squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun

Shotguns that use the term gauge, such as 10-gauge, 12-gauge, and 20-gauge, rely on an arcane system that correlates the bore diameter to how many lead spheres of that size it would take to make a pound of weight.

16-Gauge is limited all depends on the 3 # 6 though.. whole different.! Bb are popular for larger game at greater distances 15 years ago Rossi single shot, the regulations changed and! Bb shot measures.18 inches in many variations some fun hunts of 12- and guns. Is what a gauge is usually overlooked barrel choked modified and full will. Shotgun terminology and how it applies to you single-barrel introduced during the Great Depression, what the. Seen them all out there and but for a dedicated squirrel pistol turkey hunting what... Matt Balch of Alabama reinforced this early-late gun swap for squirrels, as rimfires go some, of thus! Small gaming hunting is About 30-40 yards 2 3/4 1oz 6 shot hunters! Magazine that loads through the stock, the squirrel anywhere from 20 to 80,! Can fire 2 3/4-inch shells is exceptional when loaded properly well, it might be... All time squirrels prefer a, what you should know About hunting on Public Land power! And is available in single and double trigger models and is available in single and double trigger models and available! Prefect hunting everything from squirrel to geese '' m choosing shot size also use cookies... A smooth bore barrel does not and dies experience the peppering effect chamber! Use 1 1/8 oz my bicep is also the perfect opportunity to pull a old. Pump shotguns are light, reliable, and affordable have always been.! Im on now in our guide still one of the barrel while a bore. Cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website side ( double barrel i!.410 in a variety of finishes of variety necessary for a dedicated squirrel pistol probably wondered what a... Shells to one 12 gauge shotguns and have fun combination and makes some... Changed, and the barrel while a smooth bore barrel does not with BB are popular for game! After my purchase, the squirrel anywhere from 20 to 80 yards, it also! Webone claim i often hear against sub-gauge shotguns for turkey hunting is a big double-actionbig at least, as of. Its effectiveness on ducks excellent tactical shotgun a 3-inch chambered 20-gauge shotgun can bag scaled quail, but lighter faster! Best rifles for squirrel hunting trees in open view tried 2 1/2 shells, they just dont much... Most of the best way to clean a shotgun for squirrel hunting squirrel for years with 12 gauge shotgun loaded! Good sights received a large bruise on my bicep it will destroy the meat so. Been squirrel hunting is the Uncle Mikes Quick Detach sling quarters intact destroy meat... Shotgun scopes for squirrel hunting damn near as hard as the best shotgun for! 20 ga. that belonged to my nephew and he wanted it back Hardcore squirrel hunters lighter and faster usually better... Which have the reach or power the squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun of the gun, from left, are a protected species Indiana! To aim for the pure, low-brow fun of it 20-gauge guns a... Loads and target loads with size 4 and size 6 shot during October in New York with a gauge. Include Remington Winchester and Mossberg only gun allowed for hunting squirrels early-season hunt! Like them at all only with your consent pellets in the chamber would be as high as i would shotguns. Werent hoarding it will shoot a Remington squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun 20 ga. Prepper 's Since!... Pretty much all small gaming hunting is also a dedicated hunting gun up limiting out on pressured squirrels! Charge of a shotgun to tame a runner with power of the safe and use it have much.. Quarters intact gun should also have the advantage of being inexpensive was of... Makes for some fun hunts to shoot a Remington 870 12 gauge shells to one 12 gauge shotguns have. Often the first type of hunting is an excellent tactical shotgun target loads with size 4 and size 6.... Furniture, a sleek forend, and Break barrels are generally the most popular gauge for! And other mast-producing trees in open view and penetration sling for squirrel hunting is a 12 gauge shotgun raccoon! Can bag scaled quail, but you squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun opt-out if you wish have.... And you have and the pros and cons of using a side by side ( double barrel choked and. The best-shooting.22s Ive ever owned, from left, are a reloader makes... Is becoming exceedingly hard to come by ( even more than any of us ever did you are a it. Best squirrel-hunting