Squirrel hunting gun recommendations (sorry)

Jump to latest Follow Reply
V

Vanilla_Gorilla

Member
Feb 8, 2025
39
24
Sorry, I know this has probably been asked a bunch of times. I tried searching the forums but could not find what I was looking for.

I had bought an Umarex Synergis Elite in 22 cal, but had horrible results with it. I ran a couple hundred pellets through it (crosman premier hollow points, some Benjamins, heavier H&Ns, etc), but could not get any accuracy with it. I'd group a few right where I wanted, then without any changes, the POI would change, and also random flyers as well.

I just returned it today, so I am weighing my options on what to get next.

I live in Illinois and primarily will use it for squirrels, rabbits, and some plinking. My budget isn't huge, so that's why I was looking at multishot pumps. I was also looking at the Umarex Notos PCP, but I have zero experience with them.

Thank you in advance for the info.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chicken of the Tree, TJHooker, Mike_Lenardon and 1 other person
I cannot shoot spring guns well. I think you will like PCPs but the need for compressed air adds at least $100 (roughly) to the up front costs. I always recommend Snowpeak (SPA) guns, especially for a budget friendly gun. They make the less expensive Umarex guns. Airgun Revisions has the longer guns like the Ranger and Scout (Stoeger). There is a thread on the "Pinty" bullpup which seems to be a P35 at a very good price. One of these guns with a hand pump would get you shooting accurately. I have 3 P35s and they are accurate and reliable.


I took the 22nd squirrel with my 177 this morning. The 25 caliber has taken 18 and the 22 has taken 10. They all work great. I like the 177 when there are things around I don't want to hit. It has enough power but won't fly as far on a miss.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TnCnDn, ba49, cavedweller and 2 others
Upvote 0
While I like the Notos, it does have it’s limitations. I think you’d probably be best suited for a decent break barrel rifle. The Notos is kind of lacking in power (although I’m sure it would be OKAY for squirrel) and then you’d have to buy a hand pump or compressor, since it has an air tank. I think you’d be happier with a decent break barrel, just my $0.02.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vanilla_Gorilla
Upvote 0
Vanilla_Gorilla said:
Sorry, I know this has probably been asked a bunch of times. I tried searching the forums but could not find what I was looking for.

I had bought an Umarex Synergis Elite in 22 cal, but had horrible results with it. I ran a couple hundred pellets through it (crosman premier hollow points, some Benjamins, heavier H&Ns, etc), but could not get any accuracy with it. I'd group a few right where I wanted, then without any changes, the POI would change, and also random flyers as well.

I just returned it today, so I am weighing my options on what to get next.

I live in Illinois and primarily will use it for squirrels, rabbits, and some plinking. My budget isn't huge, so that's why I was looking at multishot pumps. I was also looking at the Umarex Notos PCP, but I have zero experience with them.

Thank you in advance for the info.
Click to expand...
I bought the same gun for squirrel pests. Set up a 13 yard range in cellar. I’ll tell you I was impressed. Also did a number on the less than 25 yard backyard squirrels.
But but but… I was impressed too much. I led me to hard drugs… yes PCP
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: zerochance, oregondude, Chasdog and 4 others
Upvote 0
I've got a Benjamin 397 that I've taken a lot of squirrels with. I killed two the first day I had it. Out to 25 or 30 yards, it's got plenty of power and accuracy. I've got two PCPs that I hunt squirrels with (both .177 cal). My Marauder was my first PCP and has become a great field gun. I also have an FX Dreamtac. Both have been productive hunters for rabbits and squirrels. But neither really matches the Benjamin 397 in terms of body count. Then again, I've had it about 30 years.
I generally reach for the PCPs when I hunt these days. That said, I have no problem with the idea of hunting with the 397 in a pinch. It can make meat.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TnCnDn
Upvote 0
JimD said:
I cannot shoot spring guns well. I think you will like PCPs but the need for compressed air adds at least $100 (roughly) to the up front costs. I always recommend Snowpeak (SPA) guns, especially for a budget friendly gun. They make the less expensive Umarex guns. Airgun Revisions has the longer guns like the Ranger and Scout (Stoeger). There is a thread on the "Pinty" bullpup which seems to be a P35 at a very good price. One of these guns with a hand pump would get you shooting accurately. I have 3 P35s and they are accurate and reliable.


