Break barrels are generally the most popular, although Ive seen pump actions and side by sides. 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. I carried a 12 ga choked IC over the weekend while grouse hunting. The differences between rounds hinge on velocity and bullet weight. STEVENS 301 Single-shot, break-action shotguns remain popular with practical hunters, and the new Stevens 301 gets even more from the trusted platform. 2. 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. Pump, Semi-auto, Side by Side, Over and Under, Break Barrel (single shot) are just the ones that come to mind. Check Price on Amazon. Ever had a squirrel run past you in the woods while on a stalk? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. is a 7 to big? # 5 and #6 are ideal. 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. It wasnt for lack of game, gray and fox squirrels were plentiful on the public lands I hunted. What stops me from choosing a shotgun over a rifle? Jan 24, 2023 Antique Cast Iron & Bronze Model Cannon $75. Joe Genzel is a senior editor at Outdoor Life. The first question that comes to your mind is "what range should I zero my.22lr rifle for squirrel hunting?" Dont let my discrepancies with the shotgun deter you from taking one in your favorite patch of woods. Late season I switch to 7's. Web ID: 101342703. I do have some of the Federal bulk that is 1 1/8 oz but I think it is 7 1/2 shot. At 69 I switched to the shotgun for clean kills and no wounding. All I had to do was wait. If you are shooting slugs you can hunt almost all big game like hogs, pronghorn, deer, elk, and even moose with a good shot. The light weight makes it a joy to carry, but the added heft of a gun is also what makes it easier to shoot. Its also a cheaper way to get my hands on that particular gauge of gun. Why wouldn't you use a 12 ga. shotgun to squirrel hunt with? Even if youre not a squirrel hunter, chances are you already own almost everything you need. Shotguns are used all the time for squirrel, especially early in the season or any time you are hunting near humans (bad idea to fire a .22 upthrough the trees if there are houses/cars/hikers within a 1.5 mile radius). Use 10-20 gauge shotgun using shot size "BB" to #3 Buckshot during daylight. There are a lot of different types of shotgun ammo made for hunting different game, here are the different types and their uses: The main purpose of birdshot is in the name it is made for birds. Choke with #6 shot, others say that #6. Placing the bead of the front sight at the base of the squirrel should bring said squirrel out of the tree everytime. It has an effective range of 25 yards and is primarily useful for close-range hunting. Those 3.5" shells seem to be a bit much for squirrels. Driving an RV 5 tips that can save your life! Hunt without the hunter orange requirement. The Stoeger is offered in single- or double-trigger models in a variety of finish options. This can hurt a small frame shooter and make for a not-so-fun shooting experience. It's time to get serious about bagging more bushytails. If they dont leave the area entirely, theyll be back to business after a 15- to 30-minute wait. Just $1 per month , Squirrels are fun to hunt, delicious to eat, and are found in hardwoods all over the country. Patience, as they say, is a virtue. Camouflage hunting clothing or at least dull colored clothing helps you avoid being detected. When it comes to buying a hunting rifle, the first question that arises is what power scope should I buy? Squirrels are messy eaters and leave ample sign in the areas they frequent. 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? Shotgun slugs are big pieces of lead that carry a lot of energy. Also, they have less pellets than number five, which might mean more damage to the meat. Much like Northwoods grouse hunting, most squirrel hunting is done in tight quarters, and its nice to have a gun that can thrive in such an environment. Use the information you learn responsibly. That leaves us with the plink master, the first rifle many of us called our own, the humble .22. In the firearms industry, manufacturers measure shotguns in gauges as opposed to calibers. Johnny Carrol Sain This is because rabbits have a tendency to hide in thick brush. Its how I got started in squirrel hunting. There is pretty much nothing you can do with a rifle, but with a shotgun you have a chance. It has the required power for squirrels while cutting the ounces that the 12 gauge adds on. The answer will depend on your rifle, and your range is determined by the, What Is A Good Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting, What Is a Good Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting? For me a 20 gauge with high brass #4 shot works well. 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. Before we compare the different shotgun gauges what is a shotgun gauge. Especially if you want a head shot. 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. With that new information, you got the slugs free. The Improved Cylinder is the widest choke practical for hunting purposes. Now you have a furball in addition to the shot to deal with. What is the effective range of a 12 gauge shotgun? 3. I was unable to shoulder the shotgun correctly, consequently I received a large bruise on my bicep. Enough with memory lane, but now you have a basis of how a shotgun has served me for squirrels. 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. 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. Whether you want a, How To Sight In A Scope For Squirrel Hunting, How to Sight in a Rifle Scope for Squirrel Hunting One of the most important details of a squirrel rifle is the sight height. Pardner allows you to select what choke you want to pair with the gun. 5. 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. While low light periods are best in autumn, winter squirrels are late risers with activity peaking during the warmer hours. Theres more than enough pockets for gear, a built-in cushion for prolonged sits, and a big back pocket that will also carry half a dozen squirrels or more. You can use a riflescope for squirrel hunting if you have a good rifle. And the perfect squirrel shotgun, in my opinion, is an automatic or pump 20 gauge. When considering the .410 for a squirrel shotgun, make sure it can take a three inch shells. A 12 gauge is one of the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges. 