I've taken plenty of squirrels and rabbits with my crossman airguns. If you want to shoot larger animals I would suggest that you step up to a more powerful gun. I have, and it's like day and night. As a kid I took my first rabbit with a red ryder, but I wouldn't try it again. I think the lower cost guns are fine but if you look to hunt critters you would be better served by spending a few more bucks. There are plenty of decent low end guns on the market. If your main game is whacking sparrows, starlings and an occasional squirrel the crossman will work fine.