That's a nice rifle as well. There is a thread dedicated to the HW50.Ref the Diana 48 - not sure you will want to carry around a 8.5lb gun (plus scope) for squirrel hunting.
Now a shameless plug - I've got a HW50 that is easily capable of killing squirrels to at least 40yds. Gun has a Macarri walnut stock, MAC1 moderator and a BSA scope.
Just about any .22 air rifle will kill a squirrel at that distance. Gamo has some surprisingly accurate break barrels that are reasonably priced. I have one of these and for the last 4 or 5 years, it has been a great rifle. It is also next door quiet so it won't bother your neighbors. A plus is that it loves Crosman Premier pellets which are inexpensive and can be found anywhere.Looking for a reasonably priced airgun capable of killing squirrels at 20 yards. Had to navigate all the choices.
The Diana 34 is putting out over 900 FPS so I'm sure it is no problem with Squirrels and the like. For close in stuff, I have a Gamo Whisper Wildcat in .22 that is amazingly accurate for a cheap gun. I had to work the trigger a lot but it was worth it to have a nice light gun that shoots hard.I have a lot of air guns but my go to for squirrels and rats is the 22 cal Diana 34. It’s got a great trigger and isn’t to fussy about what pellets I use. As with most springers I’ve shot it takes a little getting used to as far as shooting it consistently but it’s got plenty of zip to knock out squirrels.
You can always start out with a 3000 PSI PCP and a hand pump. Once you pump it up, you just recharge it when it gets down to 2000. I used a hand pump for about 4 years before I got a compressor and I was over 65 then.I have a nitro piston break barrel.under 200 bucks
have taken more rats and squirels at 20 yards then I can count.
22cal 2” or less at 23 yards.
I have taken out ground hogs at 20 yards if shot right behind the ear.
nice vermin rifle. Looking to move up to pcp but that is more of an investment compared to break barrels being a compressor is involved and another added expense
Just out of curiosity, what are you trying to optimize for? Air works, but are usually noisier than subsonic, quiet, or 22 short un-suppressed rifles in most cases.Im really looking for a break gun. Accuracy is very important consideration.