there are so many good .22's out there that dont cost an arm and a leg. Like Coyote Tim said, its hard to beat the ruger 10/22's, i love mine. Marlin also makes good, affordable .22's in bolt and semi-auto. It wouldnt hurt to check them out, they even make one marketed just for squirrel hunting they call the SSQ with a synthetic stock and bull barrel. Another suggestion may be a NEF single shot .22, very cheap, fun to shoot and a great all around gun.