Can A Daisy 880 Kill A Squirrel

Yes, a Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel.
 
But it’s not the ideal tool for the job due to its lower power level.
 
If you’re asking can a Daisy 880 kill a squirrel, the answer depends on shot placement, pellet choice, and distance.
 
Many backyard plinkers wonder if a Daisy 880 kill a squirrel humanely or if it just wounds the animal.
 
In this post, we’ll break down the power of the Daisy 880 and what it takes for a clean kill on a squirrel.
 
Let’s dive into the details so you can decide if the Daisy 880 is right for squirrel hunting.
 

Can a Daisy 880 Kill a Squirrel? Understanding the Power

So, can a Daisy 880 kill a squirrel reliably?
 
The short answer is yes, but only under very specific conditions.
 
The Daisy 880 is a multi-pump pneumatic air rifle that can reach about 800 feet per second with pellets.
 
That speed gives it roughly 8 to 10 foot‑pounds of muzzle energy at the muzzle.
 
For a squirrel, the minimum humane kill energy is usually considered around 6 to 7 foot‑pounds on impact.
 
So the Daisy 880 can meet that threshold, but barely.
 
Let’s look deeper at the key factors.
 

Muzzle Energy Is the Real Measure

Muzzle energy tells you if a Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel before you even pull the trigger.
 
With 10 pumps, the Daisy 880 delivers about 9 foot‑pounds at the muzzle with a standard lead pellet.
 
But energy drops rapidly with distance; at 30 yards, it may fall to under 5 foot‑pounds.
 
That means a squirrel hit at longer range will likely not be killed instantly.
 
To ensure the Daisy 880 kills a squirrel, you need to keep shots under 20 yards.
 

Shot Placement Makes or Breaks a Clean Kill

Even with enough energy, can a Daisy 880 kill a squirrel if you miss the brain or heart?
 
No, a body shot will wound the squirrel and it will run off to die slowly.
 
The only ethical shots for a Daisy 880 on a squirrel are a head shot or a heart‑lung shot.
 
A head shot requires perfect aim because the skull is small and hard.
 
Practice with your Daisy 880 on targets before attempting a live squirrel.
 

Factors That Determine If a Daisy 880 Can Kill a Squirrel

Even if you have good aim, can a Daisy 880 kill a squirrel every time?
 
Not unless you control several variables.
 
Let’s go through the main ones.
 

Pellet Type and Weight

Using cheap BBs in the Daisy 880 will almost never kill a squirrel humanely.
 
The Daisy 880 can shoot both BBs and pellets, but pellets are far more effective.
 
Choose a heavy lead pellet like a 10.5‑grain Crosman Premier for maximum energy transfer.
 
A hollow‑point pellet expands on impact and creates a larger wound channel.
 
This makes it more likely that a Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel with a body shot.
 

Distance and Number of Pumps

The farther you are, the less power the pellet retains.
 
Always pump the Daisy 880 the maximum of 10 times for squirrel hunting.
 
At 10 pumps, the gun shoots at its highest fps and energy.
 
If you are inside 15 yards and use a heavy pellet, can a Daisy 880 kill a squirrel?
 
Yes, with a CNS shot it will be instant.
 
Beyond 25 yards, the energy drops too low for a reliable kill.
 

Ethical and Legal Considerations When Using a Daisy 880 on Squirrels

Before you try it, ask yourself: should a Daisy 880 kill a squirrel in your area?
 
Ethical hunters insist on a humane death, meaning death within a few seconds.
 
The Daisy 880 is on the edge of that requirement.
 
Many experienced airgunners say it’s too weak for reliable squirrel hunting.
 
They recommend a 22‑caliber air rifle with at least 15 foot‑pounds instead.
 

Humane Kill Standards

Can a Daisy 880 kill a squirrel without suffering?
 
Only if you place the pellet precisely in the brain.
 
A heart‑lung shot may drop the squirrel, but it can suffer for up to 30 seconds.
 
That is why many states require a minimum energy of 11 foot‑pounds for hunting small game.
 
The Daisy 880 falls below that standard, so it may not be legal to hunt squirrels with it.
 

Local Laws and Regulations

Check your state and local hunting laws before using a Daisy 880 on squirrels.
 
Some areas have minimum caliber requirements, such as .177 or .22.
 
Others require a minimum muzzle energy that the Daisy 880 cannot meet.
 
Even if it is legal, you must be a responsible hunter.
 
Ask yourself if you can consistently make a clean kill with a Daisy 880.
 

So, Can a Daisy 880 Kill a Squirrel?

Yes, a Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel, but only with perfect conditions.
 
You need a heavy pellet, 10 pumps, a close distance (under 20 yards), and a perfect head shot.
 
But because the energy margin is so thin, one mistake means a suffering animal.
 
Most experienced hunters would say a Daisy 880 is not a good choice for squirrel hunting.
 
For pest control of small birds or rats, it works fine.
 
For squirrel hunting, invest in a more powerful air rifle to be safe and ethical.
 
Now you know the truth about whether a Daisy 880 can kill a squirrel.
 
Use that knowledge to make a smart, humane choice.