When getting into the world of squirrel hunting, it can get fairly expensive, really quick. By the time you add a scope, ammo, and sling you can easily step over the five hundred dollar mark. Honestly, you can spend $500 on just a rifle. I’m sure there are a few of you out there who have fully rigged out rifles for under the $500 mark, and that’s the focus of this article. The $500 mark should get you the rifle, scope, sling, and one brick (500 rounds) of your ammo of choice. If you choose to use just iron sights, well you’ll be sub $350 easy. When I first started out all of my squirrel rifles fell under the above mentioned mark.
When it comes to budget minded rifles, I have six rifles that I would choose from to get you in the game. Three semi-autos and three bolt actions. Seeing as there are some states that restrict hunting with a semi-auto, it’s only fair to list bolt action equivalents. Semi-autos will tend to be cheaper than bolt actions, but both have a place in the squirrel woods.
Ruger 10/22
If you are new to firearms this will be one of the first you will be introduced to. If you are a connoisseur of firearms this one should be in your collection. You know, everyone needs to own at least one 10/22.
This rifle was introduced in 1964 and has sold in the millions to this date. You can get into the carbine model (beech wood stock and barrel band) for under $230. The synthetic model can be had for even less. There are many flavors to choose from, and some of those go north of $400.
The Ruger 10/22 is accurate enough to squirrel hunt with, but I’m not sure it’s the most accurate out-of-the-box semi-auto on the market. It comes with one 10 round rotary magazine. Buckhorn iron sights are included on most models, along with a scope mounting rail. The stock trigger on the Ruger is the best out of the three semi-autos listed, but that isn’t saying much. On average you should expect 5.5-6.5 pounds of pressure to release the sear. Another point of interest, after firing the last shot, there is no “last shot hold open.” It is only a minor complaint with the rifle. The 10/22 is the Glock of 22 rifles. There are thousands of aftermarket enhancements that can be added to a 10/22. Things can get very expensive if you head this route, and you will likely not get the money you put in the rifle out.
Just like a Glock, the 10/22 is built like a tank. You probably could get by with cleaning this rifle every 500 rounds, but I wouldn’t recommend that. Consider the Ruger 10/22 high on your list of inexpensive semi-auto options. It may be the best .22 for squirrel hunting in the semi-auto category.
Marlin Model 60
The Marlin Model 60 is another staple in the semi-auto 22 lineup. This rifle is where my journey into squirrel hunting rifles started. Daddy’s old Model 60 with the squirrel carved into the stock, has taken many squirrels out of the North Carolina timber.
The Model 60 is slim, lightweight, and handy. It has defended a many chicken coops on the family farm, along with riding in the back glass of most good ole boys pick-up trucks. Introduced in 1960, Marlin deems this rifle the “most popular 22 in the world.” Last I heard they had sold over 12 million Model 60’s.
Marlin has a handful of varieties of the Model 60 both in wood stock and synthetic. Most can be had under $200 and that’s being conservative. They come with a set of buckhorn sights, and the receiver is grooved for scope rings. The Marlin probably has the worst trigger of the three semi-autos listed. It should break between 6-7 pounds with lots of play. Loading this rifle happens directly under the barrel, via the tube fed magazine. Marlin states 14 rounds can be loaded, but I know I’ve put more 22 cartridges in my Daddy’s rifle before. Marlin also touts there micro groove barrel for supreme accuracy. I tend to agree and would say this is the most accurate semi-auto on my list. On older models, after firing the last shot through the Model 60 the bolt will lock to the rear indicating your rifle is empty. The newer models no longer have this feature. The magazine fed version of this rifle is the Marlin 795, and has the same attributes as it’s successor.
This rifle is how I cut my teeth into squirrel hunting, and will remain a icon in my collection as one of my favorite inexpensive choices for squirrel hunting.
Remington 597
At seventeen years old I had a chance to purchase my first 22 squirrel rifle. I had to decide between the 597 and the 10/22. Hind sight being 20/20 I would have purchased the 10/22, but I walked out of the gun shop that day with the Remington. Not to discount the Remington, but the Ruger can be more easily customized along with better resell value. Saying that, the Remington 597 now has its own following.
The 597 comes with one 10 round box style magazine. Out of all the semi-autos the Remington has the best iron sights. Its receiver is grooved for scope rings. Accuracy of the 597 is on par with the 10/22. Plenty of squirrels were victim to my Remington 597, especially once I added a red-dot scope. Red-dot on the squirrel, press the trigger and collect your squirrel. Trigger pull on the 597 would rank second out of the three semi-autos listed. A 5-6 pound trigger pull should be expected.
My 597 doesn’t see any woods time now. I don’t feel, for me, that it meets what I need in a squirrel rifle currently. This is only my opinion and I wouldn’t deter you from trying one out for yourself. The Remington 597 will be in my collection indefinitely because it was my first firearm purchase with my own hard earned cash.
Ruger American Rimfire
I haven’t had a chance to evaluate this rifle, however from what I have gathered, and as a consumer, I think Ruger listened to there customer base. If I weren’t so tied up with CZ 452’s I’d have put one of these in my stable.