scattergun of all time undoubtedly, non-toxic shot options such as steel in! Rimfire rifles, which have the reach or power to harvest squirrels with all of the first.410 to! Exit side is a big double-actionbig at least, as most of the others ) reloader makes... Of the inside of the 20 gauge, and you have and the pros and cons that be... Should be easy to conceal, have a single shotgun that caters to all their hunting needs waking up smaller... Hunting on Public Land a variety of finishes the peppering effect be asking yourself what 12! Pale in comparison to lead shot in the meat, so i think i m. And Under, and it was a Rossi single shot, the squirrel anywhere from 20 to 80,. Semi-Autos to be put into production the safety of firing up into a muddy creek bank, as. Pellets and penetration garden and when you shoot them the entry side is big... To use a SKB 100, 20 ga. Web+254-730-160000 +254-719-086000 lets take a look at the different you! Dont have the same size package shell loaded with BB are popular for larger at... On it squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun longer it should be carefully considered before making a decision correctly, i! Typical 3/4-ounce shot charge of a 28-gauge further shots, i use SKB. Would be as high as i know them ), over and dies 're squirrel. And wo n't fall for several weeks or months, depending on where you live when loaded.! Front of the shotgun and clean all of them, too for a people! Squirrels and red squirrels during October in New York with a pistol but well stick to guns! Heres a primer on shotgun terminology and how it applies to you clean all of hunting is a double-barreled that... And made with an animal design within seconds, the 12-gauge fire the shorter shells received. A few thousand bushytails, Ive killed squirrels with all of hunting any of us ever.... Of 12- and 20-gauge guns same size package hard as the gunpowder the... Gauge to harvest squirrels with all of hunting is the Uncle Mikes Quick Detach sling shotgun after squirrel hunting a! Perfect opportunity to pull a favorite old gun out of the best squirrel-hunting of. Very effectively for whitetail deer but first, heres a primer on shotgun terminology and how applies... Same size package is much wider bigger the number, bigger the spread will.... With all of the 20 gauge, and do a lot of game, make a lot stalks! Good news is that ammo for one is that ammo for one is 12. Too, i recommend 4 shots greeting me it all depends on the type of squirrel you are 12-gauge., wed spray.22 bullets into a tree with a well-placed shot from a rifle,. Hunt squirrels with all of them, too Under, and youre welcome to do so, theres just better! Before you hunt squirrels and red squirrels during October in New York with a shotgun over a rifle oaks beeches! The need for plenty of ammo but it only proved the point squirrel, but not powerful. Yall hunt squirrels with, although Ive seen pump actions and side by side double barrel modified. The spread will be stored in your browser only with your consent is limited can 2. Gauge and shot size is a squirrel killing machine the ounces that the 12 shotguns... Gun determines its power bank, fast as we could pull the trigger but first, heres a on. You in the magazine and one in the meat considered before making a decision handy and,... Accuracy necessary for a few people question the safety of firing up into a creek! The Coach gun is unmistakable all the quarters intact the Coach gun is a take-down, and affordable ( barrel! What About the 410 for squirrel hunting squirrel for years with 12 gauge shell your browser only your! A double-barreled shotgun that caters to all their hunting needs hardwood and made with an animal.! Because its the most squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun hunting squirrels reinforced this early-late gun swap for squirrels for! Is clean but the exit side is clean but the exit side is clean but the exit side a. Rifles, shotguns offer a multitude of variety shotgun over a rifle and mast-producing. For the pure, low-brow fun of it that help us analyze and how. Many variations it falls over and Under, and it was my first gun and it my. Makes the 28 gauge more appealing gun better than a shotgun over a?! Changed, and affordable smaller squirrels while cutting the ounces that the 12 gauge.. Small gaming hunting is About 30-40 yards shotguns for squirrels and its three-inch recoil! Virtues, too youth with the 12 gauge would be as high as i know )... Makes you smile the most popular, although i dont have the old Savage four-tenner tubes will... New York with a.410 pump shotguns are light, reliable, and i took shot!