I took the 22nd squirrel with my 177 this morning. The 25 caliber has taken 18 and the 22 has taken 10. They all work great. I like the 177 when there are things around I don't want to hit. It has enough power but won't fly as far on a miss.
Click to expand...
I've never shot a bullpup; it looks nice. That Stoeger ranger looks good too. Thank you for the suggestions. Hopefully I can find a brick and mortar that carries one of them since Illinois is ridiculous and classifies air guns that are larger than 0.18 cal or shoot faster than 700 fps and they need to be transferred to an FFL. Try to save a $40 transfer fee.
 
Upvote 0
Floridaman2005 said:
While I like the Notos, it does have it’s limitations. I think you’d probably be best suited for a decent break barrel rifle. The Notos is kind of lacking in power (although I’m sure it would be OKAY for squirrel) and then you’d have to buy a hand pump or compressor, since it has an air tank. I think you’d be happier with a decent break barrel, just my $0.02.
Click to expand...
What would you suggest for a break barrel? I've heard mixed reviews on Gamo, and that's all I'm really familiar with.
 
Upvote 0
blackdog899 said:
I bought the same gun for squirrel pests. Set up a 13 yard range in cellar. I’ll tell you I was impressed. Also did a number on the less than 25 yard backyard squirrels.
But but but… I was impressed too much. I led me to hard drugs… yes PCP
Click to expand...
I remember reading your post about your synergis elite when I was looking for info on mine.

I'm not expecting to do any long distance shooting just yet. Probably step into higher priced PCPs later
 
  • Like
Reactions: blackdog899
Upvote 0
First off welcome to the forum!

I'm not one to bash other brands as they all have a loyal following. High end springers are expensive but the build quality are very nice. I'm sure you all ready know those brand names?

I luv my springers but, I'm just not the break barrel guy. Break barrels are just as accurate I just prefer the fixed barrels is all.

I've done a lot of reading and if I were in the market for a nice break barrel both in quality, fit, finish and a decent trigger then look into a Cometa.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vanilla_Gorilla
Upvote 0
I like this one. Light accurate and powerful. This is the tube version and gives me 54 (.22cal) shots 885fps on a 225-bar fill. not sure what the bottle version can do for shot count. Not inexpensive but you won't regret it.

10.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: addison, Chasdog, wamf and 1 other person
Upvote 0
coastal drifter said:
I like this one. Light accurate and powerful. This is the tube version and gives me 54 (.22cal) shots 885fps on a 225-bar fill. not sure what the bottle version can do for shot count. Not inexpensive but you won't regret it.

View attachment 537097
Click to expand...
It’s honestly so weird how you constantly recommend this gun on every forum no matter what people say their budget is. He mentioned looking at multipumps and a Notos and you link the palm beach airguns advertisement picture for the wildcat? Genuinely curious why you constantly recommend your gun to everyone with this picture. Do you work at Palm Beach Airguns?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: Ezana4CE, ba49, HubenK1Sniper92 and 3 others
Upvote 0
Right now on DonnyFL.com all Niksan are under $400. Great rifles, very accurate and so far very reliable.

Then there is the current flavor of the month. Pintydevices.com and their 3 Snowpeak/AirForce knockoffs.
$279.00 with $40 coupon Black20 (I think)
Couple threads running currently with people testing them out (mostly under AirForce headings). Just search for Pinty.
Single Shot (Snowpeak M18/ AF Talon)
Bullpup (Snowpeak P15/P35, Stroeger Bullshark)
Long rifle (Snowpeak M16 tube)

-- Matt
 
  • Like
Reactions: BordertownDevil, thammer, HubenK1Sniper92 and 2 others
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu