If using birdshot you can take down squirrels, rabbits, doves, quail, pheasants, ducks, and geese. In the firearms industry, manufacturers measure shotguns in gauges as opposed to calibers. A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer ranges. 9,433 Likes 39,376 Location CT. Aug 3, 2019 #1 Whats your choke for shotgun squirrel hunting? I like both, main reason is my single shot 20 gauge was my first gun and it was my great grandfathers. 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. Any of them will serve you well for chasing bushytails. Eastern, Midwestern, and Southern woods are home to both fox and gray squirrels. I had just enough time to click the safety off and level the shotguns bead on the squirrels head. Ive shot the Model 42 quite a bit at the range and was surprised with its accuracy. Shorts are the lightest weight, lowest speeds, and are a sub-30-yard squirrel round while .22 Ls are flatter shooting with the same weight bullet and longer casing holding more powder. One note on the 16 gauge; it sits firmly between 12g and 20g; its advantage is that its close to 12 gauge power but with lighter frame akin to the 20g- maybe thats why its called a sweet 16! You will often see a mix of 12- and 20-gauge guns. I would unscrew the turkey choke from my 20 gauge 870, put in a Modified and shoot field loads of 5 or 6 shot. 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. (There, I said it, hunting squirrels with a shotgun takes patience and skill. reall good. His 28 gauge pump would accompany him oncompetition hunts. An exciting way to . Then, as is typical of my shooting prowess, I returned to earth and barely busted a clay in round 2. If you want to really hurt yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance. As with the 12 vs 20 gauge, the 10 gauge holds more pellets and has more energy and more recoil. 12 Gauge The most common shotgun used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is a 12 gauge. Since I own a lot of it, thats usually what Im wearing, but any olive-drab, darker greens or browns will be fine. When skinning a squirrel, making sure you get all of the lead pellets out of the meat can take more time than its worth. I already own this single-shot in .410. Note however there are many 12g frames out there converted to shoot 16g; those are the same weight as your standard 12 gauge. It has an effective range of 25 yards and is primarily useful for close-range hunting. Rabbit & Squirrel Shotgun Loads So a 20 gauge is smaller than a 12 gauge and a 12 gauge is smaller than a 10 gauge. The quiet solitude of daybreak alone is one of the primary charms of squirrel hunting for me. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. . I have all the chokes made for this gun, but I have heard different opinions on what choke and shot sizes to use. to hunt with, I used #4, #5 and #6 shot. I might even leave the red dot on it. # 5 and #6 are ideal. Can't imagine traveling out of state to poach squirrels. You can produce the perfect squirrel loads. Sub-gauges are lighter (in most cases), making them easier to carry. Small game hunters should follow suit and abandon lead in favor of steel. The first question that comes to your mind is "what range should I zero my.22lr rifle for squirrel hunting?" Choke with #6 shot, others say that #6. Tighter patterns are a requirement because squirrels are surprisingly tough. Sentimental firearms are truly a blessing. There is pretty much nothing you can do with a rifle, but with a shotgun you have a chance. For hunting any big game animal you should use rifled hollow point slugs. 12-gauge shotguns have bigger shells than 20-gauge shotguns, so they throw more pellets and they typically kick harder. 2. 257 Weatherby vs. 6.5 Creedmoor | Why One Cartridge is Better, 35 Remington vs 30-06 | Which Cartridge is Better. | And How to Hunt Elk With a Tree Saddle. The shot will usually pass through leaving little or no shot to pick out. In this regard, the .22 rifle with its softer report offers more multiple shot opportunities. Joe Genzel is a senior editor at Outdoor Life. Hunting Squirrels with a Shotgun Particularly in parts of the rural South, shotgunners are the dominant force in squirrel hunting. I carried a 12 ga choked IC over the weekend while grouse hunting. This is because rabbits have a tendency to hide in thick brush. Dont let my discrepancies with the shotgun deter you from taking one in your favorite patch of woods. Lost with that experience is a plethora of hunting skills and the enjoyment of a pursuit thats a cornerstone of our outdoor heritage. However, if you're trying to figure out different patterns, you might want to, How to Sight in a.22 Bolt Action Rifle There are many things to keep in mind when sighting in your.22 bolt action rifle. The most common gauges for squirrel hunting are 20 and 12 gauge. AE22 - Let's check out the Evanix Sniper K .30 Caliber sent to us by New England Airgun . Its how I got started in squirrel hunting. This item is in the category "Sporting Goods\Hunting\Gun Parts\Pistol Parts". You can opt for hollow-point .22 rounds, but theyre not needed for head shots. It is so versatile; can use 3 mag or2 3/4 low brass. Do you intend to use it to kill squirrels, or just as a pest control measure? Country/Region of Manufacture: United States. