Hello my name is Dan and I just joined. My little dog is a confirmed bird killer but the squirrel that she tangled with not so much. With a large population of squirrels and potential vet bills I'm looking to thin the population. Being in town I'm limited on range so about 50 ft would be a long shot. I'm currently using a Crosman 760 pump gun and only taking the shot if they are on the ground. The 760 hasn't had the power to take several squirrels with just one shot, requiring a follow up. What would you recommend for short shots with a one shot kill?
Squirrels in the yard
- Thread starter dante2
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If you're limited to 50ft you should check out some mid range break barrel/springer guns. Maybe post questions under Traditional category. Welcome aboard!
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Gosh....if you can afford it, an Umarex Notos (PCP) with a hand pump. With hand pump, scope, scope rings, pellets and pump....about 500 bucks invested... Notos is very quiet right out of the box. I use one to snipe rats......
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Welcome!
Where are you that the squirrels will fight the dog and win, Tasmania? Although I've seen some huge ones in the Shasta/Southern Oregon area...
In the rest of the world, even the littlest dog quickly learns to bite the buns off the squirrel and the squirrel learns to run like heck up high, and then bark insults back at the dog, its family, pedigree, devolution into servitude from the wolf, etc.
I hear the minimum energy needed to off a squirrel is 3 foot-pounds to the head, but that must be the world record; six foot pounds would be a lot more reliable, and if yours are huge dog killers perhaps even more power is needed. That pretty much rules out the 760, but other multi-pumps can do it at 50 feet no problem: Daisy 880 (barely), 901, Umarex NGX and that Winchester version, Crosman 1000, that other new Crosman vapor or whatever, and my favorite, the Dragonfly 1 or 2. Note that at their maximum power, they get kinda loud, so you'll want a moderator too (try Buckrail).
Springer guns sound loud to the ear that rests on the gun but quiet to everyone else. I bet you'll get a recommendation for a HW 30 or 50/R7, which I will second. Recommendations on how to skin and cook them would be a separate topic.
But note that if your dog learns how to tackle its old nemesis, it will probably enjoy chasing squirrels out of the yard all day everyday, for the praise and honor. In which case, it might take days, weeks even, for squirrels to return after you shoot them and then what will your poor dog do? What will _you_ do?
Keep the 760, it makes a nice squirrel harasser with one or two pumps and BBs; aim for the rear. Not lethal, and not damaging if the BB flies over the fence. Then the dog only has to tell you it is out there and you'll have your daily fun too.
Where are you that the squirrels will fight the dog and win, Tasmania? Although I've seen some huge ones in the Shasta/Southern Oregon area...
In the rest of the world, even the littlest dog quickly learns to bite the buns off the squirrel and the squirrel learns to run like heck up high, and then bark insults back at the dog, its family, pedigree, devolution into servitude from the wolf, etc.
I hear the minimum energy needed to off a squirrel is 3 foot-pounds to the head, but that must be the world record; six foot pounds would be a lot more reliable, and if yours are huge dog killers perhaps even more power is needed. That pretty much rules out the 760, but other multi-pumps can do it at 50 feet no problem: Daisy 880 (barely), 901, Umarex NGX and that Winchester version, Crosman 1000, that other new Crosman vapor or whatever, and my favorite, the Dragonfly 1 or 2. Note that at their maximum power, they get kinda loud, so you'll want a moderator too (try Buckrail).
Springer guns sound loud to the ear that rests on the gun but quiet to everyone else. I bet you'll get a recommendation for a HW 30 or 50/R7, which I will second. Recommendations on how to skin and cook them would be a separate topic.
But note that if your dog learns how to tackle its old nemesis, it will probably enjoy chasing squirrels out of the yard all day everyday, for the praise and honor. In which case, it might take days, weeks even, for squirrels to return after you shoot them and then what will your poor dog do? What will _you_ do?
Keep the 760, it makes a nice squirrel harasser with one or two pumps and BBs; aim for the rear. Not lethal, and not damaging if the BB flies over the fence. Then the dog only has to tell you it is out there and you'll have your daily fun too.
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She is right at 10 lbs and is afraid of everything except birds and now squirrels. We don't know what happened to her in her first 6 months of life but it must not have been good. She has buddy so she is great in the entertainment department. I will look into the suggestions thank you.
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At that distance the 760 should have enough power BUT, shot placement is essential.
Are you making body shots or head?
Body shots most likely will run at least a little even with more power.
Study squirrel anatomy and hit that brain, it'll shut him down quick
Are you making body shots or head?
Body shots most likely will run at least a little even with more power.
Study squirrel anatomy and hit that brain, it'll shut him down quick
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Accuracy isn't good enough for headshots at distance or more than 20 ft for that matter. I got one yesterday with a body shot a 7 yds but had to follow-up with head shot from closer. I would rather take only head shots but with this gun the squirrel would have to stand at my feet. I don't like wounded animals and a tack driver would be ideal for this situation.
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an HW50 in .22 would be the ticket, go to pyramyd air and search for it.
that would be my choice for that type of pesting up close.
as with any springer, you got to practice before you achieve accuracy.
that would be my choice for that type of pesting up close.
as with any springer, you got to practice before you achieve accuracy.
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Welcome to the best A G N
Stan in Ky.
www.hn-sport.de
Shoot between the EYE and EAR ,squirrel brain shot
total agreement HW50 ! gun and a tin of pellets = dead squirrels one shot .
Stan in Ky.
Hornet .177 cal. » H&N Air Gun Pellets (Hunting)
Medium-weight, accurate hunting pellet for medium ranges. High impact and penetration. Aerodynamic design through metal tip. Controlled expansion. Smooth with brass tip.
www.hn-sport.de Shoot between the EYE and EAR ,squirrel brain shot
total agreement HW50 ! gun and a tin of pellets = dead squirrels one shot .
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where are you ? check local laws . HW50 is quiet break barrel accurate and around 8 FPE more than enough power . I never had one in .22 but .177 they are deadly and fun at the same time .
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Their is a Field Target club in OKLA city if your near ( most air gunners think near is around a 2 hour drive )
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Hi Dan! My name is Jim and I just joined too. I don't have any squirrel issues but I do have a rat issue that are coming from my neighbors backyards. I purchased a Gamo Swarm Viper 10x Gen3i .22 cal. (they were on sale over the 4th of July weekend on the Gamo website) and it will drop a big rat right in it's tracks. I'm shooting a short distance too, 10-12 yards.
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