Can Bb Guns Kill Squirrels?
BB guns are a popular recreational activity for people of all ages. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and can be a lot of fun. However, there is some debate over whether or not BB guns are capable of killing squirrels.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the power of BB guns and whether or not they are capable of killing squirrels. We will also discuss the different types of BB guns available and the best practices for using them safely.
Types of BB Guns
There are a variety of different types of BB guns available on the market. The most common types are air rifles, spring-powered BB guns, CO2-powered BB guns, and electric BB guns.
Air rifles are powered by compressed air. They are typically the most powerful type of BB gun and can shoot BBs at a high velocity. Air rifles are often used for hunting small game, such as squirrels.
Spring-powered BB guns are powered by a spring-loaded mechanism. They are typically less powerful than air rifles, but they are still capable of shooting BBs at a significant velocity. Spring-powered BB guns are a good option for beginners or for people who want a BB gun that is easy to use.
CO2-powered BB guns are powered by a CO2 cartridge. They are typically more powerful than spring-powered BB guns, but they are also more expensive. CO2-powered BB guns are a good option for people who want a BB gun that is powerful and accurate.
Electric BB guns are powered by a battery. They are typically the least powerful type of BB gun, but they are also the most affordable. Electric BB guns are a good option for children or for people who want a BB gun that is easy to use.
Power of BB Guns
The power of a BB gun is measured in foot-pounds of energy (ft-lbs). The ft-lbs of energy is a measure of the amount of work that a BB gun can do. The higher the ft-lbs of energy, the more powerful the BB gun.
The ft-lbs of energy of a BB gun is determined by the following factors:
- The weight of the BB
- The velocity of the BB
The weight of the BB is typically around 0.17 grams. The velocity of the BB is typically around 400 feet per second (fps).
The following table shows the ft-lbs of energy for a BB gun with a 0.17 gram BB and a velocity of 400 fps:
| Weight (grams) | Velocity (fps) | ft-lbs of energy |
|—|—|—|
| 0.17 | 400 | 2.7 |
| 0.17 | 500 | 3.5 |
| 0.17 | 600 | 4.3 |
As you can see from the table, the ft-lbs of energy of a BB gun increases as the weight of the BB and the velocity of the BB increase.
Minimum Impact Velocity Required to Kill a Squirrel
The minimum impact velocity required to kill a squirrel is around 300 fps. This means that a BB gun with a velocity of 300 fps or higher is capable of killing a squirrel.
However, it is important to note that the impact velocity of a BB gun is not the only factor that determines whether or not it can kill a squirrel. The size of the BB and the distance between the BB gun and the squirrel are also important factors.
The following table shows the minimum impact velocity required to kill a squirrel at different distances:
| Distance (feet) | Minimum impact velocity (fps) |
|—|—|
| 10 | 300 |
| 20 | 350 |
| 30 | 400 |
| 40 | 450 |
As you can see from the table, the minimum impact velocity required to kill a squirrel increases as the distance between the BB gun and the squirrel increases.
BB guns are capable of killing squirrels, but it is important to use them responsibly. The minimum impact velocity required to kill a squirrel is around 300 fps. The size of the BB and the distance between the BB gun and the squirrel are also important factors.
It is important to remember that BB guns are not toys. They can be dangerous if they are not used properly. Always follow the safety rules when using a BB gun.
Additional Resources
- [The National Rifle Association: BB Guns](https://www.nra.org/articles/bb-guns)
- [The National Shooting Sports Foundation: BB Guns](https://
BB guns can kill squirrels, but they are not the most humane or effective way to do so. A BB gun is a small, low-powered firearm that is not designed for hunting or killing animals. It is more likely to injure a squirrel than kill it outright, and it can cause a great deal of pain and suffering. If you are considering using a BB gun to kill a squirrel, there are several other options that are more humane and effective. You can trap the squirrel and release it in a more suitable location, or you can contact a pest control professional.