I have a Gamo .177 that will knock squirrels off a power pole from 30 yds away and 30 feet up daid before they hit the ground. I put a cheap Simmons 3-10x scope on it and its actually held zero for about 10 years now. I use those gold colored pellets. They are the most accurate in mine and hit the hardest.
I have a Ruger pellet rifle that has been accurate and durable for the last 10+ years. Lots of critters have regretted going after my chickens. But I think any one that shoots 1200-1400 fps should do fine.
I like my multi pump air rifles (392), but honestly find pumping them up so many times is a drag on fun. I bought this gun as I hated the springers feel and the torque jump as spring goes "sprong." Mine is not terribly accurate, but I do like that it is lightweight and simple. The accuracy of these seems a bit hit and miss based on tons of reviews. Some great, some not so great. Mine is a bit bigger than a quarter group at 20yds. I have done nothing to find the right pellets or work trigger, etc.
New "nitro piston" springers changed my mind about a decade ago. I picked up Benjamin Trail when they had some "refurbished" models for like $130. Great little air guns. Way more power than I need to take down squirrels, and very accurate, quiet shooters. Still a springer, you really need to watch your hold. I can confidently take head shots on squirrels out to ~20yds with them. I have in .22, sort of wish I had picked up .177 for cheaper ammo and tiny game. One simple cock and you are done, beats 392 for me. Triggers were "ok" then, not sure how they are now. I had to do a bit of work on mine, the mating surfaces were very rough. I did nothing but smooth rough surfaces, am a machinist, not a gunsmith.
I have more expensive PCP.. doesnt get shot much at all as it is a ton more work to get er ready. Deadly accurate, dead silent.. but takes a real effort to go out. Break barrel nitro pistons are so easy.
I had a Benjamin .22 cal pump as a kid
It lasted forever. And killed all kinds or critters.
Big pig
Also in the market for something like the op asked about, thanks for the good info. In my early teens I hunted all kinds of small game with my Crosman 140. Six pumps, iron sights, very smooth trigger pull, any target within 25 or so yards would have a .22 pellet bad day. It won’t hold a pump anymore, but that old Crosman still has a place in my gun safe.
Benjamin Prowler 22cal with hammers 3-9x40
Subsonic which makes it extremely quiet. Break over nitro piston barrel is super easy. Groupings are tight. Squirrels are easy, i started using this to kill trapped racoons because it was so cheap and quiet. Kills em dead in one shot.
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