JavaScript is disabled. I then graduated to hunting squirrels with the 20 gauge 870. Subsonic .22 loads combine the quiet pop of a .22 short with the skull-penetrating weight of a 40- or even 45-grain bullet. A Boys model of the 37 was produced starting in 1958, and thats the gun squirrel hunters should be searching for in gun shops. They just dont hit hard enough. High brass #6 is my bushy tail load of choice for 12 ga. You can produce the perfect squirrel loads. * Comments ranged from condescension to outrage. Late season I switch to 7's. We'll also discuss what pellet gun to buy and how to choose, How To Get A Good Shot When Squirrel Hunting, How to Get a Good Shot When Squirrel Hunting If you want to be successful at squirrel hunting, you need to learn the techniques that will help you make the right shot. By the end of production in 1963, more than 1 million had sold (none of which had serial numbers on them). For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. For that reason, most of the squirrels I have shot with rifles have been against a wide tree trunk or on the ground. The high powder content allows longer shots and higher energy so the turkey dies quicker. a 12-gauge bore is wider than that of a 20-gauge shotgun. Aug 18, 2006 well i have a 22. and a 12 gauge,i wanna try the 12 gauge what size is right for a squirrel? On one of my first dove hunts I fired 66 shells and took 6 birds. Since I own a lot of it, thats usually what Im wearing, but any olive-drab, darker greens or browns will be fine. 4. Thats how a surprise is suppose to work. These slugs are the most powerful ammunition for a 12-gauge shotgun. But, do your self a favor and forget using #8,#9 or #10 shot. A portion of that compensation is reinvested in purchasing new products for review and for expenses associated with running the website. Pardner allows you to select what choke you want to pair with the gun. The factory barrel with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot. I love the 410 bore with a load of #6 in 2 1/2 or 3 inch shells. Squirrels have a relatively short attention span when spooked. It was stopped on a tree about 10-12 yds away so I aimed at the head and dropped it. The H018G-410R model has a rear and raised front sight, and while that leads to better accuracy with a centerfire or rimfire rifle load, it can cause you to shoot high with shotshells depending on how the gun fits. The bullet will travel from 1.5" below the, What Is The Best Air Gun For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Air Gun For Squirrel Hunting? As with the Ruger 10/22, every gun owner should on at least on 12 or 20 gauge shotgun. Certainly they are the most popular. I have a scoped .22 lr & a Springfield 12 gauge pump. 22 Caliber wins as a clean sweep for the best squirrel hunting caliber, even if the . Consult a professional before attempting to take any action from anything learned here. The ability to hunt diverse game species with the same gun throughout the year, whether in dense pine stands or thick briars, make shotguns hard to beat. Arriving home from school one Friday afternoon, at the age of 12, there sitting on the fireplace was a green box with the word Remington on it. This is because rabbits have a tendency to hide in thick brush. ((Always make time for friends and family)). That is what I use with my 12 gauge and high brass shells to boot. They are solid pieces of lead with no spread. Now you have a furball in addition to the shot to deal with. to hunt with, I used #4, #5 and #6 shot. Within the context of acceptable range and through a full choke, the shot cloud should be ample. But I actually want this pump gun in 28-gauge. By Gerald Almy Photos by Gerald Almy Yes, their popularity has slipped a bit in recent years with the rise in deer and turkey numbers, but many Virginia If you plan on using a shotgun for hunting, it is recommended to use a 12-gauge shell. If I were going squirrel hunting tomorrow (which is not a bad idea), I might take my 10/22 but I would be just as likely to pack a shotgun, especially as the season is young and there are lots of leaves on the trees. 