When I was a boy, I lived on squirrel meat. The more squirrels I killed, the more leg quarters and saddles went into the pot. And in those days, the best way for me to make that happen was with a shotgun. But, I soon learned that rimfire rifles allowed me to salvage more meat\u2014so long as I made a precise headshot\u2014and increased the range at which I could kill a squirrel. The best squirrel hunting rifles, coupled with a properly zeroed riflescope<\/a>, are particularly beneficial in the early season, when leaves are still on the trees and squirrels are cutting on nuts high in the hardwoods<\/p>\n The rimfire is an addictive tool for hunting squirrels because it\u2019s such a challenge. You are\u00a0 trying to hit a target\u2014the squirrel\u2019s head\u2014that is the size of a silver dollar at distances of 25 to 100 yards (or more depending on your ability). But you also have to quietly move into a position where you can take a clear shot and get a solid rest, which is difficult when the leaves have yet to fall.\u00a0<\/p>\n There are a variety of rimfire rifle models and cartridge options for hunters to choose from. And opinions on which rimfire is best for hunters to tote into the squirrel woods are abundant. But there are a handful of bolt guns and semi-autos ideal for hunting foxtails and grays. Here are some of the best rifles for squirrel hunting.<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Why It Made the Cut<\/strong><\/p>\n The Ruger American is a .22 LR is lighter than most rimfires in its class, and with the ability to load 10 rounds, you can stay in the action longer.<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n Product Description<\/strong><\/p>\n I like the 416 stainless steel barrel, bolt, and receiver option on this gun for easy care and maintenance. While some may think it\u2019s too flashy, it stands up better to the abuse dished out while beating through the woods. The gun accepts a variety of magazine options, including the Ruger 10\/22 magazine, allowing me to easily switch between my semi-auto and the bolt gun. The Ruger American<\/a> has an extended magazine release for simple removal of the flush-mounted magazine. It\u2019s a convenient concept that you won\u2019t appreciate until you put it to work.\u00a0<\/p>\n Deadly accuracy comes standard with this gun thanks to the free-floating barrel built on the Power Bedding integral bedding block system. Combine this with the Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger that allows the shooter to adjust trigger weight from 3 to 5 pounds, and you\u2019ll find one of the most dependable and accurate rimfire rifles on the market. The bull barrel with factory installed knurled thread protector also adds to the precision with which this gun was built.<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Why It Made the Cut<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a tack-driver that can make headshots at longer distances, the CZ 457 American Varmint gun in .17 HMR is tough to beat.\u00a0<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n Product Description<\/strong><\/p>\n If you don\u2019t headtap squirrels with the faster .17 HMR, you\u2019ll damage meat. The CZ 457 American<\/a> extremely accurate, making it the ideal platform for hunting with the .17, which is the go-to cartridge for accomplished squirrel hunter and writer, Will Brantley.<\/p>\n \u201cThe flat trajectory is a huge advantage,\u201d says Brantley. \u201cIt\u2019s a great gun for later in the season when shot opportunities and distances tend to get stretched out a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n The CZ 457 American is a beautiful rifle with all the performance you\u2019d ever want in a rimfire. The Varmint model has a heavy barrel that allows you to have better control of the gun thus be more accurate. The trade-off of course is you have to carry a 7-pound rifle. The Turkish walnut stock has a high, flat comb so your eye can find the target quickly once a scope is mounted. An adjustable trigger allows you to customize the trigger for weight, creep, and travel. <\/strong>The 24.8-inch barrel has a 1:9 twist, and the magazine is detachable.<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Why It Made the Cut<\/strong><\/p>\n Savage has a reputation for delivering accurate rifles at a great price and the MK II BV is certainly one of them.<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n Product Description<\/strong><\/p>\n When precision shooting is required, this is the gun my kids and I go to. It\u2019s affordably priced, yet offers the function, feel, and performance of a more costly rimfire. You can easily dial in the Savage MK II BV<\/a> with a quality scope and expect it to shoot flat. Savage rifles draw much of their accuracy from the AccuTrigger system that allows the shooter to adjust the trigger weight and helps eliminate creep, so you make a clean pull.<\/p>\n It has a beefy 21-inch, heavy steel barrel. And while some may shy away from the weight of a heavier target barrel, I like the balance and steadiness that comes with a hefty rimfire. The detachable box magazine is a little hitchy though. It can drop out of the gun easier than most if you graze the release with your finger or set the stock on a tree limb to steady the shot. I typically carry the magazine in my pocket until I am ready to shoot so it doesn\u2019t fall out while I am hunting. You can always keep a round in the chamber and the gun on safe if you need to shoot quickly.