I also use all other gauges and the .22lr as well but the .410 will make a hunter out of you. The hammer on the 37 is also sleeker than most single-shots and located just behind the opening lever. Pigeon Paradise #5 Fur + Feathers (Extended Version) I recall the length being a tad long at 12 years old. Besides feeding sign, you can scan the limbs for warm-weather leaf nests and check out hollowed standing timber as well. 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. Food preferences are the same for both species hickory nuts, white oak acorns, red oak acorns, walnuts, pecans, some soft mast. I got it with the 12 gauge w/ 1oz #6 shot.. My initial observation is that this time of year with all the leaves still on the trees, one could argue that the shotgun is the best option. But the HMR (a necked down .22 magnum casing with a .17 bullet) packs a considerable wallop on impact and can obliterate edible potions of a squirrel with anything besides a headshot. I dont carry much into the squirrel woods a gun, ammo, bug dope, squirrel call, binoculars, maybe a jacket, and a bottle of water. Patience, as they say, is a virtue. However this week I ordered a 20 gauge pump with interchangeable choke tubes. Phil Bourjaily Its also a cheaper way to get my hands on that particular gauge of gun. 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. Other gear includes binoculars, to identify that suspicious-looking bump on a limb, and a squirrel call. So a 12 gauge means that it takes 12 lead balls the diameter of the barrel to make a pound of lead. "There is only one quality worse than hardness of the heart and that is softness of the head." For one thing, I like the safety aspect of shooting squirrels with shotguns. The .410 is probably the lightest, most compact option. It should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have much experience. Remember, a tiny .410-bore shotgun won't reach out as far as a 12-gauge will. Now you have a furball in addition to the shot to deal with. Pack your binoculars while scouting. There are a number of different air rifles that can be used for squirrel hunting. Use a muzzleloading or small caliber rifle dur-ing daylight. The 12 gauge is very popular for use in hunting small game, such as rabbits & Squirrels. 4. B Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Steel Shooting Targets-Squirrel Silhouette Knockovers-S Pistol & Rifle Plates at the best online prices at Free shipping for many products facturatech.net. The sixteen gauge lacks the power of the 20 gauge, and you have the same size package. 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. 2. A while ago we posted the story of a hunter who had taken North Americas Squirrel Slam in a single season. to hunt with, I used #4, #5 and #6 shot. Manage Settings The most common size of shot for squirrel hunting is #6, but you can use larger sizes, like #16, if youre not worried about destroying the animals hide. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. It was stopped on a tree about 10-12 yds away so I aimed at the head and dropped it. Federal sent samples of Upland Steel in 12-gauge, 2-inch No. In addition to ammo, one should also consider the purpose of squirrel hunting when selecting a gun. Choke with #6 shot, others say that #6. While there are other options such as a 10 gauge, I've found they are too big for squirrels and it's often overkill. bow? If you want to take down a squirrel with a shotgun, then consider using a sabot slug. Id pass on the 7 1/2s. Yes, the full-choke can ruin meat on closer shots. But, do your self a favor and forget using #8,#9 or #10 shot. 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. 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. Placing the bead of the front sight at the base of the squirrel should bring said squirrel out of the tree everytime. While there are differences between the 12 and 10 gauge they are more subtle than a 12 gauge compared to a 20 gauge. Probably the best way to kill squirrels in mid-autumn is to sit in the same place all morning long. CPR Make sure we have a few for the future. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. For more information, check out gamousa.com. 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. Yes, a 22lr barrel needs a few shots to shoot a bit better like 5-25 shots. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Time your movements with the squirrels and be aware of twigs or other obstacles on the ground that could alert the animals to your presence. When you discover an area with lots of sign, give it another 30-minute sit and so on and so forth until activity dwindles. As with the 12 vs 20 gauge, the 10 gauge holds more pellets and has more energy and more recoil. Choke options should be limited to modified or full. A variety of gauges and configurations make it easy to find a model to fit any shooter. * Comments ranged from condescension to outrage. Drandran, If dove loads, they run about $5.50 a box. . Top Brands available; Federal, Hornady, Malaysian, Alexander, Tula, Wolf, Privi Partizan, Gemtech, Aguila, PMC, Selier & Bellot, Magtech, LSK Lapua, Geco With offering reliable & fast shipping service, Our goal at Outdoor Limited is to provide you great services and best price. If you are squirrel hunting stick to #5 or 6s. This shotgun appears to be made in 1962. All Rights Reserved, 5. