The best rimfire rifle for Louisiana squirrel season is a .22 LR bolt-action or semi-auto that you can shoot well inside 50 yards. If your woods are open or your shots run longer, step up to a .22 WMR or .17 HMR. Squirrel season opened Oct. 3 and runs through Feb. 28, so there is plenty of time to get a rifle in your hands and dial it in.

Below, we break down which caliber fits your woods, which action fits your style, and which rifles on our shelf in Columbia are worth a look.

What a squirrel rifle needs to do in Louisiana

Louisiana hunters chase gray and fox squirrels. Most shots come in hardwood bottoms, pine ridges, and cutovers, and most are inside 50 yards. The target is small, so you want a rifle that puts a bullet in the head every time.

That means three things. The rifle should be accurate, light enough to carry all morning, and easy to shoot from a sitting or rested position. A scope or good sights matter just as much as the rifle itself.

.22 LR vs. .22 WMR vs. .17 HMR

Most squirrel hunters start with .22 LR, and for good reason. It is cheap, quiet, and accurate at woods distances. The .22 WMR and .17 HMR hit harder and shoot flatter, but the ammo costs more and the report is louder.

Pick your caliber, then check rimfire ammo before you buy the rifle. Ammo can run thin once the season is in full swing. Our rimfire ammo stocking tips explain how to stay ahead of it.

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Bolt-action rifles: the accuracy pick

A bolt-action rimfire is the most accurate way to hunt squirrels. The action is simple, the trigger is usually crisp, and every shot gets your full attention. The CZ 457 line is a good example. The CZ 457 American in .22 LR comes with a walnut stock and no sights, so it is built for a scope. If you want more reach, the CZ 457 American in .22 WMR uses the same platform.

On a tighter budget, the Savage 93F in .22 WMR gives you magnum power at a lower price.

Choose a bolt-action if:
You want the best accuracy for clean head shots and you shoot from a rest or a seated position.

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Semi-auto, lever, and pump rifles: the fun pick

A semi-auto gets you back on target fast when a second squirrel shows up. The Browning SA-22 is a classic .22 LR with a long track record behind the Browning name.

If you like something with more character, the Rossi Rio Bravo is a lever-action .22 LR with a 15-round magazine. The Rossi Gallery is a pump-action .22 LR with the same capacity and a lower price. Both are easy to carry and fun to shoot.

Choose a semi-auto, lever, or pump if:
You hunt moving squirrels, like quick follow-up shots, or want a classic rifle that feels good in the woods.

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Best rimfire for a youth hunter

Squirrel hunting is one of the best ways to start a young hunter. A rifle that fits matters more than anything else. The CZ 457 Scout has a short 12-inch length of pull and a 16-inch barrel, so it fits smaller shooters. It also grows with them through simple sights and a good trigger.

Youth hunters age 17 and under do not need a youth license to hunt squirrels in Louisiana. Check the current rules with LDWF before you go.

Scope, sights, and suppressor-ready barrels

A low-power scope on solid rings is the easiest way to place a head shot. Browse our scopes and rings and mounts so the optic and the rifle come home together. A good set of hearing and eye protection is worth adding at the range.

Some rimfire rifles, like the CZ 457 American Synthetic, come suppressor-ready with a threaded barrel. If that interests you, read our guide on suppressed rimfire hunting in Louisiana. You can also browse our suppressors.

Rimfire rifles at a glance

Buying a rimfire rifle in Louisiana

We are a licensed FFL dealer, so every rifle sale goes through the same steps. You must be at least 18 years old to buy a rifle or rifle ammunition from a licensed dealer under ATF rules. You will fill out ATF Form 4473, and we will run your background check at the counter.

To hunt squirrels, hunters 18 and older need a basic Louisiana hunting license. Season dates, limits, and public land rules live on the LDWF seasons and regulations page. This article is general information and not legal advice. Call the shop with questions about a specific purchase.

FAQ

What is the best rimfire rifle for squirrel hunting?

A .22 LR bolt-action with a scope is the best all-around choice for most hunters. It is accurate, affordable, and quiet. A semi-auto works well if you want fast follow-up shots.

Is a .22 LR enough for squirrels?

Yes. A .22 LR is plenty for squirrels inside 50 yards with a head shot. Step up to a .22 WMR or .17 HMR if your shots run longer.

Do I need a scope on a squirrel rifle?

A scope is not required, but it makes head shots easier. A low-power scope or a good set of iron sights both work in the woods.

When does squirrel season run in Louisiana?

The fall season opens the first Saturday of October. This year that was Oct. 3, and it runs through Feb. 28. Always check the current dates on the LDWF small game page.

Do I need a license to hunt squirrels in Louisiana?

Hunters 18 and older need a basic hunting license. Hunters 17 and under do not need a youth license to hunt squirrels.

Find your squirrel rifle in Columbia

Come handle a few rimfire rifles before you decide. Stop by Spotted Dog Sporting Goods at 6441 Hwy 165 in Columbia or call us at (318) 649-7004. We will help you match the rifle, the caliber, and the optic to the woods you hunt.