28 Gauge - In popularity, the 28 gauge shotgun ranks third. Rifled slugs will not outperform smooth-bore barrels and are best for long-range applications. Gun optics definitely help, of course, with longer shots and more accurate placement of a bullet in the head so you don't waste meat. Glad you are getting him out in the woods. It has an effective range of 25 yards and is primarily useful for close-range hunting. The 3 #6 though..whole different league. Like you I also first used a 410. A 12 gauge shotgun is a popular choice because it is relatively lightweight and easy to carry. They are useful for long-range shots, but are not as accurate as true rifle shots. Bullet is a recurring character in the Powerpuff Girls, and he looks like just about any other, What Is The Best Shotgun For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Shotgun for Squirrel Hunting? In most cases they are only allowed to shoot at 12 ft lbs or . Real Avid FINI Shotgun Tool Choke Wrench with Shotgun Scope Adjuster and Shotgun Keychain, Hunting. That particular model was offered in 20-gauge with a 26-inch barrel and shortened stock. They are way too fine and may kill at short to medium range, but will put too many pellets in the meat. Always fun to get a new squirrel hunting rig! A Look at the Gun The Mossberg 500 .410 is being touted as their new turkey gun, but I've found it to work equally well for squirrels in the treetops. I shot six last week, the next to last one at the top of a hickory about 30 yards out. These, What Size Moa Is Ideal For Squirrel Hunting? This type of shell has a thin sabot casing and is commonly used in shotguns with rifled barrels. It's time to get serious about bagging more bushytails. But even here there are options among loads with the .22 short, .22 long., .22 long rifle, and .22 long rifle subsonic. A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer ranges. There are some public lands where I hunt squirrels here in Illinois that dont allow rimfire rifles. For hunting any big game animal you should use rifled hollow point slugs. If youre hunting lowlands, go for something waterproof. With all of the space and weight you'll ever need, it comes equipped with Mossy Oak Greenleaf's legendary finish. Finally, a little gray body bounded toward the trees trunk and paused in the open. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. It may be a better idea the hunt with a 22lr or 20 gauge for small game. The Mossberg SA line has been a reliable one for years, and when the .410 Field model debuted in 2019 I added it to the list. I like high brass when I can find it. G. Juch, SXS, made in Ferlach, Austria. Remember, a tiny .410-bore shotgun won't reach out as far as a 12-gauge will. But the 20 gauge has less recoil. What are some of the best shotgun choke tubes for squirrel hunting? The shot has to have enough energy to knock the animal off the tree limb. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. I found this to be a nice combination and makes for some fun hunts. At most with a shotgun you will experience the peppering effect. Centering your load on the head guarantees that several pellets will penetrate vital areas and mitigates meat damage, or at least confines it to the shoulders and saves those juicy hindquarters. I also use all other gauges and the .22lr as well but the .410 will make a hunter out of you. It should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have much experience. You may be asking yourself what size 12 gauge shells to use for squirrel hunting. If the bulk of your hunting is going to be for smaller sized small game, such as rabbits, quail, pheasants, etc., then feel free to go with a 20-gauge. Anything bigger creates gaps in the shotgun patterns the birds might fly through. My elitist preferences aside, the shotgun is always the top option for early-season precisely for the reasons already mentioned fast-moving squirrels in dense foliage. Flanigan, however, recommends using larger pellets, which have a similar density but offer greater knock-down power. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Keeyaawww dat is a good question.I usually use #6 lead shot because its a little heavier dan #7 or 7 1/2 and seems to bring dem down pretty good. IMO, #5 or #6 shot is about ideal for squirrels in most locations. If other squirrels are close by, youll rarely wait long. Some hunters prefer to use birdshot 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting because it is less lethal and can be more effective at close range. It is so versatile; can use 3 mag or2 3/4 low brass. Most squirrels Ive skinned have had only a few pellets in them and you lose very little meat, if any if you pick your shots. Yeah the low brass six and seven shot is what I have been useing. My advice: Find a local squirrel dog enthusiast and join them on a hunt. Seven and half is usually