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 1 1/8 oz. 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. 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. These, What Size Moa Is Ideal For Squirrel Hunting? The loud bang of the shotgun is something I just prefer not to deal with. These slugs are the most powerful ammunition for a 12-gauge shotgun. If you are shooting slugs you can hunt almost all big game like hogs, pronghorn, deer, elk, and even moose with a good shot. . I do have some of the Federal bulk that is 1 1/8 oz but I think it is 7 1/2 shot. I will just add that if using a 12 gauge with choke tubes, choke appropriately for where you hunt. Like so many other forest hunts, the first indication that your quarry is near will likely be through sound swishing branches, claws scampering on tree bark, mast hulls pattering on the forest floor, the excited barks or low whistles of a squirrel that has spotted you or another potential threat. Another gray squirrel perched on an oak limb, its tail flicking with every bark. 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. Also, wear a hunting vest or coat with a big game pouch to hold both squirrels and a hearty lunch. The first round of skeet I ever shot the .410 autoloader on, I could not miss. Love it! ), *_Although he stated in the story he used a shotgun on advice from his taxidermist, as he wanted to mount all eight squirrels in the slam._, The latest crop of cams is one of the best in years, including one unit that claims eliminate false triggers. With both sizes, I hardly ever have much shot in the meat and when I do it is usually on the edge where it can easily be picked out during cleaning. FWIW, I use #6 shot for squirrel. I'm usually a Mod user. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg. Certainly. Some good 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting include the Remington Nitro Turkey, Winchester Super-X, and Federal Premium Vital-Shok. Remember, a tiny .410-bore shotgun won't reach out as far as a 12-gauge will. The uplands call for boots with more support. Pack your binoculars while scouting. There are many options to choose from,, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting? I've killed squirrels with 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns. SKU:FA7803754. Probably the best way to kill squirrels in mid-autumn is to sit in the same place all morning long. If you are a reloader it makes the 28 gauge more appealing. I use 5 or 6's for early season to try and punch through the leaves. The Stoeger is offered in single- or double-trigger models in a variety of finish options. You can use a riflescope for squirrel hunting if you have a good rifle. 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. If you want to use it to kill squirrels, you can try sabot slugs. At .22 ranges, a 4-5X scope is the perfect magnification for zeroing in on a squirrels head from 25 to 40 yards while providing a wide field of view to track a moving target. Some hunters prefer to saturate a squirrel with 7 1/2s while others prefer to blow holes completely through them with #4s. Steel and bismuth are the options Im looking at for both environmental reasons and the real possibility of requirements from game agencies. Late season I switch to 7's. 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. STEVENS 301 Single-shot, break-action shotguns remain popular with practical hunters, and the new Stevens 301 gets even more from the trusted platform. My inclination is not to start youth with the 12 gauge. Following the logic, the wider the bore, the more BBs the shell comprises. The Pardner is not exceptionally light for a .410 (just over 6 pounds), which is what I wanted for my son, because the heavier weight dampens recoil. Those 410 shells are high. These cookies do not store any personal information. Johnny Carrol Sain You dont need TSS to kill squirrels of course, but it has brought more .410s into the fold. It was like I had a tactical team for taking down squirrels. Best Arrow Speed for Hunting | Is There a Best Speed and Why? Too, I can reload 3 .410 shells to one 12 gauge shell. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. For me a 20 gauge with high brass #4 shot works well. But the fox squirrles here in West TN are at least twice as big. When you discover an area with lots of sign, give it another 30-minute sit and so on and so forth until activity dwindles. I don't think I ever take it out. You dont want the recoil to shy them away from the opportunity to hunt. They'd give them a 12 gauge, buckshot and a bag of rice and let them go after the VC. No one said whether we are hunting gray squirrels or fox. Lead is for the animals mentioned above and pheasants and other upland game. While 7 1/2s will undoubtedly kill squirrels, the smaller shot loses a lot of thump at longer ranges. Theyre more visible as well, but you are, too, so youll have to move even slower. The .17 HMR and .17 M2 offer whisker-splitting accuracy out to 100 yards if long-range rodents are your thing. Finally, a little gray body bounded toward the trees trunk and paused in the open. Designed for hunting squirrels, hogs, and black bears, slugs are the most powerful ammo for this type of shotgun. And, while I dont care much for .410s as guns for wingshooting they make great squirrel guns for those with the skill and patience to stalk close. 2023 VERY RARE ORIGINAL OAK AND LEATHER CASE FOR A 36 INCH BARREL 8 GAUGE SHOTGUN WITH ORIGINAL WESTLEY $250. It tends to be a personal preference. As fall transitions into winter, food sources dwindle and squirrel populations become more concentrated. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. Especially if you want a head shot. In Stock & Ready to ship, Bulk Ammo for Shotgun is available. What is the most common size of 12 gauge shell? Published Sep 21, 2012 7:20 PM. The downside to slug is when fired out of a standard smoothbore barrel you only have an effective range of 50 or less yards. I have used both #5 and #6. IMO, #5 or #6 shot is about ideal for squirrels in most locations. Its smaller size allows for a shorter shot with minimal damage to the meat. A hunter can easily miss a, What Power Scope For Squirrel Hunting? The gas-operated V2 has always cycled 3-inch loads reliably for me, and when Im on, I have shot it extremely well. While a modified choke will work for closer shots, full choke is often a better choice when pursuing treetop squirrels. Its also a cheaper way to get my hands on that particular gauge of gun. I have a hunting buddy that prefers to carry a double barrel on squirrel hunts, and while heavy, thenostalgia drives his decision. That particular model was offered in 20-gauge with a 26-inch barrel and shortened stock. | The ergonomics of this model contains soft grippy panels and a downright comfortable scattergun. The damage done is no more from one gun to the other. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. I got 3 boxes of 12 gauge 2 3/4 inch #6 a box of slugs and an ammo can for $35. When it comes to buying a hunting rifle, the first question that arises is what power scope should I buy? Hell you can even change the barrel out to make a nice slug gun. Often, the distance is more than 30 yards. The main differences between these airguns and their counterparts are the, How to Kill a Squirrel With One Shot If you've never hunted a squirrel before, don't worry - there are several ways to get a clean kill. Here is the recommended shot size for turkeys: Buckshot can be used for multiple things from hunting to self-defense. Even in ultra-stealth mode, squirrels seem to have an involuntary reaction to the soft chatter of another squirrel. 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. Web ID: 101342703. 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 all your shots are 45-50 yards. A forum community dedicated to Shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands. The flakes came from a dense weave of pine needles but one with open branches on either side. Item Length: 12 inch. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. They are solid pieces of lead with no spread. The very best times to be in the woods is right after a shower or the morning after a day or two of heavy rain. My favorite load for 12 gauge used to be (use 20 gauge or .410 now) Remington Express Long Range 1 1/4 ounces of #5 shot. With lighter weight and less recoil than a 12 gauge, the 20 gauge shotgun excels at upland and small game hunting. Gifted to me by my parents. Collecting guns is often an expensive habit, but most of these smoothbores can be found for a modest price. Just $1 per month , A sub-gauge shotgun is ideal for chasing grays and fox squirrels this fall, By I have used a 12 gauge, when I first starting hunting, but now I use either my 20 gauge or my .410-3" shotguns. From the top 28-inch barrel of a Browning Citori 725 Field, the load averaged 1394 fps for five consecutive shotsonly 6 fps less than the published velocity. But shotgunning squirrels is about maximum efficiency. 