I agree with using a shotgun if you just want to kill the squirrel and not eat it, but if are wanting to clean and eat the squirrel you must use a .22 or other small caliber gun and aim for the head. Practice, practice practice, when you hit only the head you don' t have to worry about getting any hair embeded in the meat. The same goes with rabbits. Many may disagree with me, but this is the way I was brought up and that is how I feel. Aim for the eye and you will bag plenty of squirrels.

For a hunter like yourself I would suggest a Marlin model 60 .22 LR with a 4x scope. It will be a great combo for you. Dust plenty of tree rats and tin cans.