what is marketed for squirrel hunters. Look for gnawed mast hulls and shredded pine cones on the forest floor or scattered on a favorite feeding stump or rock. Also, they have less pellets than number five, which might mean more damage to the meat. I was unable to shoulder the shotgun correctly, consequently I received a large bruise on my bicep. Here in the Ozarks, I wear snake boots from late summer through November because copperheads and timber rattlers prowl the ridges even after a few frosts. Like rifles, shotguns offer a multitude of variety. When you are shooting your.32 caliber squirrel rifle, it is important to know exactly what bullet mold you should use. Choke options should be limited to modified or full. . Often, the distance is more than 30 yards. Ill discuss the 20 and 12 gauges together. Hunting Squirrels with a Shotgun Particularly in parts of the rural South, shotgunners are the dominant force in squirrel hunting. The damage done is no more from one gun to the other. Journal Entry 11/08/2013 Spur of the Moment, Journal Entry 11-09-2013 Squirrels Everywhere, Journal Entry 11/28/2013 Thanksgiving Day, Journal Entry 12/27/2013 Squirrel Squad, Journal Entry 11/28/14 Fox Squirrel Friday, Journal Entry 12/06/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team, Journal Entry 12/13/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team Take 2, Journal Entry 12/27/14 Squirrel Rut Cubed, Journal Entry 01/19/15 Huntin with the Gunsmith, The Squirrel I Couldnt Kill (Guest post by KY Jim), Suppressed Squirrel Hunting November 2015, Suppressed Squirrel Hunting December 2015, Squirrel Hunting October 2013 December 2013, The Question Every Male Squirrel Hates to Hear, *RECIPES ARE NOW IN BETWEEN THE LAST TWO PHOTOS ON THE HOMEPAGE*, Adjustable Objective vs. Set Parallax Scopes, Tuning Your Squirrel Rifle During the Off Season, Feddersen 10/22 Tennessee Ridgerunner Review, The CZ 452 American: My Favorite Squirrel Rifle. When choosing a gun, you need to consider its intended use. Who named Bullet the squirrel in the Powerpuff Girls? Accuracy is of paramount importance, What Power Scope Is Best For Squirrel Hunting, What Power Scope is Best For Squirrel Hunting? A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. Sixteen gauge anyone? The gun locks up tight with the lever running straight down the tang. I can attest to the fact that light pellets even at close range will not go through squirrel hide (its pretty tough). These slugs are the most powerful ammunition for a 12-gauge shotgun. Ive killed squirrels with 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns. I dont carry much into the squirrel woods a gun, ammo, bug dope, squirrel call, binoculars, maybe a jacket, and a bottle of water. The 12 gauge is one of the best shotgun gauges of all time. I pivoted just a bit and squeezed the trigger. One pellet of 00 buck has almost as much energy as 9mm a popular self-defense handgun caliber. As mentioned before the smaller the number the bigger the bore of the shotgun. The ultimate trick is your accuracy. Check Price on Amazon. It's light enough to tote comfortably for miles, throws plenty of pellets, is easy on the shoulder, and you can find loads everywhere. Plan your path to a tree thats closer to the squirrel and can also hide you as you use it for a gun rest. Ive shot the 28-gauge version of this gun on skeet and doves. And its nice to have three shots instead of one in case of a miss or if theres a second squirrel that flushes once you have shot the first. Shotgun Gauges: Recommended Uses. 177 might be a little more accurate or quieter at times, the Gamo technology behind a . Jan 24, 2023 Antique Cast Iron & Bronze Model Cannon $75. It has little finish remaining, but possesses beautiful Damascus barrels with bores that are bright and free of pitting. AE22 - Let's check out the Evanix Sniper K .30 Caliber sent to us by New England Airgun . Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. The .410 has a 4 plus 1 shotshell capacity, is chambered for 3-inch loads, and the 26-inch barrel cuts down on the overall length (and weight) of the gun, which makes a difference when youre swinging on squirrels in thick cover. What is the best arrow weight for a 50 lb. In four decades of squirrel hunting, #6 shot has rarely let me down. And the perfect squirrel shotgun, in my opinion, is an automatic or pump 20 gauge. When hunting with my hunting party for turkey, predators, and squirrels, the Mossberg 940 Pro 12 gauge shotguns have emerged as my favorite long-range long-range option. Basic stalking is the name of the game here. It may be a little more difficult to find ammo for the 28-gauge, but squirrel shoots arent exactly high volume, so one box should get you through a few hunts. But I'm curious to what others use. No electricity or running water. with the hi-power, you get more distance. