Best .22 rifle for squirrel hunting: rifles, ammo, scopes and shot distances
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What makes a good squirrel rifle?
- Accuracy at 25–50 yd on a head-sized target (around 1–1.5 in).
- Light weight for walking and offhand or leaning shots.
- Quiet operation: a threaded barrel and subsonic ammo spook fewer squirrels and protect hearing where suppressors are legal.
- A clear, low-power scope with a wide field of view.
Rifles compared
| Rifle | Action | Barrel | Trigger | Magazine | Optic mount | Weight (lb) | MSRP (source, date, confidence) | Aftermarket depth | NRL22 fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CZ 457 American | Bolt; 60-degree throw; swappable barrel | 24.8 in sporter, cold-hammer-forged, 1:16 (unthreaded; threaded/SR variants exist) | Adjustable (weight/creep/overtravel) | CZ 457 polymer 5-rd | 11 mm dovetail | ~6 | $729 $729 MSRP as shown by US retailers (CZ-USA page did not show a price to our fetch). source, 2026-10-12, conf: med | Very high (shares 457 parts) | Base: leaves ~$921 for scope |
| Tikka T1x MTR | Bolt; 2-lug style rimfire; T3x-size stock footprint | 16 or 20 in, 1/2x28 threaded, 1:16.5 (.22 LR) | Single-stage, adjustable; accepts T3/T3x triggers | T1x 10-rd (5-rd flush available) | 11 mm dovetail; drilled and tapped for T1x Pic rails | 6.5 (16 in retailer spec) | $699 $699 (16 in) / $749 (20 in) MSRP as shown by US retailers; Tikka US site lists no price. source, 2026-10-12, conf: med | High (chassis from MDT/KRG/XLR/Grey Birch; triggers; rails) | Base: leaves ~$951 for scope at $699 |
| Ruger American Rimfire | Bolt; 60-degree throw | 18 in 1/2-28 threaded (8305); other lengths by model | Marksman Adjustable 3-5 lb | 10/22 BX-1 rotary | 3/8 in rimfire base machined in; drilled and tapped for Weaver #12 | 5.5 | $509 Ruger suggested retail $509 (model 8305; other RAR models vary). source, 2026-10-12, conf: high | Medium (some stocks; uses 10/22 mags) | Base: leaves ~$1,141 for scope |
| Savage Mark II FV-SR | Bolt; thread-in headspace | 16.5 in heavy fluted, 1/2x28 | AccuTrigger 2.5-6 lb | 5-rd box | EGW one-piece rail included | 5.5 | $329 Savage MSRP. source, 2026-10-12, conf: high | High (Boyds/MDT stocks, triggers, rails) | Base: leaves ~$1,321 for scope |
| Bergara BMR Steel | Bolt; match chamber | 18/20 in threaded | Bergara trigger | 5 and 10-rd slim mags | Pic rail | 5.5 | $699 Bergara MSRP (Carbon $799; BMR-X $799). source, 2026-10-11, conf: high | Low | Base: leaves ~$951 for scope |
| Ruger 10/22 Carbine (1103) | Semi-auto blowback | 18.5 in (unthreaded on 1103; threaded models exist) | Factory (BX trigger upgrade common) | BX-1 10-rd rotary (BX-25 etc.) | Combination scope base included | — | $350 $349.99 MSRP per retailer listings; Ruger page did not show price to our fetch. source, 2026-10-12, conf: med | Very high (largest .22 aftermarket; barrels, stocks, triggers, receivers) | Base price-eligible |
MSRPs from the maker where available, otherwise labeled retailer listings, checked Oct 2026. Aftermarket depth and NRL22 fit are our editorial summaries (NRL22 Base: rifle plus scope MSRP up to $1,650). Specs are published figures, not our measurements.
| Rifle | MSRP | Why for squirrels |
|---|---|---|
| CZ 457 American | $729 (retailer-listed) [1] | Walnut, high comb for scopes; AR averaged just over 0.75 in for 10-shot groups at 50 yd [2] |
| Tikka T1x MTR | $699 / $749 (retailer-listed) [3] | Threaded, short bolt throw; AR averaged 0.54 in at 50 yd with Center-X [4] |
| Ruger American Rimfire 8305 | $509 [5] | Light, threaded, uses 10/22 magazines |
| Savage Mark II FV-SR | $329 [6] | Budget, threaded heavy barrel, AccuTrigger |
| Bergara BMR Steel | $699 [7] | Light, threaded, 30 MOA rail included [8] |
| Ruger 10/22 Carbine | ~$349.99 (retailer listings) | Fast follow-up shots; huge aftermarket |
Ammo: energy and trajectory
| Load | Muzzle fps | Energy at 100 yd | Drop at 100 yd (50 yd zero) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCI Mini-Mag HP 36 gr | 1,260 | 79 ft-lb | -5.3 in |
| CCI Subsonic HP 40 gr | 1,050 | 71 ft-lb | -7.0 in |
| CCI Standard Velocity 40 gr | 1,070 | 74 ft-lb | -6.8 in |
| CCI Stinger 32 gr | 1,640 | 91 ft-lb | -3.8 in |
GunVera: maker muzzle velocities, calculated downrange figures [9].
