Squirrel hunting gun recommendations (sorry)

[cavedweller]

Someone else suggested the Stoegers, and I'm really liking the Scout. Seems like a good compromise between size and functionality. I've never fired a bullpup, but the Hatsans and this stoeger both piqued my interest.

I am not the same Vanilla Gorilla. I looked into ASC for it's longer ranges in order to stretch the legs on my hunting rifle, but it's quite a hike for me, and I don't think I'd go there enough to make it worth the price.

Take a good look in AGN classifieds
if you’re patient you can save a bundle

 

[Vanilla_Gorilla]

PCP Rifle - Niksan Elf-S Bullpup .22, includes 4 magazines, plus... Now $285.00 shipped

Niksan Elf-S Bullpup .22, includes 4 magazines, factory hard case, probe, tools, O-ring, forearm grip with push button bipod deployment and manual all like new condition, less than 100 shots through it. The original owner won it NEW at an airgun event and fired one magazine to verify function, I...

www.airgunnation.com

That is incredibly enticing! Thank you for the link. I still need to wait the 10 days to send DMs, but that is definitely on my list now. Thanks!

 

[rcs9250]

Evol .25. You won’t regret it.

 

[Vanilla_Gorilla]

Hi Vanilla , I’m always wondering about the reason guys say they’er going to use Airguns for hunting.
The hunting laws are the same as 22lr or shotgun in my state. Compared to a 22lr an air rifle is USUALLY
heavier, more awkward handling, lighter slower projectiles, and more complicated .
Maybe some people have felonies and can use air ?
I bowhunted deer for 30 solid years I didn’t do it for the extra challenge. I did it because of special seasons
and I also live in one of the few small bow only areas in NYS.

All laws my friend. I bow hunt deer as well because Illinois only has a shotgun season of like 2 weekends (they just allowed single shot rifles this year). I rifle hunt out west.

As for a 22lr, I'd love to, but Illinois laws prohibit it where I can go hunting. Some places allow shotgun, but I'm not around most of those areas, and plus it would be less meat to eat. Air rifle is pretty much the only option for me for small game.

 

[blackdog899]

All laws my friend. I bow hunt deer as well because Illinois only has a shotgun season of like 2 weekends (they just allowed single shot rifles this year). I rifle hunt out west.

As for a 22lr, I'd love to, but Illinois laws prohibit it where I can go hunting. Some places allow shotgun, but I'm not around most of those areas, and plus it would be less meat to eat. Air rifle is pretty much the only option for me for small game.

And I thought I live in a repressive state, Haa hhooo

 

[Vanilla_Gorilla]

Do have a look at the Air Force knock off thread. The regulated Pinty .22 is a heck of a deal with the discount even better 239 bucks for a regulated .22. I got the freight damaged one and am in touch with Pinty to resolve I really like the gun. Accurate and consistent, it's very lightweight but does not feel cheap. Seems to have plenty of power, the trigger is heavy but can be fixed. Great gun for the money assuming they take care of me on the freight damage. They need to put more on the bolt handle to prevent it breaking through the box.

I haven't had a chance to look through that thread, but I'd be interested. Thanks for the info.

 

[HubenK1Sniper92]

Evol .25. You won’t regret it.

apparently you didn't see the he is on a budget, I think an EVOL is out of his budget and most air gunners in general lol

 

[Vanilla_Gorilla]

And I thought I live in a repressive state, Haa hhooo

Hahaha it gets nuts. They banned "assault rifles" and pistols over 10 rounds as well.

 

[Vanilla_Gorilla]

Evol .25. You won’t regret it.

Hahaha ha if I'm spending $3k on a rifle, it's not gonna shoot pellets.

 

[DeanB]

FX Dreamline Classic .22 walnut stock, balanced perfect/light, easy carry and very accurate.

