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Yes, a Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel, but it requires the right conditions, precise shot placement, and a clear understanding of the air rifle’s power.
If you’ve been asking yourself “can a Daisy 880 kill a squirrel?” the short answer is that it’s possible, but it’s not always a clean or humane outcome.
The Daisy 880 is a multi-pump pneumatic air rifle that’s often seen as a beginner or plinking gun, but it packs enough punch for small game under the right circumstances.
In this post, we’ll break down the ballistics, the ethical considerations, and the practical realities of using a Daisy 880 for squirrel hunting.
Let’s dig into whether this classic air rifle is up to the task and what you need to know before you take that shot.
Why a Daisy 880 Can Kill a Squirrel Under the Right Conditions
The Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel when you maximize its power and place your shot perfectly.
This air rifle fires .177 caliber pellets at velocities up to 750 feet per second with 10 pumps, which gives it enough energy to penetrate a squirrel’s skull at close range.
However, the keyword here is “close range,” because the Daisy 880’s power drops off quickly as distance increases.
Let’s look at the specific factors that determine whether a Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel effectively.
1. Maximum Pump Power Is Essential
To give a Daisy 880 the best chance of killing a squirrel, you absolutely need to use 10 pumps every single time.
Each pump compresses more air into the chamber, and 10 pumps delivers the maximum muzzle velocity and energy the gun can produce.
At 8 or 9 pumps, you lose significant velocity, and that can mean the difference between a lethal shot and a wounded squirrel that escapes.
So yes, a Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel, but only if you’re willing to put in the effort of 10 pumps for each shot.
2. Shot Placement Is Everything
The most critical factor in whether a Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel is where the pellet lands on the animal.
A direct hit to the brain or the upper spinal cord is the only reliable way to achieve a quick, humane kill with this air rifle.
The Daisy 880 simply doesn’t have enough power to guarantee a lethal body shot on a squirrel, especially if you hit the ribcage or the abdomen.
A body shot might wound the squirrel, but it won’t drop it instantly, and that’s a big ethical problem for any hunter.
You need to aim for a small target, roughly the size of a quarter, between the squirrel’s eye and ear.
3. Effective Range Is Limited to About 20 Yards
A Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel, but you have to be within about 15 to 20 yards for a reliable kill shot.
Beyond that distance, the pellet loses too much velocity and energy to penetrate the squirrel’s skull consistently.
At 25 yards or more, the trajectory drops significantly, and the pellet may just bounce off or cause a superficial wound.
This means you need to get close, stay still, and wait for a clear, broadside shot at a stationary squirrel.
If you can’t get within that range, then you shouldn’t take the shot at all.
4. Pellet Choice Makes a Big Difference
The type of pellet you use can influence whether a Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel cleanly.
Flat-nosed or hollow-point pellets are better choices than round-nosed pellets because they transfer more energy on impact.
A heavier pellet, like a 10.5-grain domed pellet, retains more energy downrange than a lighter 7.9-grain pellet.
However, heavier pellets also travel slower, so you need to practice with your chosen pellet to know its exact trajectory.
Using quality pellets designed for hunting small game will give you a better chance of a clean kill.
Ethical Considerations When Using a Daisy 880 for Squirrels
Before you head out, you need to seriously consider the ethics of using a Daisy 880 to kill a squirrel.
Just because a Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel doesn’t mean it’s the most ethical tool for the job.
The margin for error is extremely thin, and any mistake can result in unnecessary suffering for the animal.
Let’s break down the ethical side of this question.
1. The Risk of Wounding Is High
The Daisy 880’s limited power means that a slightly off-target shot can easily wound a squirrel instead of killing it.
A wounded squirrel might climb into a tree hollow or a burrow where you can’t retrieve it, leaving it to die slowly.
This isn’t just a bad outcome for the squirrel; it’s also a waste of an animal you intended to harvest.
Ethical hunters always prioritize a quick, clean kill, and the Daisy 880 makes that very difficult to guarantee.
2. You Have a Responsibility to Follow Up
If you decide that a Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel in your hands, you must be prepared to track and finish the job if needed.
This could mean a quick follow-up shot to the head if the squirrel is still alive but immobile.
You should never take a shot that you’re not confident will result in an instant kill.
If you have any doubt about your ability to make that precise shot, then you should leave the Daisy 880 at home.
3. Know Your Local Laws and Regulations
This is a big one that many people overlook when they wonder if a Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel.
Some states and municipalities have minimum caliber or velocity requirements for hunting small game.
Others classify air rifles differently than firearms, and you might need a hunting license or a special permit to use one.
Check with your local fish and wildlife agency before you even think about shooting a squirrel with your Daisy 880.
Hunting with an air rifle might be legal in your area, but you need to confirm that first.
Practical Tips for Hunting Squirrels With a Daisy 880
If you’ve weighed the ethics and you’re confident in your marksmanship, there are ways to improve your success rate with a Daisy 880.
Remember that a Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel, but you have to stack the odds in your favor.
Here are some practical tips for using this budget-friendly air rifle in the field.
1. Practice from a Rest at Your Maximum Range
Never take a standing, off-hand shot at a squirrel with a Daisy 880.
Instead, always use a steady rest like a tree branch, a shooting stick, or a tripod to stabilize your aim.
Set up some targets at 15 yards and 20 yards, and practice hitting a quarter-sized dot from that rest position.
You need to be confident that you can hit that tiny brain shot every single time before you shoot a live animal.
2. Use a Scope or a Peep Sight for Precision
The stock open sights on the Daisy 880 are adequate for plinking, but they’re not ideal for the precision required to kill a squirrel.
Mount a quality air rifle scope and sight it in carefully at your intended shooting distance.
A scope gives you a perfect sight picture and allows you to see exactly where you need to place the pellet.
This is a worthwhile investment if you want to use your Daisy 880 for hunting.
3. Hunt from a Blind or Wait for Ground Feeders
Getting within 20 yards of a squirrel is easier said than done, so you need to be smart about your hunting strategy.
Set up a ground blind early in the morning and wait patiently for squirrels to come down to feed on the ground.
When a squirrel is on the ground and stationary, you have a much better chance of a clean shot with your Daisy 880.
Patience and stealth are your best friends here.
So, Can a Daisy 880 Kill a Squirrel? The Final Verdict
Yes, a Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel, but only when you use 10 pumps, shoot from under 20 yards, and land a perfect brain shot.
The Daisy 880 is a capable plinker and a decent starter air rifle, but it’s on the edge of the power needed for squirrel hunting.
If you are an experienced shot who can consistently hit a dime-sized target at close range, then it can get the job done.
However, if you’re a beginner, you’ll likely wound more squirrels than you kill, which is an unacceptable outcome.
For a more reliable and humane experience, a .22 caliber air rifle with a higher muzzle energy is a much better investment.
But for a determined and precise shooter, the Daisy 880 has the potential to be a squirrel-killing tool, as long as you respect its limitations.
Understand the risks, practice diligently, and make your shots count so that when you do use your Daisy 880, you do it right.