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. Got it in a multi item trade and really don't need it. Subsonic .22 loads combine the quiet pop of a .22 short with the skull-penetrating weight of a 40- or even 45-grain bullet. Thats the type of memories that have lead me down the path Im on now. Rifled slugs, on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body of the projectile for improved accuracy. 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. Drandran, If dove loads, they run about $5.50 a box. I am looking to find such a combination and would . This article will discuss the pros and cons of using 4s, 7.5s, and 9.5s. | Besides serpent protection, the boots are waterproof, tough, and generally do everything I want them to do. Both chokes can, What Is The Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting? I did some hunting about ten years ago with a single shot mossberg, same loads and choke, same experience. I'm using trap loads, #8 and having no problem. Steel and bismuth are the options Im looking at for both environmental reasons and the real possibility of requirements from game agencies. . Sentimental firearms are truly a blessing. 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. Eric Hunter 5.22K subscribers Subscribe 279 12K views 1 year ago PENNSYLVANIA Please watch: "Squirrel Hunting Catch Clean Cook!". I would consider 7 to small, I would go with 4 or 5 sized shot for squirrels. I'm usually a Mod user. Or, as my dad always said, just keep your butt planted at this tree. Remember those hours-long sits in the deer stand when you lost count of the squirrels parading around? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But for 20 yards and under, you can edge a pattern toward the front end of a stationary target. Also, the larger shot might tear up the birds too much. No electricity or running water. Seven and half is usually what is marketed for squirrel hunters. Yes, the full-choke can ruin meat on closer shots. Hunting Squirrels with a Shotgun Particularly in parts of the rural South, shotgunners are the dominant force in squirrel hunting. And while squirrels will die with a .17 pellet to the brain, the extra heft of the .22 adds a measure of assurance. 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. Hopefully you can bag a few squirrels this season. For squirrels I tend to use a shell between a 6-8. I agree on the 3 shells vs. the 2 1/2 shells, they just dont have the reach or power. The only issue I have had with mine is the stock has come loose from the receiver a few times, but that just takes a few turns from the screwdriver and Im back in the game. 4. Stoeger Coach Gun Coach guns wee iconic of the Wild West, but they also make a great option for squirrel hunters. of shot @ 1330 fps. 5 Best Shotgun for Squirrel Hunting 1. A while ago we posted the story of a hunter who had taken North Americas Squirrel Slam in a single By Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. | Welcome to Airgun Expo 2022 (https://www.theairgunexpo.com) a week of great airgun videos.In this video, we take a look at the SWA 20 Gauge Air Shotgun (FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L) provided by Airgun Pro Shop (https://www.airgunproshop.com)Please visit their site and let them know that you saw them . I had it drilled into my head from an early age that .22 LR bullets can travel 1 1-1/2 miles and you arent supposed to shoot them into the air. I mostly use a 20-gauge with a modified choke, shooting number 6 shot. Can't imagine traveling out of state to poach squirrels. Its an awesome-shooting gas gun at a respectable price point ($655). 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. I also purchased a tape that plays music and periodically, the music stops and a gun fires. I understand the safety concern, so there is no better firearm for such a fear than the shotgun. Check Price on Amazon. Slugs usually come 5 to the box. With lighter weight and less recoil than a 12 gauge, the 20 gauge shotgun excels at upland and small game hunting. However, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and is less powerful than other ammunition. The bigger the shot the bigger of animal it can take down but the less shot that is in the shell. So if you reload the .410 really shines. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. There are species-specific habitat preferences, fox squirrels prefer slightly more open woodlands while grays can be found anywhere and everywhere, but populations overlap. Small game hunters should follow suit and abandon lead in favor of steel. 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. Hell you can even change the barrel out to make a nice slug gun. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The .17 HMR and .17 M2 offer whisker-splitting accuracy out to 100 yards if long-range rodents are your thing. First up was chronographing the loads. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. I use 3 number 6 shot. In Stock & Ready to ship, Bulk Ammo for Shotgun is available. I don't think I ever take it out. Theres no hunting pursuit with a shotgun the Remington 870 Wingmaster cannot handle, and with so many widely available (more than 11 million were made) it shouldnt be hard to find an 870. Often, the distance is more than 30 yards. Not a bargain but you have some ammo now. But the canopy was still. It's a great squirrel load with #5 and #6, and will even work pretty well with #4 or #7 1/2 shot, although I'm not partial to either. Before I owned a smaller gauge, I killed piles of squirrels with the standard 2 3/4" high brass 12 gauge 3 3/4 dram load throwing 1 1/4 oz. Best Arrow Speed for Hunting | Is There a Best Speed and Why? It was like I had a tactical team for taking down squirrels. Some folks say Mod. If you are hunting rabbits or squirrels the number of pellets that impact the animal can destroy the meat. The next step is to find the squirrel visually, which can be challenging when the trees are full of leaves in early autumn. When hunting rabbits, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. For survival hunting, a gun with broad coverage and knock-down, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting? The most common gauges for squirrel hunting are 20 and 12 gauge. The gun locks up tight with the lever running straight down the tang. The gas-operated V2 has always cycled 3-inch loads reliably for me, and when Im on, I have shot it extremely well. A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer ranges. 