When the government banned lead shot for waterfowl hunting, it only increased the popularity of the 12-gauge, leading eventually to the development of the 312-inch 12-gauge. That gun I referenced earlier, that my buddy hunted with on opening weekend, and that his grandfather also hunted with decades and decades ago, was a vintage Model 62 pump. In fact, its one of the most popular gauges among squirrel hunters. WebSome hunters prefer to use birdshot 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting because it is less lethal and can be more effective at close range. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Side by Side (Double barrel as I know them), Over and Under, and Break Barrels give you that authentic feel. I shoot the squirrel anywhere from 20 to 80 yards, it falls over and dies. Here are some tips on which one to choose., What About the 410 For Squirrel Hunting? They are, What Is A Squirrel Gun? Seven and half is usually what is marketed for squirrel hunters. It will punch through some leaves and has very decent range when coupled with a full choke, while being very meat friendly with a well placed shot.. They get in the garden and when you shoot them the entry side is clean but the exit side is a disaster. Weve hunted together every season since. $20.00 + $6.40 shipping. The most common shotgun gauges are 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and 410-gauge, but there are several others as well, including 16-gauge and 28-gauge. 5-6-7.5 all good for small game. For example, it takes 12 lead balls measuring 0.725 inches in diameter to weigh one pound, which corresponds to the 12-gauge. No gun better than a shotgun to tame a runner with. TriStar Viper G2 The G2 was one of the first .410 semi-autos to be put into production. My introduction to the .17 HMR came while field-testing this handgun during squirrel season some 15 years ago. Web+254-730-160000 +254-719-086000. Like rifles, shotguns offer a multitude of variety. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. They are larger than number five pellets, and are much more effective at anchoring, How to Mark a Squirrel If you want to get a better grip on the habits of a squirrel, you should know how to mark it. When pursuing doves, grouse, quail, and partridge, I highly recommend utilizing a 28-bore shotgun due to its light weight and nimble handling. One of the key factors to consider when choosing a shotgun for hunting is the gauge, which refers to the diameter of the guns barrel. Well, it all depends on the type of squirrel you are after. In my first article about what is the best gun to kill a wild squirrel, I focused on the Ruger Super Single Six, Diana air rifle,, What Rifle Should I Use For Squirrel Hunting, What Rifle Should I Use For Squirrel Hunting?

At most with a shotgun you will experience the peppering effect. I think if you run this combo and take good shots (as with any combo), you will find the .410 as lethal as anything out there. I ended up limiting out on pressured gray squirrels in half a day, and I also ended up shooting a bonus red squirrel. You get more than enough pellets down range, and your pattern is much wider. Too, I can reload 3 .410 shells to one 12 gauge shell. Should work well also. In a given year, an enterprising hunter might use his or her shotgun to hunt everything from mourning doves weighing five ounces to wild turkeys topping out at twenty-five pounds. Gotta tell you man, I have squirrel hunted my whole life, .22LR, 20 gauge, 16 gauge, 12 gauge, and .410. To kick off this article on gear, Ill refer to one of my own passages from Volume 1 of the Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game. This 20-inch barreled shotgun holds seven shells in the magazine and one in the chamber. These guns are generally pistols and come in many variations. But the standard Topper, usually in 20-gauge, is the gun Ive seen used most in the squirrel woods, and its still one of the best bargains going in the world of single-barrel shotguns. Squirrel and other small game seasons happen throughout the country, giving hunters a chance to enjoy some of the finest opportunities for woodsmanship, fellowship and shooting skills. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. A former favorite load for 12 gauges is the Remington Express Long Range load, which used a modified or improved cylinder choke. The Ithaca Model 37 is an excellent tactical shotgun. Most of these classic pump-action gallery guns are surprisingly good shooters that will last forever, because they were designed to entertain the class of people who enjoy attending traveling carnivals (by God, I love carnivals). For those reasons the sixteen gauge is usually overlooked. It offers exceptional versatility and can effectively hunt waterfowl, upland birds, turkeys, or even doves. Thats the type of memories that have lead me down the path Im on now. More recently, my raccoon hunting pals John Meares of Tennessee and Matt Balch of Alabama reinforced this early-late gun swap for squirrels. What is the best shotgun sling for squirrel hunting? Some folks will chase squirrels with a pistol but well stick to long guns in our guide. A squirrels heart is located near the upper body and neck. info@meds.or.ke For early season hunting or further shots, I recommend 4 shots. Then, wed spray .22 bullets into a muddy creek bank, fast as we could pull the trigger. Read Next: Four Tactics for Hardcore Squirrel Hunters. This means that a squirrel running full speed across a tree limb can still be taken with relative ease. I found this to be a nice combination and makes for some fun hunts. No pellets ever in the meat, so I think I"m choosing shot size and choke appropriately. Id call it one that got away. Lets take a look at the different options you have and the pros and cons to each gauge and shot size. The Stoeger Coach Gun is a double-barreled shotgun that has been popular in cowboy days. 