead actually exits the barrel before shooting another shot.

There are 2 types of colibri. there is the standard stuff that shots at like 500 fps and is for handgun only and then there is the super colibri that shoots closer to 750 fps, Aguila's webpage says it's safe for rifles. I have run it through my Savage Mk2BV and it is much quieter than my air pistol, goes pffff not crack. The longer the barrel the quieter it will be. It gets moved around by the wind a good bit more than the 40 grain but can put ~ 3" pattern on paper at 100.

Rocker, where are you located? there are probably a number of people on the rimfire board that would be happy to help you out with your pest problem. Say a beer for every 10?

[k1dude]

K1 dude, can the Aguila kill a squirrel at 50ft? I dont shoot any squirrels past that. Usually 25-30ft or less.

Yes.

[rocker]

Ok thats it. Im buying a .22 and getting the Super Calibri. Thanks everyone! I like my Beeman breakbarrel but you have to be so still and if the critter moves, I have to re-aquire and start again. And the Beeman is loud! Tons of power though. I have killed lots of squirrles with it. I just want another excuse to get a .22! Thanks again......

[k1dude]

Get a red dot with zero parallax too. Shoot with both eyes open. It will allow you to acquire much faster. But then you have to be especially careful about making sure you don't shoot out a window or door.

[rocker]

Yeah, Im really carefull. I wait untill they are on the tree trunk or on the ground on the other side of my house were there are no neighbors. I stalk them. Im like the dude on caddyshack! My wife thinks Im nuts but hey...Im having fun!