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. They are delectable on the plate, ubiquitous and relatively easy to hunt, yet challenging enough to keep it interesting. I found this to be a nice combination and makes for some fun hunts. Among adult hunters, the 12-gauge shotgun is the most popular for squirrels, but a .410 would be a better choice for a child, a young teen, or a small adult. In parts of the shotgun deter you from taking one in your browser before proceeding of my prowess. Until activity dwindles a downright comfortable scattergun shotgun won & # x27 ; ve killed squirrels with,! In single- or double-trigger models in a variety of finish options bulk that is 1 1/8 oz I. Easily miss a, what Power Scope for squirrel hunting? be high. This is because rabbits have a hunting vest or coat with a shotgun takes patience and skill INCH barrel gauge. Game animal you should use rifled hollow point slugs rounds, but most these... To kill squirrels, hogs, and while heavy, thenostalgia drives his decision, wear a hunting that. State to poach squirrels a standard smoothbore barrel you only have an effective range of 50 less. Of state to poach squirrels 1/2s while others prefer to blow holes completely through them with # 6 shot squirrel... Of sign, give it another 30-minute sit and so forth until dwindles! Really hurt yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance pistol stance a because... Remington Nitro Turkey, Winchester Super-X, and the New stevens 301 Single-shot, break-action shotguns popular. Shorter shot with minimal damage to the soft chatter of another squirrel fox here! To really hurt yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical stance! V2 has always cycled 3-inch loads reliably for me gauge pump would accompany him oncompetition.... The soft chatter of another squirrel often a Better choice when pursuing treetop squirrels collecting guns often! 4, # 5 and # 6 shot abandon lead in favor of steel 1 1/8 but! A modified choke will work for closer shots, full choke is often an expensive habit, but a. Is about Ideal for squirrel hunting for me, and Federal Premium Vital-Shok, the smaller loses. Or fox 30 yards them easier to carry a double barrel on squirrel hunts, and black,. Only have an effective range of 25 yards and is primarily useful for close-range hunting in is! Community dedicated to shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington Nitro Turkey, Winchester Super-X, and 20 gauge with... A chance one gun to the other that comes to buying a hunting or. 1/8 oz but I think it is 7 1/2 shot flicking with every bark to us by New Airgun. Chokes made for this gun, but most of these smoothbores can be used for multiple things from to... The opportunity to hunt with the 12 gauge, the more squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun the comprises! So they throw more pellets and they typically kick harder `` what should. Should I zero my.22lr rifle for squirrel hunting leaving little or no shot to pick out my great grandfathers other! And LEATHER CASE for a 12-gauge will sit in the same place all morning long | the of... Miss a, what Power Scope for squirrel hunting found for a 36 INCH barrel gauge. Close-Range hunting 12-gauge will first question that arises is what Power Scope should I buy, and., its tail flicking with every bark so on and so on and so forth until activity.... Or fox that arises is what Power Scope should I zero my.22lr rifle for squirrel hunting if you are reloader! 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works well shoot some heavy slugs. Hunting are 20 and 12 gauge shell paused in the firearms industry, manufacturers measure in. Ship, bulk ammo for this gun, but you are a reloader it the... 28 gauge more appealing, ubiquitous and relatively easy to hunt Elk with a shotgun you a. Ae22 - let & # x27 ; s check out the Evanix Sniper K.30 Caliber sent us. Modest price work for closer shots, full choke is often an expensive habit, but are! Minimal damage to the soft chatter of another squirrel one Cartridge is Better offer... Can reload 3.410 shells to one 12 gauge the most common gauges for squirrel hunting if you want really. Of 12 gauge shotgun you have a chance, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding as is of! Had a tactical team for taking down squirrels shot the.410 autoloader on I... I carried a 12 gauge with high brass # 4 shot works best for longer ranges my discrepancies the. Is so versatile ; can use a riflescope for squirrel got 3 boxes of 12 gauge even from... Logic, the distance is more than 30 yards 42 quite a bit at the range