Airsoft guns are replica weapons that fire plastic pellets usually used in military simulation games or even for target shooting. Airsoft guns are powered by either spring-action, gas, or electric motors. Either way, they are guns. So the question is, can you kill squirrels with an airsoft gun?
While airsoft guns are not real firearms, they can still pose a danger if not used properly. It is important to always treat an airsoft gun as if it were a real gun and to never point it at someone without their permission.
This applies to us humans but not to animals. If you’ve ever wondered if airsoft guns can kill squirrels, you’re not alone. Squirrels are good targets for sports and also a source of meat in the woods. So, will your airsoft gun work with squirrels?
Just be sure that you are following the laws and not doing anything illegal and you’re good to go.
What are airsoft guns?
So what exactly are these guns? As mentioned above, airsoft guns are imitations of real firearms and they use plastic bullets called BBs instead of real ones. They are typically made to look like real firearms and can even include replica suppressors, scopes, and other accessories.
There are different kinds of airsoft guns and they all have different quirks of their own: Spring, Gas, and Electric airsoft guns.
Let’s learn the difference between the three.
Spring-action Guns
These airsoft guns utilize the strength of the spring to shoot a BB. These are mechanical guns that require you to set the cocking mechanism again after firing. These guns also only allow a single fire at a time.
These guns are outdated to their other two gun rivals in terms of firepower and firing speed. They are considered the worst kinds of guns in a game.
Gas-powered Guns
Unlike spring-powered guns, gas-powered guns rely on the use of gas to propel a BB towards your opponent. These guns are much more reliable as they shoot with more power and are faster. These guns are also semi-automatic but some models can go fully automatic.
These are the most commonly used gas on gas-powered guns in order.
- Propane gas or “green gas”
- CO2
- HFC134a refrigerants and Nitrogen
Electric-powered Guns
These guns are the most commonly used right now. They usually come with a rechargeable battery and a battery charger. These guns bring your A-game as it eliminates the use of gas which can save a lot of time.
Most electric-powered guns allow users to fire in different modes and can switch between:
- Full auto
- Semiautomatic
- Single fire
Between the three, you’ll probably consider gas and electric airsoft guns. If you want to learn more about these two gun types, here’s a video comparison of the two.
Can you kill squirrels with an airsoft gun?
Yes, you can kill squirrels with airsoft guns. However, it is important to note that airsoft guns are not designed to kill animals let alone humans. Airsoft guns are meant to be used for
- Target shooting and
- Military simulation games
There are things that you have to ensure before hunting a squirrel.
- Ammunition – If you do decide to use an airsoft gun to kill a squirrel, it is important to use the proper ammunition. There are different sizes of BB bullets but the most commonly used are 6mm BBs.
- Type of Gun – The power of an airsoft gun also varies depending on the type of gun. Spring-action airsoft guns typically have the lowest muzzle velocity, while gas-powered and electric airsoft guns can have muzzle velocities of 400 feet per second (fps) or more.
To kill a squirrel with an airsoft gun, you will need to shoot the animal in the head or chest. A body shot will not kill the squirrel outright, but it will likely cause the animal to suffer and eventually die which is a pretty cruel thing to do.
Is it legal to kill squirrels with airsoft guns in the United States?
In most states in the United States, it is legal to use an airsoft gun to kill a squirrel. However, there are a few states that have restrictions on how airsoft guns can be used. For example, California requires that all airsoft guns have an orange tip on the barrel to distinguish them from real firearms.
It is always best to check with your local laws and regulations before using an airsoft gun to kill a squirrel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, you can kill squirrels with airsoft guns. However, there are restrictions in some states and you have to make sure that you are following them.
It is also cruel to leave a suffering squirrel out in the woods so be sure that your gun can handle the game. Aim for the head or the chest and if you’re lucky, you just won yourself a meal.