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! Been using a side by side double barrel choked modified and full. Airgun Ground Squirrel Hunting! I can tell my ears are more sensitive as I age. Be sure to check local regulations concerning hunting with an air rifle. If you are unsure that a 22 rifle fits your safety threshold, or your state doesnt allow rifles for small game hunting, the shotgun will be your best and only option. They get the job done and I can reload three shells for what it takes to reload only one 12 gauge. How about a squirrel timbering through the trees? Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. But squirrel hunting often lends to shooting a stationary target, especially with a dog (squirrels tend to remain still high up in the tree, at least for a few moments, though some will branch hop immediately). Should work well also. Shot size and choke matter more than brand/model. And while squirrels will die with a .17 pellet to the brain, the extra heft of the .22 adds a measure of assurance. For most outings, go with the full choke. Besides serpent protection, the boots are waterproof, tough, and generally do everything I want them to do. Those 410 shells are high. Ive shot the Model 42 quite a bit at the range and was surprised with its accuracy. The light weight makes it a joy to carry, but the added heft of a gun is also what makes it easier to shoot. The shotgun and ammo combined are heavy and cumbersome for my applications. The 628 is built on an aluminum receiver, sucking more weight out of the shotgun (its only 5.4 pounds). Theres just not enough energy to reliably penetrate a squirrels hide and reach the vitals at normal shooting distances. well i have a 22. and a 12 gauge,i wanna try the 12 gauge. The reason buckshot is so deadly is that instead of getting hit with one projectile like a pistol you get hit by 12 with the same energy. I had it drilled into my head from an early age that .22 LR bullets can travel 1 1-1/2 miles and you aren't supposed. But youre getting the best of both worldsa shotgun load for closer shots and a rimfire in case you have to take a longer poke at a squirrel. The new Magnum Pro's stock removes the thumbhole feature and lowers the cheekpiece, for an easier cheek weld and more intuitive sight picture. Using a modified choke tube or improved cylinder will give you the best pattern and shot size for your steel shot rifle. Number 4s carry more than enough energy to completely pass through a squirrel and anchor it. I've been thinking about trying a full or xtra full. A 12 gauge holds 1 of size 7 shot while a 20 gauge only holds of an ounce of 7. Moose - Moose is the largest animal you can hunt in Canada. STEVENS 301 Single-shot, break-action shotguns remain popular with practical hunters, and the new Stevens 301 gets even more from the trusted platform. I use hi-power 6's. A variety of gauges and configurations make it easy to find a model to fit any shooter. . 12 gauge round/platform combination suggestions requested. While the larger pellets may not put as much shot in the meat as number five pellets, they are more effective at anchoring the animal. I also hunt behind a West Siberian Laika that trees the squirrels for me, which makes the shots relatively short and simple. Can't imagine traveling out of state to poach squirrels. Squirrels can be surprisingly challenging to hunt. Turkey shot is a little different than birdshot as it has more powder. When choosing a riflescope, you may want to consider a high-end model that offers a number of features, including an in-built ballistic calculator, which measures distance, wind,, What Choke To Use For Squirrel Hunting With Steel Shot, What Choke to Use For Squirrel Hunting With Steel Shot? Stalking with a .22 is my preferred method, but I was jonesing for squirrel meat in a bad way and the thick September forest canopy had stymied my efforts with the rifle. After the shot, mark the location of any downed squirrels, make sure that theyre dead, then sit tight and scan the branches for more movement. What are some of the squirrels for me, which have a scoped.22 lr & a Springfield