I'm currently searching for a cheap ($100-200) pellet gun...?

Question

...Im looking to do some squirrel control. Which is better .22 or .177? What brands? Shots will most likely be taken in the 20-40 yard range. Overall im looking for suggestions as to what gun i should get.

Answer 1

RWS 34

http://www.pyramydair.com/p/rws-34-air-r...

I prefer the .177 out to around 35 yards. Accuracy is vital and with the RWS 34 & RWS Superdome(8.3gr) pellets you get a very flat trajectory.

Sight-in at 42 yards

You are 1/2in low at 8 yards - dead on at 14 - 1/2in high  at 28 - & 1/2in low at 48.

You could take small game out to around 50 yards with the RWS 34.

Example - Jim Chapman - Hunting with his favorite small game air rifle - The Beeman C1 .177(850fps)

http://www.americanairgunhunter.com/webc...

He takes a jackrabbit at 44 yards with one shot to the head.

The RWS Superdome(8.3gr) pellet would have had a velocity of 574fps at 44 yards from his rifle(6.07fpe)

IMO it takes "around" 6.0fpe at impact, with proper shot placement and hunting pellets, for a clean, humane kill on small game(rabbit, squirrel)