Air rifles for Squirrels and Rabbits

[Hunter47]

Hey all...quick question...

I have  both .177 and .22 air rifles.  Which would be better for small game?

[Sharpdogs]

I would go with the .22 caliber.

[Roon]

22 has hit power I've killed a whole lot with a 177

My NP1500 is knocking down squirrels a 50yrds

[LeakyBoots]

I have an older RWS Diana model 34 in .177 caliber.  Squirrels are no problem.

[Mr12gauge]

Shoot with whatever you are most accurate with. Both will do the job.

Edited January 8, 2023 by Mr12gauge

[Hunter47]

Thank u all for your responses.  I will probably work on marksmanship with both guns.  

[tpr1921]

.22 for me.

[Buck154]

22 cal more knock down but 177 has killed a lot of squirrels. 

[Mixbaghunter]

I wish they would let us us our 22 rifle would be great to teach new hunters with and not buy a new gun .

[vdep217]

59 minutes ago, Mixbaghunter said:

I wish they would let us us our 22 rifle would be great to teach new hunters with and not buy a new gun .

Using a rifle to shoot at coyote fox etc is much different than shooting a 22 at an elevated target such as a squirrel.   U would be hard pressed to find an area in New Jersey where a 22 fired even at a 45 degree angle wouldn't reach a house or building

[Mixbaghunter]

1 hour ago, vdep217 said:

Using a rifle to shoot at coyote fox etc is much different than shooting a 22 at an elevated target such as a squirrel.   U would be hard pressed to find an area in New Jersey where a 22 fired even at a 45 degree angle wouldn't reach a house or building

I see your point but  I can buy a new air rifle  with same specks as a 22. 

[hunterbob1]

33 minutes ago, Mixbaghunter said:

I see your point but  I can buy a new air rifle  with same specks as a 22. 

No you are missing the point!

A .22 caliber pellet versus a .22 caliber bullet travel range.

[vdep217]

47 minutes ago, Mixbaghunter said:

I see your point but  I can buy a new air rifle  with same specks as a 22. 

A 14 grain pellet at 1000 fps isn't going to have near the range as a 40 grain bullet going the same velocity 

[9CAS1]

What .22 air gun do you guys recommend ? 

[tpr1921]

13 minutes ago, 9CAS1 said:

What .22 air gun do you guys recommend ? 

Benjamin Air Rifles.