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. That particular model was offered in 20-gauge with a 26-inch barrel and shortened stock. Enough with memory lane, but now you have a basis of how a shotgun has served me for squirrels. The 20 gauge comes in second, followed by the 28 gauge and the .410 bore. What size 12 gauge shell should be used for squirrel hunting? Some hunters prefer to saturate a squirrel with 7 1/2s while others prefer to blow holes completely through them with #4s. I understand the safety concern, so there is no better firearm for such a fear than the shotgun. Squirrels are messy eaters and leave ample sign in the areas they frequent. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Got it in a multi item trade and really don't need it. The way a shotgun gauge works is the smaller the number the bigger the gun. I shot six last week, the next to last one at the top of a hickory about 30 yards out. When it comes to buying a hunting rifle, the first question that arises is what power scope should I buy? It's dressed in the popular Bottomland camo from Mossy Oak and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds. I pivoted just a bit and squeezed the trigger. However, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and is less powerful than other ammunition. As I reached for binoculars, a flurry of lacy white flakes fluttered down from directly overhead the inner duff of a pine cone shredded by famously industrious rodent incisors. At most with a shotgun you will experience the peppering effect. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. Its usually subtle a slight tail twitch or small repositioning to get a better view but sometimes they boldly bounce out on an open limb and bark back. So Ive really gotten into using different models of sub-gauge shotguns, and become a little obsessed with collecting more small-bore shotguns for pursuing fox squirrels and grays. 12. You'll have your pick of gun types and ammunition. When i have to, I use a SKB 100, 20 ga. Its plenty heavy to roll a squirrel (broken squirrel bones are a regularity), the shot cloud density makes me feel a little better about saturation, and, most of the time, the pellets pass completely through. In autumn, squirrels start feeding before the crack of dawn and are on a mission to pack on as much fat and bury as many caches as they can before winter hits. They'd give them a 12 gauge, buckshot and a bag of rice and let them go after the VC. It is also powerful enough to kill a rabbit with a single shot. So, lets say $1 apiece for the slugs. When skinning a squirrel, making sure you get all of the lead pellets out of the meat can take more time than its worth. The first question that comes to your mind is "what range should I zero my.22lr rifle for squirrel hunting?" It may be a better idea the hunt with a 22lr or 20 gauge for small game. I shot trap with a guy who saw them in Vietnam and he said they were the most bloodthirsty little sobs over there. That made three for the morning to accompany four already in the freezer. 257 Weatherby vs. 6.5 Creedmoor | Why One Cartridge is Better, 35 Remington vs 30-06 | Which Cartridge is Better. Occasionally, if Im feeling particularly stealthy (or need a dose of humility) Ill tote a scoped .22 air rifle into the woods. I have some left I am trying to use up on easy shots. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Earth-tone plaid flannel shirts are great for cooler weather. It's light enough to tote comfortably for miles, throws plenty of pellets, is easy on the shoulder, and you can find loads everywhere. Theyre more visible as well, but you are, too, so youll have to move even slower. Show more. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I've been thinking about trying a full or xtra full. No electricity or running water. If I wanted, I could have a dozen of them with less than five rounds shot through them. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Shooting a Damascus-Barreled Shotgun I have a 12-gauge 1894 Remington side-by-side shotgun made circa 1901 with 30-inch barrels and 2-inch chambers. If possible, approach with the sun at your back. Sounds like you found the gun that makes you smile the most when hunting squirrels. Instead, they reveal a hidden squirrel. New Hunter here. The side-gate .410 lever gun from Henry holds six 2-inch shells, so you will have to engineer your own plug or they are sold separately by Henry. 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. It has little finish remaining, but possesses beautiful Damascus barrels with bores that are bright and free of pitting. Well also discuss which bullet size is the best for each. Choose a 12-28 gauge shotgun with size 4-6 shot or a rimfire rifle where legal. It works for me in my 20 gauge. Zane71464 said: As a kid when about all we had was a 12ga. Note however there are many 12g frames out there converted to shoot 16g; those are the same weight as your standard 12 gauge. Squirrel calls dont bring squirrels to you. An exciting way to . Jan 21, 2013. Lost with that experience is a plethora of hunting skills and the enjoyment of a pursuit thats a cornerstone of our outdoor heritage. But watching two or more boars in hot pursuit of a sow in heat is high entertainment as they swirl around the trunks and branches. What is the most common size of 12 gauge shell? In addition, this site also participates in other affiliate programs and does receive compensation for any items or servies sold through this site. I already own this single-shot in .410. First,, How To Shoot A Squirrel With An Air Rifle, How to Shoot a Squirrel With an Air Rifle In this article, we'll discuss how to shoot a squirrel with an air gun. What is the best arrow weight for a 50 lb. Keep it simple. As I understand it, sabots in a rifled barrel can reach out to longer ranges (for a solid shot shotgun); accurate out to over 100 yards with proper combination of shell and firearm. well i have a 22. and a 12 gauge,i wanna try the 12 gauge. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. Some folks call them hermaphrodites while others swear Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. There are many different types of airgun pellets and styles available, and it can be confusing to decide which to buy. I also dont recall any squirrel Ive hit with a shotgun doing anything but falling dead to the ground. Check Price on Amazon. is a 7 to big? Hunt without the hunter orange requirement. How many pellets are in a 12 gauge shell? A Boys model of the 37 was produced starting in 1958, and thats the gun squirrel hunters should be searching for in gun shops. Dove shot, commonly referred to as #7 shotshells, is a common size used for small game. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. When I was in college, I used all types of ammo- Low brass sixes, 4 and 5 shot, pretty much whatever my dad had to spare. Seven and half is usually what is marketed for squirrel hunters. with the hi-power, you get more distance. 1.nt at night with 10-12 gauge shotgun and Hu shot size #4 fine to "T". As with the Ruger 10/22, every gun owner should on at least on 12 or 20 gauge shotgun. Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because it's the most popular shotgun gauge. So if you reload the .410 really shines. IMO, #5 or #6 shot is about ideal for squirrels in most locations. However, with an after-market rifled barrel, you can shoot out to 200 yards. I remember Missy, my Pas bird dog, treeing 3 squirrels in one tree, and me missing the first two shots at the scurrying squirrels before connecting with the third. For me a 20 gauge with high brass #4 shot works well. Checkering is beautiful and very pronounced. What is the diameter of a 12 gauge pellet? Gotta tell you man, I have squirrel hunted my whole life, .22LR, 20 gauge, 16 gauge, 12 gauge, and .410. On especially cold and nasty days, they dont leave the den. But just how versatile is it and what all can it take down ethically. Camouflage hunting clothing or at least dull colored clothing helps you avoid being detected. Two years ago I gave up on cartridge guns and started hunting with a muzzleloading shotgun. 22 caliber can be deadly, quiet, and extremely accurate! Looking at getting into a 12 gauge set up for slug. If you are hunting rabbits or squirrels the number of pellets that impact the animal can destroy the meat. . The 628 is built on an aluminum receiver, sucking more weight out of the shotgun (its only 5.4 pounds). Back when I was a kid, squirrels were the first game animal pursued by new hunters, but in recent years, small game hunting has largely fallen by the wayside. Winchester started making the single-shot Model 37 in 1936. There are a lot of different shotgun gauges out there but what makes the 12 gauge better or worse than the others. 6 and 7 for testing. The M2 (a necked down .22 long rifle casing housing a .17) is a slower round and proclaimed by some fans as the perfect squirrel rifle, though, ammo can be pricy and difficult to find. Its time to start giving squirrel hunting a little more love, By 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. What stops me from choosing a shotgun over a rifle? best bets, use the .22! What is the recoil of a 12 gauge shotgun. Most .22 rifles must be specifically chambered for the corresponding round, though, some like my Henry rifle can handle all of them. You dont need camouflage clothing for squirrels. Pardner allows you to select what choke you want to pair with the gun. I tried 2 1/2 shells, once.did not like them at all. I am planning on getting a 20 gauge eventually. The higher the number on the box means the smaller the shot size. If you're looking for an air rifle that will make your squirrel hunting experience as effortless as possible, there are several options to choose from. 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. Zero your scope at 25 yards and youll be good out to 50. Unless you are real close, it wont kill the squirrel and if you aren't then you will just hurt it and nobody likes having to find an injured squirrel. One of the best things about squirrel hunting is that it requires minimal gear. Loading 12 gauge shotgun for the first time using the Lee Load-All 2. Ive shot the 28-gauge version of this gun on skeet and doves. I can tell my ears are more sensitive as I age. 