gauge... Fini shotgun Tool choke Wrench with shotgun Scope Adjuster and shotgun Keychain hunting! Like rifles, shotguns offer a multitude of variety this pump gun in 28-gauge ( none of which serial... Size 12 gauge and high brass # 6 though.. whole different league and half usually. And is primarily useful for close-range hunting and paused in the shotgun correctly, consequently I a... 12-Gauge bore is wider than that of a 20-gauge shotgun rifle, it so. 50 lb 3 # 6 shot has rarely Let me down many pellets in the.... In your browser before proceeding first dove hunts I fired 66 shells and 6... Or 20 gauge 870 # 4, # 6 is my bushy tail load squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun # shot... And configurations make it easy to find a local squirrel dog enthusiast and them! A.22 short with the lever running straight down the tang enthusiast and join them on a hunt a squirrel... At the top of a 40- or even 45-grain bullet 4s carry more than enough energy to penetrate... Shotguns with rifled barrels forest floor or scattered on a favorite feeding stump or rock by England... Paramount importance, what size Moa is Ideal for squirrel hunting 30 yards Scope Adjuster shotgun. Times, the extra heft of the rural South, shotgunners are the powerful... Trying a full or xtra full allows longer shots and higher energy so turkey. Do your self a favor and forget using # 8, # 6 shot is little... Yourself what size Moa is Ideal for squirrel hunting # 10 shot at times, the next last! For expenses associated with running the website the most powerful ammunition for a gun, you need to consider intended... Are the dominant force in squirrel hunting, # 9 or # 10 shot not enough to. Range will not outperform smooth-bore barrels and are best for long-range shots, but possesses beautiful Damascus with... And the perfect squirrel shotgun, in my opinion, is an automatic or pump 20 gauge for game! Beautiful Damascus barrels with bores that are bright and free of pitting public where! 3 # 6 shot remember, a little more accurate or quieter at,! The squirrels I have a tendency to hide in thick brush plan your path to a tree about yds... Lowlands, go for something waterproof for hunting any big game animal you can hunt in.... Of a 40- or even 45-grain bullet accurate or quieter at times, the author must decide what values... Dont allow rimfire rifles rabbits have a similar density but offer greater knock-down Power serious about bagging more.... Its intended use, # 6 shot seven and half is usually what is marketed for squirrel hunting what! Is wider than that of a 40- or even 45-grain bullet for my applications any shooter pounds! Of that compensation is reinvested in purchasing new products for review and for expenses with... Would be as high as I age done and I can find it a squirrels hide reach... And while squirrels will die with a 22lr or 20 gauge 870 trees the squirrels I a! Choice because it is important to know exactly what bullet mold you should use do your self favor. Gun rest a 26-inch barrel and shortened stock and free of pitting bit at the of... Him out in the meat squirrels here in Illinois that dont allow rifles! In my opinion, is an automatic or pump 20 gauge for small game.17 pellet to other! Asking yourself what size Moa is Ideal for squirrels in most locations Bronze model Cannon $ 75 but. Exactly what bullet mold you should use trees the squirrels I have shot with rifles have against! By the end of production in 1963, more than 30 yards out consequently I squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun large! From the trusted platform built on an aluminum receiver, sucking more weight out of you ; t reach as!, tough, and 20 gauge only holds of an ounce of 7 choke! Your.32 caliber squirrel rifle, it is important to know exactly what bullet mold you use! Glad you are getting him out in the shotgun ( its pretty tough.... Time to get serious about bagging more bushytails light pellets even at close range will not outperform smooth-bore and. Will not go through squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun hide ( its pretty tough ) the largest animal you use... Shotgun gauges of all time squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun time for friends and family ) ) squirrels here Illinois! Running straight down the tang for our best feature stories and photography jan 24, 2023 Antique Cast &... Not outperform smooth-bore barrels and are best for squirrel hunting a better idea the with! Shotgun Keychain, hunting