Planning on going squirrel hunting, recommend me a rifle!

[deviusdragger]

So my inlaws are planning to go squirrel hunting, so id like to get me a nice little rifle for this, anything you guys recommend? I have not the slightest idea as to what to even look at, but thank you guys for your time and your information!!!!

[DriftinG Z32]

I'd recommend the CZ455 Varmint in .17hmr. Affordable and accurate.

[Jeepers]

my fav critter gun is also my first gun a rem 511, not many squirrels have made it out of the crosshairs ...


and they are cheap seen one at the local pawn shop for 75 bucks in good condition .... here is a decent one just needs a new scope for about 100 bucks(plus shipping and fees)http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=445571434

[Jimmybacon43]

.300 Win mag. There will be nothing but pink mist.

[mshill]

My dad (85yrs) shoots varmints (squirrels, skunks, raccoons) on his property at 50 yards with his marlin 60 from his tractor.

[deviusdragger]

Sweet, thanks guys, this should give me a little info to go on and do some research.

[duckman1]

Ruger 10/22 is tough to beat right out of the box.

[Izzy43]

So my inlaws are planning to go squirrel hunting, so id like to get me a nice little rifle for this, anything you guys recommend? I have not the slightest idea as to what to even look at, but thank you guys for your time and your information!!!!

Since it seems you may be new at this I would suggest a bolt action .22lr as a starter rifle. If you intend to continue shooting/hunting then you can't go wrong with a CZ. They are a little more expensive that some other models but well worth the extra $$$. If not that then a Savage or Marlin would work nicely for your purpose. Good luck with your choice. One other thought, the CZ brand of rifles hold their value really well.

[scubamark13]

My Question to you would be are you planning on shooting them out of trees or are we talking ground squirrels? If you are planning on shooting them out of trees I would probably get a 410 or 20 gauge shotgun just cause I don't like sending projectiles into the air. If you are planning on shooting ground squirrels a bolt action 22 or the 17 hmr with a scope. A 1022 would also be fun to shoot.

These are my thoughts

[MongooseV8]

I have a lot of experience shooting squirrels. Get a nice 17HMR, either a savage or cz. Buy a decent scope. 22LR is not very good for squirrels. It drops really fast and doesnt have a very good terminal effect making it difficult to hit and kill a squirrel at varying distances. A 17HMR will give you a flat shooting squirrel hammer. Also when the lead free hunting law goes into effect you will still be able to hunt since you can buy lead free 17HMR. There is virtually no lead free 22LR.

Also note squirrels will be closer (25-50 yards) when you first start hunting. After you take a few shots they will all hunker down, and your only squirrels will be the scouts 100 yards and further. Anyone who suggests a 22LR for actual squirrel hunting doesnt have much experience. I use all centerfire these days, and rarely miss.

[Joseph Lee]

I have a lot of experience shooting squirrels. Get a nice 17HMR, either a savage or cz. Buy a decent scope. 22LR is not very good for squirrels. It drops really fast and doesnt have a very good terminal effect making it difficult to hit and kill a squirrel at varying distances. A 17HMR will give you a flat shooting squirrel hammer. Also when the lead free hunting law goes into effect you will still be able to hunt since you can buy lead free 17HMR. There is virtually no lead free 22LR.

Also note squirrels will be closer (25-50 yards) when you first start hunting. After you take a few shots they will all hunker down, and your only squirrels will be the scouts 100 yards and further. Anyone who suggests a 22LR for actual squirrel hunting doesnt have much experience. I use all centerfire these days, and rarely miss.

One has to wonder how squirrel hunters managed for the 120+ years before the .17 HMR existed.

[duckman1]

Last time I checked all of my rifles delivered a projectile down range that dropped.....part of learning how to shoot effectively is learning the impact point over the distances one is shooting.

[kcjr1125]

Ruger American Rimfire with a Nikon scope in 22lr. really good rifle, many Jacks and squirells counts carved into my stock. (ok maybe not but it does have a good tally

[Occams Rasor]

Ruger American Rimfire with a Nikon scope in 22lr. really good rifle,

^^^THIS.
CZ are great, but if $$$ are an issue, can't go wrong with a RAR for field work.
Lighter and about $100 less OTD.
Below 50yds .22lr, much over 50yds, better off with 17HMR. Keep in mind
.22lr is about 10cent/shot and 17HMR is about 30cents at todays pricing OTD.
Also, if you are going to scope, don't go cheap on the glass. Figure 50%-100% of the rifle cost.
Nikon is a very good choice.

[dk94044]

Rws34 .22 air rifle is surprisingly accurate 20-30yrds