Here’s what I like about the RAR(Ruger American Rimfire). First is the stock design. It has a interchangeable buttstock system that allows you to use the appropriate stock for either iron sights or optics. That’s huge for me, as if I want to train my daughter on irons first, the correct stock can be applied, for her length of pull. Ruger decided to allow for either a standard length of pull stock to be used, or the compact/youth stock. By this means, one rifle can cover the whole family. Next is the ability for the rifle to use the standard 10/22 magazine, which fits flush with the stock. If you already have a 10/22 you have plenty of magazines for this rifle. Your sling will fit nicely, on the factory installed sling swivel studs. The safety is on the tang of the rifle where it belongs, hope I wasn’t unclear! Let’s not forget the trigger, one of the nicest features of the bolt action options. It is user adjustable, settable to between 3-5 pounds. Sights are buckhorn variety, with a fiber optic front. The receiver is grooved to take rings for a scope. The stock also has a bedding block system, that to my knowledge provides great accuracy.
Accurate, rugged, user configurable, and inexpensive sounds like an excellent combination of features from a manufacturer every firearms owner has come to know. The squirrels have another bolt action rifle to fear.
Marlin XT-22
The older Marlin 925 series and newer XT-22 replacement is another option to consider when attempting to assemble an inexpensive squirrel rifle. My hunting buddy Chad went this route, allowing me the opportunity to spend some time behind this rifle.
The Marlin can be had in either tube or magazine fed options. The downside of the magazine is that it protrudes past the stock and can dig into your back while toting it through the timber. The synthetic version is the only model I’ve evaluated and it fits the bill for a rifle under $250. Wood models are available. Sling swivel studs are installed from the factory. The Pro-fire trigger is adjustable to weights that are inherit for better accuracy. Sights are of the buckhorn variety, and the receiver is grooved to take scope rings. Marlin also touts its proprietary micro-groove rifling, which I must say is accurate. Chad’s rifle preforms very well with Eley Subsonic Hollow Points.
This rifle would be a sure fit for your squirrel hunting needs if you are pinching pennies. You may not wow anyone with its subdued looks, but you may surprise someone in the timber with its outstanding accuracy.
Savage Mark II G
I don’t have a great deal to say about this rifle. I’ve only owned two Savage rimfires. A FVSR in 22LR and a Model 93R17 in .17HMR. The .17 was very accurate, but overkill in both sound and meat damage to the squirrel. The FVSR wasn’t up to par in the accuracy department, that’s not to say there aren’t those who own Savage rifles that will shoot accurately.
I’m choosing the G Model based on the fact it carries iron sights like the other rifles mentioned in this overview. One thing can be said about Savage, and that is they were the originator of the Accu-trigger. Every other bolt action I’ve listed in this article has “borrowed” the Accu-trigger design and function in some facet. Magazines on the Savage also protrude from the bottom of the rifle if that bothers you. The magazine release can be easily bent, but you shouldn’t expect a great deal of ruggedness out of a rifle that goes for under $180. The sights are buckhorn style and the receiver is grooved to accept scope rings. My opinion isn’t high in the accuracy department, but that was based on the rifle I had. Accurate enough at 25 yards, but couldn’t perform at 50 yards. I know there are others that are “lights out” accurate.
When it comes to choosing an accurate, budget bolt-action, I would look to the Ruger and Marlin first. This rifle is due a mention though based on its cost effectiveness, popularity, and features. Savage is one of the first rifles thought of as an entry level 22 bolt action.
If I left out your favorite rifle don’t get your squirrel tail in a bunch. There’s plenty of room in the comment section below to list your favorite budget rifle and why it’s your choice. I hope this article was helpful and gave you a few options to consider.
I have a few 22’s but I always seem to use a 1948 Model 39 Marlin. The gun belonged to my uncle and I shot my first of many Squirrels with it. Every time I pull the trigger I think about my Uncle Pete and times we had. His favorite saying was “take your time and aim like this is your last shell”.
I squirrel hunted with a Winchester model 190 when I was a kid. I put a big scope on it and my dad laughed because it was a 3x9x32 I am so glad I put that big scope on that rifle it was deadly accurate and probably my favorite squirrel getter I have ever had. My dad bought it for $40 at an auction.
I’ve hunted in my youth with that same model. It depended on if I wanted to use the 190 or the Marlin Model 60. Back then my Daddy didn’t have much knowledge or interest in cleaning or maintaining a 22 rifle. That meant lots of jams and the like. Typically the Winchester had more issues so I usually used the Marlin. They both got the job done, when up and running. He still has both til this day. Thanks for dropping by!
I have five budget .22’s for squirrel hunting. First is my Dad’s Winchester Model 67 with a 27″ barrel and fine bead iron sights. This is the gun I learned to squirrel hunt with, Super X .22 Short HP’s. I was given three cartridges, sent to the thicket and if I didn’t come back with at least two squirrels it was frowned upon. I now shoot .22 Winchester Subsonic 42 grain HP’s in this gun and they are deadly. Went hunting a couple of weeks ago with this gun and killed two with two shots at 25 and 30 yards. If you can hold the bead on, you will kill it. Bought for $6 new in 1946.
