Which semiauto rifle for squirrel hunting?

drsquall

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Jul 22, 2022
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Hello,
I am looking for a pcp in 22 possibly 25 for this winter squirrel season. I want a smaller compact rifle and maybe a semiauto if one is accurate enough for it. I usually hunt with a 22lr but going to try this year with the pcp. I do have a Vulcan 3 700mm in 22 that I shoot 34grain varmint knockers that is very accurate but a little to big for what I want to carry around in the woods. I was honestly looking at a Huben,Leshiy 2 for the semiauto rifle and maybe a brocock pathfinder, or Panthera compact hunter. I thought about an impact compact as well. Im a south paw as well if that matters. I would like to stick to pellets probably around the 18gr weight and would like some good power for hunting. I want something that I can just grab and go. I want a compact gun and something I can tune somewhat as well. What do you guys think? I'm open to suggestions. I will be also pesting with it for birds and rats around our barns.

Thanks
Jon
 
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I have no experience with semi auto airguns, not a big fan. But I am an avid hunter and love compact guns. I would give the airmaks katran compact a hard look. I absolutely love it, mines in .22 shooting 18.13s at 830 fps. I adjusted the reg up from factory(120 bar) to 145 bar and I get 3 mags (48 shots) at that power while it also quieted the gun down. ACCURATE as all get out, very simple build, lightweight and compact. Shown here next to the notos, which is another excellent choice for your use.
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I have no experience with semi auto airguns, not a big fan. But I am an avid hunter and love compact guns. I would give the airmaks katran compact a hard look. I absolutely love it, mines in .22 shooting 18.13s at 830 fps. I adjusted the reg up from factory(120 bar) to 145 bar and I get 3 mags (48 shots) at that power while it also quieted the gun down. ACCURATE as all get out, very simple build, lightweight and compact. Shown here next to the notos, which is another excellent choice for your use. View attachment 397247
I will look at them. Thanks
 
Huben K1. Amazing power when you need it, lots of shoots, ambi, semi
I say this with a caveat: the Huben K1 with a synthetic stock and scope is a heavy gun to carry around hunting small game. I’ve hunted squirrels with mine (usually woods walking) and I have 2 other guns (and possibly a third) that I reach for to hunt squirrels before I’d use the Huben K1. If you stay in good shape and have good strength, I’d say go for a Huben. But again it’s heavy to me compared to my other squirrel guns.

My #1 squirrel gun is a .25 EDgun Lelya 2.0. Compact, light (easy to carry), shoulders easily, shoots great out to 50 yards, built solid, and is reliable.
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Semi auto air guns. What a great addition to the sport.
Are there any less expensive options than the ones listed ?
Evanix makes a reliable Semi rifle as well as pups, I had one in .22 and tuned down to 20 FPE was giving me 200 + shots, tuned to 26 FPE 150 +
I think stock is around 40 FPE but not sure it's been a long time and forgot.

The Evanix system is very simple and reliable.
 
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Evanix makes a reliable Semi rifle as well as pups, I had one in .22 and tuned down to 20 FPE was giving me 200 + shots, tuned to 26 FPE 150 +
I think stock is around 40 FPE but not sure it's been a long time and forgot.

The Evanix system is very simple and reliable.
These guns are intriguing. 150 shots sounds awesome. I’ll research this line as well as the aea line. Have to educate myself with an assist from forums / members.
 
These guns are intriguing. 150 shots sounds awesome. I’ll research this line as well as the aea line. Have to educate myself with an assist from forums / members.
the difference is how the semi operates, on the AEA it's return air from the barrel and shroud it can be a bit finiky and needs to be kept clean and lubed,
The Evanix system some of the air is directly redirected into cocking the hammer, that makes it a much more simple system.

I think with these lower power tunes I was able to shoot down to 60 or 80 BARs no problem
 
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These guns are intriguing. 150 shots sounds awesome. I’ll research this line as well as the aea line. Have to educate myself with an assist from forums / members.
Here is a video when i used to have the Evanix .22
Cannot remember the tune at that time but I'm using 3 different pellets back to back and you can see the air usage.

You'll notice that when changing the magazines you do not need to cock the gun, pretty cool system

 
Here is a video when i used to have the Evanix .22
Cannot remember the tune at that time but I'm using 3 different pellets back to back and you can see the air usage.

You'll notice that when changing the magazines you do not need to cock the gun, pretty cool system

I second the Evanix AirSpeed . I have one(.22) w/ a regulator I've used it a Pa woodchucks ( groundhogs )and pesting to over 75yrds w/ 18-21 gr pellets . I does well w/ slugs also. I installed sling swivels & a velcro adjustable taped cheekriser also. Mine favors the H&N baracuda hunters ,but 18gr gr of JSB or H&N does a great job too. The trigger is a bit heavy, but smooths out & lightens up after a few tins of ammo. The ability to swap mags w/ different ammo is something neat . I have changed from pellets while bird pesting to slugs upon spotting a G-hog a few times .
 
I second the Evanix AirSpeed . I have one(.22) w/ a regulator I've used it a Pa woodchucks ( groundhogs )and pesting to over 75yrds w/ 18-21 gr pellets . I does well w/ slugs also. I installed sling swivels & a velcro adjustable taped cheekriser also. Mine favors the H&N baracuda hunters ,but 18gr gr of JSB or H&N does a great job too. The trigger is a bit heavy, but smooths out & lightens up after a few tins of ammo. The ability to swap mags w/ different ammo is something neat . I have changed from pellets while bird pesting to slugs upon spotting a G-hog a few times .
Mine also used to really love those 18gr Baracuda Hunters ( not the Hunter extreme )