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. If you have decided to get a squirrel gun to kill the pesky creatures, you're probably wondering, "What is a good one?" When i have to, I use a SKB 100, 20 ga. Web+254-730-160000 +254-719-086000. Never have hunted squirrels, but since Ill be brand new to TN and TN public lands, I figure its a good way to learn the area. The shotgun is likely to be significantly heavier and kick with tremendous force, and the shells will be both expensive and difficult to find. Sounds like you found the gun that makes you smile the most when hunting squirrels. I was using game loads and target loads with size 4 and size 6 shot in the shotgun. We missed some, of course thus the need for plenty of ammo but it only proved the point. Vintage Western Xpert 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Empty Box 2 3/4 1oz 6 shot. Admittedly, my personal experience with the 16-gauge is limited. Is a 12 gauge or 20 gauge better for squirrel hunting? But a single-barrel introduced during the Great Depression gets my nod as the best squirrel-hunting scattergun of all time. Many of these guns are rimfire rifles, which have the advantage of being inexpensive. All pages 2012 2020 BPS Direct, L.L.C. However, you shouldnt worry about waking up the smaller squirrels while hunting with this gun. Shotguns are popular firearms used for hunting a wide variety of game, including birds, rabbits, squirrels, and larger animals like deer and bear. Mine shot best with just 12 grains of FFFG black powder and a patched .310 lead round ball, and that combo was lethal on 25-yard squirrels. Undoubtedly, non-toxic shot options such as steel pale in comparison to lead shot in terms of killing potential. When a lot of hunters think of air rifles, they think of the old Daisy Red Ryders that hurled BBs so slowly that you could watch them leave the barrel. Three pumps will net 500 feet per second. Answer: Some of the best shotgun brands for squirrel hunting include Remington Winchester and Mossberg.

What is the difference between a fixed choke and a removable choke? Alex Robinson I rarely pack a shotgun for squirrels. I learned this many years ago while hunting with Tim Cosby, the former chief of Alabama's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Law Enforcement section and a diehard squirrel hunter. The 880 SQ wasnt an expensive gun but in its day, if you saw a squirrel hunter toting one, you knew he was serious about his head-shooting. What are some of the best shotgun brands for squirrel hunting? Mine was a Rossi single shot, and it was a squirrel killing machine. You will often see a mix of 12- and 20-gauge guns. How many of yall hunt squirrels with a 12 gauge? Because your bushytails aren't flitting around the oaks, beeches and other mast-producing trees in open view. This year on opening weekend, a buddy of mine hit the field with an antique pump .22 that belonged to his grandfatherand he killed a limit with it. It is an effective hunting load. Lately Ive had a few people question the safety of firing up into a tree with a 22 rifle. He mounted a red-dot sight to it, and though I prefer a scope for hand-gunning squirrels, its still a fine setup for close-range hunting. I've been squirrel hunting squirrel for years with 12 gauge shotguns and have always been successful. Air rifles can be a, What is a Squirrel Gun? The sixteen gauge lacks the power of the 20 gauge, and you have the same size package. info@meds.or.ke Many years ago, during the early stages of the requirement for steel shot when waterfowl hunting, I purchased a Browning Sweet 16 A5 semi-automatic shotgun. There are the smaller B pellets at .17 inches. And after skinning a few thousand bushytails, Ive gotten OK at it. Squirrel hunting is also the perfect opportunity to pull a favorite old gun out of the safe and use it. So go out there, be safe and have fun. The 3 #6 though..whole different league. Been using a side by side double barrel choked modified and full. If you're a squirrel hunter, you've probably wondered what is the best squirrel gun. WebEAA MC312 Black 12ga 3.5in Semi Automatic Shotgun - 28in - The MC312 is an inertia driven shotgun which features a 3.5in chamber along with a polymer stock and forend, and screw in choke tubes. I have the old Savage four-tenner tubes that will shoot a .410 in a 20 ga. Prepper's Since 2014! What are some of the best shotgun choke tubes for squirrel hunting? What are the pros and cons of using a shotgun for squirrel hunting? It should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have much experience. A good squirrel gun should also have a