 

[igolfat8]

My squirrel gun is a Gen 1 RTI Prophet Compact in .22. Extremely accurate, robust build quality, great trigger and one of the simplest platforms to tune. I’ve dropped pigeons at 147 yards with 18 grain AA pellets. You can often find them used around $1000 but they don’t come up very frequently. Those who own them know why you don’t see them on the used market

 

[glr59]

Beeman R9 spring gun.
Notos for a pop like someone said earlier. Unfortunately the air source you choose could cost more then the gun but once you have a pcp I doubt you look at springers again.

 

[DeanB]

Beeman R9 spring gun.
Notos for a pop like someone said earlier. Unfortunately the air source you choose could cost more then the gun but once you have a pcp I doubt you look at springers again.

I shoot my springers all the time, get tired sometimes of having to stop and fill up with air every 15 minutes. But then I get tired of cranking open my RWS 48s or my break barrels so then I switch back to pcp. Dont think there has to be a either or .

 

[cosmic]

Pinty .22 is coming to me.. All you need is a foid card.. 17 caliber OR over 700 fps.. I usually have any larger caliber to a friend in Indiana.. No where does it mention about a FFL.. I live about 80 miles south of Chicago...

 

[Vanilla_Gorilla]

My squirrel gun is a Gen 1 RTI Prophet Compact in .22. Extremely accurate, robust build quality, great trigger and one of the simplest platforms to tune. I’ve dropped pigeons at 147 yards with 18 grain AA pellets. You can often find them used around $1000 but they don’t come up very frequently. Those who own them know why you don’t see them on the used market

146 yards is crazy. I'm really leaning towards a Stoeger XM1 ranger or scout. I just don't have the budget for a $1k gun

 

[Vanilla_Gorilla]

Beeman R9 spring gun.
Notos for a pop like someone said earlier. Unfortunately the air source you choose could cost more then the gun but once you have a pcp I doubt you look at springers again.

Yeah, I'm leaning towards the Stoeger XM1 Ranger or scout. For the price of a good springer, I can get a decent entry level pcp with a hand pump. I'm sure I'll expand later, but I just want to get out in the woods relatively "cheap" and accurate. I appreciate the suggestion though.

 

[Vanilla_Gorilla]

I shoot my springers all the time, get tired sometimes of having to stop and fill up with air every 15 minutes. But then I get tired of cranking open my RWS 48s or my break barrels so then I switch back to pcp. Dont think there has to be a either or .

Good point. Plus, it leaves me an open door to buy more hahaha

 

[Vanilla_Gorilla]

Pinty .22 is coming to me.. All you need is a foid card.. 17 caliber OR over 700 fps.. I usually have any larger caliber to a friend in Indiana.. No where does it mention about a FFL.. I live about 80 miles south of Chicago...

I was looking at that Pinty thread. Interesting stuff. I don't think I have the air gun knowledge to problem solve it and modify it to be a good gun like everybody else in that thread.

I was under the impression that it had to go to an FFL for larger than 0.17 cal or faster than 700fps, not just a foid. All the cops I have asked don't really know the rules and can't give me a good answer besides, "send it to an FFL".

 

[beerthief]

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.

First Welcome to the best AGN , Second a pcp requires an air source , every few shots , (few meaning 20 to 60 average ) what is your budget ?
I would suggest talking a lot first , get your 10 days and 10 conversational posts so you can look in the classifieds here . . RELAX , have fun learning it will save you mistakes and maybe some money .
Now to lead you into a conversation : where do you intend to shoot ?
Stan in KY (used to live in Chicago area )

OK , just counted 20 posts for you , your going to do just fine here . 4:23 PM

 

[coastal drifter]

I shoot my springers all the time, get tired sometimes of having to stop and fill up with air every 15 minutes. But then I get tired of cranking open my RWS 48s or my break barrels so then I switch back to pcp. Dont think there has to be a either or .

On a quiet afternoon I like to sit out back with my HW95 with peep sights, a tin of .20cal pellets and rock some spinners or a couple cans. Keeps my mind focused along with my eyes. I love my PCPs but there is something calming and relaxing about a nice springer. Brings out the basics of shooting to me.