<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Why It Made the Cut<\/strong><\/p>\n The Ruger is standard issue for any young man or woman that has just started hunting small game because it\u2019s light, reliable, and accurate.\u00a0<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n Product Description<\/strong><\/p>\n I received the Ruger 10\/22<\/a> as a Christmas gift from my wife 25 years ago. It\u2019s killed countless squirrels and small critters over the years. And never failed once, which is impressive since semi-autos are more likely to have cycling issues than a bolt gun. But Ruger engineered the action to perform flawlessly, which is one of the reasons this gun has been in production for 50 years.\u00a0<\/p>\n The flush-mounted rotary magazine allows you to load up to 10 rounds. You\u2019ll also find a cold hammer-forged barrel out front that is locked into the receiver by a unique, two-screw, V-block system. The push-button, cross-bolt safety is perfectly placed for easy access when a shot presents itself. Weaver-style and .22 tip-off scope mounts are included.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Why It Made the Cut<\/strong><\/p>\n The Wildcat is incredibly light, making it an ideal all-day hunt gun that offers ample accuracy.<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n Product Description<\/strong><\/p>\n Aside from a youth rifle, the Winchester Wildcat<\/a> is probably the lightest .22 LR option you\u2019ll find. It\u2019s built with a unique stock for better shot placement. The Wildcat has a pistol grip that\u2019s perfectly suited for shooters of most any size, and since it\u2019s only 4 pounds, young shooters won\u2019t struggle to carry or aim the rifle. The Picatinny rail accommodates optics of your choice, and you can customize the length of pull with a clip-on comb riser or length of pull spacer. There is also a rail on the underside of the forearm to attach a bipod or sling mount. The gun has an easy-to load rotary 10-round magazine and includes a bolt stop that locks the action open after the last round has been fired. <\/strong>The lower receiver drops out of the Wildcat with the press of a button, a handy innovation that allows you to quickly clean the bore. If you\u2019re searching for a squirrel gun that can double as a truck or survival rifle, this rimfire is a fine choice.<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Why It Made the Cut<\/strong><\/p>\n The Rascal is the lightest and most compact option for getting a young or new shooter started. It\u2019s also the safest micro-rimfire in production, perfectly suited for the up-and-comer who is learning the basics. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n Product Description<\/strong><\/p>\n The Savage Rascal<\/a> was built to address the safety concerns commonly found in youth rimfire rifles. Many models require the shooter to pull the trigger and ease the bolt down, much like a hammer, to unload the gun if it has not been fired. With the Rascal, the shooter can open the bolt and unload the gun on safe. The action is also oversized, so you can drop a round in and chamber it with ease. There is a rear peep sight with windage and elevation adjustment, but Savage also drilled and tapped the receiver to add a scope. The synthetic version of the Rascal comes in eight different colors\u2014there is a wood variant as well\u2014almost all of which can be had in right- or left-handed models.<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Why It Made the Cut<\/strong><\/p>\n Bergara is new to the rimfire game, but has been building some of the most accurate and durable rifle barrels for years.<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n Product Description<\/strong><\/p>\n Bergara first launched its rimfire line with the B-14R, a precision rifle built for rimfire competitions. They crossed into hunting with the BMR<\/a> (Bergara Micro Rifle), though this rimfire is also a capable competition gun as it comes with a five (hunting) or 10 (competition) detachable magazine. The carbon fiber barrel is available in 18- or 20-inch offerings. It\u2019s also threaded for a suppressor, which is a nice feature for hunting and target shooting. The pull weight of the Remington 700-style trigger can be adjusted with an Allen wrench, plus the action is simply a micro version of Bergara\u2019s B14 centerfire platform, which has already proven itself to be reliable in the field. There is also a single-piece top rail for mounting an optic. All of these options do come at a cost: the BMR is the most expensive rimfire on this list at $700.<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Why It Made the Cut<\/strong><\/p>\n The Mark II FV-SR is a no frills rimfire that has plenty of the features and performance you need in an affordable rimfire.<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2022\/09\/07\/Ruger-American-Target.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
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