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Squirrelfanatic · New Member

So I have a .22 and a 30-30, but I need something for my backyard. I love nothing more than to get a good squirrel once in a while, I don't go crazy. I need a fair priced bb gun (preferably under 75) that won't break down on me. I have a powerline 990 which is just about in pieces now. The barrel fell out on me today when I tryed to shoot it. I would rather a pump so I don't have to buy cartridges and worry about running out, but I will take C02 if it gets good shots per cartridge. Also I would rather it shoot pellets but bb's are cool too. Thanks!

mod90 · Veteran Member

Your gun selection would be dependent on a few factors, like the range you'll be shooting from and type and size of game to be hunted. That said, I personally would never hunt with a BB gun, due to insufficient power & accuracy issues. That being said, you could try the Crosman 760. Or even a break barrel rifle.

Jr. Squirreler · Veteran Member

You should never hunt with a bb gun. If you want a BB Gun, for your budget is low, you could buy a Refurbished break barrel for about $60. Hunting with Pellets is preferred because, first BB's aren't as accurate. Second, BB guns are usually lower powered out of the box, and produce lower FPE. Also, BB's are small, and dont expand, therefore they dont really provide big channel wounds.

radar · Silver Status Member

Right. No BBs. Be humane.
For under $75 I would get a Daisy 880 and shoot only round nosed or pointed hunting type lead pellets at shorter range with the full 10 pumps. (Not over about 20 yards.) It can do the job for squirrels. About $45.

For $25 more than preferred budget, I would get a Beeman Grizzly X2 (AKA RS2 or model 1073) dual caliber break barrel air rifle from Walmart. These are good hunters, especially with the .22 barrel fitted. Use a little locktite blue to keep the barrel from working loose, mount the scope that comes with it, and practice, practice. These spring-air rifles need to be held very loosely and relaxed the same way each time to hit the same point of aim each shot and you may not be used to that. But this rifle would serve you well when you find the pellets it likes (try Crosman Premier) and get a bit of practice. For $98 it can't be beaten, in my opinion for all kinds of small game and casual targets-plinking.

-Rob

Squirrelfanatic · New Member

I decided on a cheap Powerline 35. I got some destroyer ex pellets and got a real nice clean kill with it. I know whats humane and whats not. I hunt deer so I know about guns. I get close to squirrels so I can get a good shot and so there's no suffering.

radar · Silver Status Member

Cool. Sounds like you got a good one to do the job.

Crosman140 · Senior Member

radar · Silver Status Member

Daisy makes nice air rifles in the under $75 price range.

SureShot_ca · Member

Myself I would have gotten a Crosman 1377 with a shoulder stock. Or better yet a CO2 powered model like the Crosman 3576. Both are accurate pellet airguns and at short ranges deadly on small critters but not rabbits.

What you you fellows think is the more deadly caliber? .177 or .22?
I would think .22 since the pellet has more mass.

Crosman140 · Senior Member

radar · Silver Status Member

Yes, there are a lot of variables. Assuming two rifles that shoot as easily and accurately as each other--one in each caliber, I like the .22 for hunting in rifles at or over about 12-13 FPE muzzle energy for knockdown power. Less than that, I go with .177 for flat trajectory and penetration at the lower energy levels. Both will do, but perhaps .20 (5mm) is the best of both world for most game. I'm surprised it hasn't pretty much taken over the market by now.

DavidSaunders · Veteran Member