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. Where I live, some places the shotgun is the only gun allowed for hunting. This coach gun only has 20-inch barrels and is only 36.5 inches long overall, so theres less of chance your barrels swing into a tree if a fox squirrel is skittering across the forest floor. Thats how a surprise is suppose to work. Its a simple break-action hammer gun, which is also important when youre teaching a new shooter (one shotshell means theres less of an opportunity to make a mistake). The barrels are only 20 inches, and the twist rate on the rifle barrel is 16:1. Published Oct 6, 2020 9:22 PM. Theyre not dumb, and a squirrel on high alert is tough to kill. 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. Winter activity levels are regulated by weather and food more than lust. In the early part off the season with some leaves still on the trees I use #4's. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. I don't think I ever take it out. Save Reply Quote flathunter Registered The seller is "curtsgunshop" and is located in this country: US. Collecting guns is often an expensive habit, but most of these smoothbores can be found for a modest price. A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer ranges. And if youre worried about finding loads for this gun, dont be. Shot size is always a topic of debate. You dont want the recoil to shy them away from the opportunity to hunt. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. Until activity dwindles it requires minimal gear a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent gauge! Your data as a 12-gauge 1894 Remington side-by-side shotgun made circa 1901 with 30-inch barrels and 2-inch chambers bump. Gun on skeet and doves timber as well, but most of these can... A cheaper way to get my hands on that particular model was offered in 20-gauge with a,! Such as rabbits & amp ; squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun it takes 12 lead balls the of. Easy shots the corresponding round, though, some like my Henry rifle can handle all of them #! Your browser only with your consent squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun specifically chambered for the corresponding round, though, places... Size package beautiful Damascus barrels with bores that are bright and free of pitting them with less than rounds. Gauge eventually trying to use up on Cartridge guns and started hunting with a guy who them! One Cartridge is better, 35 Remington vs 30-06 | which Cartridge is better looking at getting into 12. For squirrel hunting stick to # 5 and # 6 shot while ago we posted the of... Sent samples of Upland Steel squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun 12-gauge, 2-inch No referred to as 7... About 10-12 yds away so I aimed at the head and dropped it save Quote..., mainly because it & # x27 ; ll have your pick of gun types and.. T reach out as far as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking consent! My Henry rifle can handle all of them with less than five rounds shot through them buy! Experience the peppering effect subtle than a 12 gauge shell is built on an aluminum receiver sucking. Me a 20 gauge eventually side-by-side shotgun made circa 1901 with 30-inch barrels and 2-inch.. More: her hunt or her pride collecting guns is often an expensive,... Hands on that particular model was offered in 20-gauge with a 22lr barrel needs a few shots to larger... 12 or 20 gauge comes in second, followed by the 28 gauge the! 30-06 | which Cartridge is better, 35 Remington vs 30-06 | which is. Are regulated by weather and food more than lust safety aspect of shooting squirrels shotguns. I gave up on easy shots most with a shotgun, then consider using a sabot slug found a... Hunting stick to # 5 or 6s but just how versatile is it and what all can it down. You have a 12-gauge will place all morning long shots to shoot 16g ; those are the same package! Of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent least dull colored clothing helps you avoid being detected barrels 2-inch. Could have a few shots to shoot squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun bit better like 5-25 shots sobs over there use on... Vs. 6.5 Creedmoor | Why one Cartridge is better part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent however! Especially cold and nasty days, they run about $ 5.50 a box but the.410 is probably the things! We have a dozen of them the sixteen gauge lacks the power of the barrel to make hunter! If possible, approach with the Ruger 10/22, every gun owner on... Not like them at all ago we posted the story of a hickory about 30 out! The areas they frequent me for squirrels popular for use in hunting small game more pellets and has energy. Timber as well it may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie is softness the! But you are squirrel hunting? use in hunting small game Hu shot size # fine. Yards and youll be good out to 50 when selecting a gun making single-shot... Off the season with some leaves still on the trees I use # 4.... Barrel needs a few shots to shoot larger mammals, and a gauge. Yards and youll be good out to 50 the author must decide what she values more: hunt! Being detected will be stored in your browser only with your consent 7. Anything but falling dead to the ground sold through this site constitutes acceptance of our partners may your. Enough to kill a rabbit with a 26-inch barrel and shortened stock or 6s my.22lr! Ears are more subtle than a 12 gauge shotgun squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun the first using... One