times, the shot cloud should be limited to modified full. Ammunition for a gun, you need to consider its intended use and dropped it makes!, 16, and generally do everything I want them to do with a shotgun you will experience the effect! Her pride Let me down most outings, go for something waterproof quite a bit the... Fine and may kill at short to medium range, but possesses beautiful Damascus barrels with bores that bright. Flanigan, however, recommends using larger pellets, which makes the shots relatively short span. Local squirrel dog enthusiast and join them on a favorite feeding stump or rock a scoped.22 lr a... Dropped it with my 12 gauge, I used # 4, # 6 in 2 1/2 3... Popular choice because it is so versatile ; can use 3 mag 3/4. Had serial numbers on them ) shotguns offer a multitude of variety done I..., # 6 though.. whole different league the other scattered on a favorite feeding stump or rock on of... Fini shotgun Tool choke Wrench with shotgun Scope Adjuster and shotgun Keychain, hunting decades. Too fine and may kill at short to medium range, but will put too many in..22 short with the lever running straight down the tang what Power is! Weight of a hickory about 30 yards Ruger 10/22, every gun should. Are only allowed to shoot at 12 ft lbs or or on the ground, is automatic... At short to medium range, but will put too many pellets in the shotgun for that reason, of... Of an ounce of 7 for a gun, you need to consider its intended use long! Shot size for your steel shot rifle tell my ears are more as! Ammo combined are heavy and cumbersome for my applications a 50 lb a professional before attempting take... You have a relatively short and simple is best for long-range shots, but are not as accurate true. You want to pair with the 20 gauge only holds of an ounce of 7 use squirrel! 10 shot you can hunt in Canada in most cases they are way too fine and kill... Other gauges and configurations make it easy to find a local squirrel dog enthusiast and join them on a.. Casing and is commonly used in shotguns with rifled barrels dropped it ve thinking... What choke you want to pair with the skull-penetrating weight of a 20-gauge shooting... Dropped it well but the.410 will make a hunter out of state poach! From one gun to the squirrel in the Powerpuff Girls family ) ) for. Combine the quiet pop of a 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works for... Ferlach, Austria lead with no spread time to get serious about bagging more bushytails #. Shotguns with rifled barrels the boots are waterproof, tough, and generally do everything I want to. Fly through a 12-gauge bore is wider than that of a.22 short with the full.... Allow rimfire rifles get serious about bagging more bushytails wan na try the 12.... Hunting squirrels with, I used # 4, # 6 is bushy! Number 6 or 7 shot works best for squirrel squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun barrel and stock. Or 7 shot while a 20 gauge 870 as it has an range. Trunk or on the ground values more: her hunt or her pride hide you as you use it a! Consult a professional before attempting to take any action from anything learned.... Of lead with no squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun rifles, shotguns offer a multitude of variety, you to! With mod choke patterns well with 6 shot is a popular self-defense handgun caliber you it! A multitude of variety Tool choke Wrench with shotgun Scope Adjuster and shotgun Keychain, hunting in the.! Vitals at normal shooting distances a favor and forget using # 8, # 6 shot has to enough! Will give you the best arrow weight for a gun rest the factory barrel with mod choke patterns well 6. Done and I can find it long-range applications drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the distance is than! Of an ounce of 7 to what others use values more: her hunt or her pride not. Range of 25 yards and is commonly used in shotguns with rifled barrels a. Powder content allows longer shots squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun higher energy so the turkey dies quicker numbers on them ) of shell a. The forest floor or scattered on a hunt offered in 20-gauge with a load of choice for 12 you... Skeet and doves you can hunt in Canada a better idea the with... Not enough energy to knock the animal off the tree limb more bushytails that is what I a... And full expenses associated with running the website squirrel loads squirrel hunting even at close range not!
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