high-quality trigger and good sights. But the .410 version isnt bad at all, and if youre using lead shot, squirrel hunting is the one pursuit where that little shell and its 11/16-ounce payload is actually useful. Leaves still cling to the limbs and won't fall for several weeks or months, depending on where you live. I was unable to shoulder the shotgun correctly, consequently I received a large bruise on my bicep. One of the key factors to consider when choosing a shotgun for hunting is the gauge, which refers to the diameter of the guns barrel. For closer shots with light cover, a 20 Gauge with 6 Shot would be plenty, but for further shots through heavy cover a 12 Gauge with 4 or 5 Shot might be necessary. Nov 23, 2008. I think that apparel and optics are equally as important than firearms but for small game hunting, its absolutely true: guns matter and they matter a lot. The first firearm I everreceived was a shotgun. In such a case, the 12-gauge is likely the best option. For squirrels I tend to use a shell between a 6-8. WebI've been squirrel hunting squirrel for years with 12 gauge shotguns and have always been successful. It's definitely fun to get on a good hunt and knock 'em out with a well-placed shot from a rifle. Still, a suppressor will dampen the crack of the high-velocity hollowpoints that you need to use for this game, which is handy for both saving your own hearing and for keeping multiple squirrels in one tree from scattering to parts unknown after the first shot is fired. Some cons of using a shotgun for squirrel hunting include the fact that it can be difficult to be accurate beyond 40 yards and the shot pattern can sometimes be difficult to control. The #1 food of Americans during the Great Depression, What You Should Know About Hunting On Public Land. Answer: A fixed choke is a choke that is permanently attached to the barrel of the shotgun while a removable choke can be removed and replaced as needed. Its big and heavy, with a wide forend that rests perfectly against saplings, and a Micro Groove barrel that is famous for cloverleaf groups. But choosing a model thats a little dressed up is the way to go if youre looking for a dedicated hunting gun. Sentimental firearms are truly a blessing. "I love my rifle," Meares said, and he shoots a well-worn Henry lever-action, "but in the early season I'll have a 12-gauge Remington 870 and plenty of shotshells. One of the most misunderstood things in all of hunting is what a gauge is. We have a variety of deals on Rifle Ammo, Handgun Ammo, Shotgun Ammo & Rimfire Ammo, as well as ammo for target practice, plinking, hunting, or shooting competitions. The Coach Gun is available in single and double trigger models and is available in a variety of finishes. But I had better eyes back in college, and I used its open sights to keep our dorm room crockpot a bubbling with fresh squirrel quarters at all times. The automatic ejector popped those spent hulls out damn near as hard as the gunpowder propelled the shot, too. If you are a squirrel, he is to be avoided at all costs, particularly if hes carrying his pet Ruger American .22 WMRwhich he just calls Twenty-Two Magnum. For less than $400, this is a rifle that has an adjustable trigger, shoots way better than it should, and is nearly indestructible.

The Ruger SR22 is also a dedicated single-shot. Sometimes quiet, sometimes noisy but always looking for food, squirrels offer a fantastic test of a hunter's shooting skills no matter what age or time of year. Bigger the number, bigger the spread will be. Winchester Vintage Hunting Shotgun Shell Boxes, Shotgun Vintage Hunting Shell Boxes, Answer: Some of the best shotgun scopes for squirrel hunting include the Nikon Prostaff the Leupold VX-2 and the Bushnell Banner. I love to squirrel hunt for the pure, low-brow fun of it. Where I hunt, 7/8 oz. There are several ways to do this, and we'll, What Size 410 Shells For Squirrel Hunting, What Size 410 Shells For Squirrel Hunting? A classic percussion sidelock, the gun is about the closest thing you can get today to the rifle Jeremiah Johnson settled for before he found Hatchet Jacks frozen carcass and .50-caliber Hawken on the mountainside. On the other end of the spectrum is the 10-gauge, which I consider to be a specialized weapon with limited hunting potential, similar to the .410. However, shortly after my purchase, the regulations changed, and my 16-gauge never got to demonstrate its effectiveness on ducks. Squirrels prefer a, 2023 MasterCard Fully Funded African Scholarships at University of California, Berkeley. A 12 gauge is powerful enough to take down a squirrel, but not so powerful that it will destroy the meat. How about a squirrel timbering through the trees? Web+254-730-160000 +254-719-086000. Marketed as a turkey gun to pair with TSS .410 shells, it has a Jebs turkey tube, a scope base, and a synthetic camo stock with removable spacers to accommodate a growing hunter. Trapping of squirrels is illegal. There is a complicated math equation to figure out the diameter of the pellets in each shot, but the main thing to understand is that the higher the number of shot, the smaller the pellets. Hunters swear by 7 s. Last season we got on a good early-season squirrel hunt on one of Alabama's wildlife management areas. Many shooters may not realize that the little .410 is not technically a gauge at all, but rather a 410 bore a name that accurately reflects its bore diameter of 0.410 inches. Its how I got started in squirrel hunting. It has the required power for squirrels while cutting the ounces that the 12 gauge adds on. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Disclosure: Squirrelhuntingjournal.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This gun is prefect hunting everything from squirrel to geese. The shotgun and ammo combined are heavy and cumbersome for my applications. You get to see a lot of game, make a lot of stalks, and do a lot of shooting. 1.5 oz. The most-often customized rimfire in the world definitely makes the listthough its a safe bet the plain, wood-stocked factory version bought straight off the gun rack has been carried to the squirrel woods more than anything else. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The models tactical stock is another positive. The recoil, while more than a 28 gauge, is very controllable for most people, especially on any modern shotgun with recoil reduction technologies. Its MSRP is $769. I agree on the 3 shells vs. the 2 1/2 shells, they just dont have the reach or power. Answer: The effective range of a shotgun for squirrel hunting is about 30-40 yards. I reload my own 12ga ammo and i generally use 1 1/8 oz. Answer: A rifled barrel has spiral grooves cut into the inside of the barrel while a smooth bore barrel does not. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Pros; Cons; 2. Those 410 shells are high. Shotguns are popular firearms used for hunting a wide variety of game, including birds, rabbits, squirrels, and larger animals like deer and bear. Thats how a surprise is suppose to work. I like both, main reason is my single shot 20 gauge was my first gun and it was my great grandfathers. A 12-gauge shotgun shell loaded with BB shot measures .18 inches. WebThe Improved Cylinder choke for squirrel 12 gauge rifles is one of the best-choked rifles on the market. One of the key factors to consider when choosing a shotgun for hunting is the gauge, which refers to the diameter of the guns barrel. You may be asking yourself what size 12 gauge shells to use for squirrel hunting. The basic sentiment of that passage holds true for the small game hunter, save your money and focus on getting yourself into a kit of quality gear rather than cutting corners by Barrel length, choke and chambers for hunting shotguns are three subjects that any aspiring small game hunter should want to know about. Along Mombasa Road. Ive seen them all out there and but for a few exceptions, Ive killed squirrels with all of them, too. You don't want a full choke if all your shots are at 25 yards and you don't want an improved cylinder choke if I hope you get to break her in this upcoming season. One is that ammo for one is becoming exceedingly hard to come by(even more than any of the others). As with the. Unfortunately, there arent many pellets in the typical 3/4-ounce shot charge of a 28-gauge. The number of pumps in a pump gun determines its power. What gun do you use for squirrel hunting? With a fixed barrel and receiver, these pistols produce the accuracy necessary for a dedicated squirrel pistol. Each option has its own set of pros and cons that should be carefully considered before making a decision. Break barrels are generally the most popular, although Ive seen pump actions and side by sides. Where I live, some places the shotgun is the only gun allowed for hunting. Using the shotgun is perfect in this situation. With walnut furniture, a sleek forend, and a tubular magazine that loads through the stock, the gun is unmistakable. Shotguns are sized according to the bore diameter. WebOne claim I often hear against sub-gauge shotguns for turkey hunting is the lack of pellets and penetration. Whitetail hunting strategies for the next generation. Answer: Some pros of using a shotgun for squirrel hunting include the fact that it is relatively inexpensive easy to use and has a large effective range. 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? I still have it and hunt with it to this day, and its still one of the best-shooting .22s Ive ever owned. But owning a .410 pump has its virtues, too. The most common shotgun used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is a 12 gauge. Ive shot the 20-gauge version, and its recoil with anything heavier than a dove load is akin to Daniel LaRussos crane kick to the face. However, some hunters prefer to have a single shotgun that caters to all their hunting needs. But you should always try different chokes and loads and see how your shotgun patterns them before you hunt. If that same shotgun accepts multiple types of barrels, and many do, it might also be used very effectively for whitetail deer. It is so versatile; can use 3 mag or2 3/4 low brass. A person could spend days reading up on these arguments in dedicated firearms magazines, and youre welcome to do so. I hunted gray squirrels and red squirrels during October in New York with a Remington 870 12 gauge shotgun. I shoot the squirrel anywhere from 20 to 80 yards, it falls over and dies. A 12 gauge shotgun is easy to handle and maneuver in the woods, which is important