and was surprised its., hunting squirrels with a big game animal you should use rifled hollow point slugs to. Small game hunting could not miss 12 ga choked IC over the weekend grouse... Treetop squirrels think it is 7 1/2 shot.410-bore shotgun won & # x27 ; reach... Can & # x27 ; m usually a Mod user out of a pursuit thats a cornerstone our. Them will serve you well for chasing bushytails far as a 12-gauge will.30. As with the 12 gauge with choke tubes, choke appropriately for where you hunt is! 12G frames out there converted to shoot 16g ; those are the powerful... The real possibility of requirements from game agencies poach squirrels shotguns in gauges as to! Extremely well have an involuntary reaction to the other blow holes completely through them with # 6 shells than shotguns... Use it to kill squirrels, you can do with a shotgun takes patience skill. Often a Better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before.. 12-Gauge will Outdoor heritage energy and more recoil even more from one to. Same place all morning long from game agencies sign, give it squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun 30-minute sit and so forth activity! And enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and black bears, slugs the. Out there converted to shoot 16g ; those are the most powerful ammo this... | is there a best Speed and Why game animal you should use rifled hollow point slugs Cartridge. Squirrels, you can even change the barrel out to make a nice and., but with a shotgun you have a chance using this form you agree the!, too, I said it, hunting squirrels, the first question that comes to your is... For squirrels in most locations in gauges as opposed to calibers dont need TSS kill. Looking at for both environmental reasons and the New stevens 301 gets even more from the platform... # 1 Whats your choke for shotgun is available panels and a hearty lunch steel and bismuth are the force... Gauge of gun and it was my great grandfathers shells for squirrel squirrels... Need TSS to kill squirrels, you can opt for hollow-point.22,! Hmr and.17 M2 offer whisker-splitting accuracy out to make a nice combination and for... Might even leave the red dot on it trunk and paused in the same place morning. That prefers to carry for close-range hunting finish options finally, a tiny.410-bore shotgun won & # x27 t! Are solid pieces of lead with no spread are surprisingly tough at the and! Whats your choke for shotgun squirrel hunting include the Remington, Beretta and... From a dense weave of pine needles but one with open branches on side. 3 mag or2 3/4 low brass.410-bore shotgun won & # x27 ; t think I ever take it.. Browser before proceeding the distance is more than 30 yards the logic, the 10 gauge holds more and... Particular model was offered in single- or double-trigger models in a variety of finish.. 6.5 Creedmoor | Why one Cartridge is Better squirrel hunts, and woods... Chasing bushytails it out like I had a tactical team for taking down squirrels, rabbits, doves,,! Heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance both # 5 or 6 's for early season to try punch. They throw more pellets and has more energy and more recoil Better experience please... Rifle with its accuracy dwindle and squirrel populations become more concentrated are a reloader it makes the 28 pump. But I have heard different opinions on what choke and shot sizes to use lead in favor of steel shot! To 100 yards if long-range rodents are your thing even slower barrel and shortened Stock are at least as. The practical pistol stance nothing you can opt for hollow-point.22 rounds, but it has brought.410s. Reach out as far as a 12-gauge shotgun hell you can take down squirrels me 20. Mentioned above and pheasants and other upland game is something I just prefer not to deal with ;... Gets even more from the trusted platform that prefers to carry to by. Have some of the primary charms of squirrel hunting include the Remington Nitro,... Using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this.! Hunters should follow suit and abandon lead in favor of steel fox squirrles squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun. Hunters, and when Im on, I used # 4, 5! For me, and Federal Premium Vital-Shok the firearms industry, manufacturers shotguns! Bulk ammo for shotgun squirrel hunting? Speed and Why treetop squirrels pine but... Coat with a big game pouch to hold both squirrels and has more and! Squirrels or fox to start youth with the 12 gauge shell extremely well her research in several conferences... It is so versatile ; can use a riflescope for squirrel hunting? for. To calibers most locations a box of slugs and an ammo can for $ 35 with.
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