GAMO Squirrel Master Classic Goes Virtual

Now is your chance to go head to head with the pros!

   02.17.21

GAMO Squirrel Master Classic Goes Virtual

Back in 2014, GAMO Outdoor USA, along with Jackie Bushman from Buckmasters and Michael Waddell from Bone Collector, started a unique hunting competition, the Squirrel Master Classic. The event is traditionally a one-day squirrel hunt using Gamo air rifles and is judged similar to a bass tournament. This year, however, the GAMO Squirrel Master Classic is going to a “virtual squirrel hunt” format due to the Covid-19. It now gives an opportunity to adults and youth hunters around the country to participate and go up against the celebrity teams.

The 2021 GAMO Squirrel Master Classic will take place February 15-21. Teams will include Bone Collector, Realtree, Buck Commander, The Choice with Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo, Raised Hunting, and Buckmasters.

The public is encouraged to post their own hunting success photos, especially with the GAMO Swarm 10-shot air rifle.

1. Gamo Swam Fusion 10X Gen 2 - .22

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Gamo Swam Fusion 10X Gen 2 - .22

The official air rifle of this year's competition

The Gamo Swarm FusionTM 10X Gen 2 Air Rifle is a great way to get your limit of squirrels. It features fast follow-up shots with 10x quick-shot technology that enables you to shoot up to 10 pellets without reloading. Plus, it even come equipped with a 3-9x40mm air rifle scope that really brings the action in close. This is a .22 caliber air rifle that produces 975 FPS of muzzle velocity. It comes with a light, adjustable trigger and recoil and vibration reduction technology built in.

Pros/Fast follow up shots and great velocity for a .22 air rifle
Cons/Make sure to tighten all the scope mounts prior to sight in
Bottom Line/A great rifle for squirrel hunters of any age

2. Gamo Urban PCP Air Rifle

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Gamo Urban PCP Air Rifle

A pre-charged powerhouse in a compact package

Designed with a pre-changed pneumatic power plant, fast-loading bolt action and 10-round capacity, the Gamo Urban PCP Air Rifle is an excellent choice for small game hunting and pest control. It’s equipped with a hammer-forged rifled barrel that provides excellent accuracy, and you’re able to get 30 high-powered shots on just one fill. And thanks to the Whisper Fusion sound dampener, you won’t have to worry about alerting the neighbors or cautious critters.

Pros/Compact and powerful
Cons/As with most pneumatic rifles, power starts to dwindle as you run low on air
Bottom Line/A great, compact squirrel rifle

3. Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X Gen 2 Air Rifle - .177

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Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X Gen 2 Air Rifle - .177

A faster version

Take everything that makes the .22 caliber version of the Swam Fusion 10X and add some extra speed with a smaller .177 caliber pellet. This rifle has the same adjustable trigger, 10-shot magazine and recoil reduction capabilities, but add in some serious velocity with 1,300fps.  It also comes with the 3-9×40 air rifle scope.

Pros/Speed, speed and more speed
Cons/The same as the .22 version - check those mounts
Bottom Line/A terrific air rifle for hunting and shooting
Back when we attended the very first Gamo Squirrel Master Classic with our buddies from Bone Collector.

Hunting with air rifles

Air rifles have come a long way and are now being used to hunt both small and big game, as well as for target shooting and plinking. Most modern air rifles have the velocity needed to hunt small game, like squirrels ethically and responsibly. Check your local regulations regarding the legality of air rifle hunting.

Effective air rifle hunting range

The effective range of an air rifle for hunting depends on several factors. You need to know your rifle’s velocity and that can vary with the type of pellet being used. Some modern pellets are made for speed, but lack any sort of real energy upon impact for hunting. Traditionally, you’ll want to use a lead, or lead alternative-based pellet designed for hunting.

The biggest factor is practicing and finding out pellet drop over distances. I had one expert tell me that your true effective range can be found by finding out how far away from a plastic bottle willed with water you can stand and shoot at it, while still popping a hole in it. Once you reach the range where that doesn’t happen, you definitely should take the shot.

Youth hunting and shooting sports options

One of the best resources for youth hunting and shooting sports activities is your local 4H organization. If you’re not currently involved, 4H has activities and programs for youth of all ages, and it is far more than agriculture. The shooting and hunting sports programs are some of the best available anywhere and are a great thing to be part of. Click here for more information.

Can I hunt with an air rifle in my state?

While there are no federal laws saying you cannot hunt with an air rifle, you must check your local state regulations before trying it. Most states will allow it depending on the game and season.

Is using an air rifle for hunting new?

Not at all. it has gotten more popular recently, but Lewis and Clark actually used a form of air rifle for their famous expedition between 1804 and 1806.

Avatar Author ID 667 - 571848745

Derrek Sigler has been a professional outdoor writer for more than two decades since earning his Master’s Degree in creative writing with a thesis about fishing humor. But if you ask anyone that knows him, he’s been telling fishin’ stories since he was old enough to hold a pole. He has written for Cabela’s and served as editorial director for Gun Digest books. Over the years, he has also written for Petersen’s Hunting, North American Whitetail Magazine, Wildfowl, Grand View Media, and has worked with Bass Pro Shops, Hard Core Brands and Bone Collector. Successful Farming had him write for their magazine and he has appeared on their TV show to discuss hunting and ATVs on multiple occasions. He writes about the things he loves - hunting, fishing, camping, trucks, ATVs, boating, snowmobiles and the outdoor lifestyle he enjoys with his family in their home state of Michigan and more as they adventure around North America.

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