Pellet guns are ideal for critter control. They avoid many of the ordinances against firearm use in firearm-restricted areas where squirrels, groundhogs, and raccoons can run rampant. Last week, I was invited to test the new Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1 on an Illinois squirrel hunt. The Lincoln State bushytail season opened in mid-August, and given the lush foliage these critters had for concealment, the Gamo faced plenty of challenge (as did my shooting eye).

Although the .22 caliber format is accurate, adding the TruGlo scope allowed for precise pellet placement.
Although the .22 caliber format is accurate, adding the TruGlo scope allowed for precise pellet placement.

In a nutshell, no pun intended, here are some quick specs on the rifle:

  • IGT Mach 1 technology

  • Velocity: 1020 feet per second (fps) with PBA Platinum

  • 33mm cylinder, high-power plant

  • Single shot

  • Break barrel: single cocking system

  • Automatic cocking safety system

  • Barrel: fluted polymer jacketed steel with whisper fusion technology

  • Cocking effort: 41 lbs

  • Trigger: CAT custom action trigger

  • Manual safety

  • RRR: recoil reducing rail

The rifle weighed eight pounds, sufficient for good accuracy and complimented by a trigger pull of 3.74 pounds. Since the safety latch is located inside the trigger guard, a light trigger pull is not recommended. This model’s trigger had no discernible creep, which provided very accurate shooting.

I used 14.3 grain pellets that flew at 1020 fps, at a cost of about eight dollars per hundred. Compare that to CCI .22 Long Rifle ammo that flings a 40-grain bullet at 1070 fps. and a cost of about $10 per 100. No groundhogs invaded my squirrel hunt, yet I’ve killed groundhogs using .177 pellets and am sure that the .22 caliber pellet will dispatch chucks at close range.

I killed three squirrels on the hunt and got complete penetration each time. Although the Gamo Whisper Fusion comes with a scope, my model featured a TruGlo tube with illuminated reticle, ideal for early and late shooting. To be effective on early season squirrels, a rifle must be able to shoot dime-sized groups at 50 yards. The TruGlo helped make that happen.

I found the Gamo Whisper Fusion to be an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys shooting. The pellets are inexpensive, readily available, and the rifle is ideal for varmints, squirrels, and plinking fun.

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