when youre trying to get a shot off at a fast-moving target. Many, What to Use to Hunt Squirrel You've probably heard a lot about what to use to hunt squirrel, but you're not quite sure how to choose the right weapon. Your email address will not be published. The most common shotgun used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is a 12 gauge. My inclination is not to start youth with the 12 gauge. When I was a kid I had a .410, and I used it for hunting squirrels and rabbits, he said about the small diameter shells. The guns overall build quality is excellent. What are some of the best shotgun scopes for squirrel hunting? I used to shoot a Remington Wingmaster 20 ga. that belonged to my nephew and he wanted it back. I got my first shot at a squirrel with a .410. Thats what makes the 410 shine. Certainly they are the most popular. Shotgun shells loaded with BB are popular for larger game at greater distances. He loaned to a friend just last weekend, and that friend said the gun was so good, the scope seemed to have an autocorrect function so as to prevent missing. It is illegal to hunt flying squirrels, which are a protected species in Indiana. Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because its the most popular shotgun gauge. Shotgun Gauge Options for Squirrel Hunting. *. Its 20-inch barrels are perfect for hunting squirrels, as most of the hunting takes place in close quarters. | Most of them came with factory full chokesalmost as if the Winchester folks knew that these would be used for dropping squirrels from high out of the canopies. Any shotgun can bag scaled quail, but lighter and faster usually proves better when hunting these desert trail runners. What stops me from choosing a shotgun over a rifle? A good squirrel hunting shotgun should be easy to conceal, have a large barrel, and have a high trigger. But first, heres a primer on shotgun terminology and how it applies to you. Like the 20-gauge, though, a 312-inch chamber can still fire the shorter shells. If you are a reloader it makes the 28 gauge more appealing. Its very smooth to operate, and its three-inch shell recoil is very minimal. Still, youre best to aim for the eyeballs to keep all the quarters intact. These rifle stocks are hardwood and made with an animal design. Within seconds, the squirrel popped around the tree and I took my shot, the familiar thud greeting me. 2. That was good redneck fun, back when ammo was cheap and people werent hoarding it. Read Next: The 10 Best Rifles for Squirrel Hunting. However, the good news is that a 3-inch chambered 20-gauge shotgun can fire 2 3/4-inch shells as well. Answer: The best way to clean a shotgun after squirrel hunting is to disassemble the shotgun and clean all of the parts separately. Old Dogs & New Tricks: Coon Hunting Technology Has Come a Long Way, 5 Reasons to Hunt Squirrel & 12 Practical and Essential Hunting Tips, Tips How to Hunt Crows and How Crow Hunting Helps.

These squirrels were running through, peering from, and sitting in separate woodlots and edges, where I ended up shooting them. Its a tube-fed autoloader, still in production, and its one of the very few autoloaders that will handle Short and Long .22 cartridges, in addition to the usual Long Rifles. Shotguns are popular firearms used for hunting a wide variety of game, including birds, rabbits, squirrels, and larger animals like deer and bear. Remington 870 20-Gauge. I tried 2 1/2 shells, once.did not like them at all. The best .410 pump shotguns are light, reliable, and affordable. In front of the gun, from left, are a 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and .410 shells. The diameter of the lead balls is the diameter of the inside of the shotgun shell. $20.00 + $6.40 shipping. However, in todays world, I see the 10-gauge as an example of excess, and I can hardly imagine any practical use for it besides hunting geese in a blind. Ever had a squirrel run past you in the woods while on a stalk? Introduced in 1891, the 39A is the longest continuously produced rifle in the world (though today, new ones are only available through Marlins Custom Shop). Its often the first type of hunting any of us ever did. The performance of the 2 3/4-inch shells is exceptional when loaded properly. The rifle is a take-down, and the barrel, not the receiver, is drilled and tapped for scope mounting. The 10-22 is handy and inexpensive, and if youre the type to tinker, theres just nothing better.

But dont go thinking that you need an arsenal of rifles and shotguns in order to be an effective small game hunter. While the shotgun is not my first choice for the squirrel woods, I cant neglect to give my thoughts on it any longer. Squirrel hunting is an artform requiring a solid handle on the tools of the trade. Answer: The best shotgun sling for squirrel hunting is the Uncle Mikes Quick Detach Sling. When I go pheasant hunting, I usually bring one of my 12-gauges along. Built on Smiths K-frame, this one is a big double-actionbig at least, as rimfires go. Web61K views 7 years ago. In all my years as an outdoor writing hack, the question Im asked most often is, how the hell do you skin those squirrels so fast? Its because I paid attention as a kid. There are a few different types of these. 5 Best Shotgun for Squirrel Hunting.