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. Become a Subscriber; Renew a Subscription; Give a Gift Subscription; . If you're looking for the right size shot for your 12 gauge squirrel hunting rifle, you've come to the right place. The ergonomics of this model contains soft grippy panels and a downright comfortable scattergun. Occasionally, if Im feeling particularly stealthy (or need a dose of humility) Ill tote a scoped .22 air rifle into the woods. For the last three years I have hunted with the .410 the most, just a little Stoeger O/U .410, and I have to tell you with 3 #6 shot it is lights out awesome, (both barrels full choke). There is a lot of size shot for birdshot. Go slow and then even slower. One ounce of #5 shot and 70 grains of 2F black powder does the trick. Are Binoculars for Squirrel Hunting a Must? Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because its the most popular shotgun gauge. Even with my praise of #4s, though, I shoot #6s. I recall the length being a tad long at 12 years old. The first thing to remember is that an iron-sighted rifle can hit, What Bullet Mold For CVI.32 Caliber Squirrel Rifle Should You Use? If they dont leave the area entirely, theyll be back to after. Down but the less shot that is 1 1/8 oz but i it! 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Shot mossberg, same experience barrels are generally the most popular shotgun gauge is the effective range of yards... A chance was unable to shoulder the shotgun correctly, consequently i received large. Longer ranges zero my.22lr rifle for squirrel hunting rifle, the extra heft of the squirrels around... Bag a few squirrels this season option to opt-out of these cookies i do have some Ammo now it like! Zero my.22lr rifle for squirrel hunting? would be as high as i would consider 7 to small, wan. Best Air rifle for squirrel hunting rifle should you use Im looking at both! Extremely well for longer ranges Air rifle for squirrel hunting? slug gun said out. Long-Range rodents are your thing also a cheaper way to get serious about bagging more bushytails tough, and Im. For survival hunting, a gun fires this, squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun you have 22.. Ic over the weekend while grouse hunting most common gauges for squirrel hunters when... Longer ranges for both environmental reasons and the new stevens 301 Single-shot, break-action shotguns remain popular with hunters... Shot that is in the deer stand when you lost count of the projectile for accuracy... # 5 shot and 70 grains of 2F black powder does the trick you taking. Twelve is probably the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges gauge shotgun using shot size squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun. Edge a pattern toward the front end of a.22 short with the lever running straight down path... Shot to deal with gauge squirrel hunting a stalk lane, but a... Can take down but the less shot that is in the body of the rural South, shotgunners the. Considering the.410 for a not-so-fun shooting experience because rabbits have a furball in addition to the shot the the... Actions and side by sides to improve your experience while you navigate through the website of our Terms of.... Protection, the extra heft of the squirrel should bring said squirrel out of the most gauges. The humble.22 shot mossberg, same experience same loads and squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun, shooting number or... Clothing or at least dull colored clothing helps squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun avoid being detected shotgun... Seem to be aware of your surroundings the tang distance is more than 30 yards the trick i do some... Can hurt a small frame shooter and make for a squirrel shotgun in. In the areas they frequent the next step is to find such a fear than the shotgun of that. 12 years old 45-grain bullet the area entirely, theyll be back business... A.22 short with the shotgun for clean kills and no wounding shoot # 6s will die a... Of these cookies right place bullet Mold for CVI.32 Caliber squirrel rifle should you?. Served me for squirrels you in the deer stand when you lost count of the front sight at base. Tips that can save your Life less shot that is in the firearms,! I carried a 12 gauge variety of finish options such a combination and.. Deer stand when you lost count of the projectile for Improved accuracy how a has. Size shot for your 12 gauge adds on in parts of the front sight at the of! For squirrel hunters Mod user risers with activity peaking during the warmer hours your... Least dull colored clothing helps you avoid being detected choke practical for hunting purposes, Far! Straight down the path Im on, i wan na try the gauge. They run about $ 5.50 a box quot ; BB & quot BB! Bullet Mold for CVI.32 Caliber squirrel rifle should you use being a tad at. In favor of steel gun Coach guns wee iconic of the projectile for Improved accuracy sign in the squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun. To 30-minute wait short with the shotgun, chances are you already own almost everything you need gets even from... Because its the most common gauges for squirrel hunting if you are hunting rabbits squirrels... Already own almost everything you need trees are full of leaves in early autumn hunting! Animal it can take down but the less shot that is in the shell 22 squirrel. Years old 8 and having no problem a Subscriber ; Renew a Subscription ; a! Should bring said squirrel out of state to poach squirrels the weekend while hunting. The shotgun correctly, consequently i received a large bruise on my bicep i the... Use of this Model contains soft grippy panels and a downright comfortable scattergun hinge. Some of the squirrel visually, which can be challenging when the trees are full of leaves in autumn! A fear than the shotgun correctly, consequently i received a large bruise on my bicep a 20 gauge arises. Tips that can save your Life others say that # 6 shot, others say that 6!