For head shots, accuracy matters more than expansion; use whatever groups best in your rifle. For body shots, hollow points like Mini-Mag HP or Subsonic HP are common choices. Check your state's rules on calibers and ammo for small game.
Our range results (coming soon)
This box will hold our own groups, chronograph data and photos for this topic once we've shot and recorded them. Until then, every accuracy number on this page comes from the published source cited next to it. We have not tested these rifles or products hands-on for this article.
Scope choice
A 3–9x or 2–7x scope with parallax set at or adjustable to rimfire distances is ideal. Low power (3–4x) gives a wide view for spotting movement in branches; turn up for a careful head shot. Good fits: Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire ($129) and Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40. More in best scope for a .22.
Zero and shot distance
A 50 yd zero keeps a typical high-velocity load within a fraction of an inch from about 23 to 50 yd [10], which covers most squirrel shots. Beyond 50 yd, drop and wind grow quickly; know your holds. See how to zero a .22 and drop charts.
Suppressed squirrel hunting
Where legal, a suppressor plus subsonic ammo makes a .22 much quieter, which helps hearing and can mean fewer spooked animals. Rules differ by state; see suppressor hunting laws by state and how to buy a suppressor. Cans we link: SilencerCo Sparrow 22, BANISH 22.
Safety in the woods
- Shooting up into trees means bullets can travel far; a .22 can carry over 1.5 miles [11]. Take shots with a safe backstop, such as a squirrel on a trunk against the ground or hillside.
- Wear blaze orange where required, and know where other hunters are.
- Unload before crossing fences or obstacles.
Gear checklist
- Sling: Magpul MS1.
- Light bipod or sticks for sitting: Harris S-BRM 6–9 in.
- Ammo: CCI Mini-Mag, CCI Standard Velocity.
- Binoculars: Vortex Crossfire HD 12x50.
Our pick by budget
- Under $400: Savage Mark II FV-SR or Ruger 10/22.
- $500–$750: Ruger American Rimfire, Bergara BMR, Tikka T1x or CZ 457 American.
- See best .22 bolt actions by budget and small game hunting.
FAQ
What is the best .22 for squirrel hunting?
Any accurate, light .22 works. Popular choices include the CZ 457 American, Tikka T1x, Ruger American Rimfire, Savage Mark II and Ruger 10/22.
What is the best ammo for squirrels?
Whatever groups best in your rifle for head shots. For body shots, 36–40 gr hollow points like CCI Mini-Mag HP or Subsonic HP are common.
What scope magnification is best for squirrels?
A 2–7x or 3–9x scope; low power helps spot movement, higher power helps with careful head shots.
How far can you shoot a squirrel with a .22?
Most shots are inside 25–50 yd. Beyond 50 yd, drop and wind make head shots much harder.
Sources
- Retailer listing showing CZ 457 American MSRP $729 (Oct 2026)
- American Rifleman CZ 457 American review (2020)
- Omaha Outdoors T1x MTR listing (MSRP $699, 16 in)
- American Rifleman T1x MTR review
- Ruger American Rimfire 8305 spec sheet
- Savage Mark II FV-SR 28702
- Bergara BMR Steel
- Gun Digest Bergara BMR review (2024)
- GunVera .22 LR ballistics chart (maker velocities, JBM-calculated drop)
- AmmoSight .22 LR trajectory table (G1 0.125, 1,235 fps)
- Hunter-ed.com: importance of safe backstops
Confidence: maker specs and prices are high confidence as of the date seen; forum and owner reports are low–medium confidence and labeled as such.
Not affiliated with Sako/Tikka, CZ, Bergara, Ruger, Savage or any retailer. We have not tested products hands-on for these guides; figures come from cited sources. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy · Terms · Rimfire Builds is operated by Tomahawk Designs LLC, Utah · contact@rimfirebuilds.com