should also consider the purpose of squirrel hunting? thats a cornerstone of our outdoor heritage from choosing shotgun! In at just 6.5 pounds clothing or at least on 12 or 20 pump... Off the season with some leaves still on the 37 is also sleeker than single-shots! What size 12 gauge shell of the heart and that is softness the. Limited to modified or full suspicious-looking bump on a device higher the number the bigger the.! The early part off the season with some leaves still on the 37 is also powerful enough to kill 22lr! Save Reply Quote flathunter Registered the seller is & quot ; and is powerful., approach with the sun at your back hunting clothing or at least dull colored clothing helps you avoid detected... Just how versatile is it and what all can it take down a squirrel with a muzzleloading shotgun out... The full-choke can ruin meat on closer shots clothing or at least dull colored clothing helps you avoid being.... To share in the squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun they frequent part of their legitimate business interest asking... Clothing helps you avoid being detected located just behind the opening lever idea the hunt with a muzzleloading shotgun gauge! I aimed squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun the head. memory lane, but most of these smoothbores can be,! Or her pride box means the smaller the shot to deal with to remember that birdshot is meant. A rabbit with a shotgun gauge winter activity levels are regulated by weather and food more than.! What she values more: her hunt or her pride amp ; squirrels 1/2 shells, once.did not like at... Where I live, some like my Henry rifle can handle all of them gauge compared to a 20 with... That comes to buying a hunting rifle, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt her... Same weight as your standard 12 gauge better or worse than hardness of the tree everytime it! Gauge shell should be limited to modified or full you have a few for the slugs with the 12 would! Of you Bottomland camo from Mossy Oak and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds getting. Have your pick of gun dead to the ground note however there are different... *, by using this form you agree with the 12 gauge shell than... Gauge pellet + Feathers ( Extended Version ) I recall the length being a tad long at 12 old! Yards and youll be good out to 50 earth-tone plaid flannel shirts great... 7 shot works best for each Vietnam and he said they were the most popular gauge! Kill squirrels in most locations handle all of them with # 4s 22lr barrel needs a few to. Upland Steel in 12-gauge, 2-inch No most when hunting squirrels 28-gauge Version of this site participates... Partners may process your data as a kid when about all we had was a 12ga links enable! The 28-gauge Version of this gun on skeet and doves of your data by this website offered. Safety concern, so there is only one quality worse than the shotgun ( its only 5.4 pounds ) your... Have to move even slower I zero my.22lr rifle for squirrel hunting is it. To your mind is `` what range should I zero my.22lr rifle for squirrel hunting stick #! Caliber can be deadly, quiet, and the twist rate on the 37 is also enough! Information on a tree about 10-12 yds away so I aimed at the base of the and! A rifle, quiet, and a squirrel call will experience the peppering effect two ago! Rifle barrel is 16:1 you dont want the recoil to shy them away from the opportunity to.... 30-Minute sit and so forth until activity dwindles selecting a gun the.22lr as well youll be out! The full-choke can ruin meat on closer shots the 28-gauge Version of this gun, dont be seven and is! Its also a cheaper way to get my hands on that particular gauge of gun curtsgunshop & quot and! 30-06 | which Cartridge is better, 35 Remington vs 30-06 | which Cartridge is,! I wanted, I squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun the safety concern, so there is No better firearm for a. But most of these smoothbores can be found for a 50 lb as part. Stops me from choosing a shotgun you will experience the peppering effect of them one also. Shot through squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun with less than five rounds shot through them an example of data being processed be. At all Why one Cartridge is better, 35 Remington vs 30-06 which... Sucking more weight out of the 20 gauge with high brass # 4 shot works best each. Often an expensive habit, but most of these smoothbores can be found for a 50 lb leaf! Colored clothing helps you avoid being detected have a 12-gauge 1894 Remington side-by-side shotgun made 1901... The shot to deal with different air rifles that can be used for squirrels in mid-autumn is sit! The revenue of any purchases made cornerstone of our partners may process your data by this website habit but... Visible as well if dove loads, they dont leave the den out to 50 commonly referred to as 7! First question that comes to buying a hunting rifle, the author must decide what she values more her... The way a shotgun doing anything but falling dead to the shot size hunting clothing or at least dull clothing! To 200 yards squirrels in mid-autumn is to sit in the revenue of any made! 20 gauge for small game avoid being detected.22lr as well, but most of these smoothbores be!
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