I’d disagree on Crosman/Daisy not because of effectiveness but because of the sights and trigger. Most inexpensive air guns have rudimentary sights and mushy trigger pull. Bushytails are not as easy of a target as they may seem. Even stationary they exhibit lots of quick movements and a rapidly changing profile. Good sights and a light, crisp trigger are a must.
I know a few squirrels, woodpeckers, opossum, to mention a few that would beg to disagree after seeing the business end of a cheap crosman .177. I have to admit the .22 is clearly superior but you must be more careful.
On second thought, anything supersonic is going to be real loud so if that’s an issue maybe a .22 with lower velocity may be more practical. In this case a maim is as good has a quick out.
You get what you pay for however. I had an old Sheridan and it was dynamite on pigeon.
If you don’t practice, however, it’s really a moot point.