Second is my Remington 514. My Dad bought it for me in 1964 when I was 11. Have shot a gazillion rounds through this gun. Loves Super X 37 grain HP’s. Same as the Winchester – if you can hold the bead on, you can kill it. A $14 gun.
Third is my Marlin 25N. My go to gun for 30 years, After market Rifle Basix trigger and Bushnell 4 X 12 Sportview scope 40MM AO. Loves CCI Mini-Mags. Ten shot groups at 25 yds cover with a dime; quarter size at 50. I would not even begin to guess how many squirrels this gun has killed, but it is a lot. About $190 in this gun.
Fourth is my 9 pound gun. Ruger 10/22 with after market stock and solid bull barrel with a target chamber. Volquartsen sear, extractor and every thing shimmed and polished. Bushnell Banner 6 X 18 with a 50MM AO. Loves CCI Velocitors. My late season sniping gun off cross sticks. Longest confirmed head shot was 94 yds. My most expensive gun at about $360 total package.
Last is my Remington 597 with a camo stock. Bushnell Banner 4 X 12 40mm AO, Volquartsen hammer and M-Carbo springs, shimmed and polished. Loves bulk Federal 36 grain HP’s. Most accurate .22 shooting off hand that I have ever picked up. Around $300 bucks in this gun.
Nate – Love your web site and videos and I love to squirrel hunt just like you. Started at 8 and will hunt as long as I can walk and see. God bless.
I really appreciate you stopping by to share your walk down memory lane of squirrel rifles. Sounds like you’ve had many adventures, and piled some bushytails up in your past. It’s funny how inexpensive those rifles once were, but how clear those prices stick with you. You’ve certainly got your monies worth.
Should have included a pump rifle.
Like the old remington 572s.
I’ve killed many a squirrel with one of those.
……
But back to the marlin model 60.
I cannot praise it’s accuracy enough, with the KAT trigger.
I’ve been saving old marlins and glenfields for years. Extremely well built rifles.
My names Ethan Whitworth this is a ideal column for information on squirrel rifles. The list you have compiled is spot on although I cannot speak on the cz because I have never operated one I hunt squirrels religiously with any gun I have at my disposal ranging from shotguns to rifles to handguns and have been known to break out a bow. Keep up the good work and look forward to compiling more information from your columns to add to my pursuits
Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you agreed with my column. Glad to hear I’m not the only one out there this “nutty” about squirrel hunting.
After a lot of waiting finally added the first CZ to the toolbox! Am looking forward to taking her through her paces at the range and seeing how she dances this season!! 8 days till season opener here best of luck to y’all this year!
A CZ will be next on my list! Right now I’ve got my Dad’s old Marlin 989M2 that I replaced the recoil spring, buffer, and hammer spring and now it feeds with no issues and is surprisingly accurate. My real baby is my Savage Mark II BV I picked up last year. Brown laminate stock, heavy target barrel. Extremely accurate and the accu trigger is the best! Topped it off with a Nikon Prostaff Rimfire fixed 4x. Puts a smile on my face every time I take it in the woods.
A rifle that brings a smile to your face makes a hunt, or just range time that much more enjoyable. You’ll be surprised with what you get out of a CZ 452 with how much you pay for it. Now that you’ve got you Daddy’s rifle back in working order, it will hold that sentimental place in your heart forever.
Nate your right the CZ 452 is one sweet lookin and sweet shootin rig!!! I’ve layed down some really good groups with Eley SS HP… I haven’t done anything with the trigger yet and really not sure if I will it is right at 3.2lbs from factory and I must say it is the cleanest trigger I’ve ever shot… I topped it off with the Nikon rim fire 3x9x40 AO…. Pretty nice scope for me compared to what I’d normally run on my deer rifles…
Sorry I found out about the CZ 452’s after they stopped making them… I guess for once it’s good to be a lefty huh
Ken
Hanover Pa
The combination of Eley SS HP and that CZ 452 will have the squirrels on edge. One of the finest squirrel hunting combos around. It sure sounds like you have it outfitted accordingly. It should serve you for decades to come.
Nate since I found you on you tube I was lost lol… Brother you opened my eyes and I now have a 10/22 target that will keep 5 shots under a nickel and some tImes a dime… I also have a CZ 452 LH coming in this week… Thanks man for all your work and all the info you provide to guys like me!!!
WOW! Thanks for stopping in to let me know. I appreciate your comment and am humbled by it. Sounds like you have an excellent start with the 10/22 you describe. I believe you will enjoy the CZ even better. Make sure to stop back by and let me know how you like your CZ!!
The zastava cz99 is a rifle that is worth looking at. Minute of squirrel Accurate whit several types of ammo. Triggers are easily adjustable. They will need a little work on the magazines(comes with two 5 round magazines) and some people prefer to refinish the stock. I have 185.00 dollars in mine.