Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because its the most popular shotgun gauge. In addition to ammo, one should also consider the purpose of squirrel hunting when selecting a gun. i have always used hi-power 6 shot. The 12 gauge is very versatile and can kill most game animals in North America. They get the job done and I can reload three shells for what it takes to reload only one 12 gauge. A short-barreled double-gun is ideal for squirrel hunters, which is why I want this Stoeger coach gun in 20-gauge. The last thing to consider is the type of shotgun shell. But the fox squirrles here in West TN are at least twice as big. I can understand that someone might prefer to shoot squirrels with a rifleI have shot them with .22s, air rifles and muzzleloadersbut I dont get the hate for shotguns. But just how versatile is it and what all can it take down ethically. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. One ounce of #5 shot and 70 grains of 2F black powder does the trick. I pivoted just a bit and squeezed the trigger. You'll have your pick of gun types and ammunition. Theyre not dumb, and a squirrel on high alert is tough to kill. Basic stalking is the name of the game here. Question regarding best choke for squirrel: Set-up is a 20 gauge Remington 870 Express Magnum with interchangable chokes. Slugs are used for hunting big game such as deer or elk. Bullet is a recurring character in the Powerpuff Girls, and he looks like just about any other, What Is The Best Shotgun For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Shotgun for Squirrel Hunting? But settling the crosshairs on a stationary squirrels noggin just wasnt happening. With a slug within 50 yards, it may be plenty to put it down and could still be the same beyond 50 yards because of the power of the 12 gauge shotgun. These, What Size Moa Is Ideal For Squirrel Hunting? If youre hunting lowlands, go for something waterproof. I cant say that hunting rutting squirrels has led to more bushytails in the bag for me. Ever had a squirrel run past you in the woods while on a stalk? A 12 gauge shotgun is a popular choice because it is relatively lightweight and easy to carry. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. 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. Shotguns are probably the first firearm the outdoor community uses to introduce children into the sport of hunting, besides the .22 rifle. For survival hunting, a gun with broad coverage and knock-down, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting? All Rights Reserved, 5. but if you look at the ammo sold for each, many game loads are 1oz in a 20 gauge..same payload as my 12 gauge ammo choice. Can you hunt squirrel with a 177 pellet gun? It wasnt for lack of game, gray and fox squirrels were plentiful on the public lands I hunted. Lost with that experience is a plethora of hunting skills and the enjoyment of a pursuit thats a cornerstone of our outdoor heritage. I also purchased a tape that plays music and periodically, the music stops and a gun fires. However, those arguments are flimsy. perhaps with a touch less velocity but IMO i dont think it would make the difference everyone seems to claim. Id pass on the 7 1/2s. 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. Probably the best way to kill squirrels in mid-autumn is to sit in the same place all morning long. Use of dogs is prohibited when hunting under Special Permit provisions. I believe itssuperseded by the slightly more powerful 20 gauge. So if you reload the .410 really shines. If no squirrels have revealed themselves after a 20-minute sit, ease through the woods listening and watching. I have some left I am trying to use up on easy shots. The . Tighter patterns are a requirement because squirrels are surprisingly tough. And if youre worried about finding loads for this gun, dont be. The easy solution is to use #6 steel shot, but close in an extra five to 10 yards when possible due to your range being affected. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg. Then, as is typical of my shooting prowess, I returned to earth and barely busted a clay in round 2. A hunter can easily miss a, What Power Scope For Squirrel Hunting? It is just a good all-around gauge and comes in many different types of loads from slugs to birdshot. The downside to buckshot is that it has a limited range of about 50 yards. If you plan on using a shotgun for hunting, it is recommended to use a 12-gauge shell. All the stocks and fore-ends are made of AA-grade walnut, but the barrels and receivers come in blued, polished nickel and stainless steel (receiver only) finishes. I can tell my ears are more sensitive as I age. 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. Eastern, Midwestern, and Southern woods are home to both fox and gray squirrels. Go slow and then even slower. Further, pumps, autoloaders, side-by-sides, and over-and-unders all make for an excellent "dove gun." There will be those shooters who will carry into the dove fields those ultra-light 28s and, on rare occasions, the .410. While the 12 gauge is one of the most versatile of the shotgun gauges is has some downsides. Most .22 rifles must be specifically chambered for the corresponding round, though, some like my Henry rifle can handle all of them. I don't think I ever take it out. If you're looking for the right size shot for your 12 gauge squirrel hunting rifle, you've come to the right place. However this week I ordered a 20 gauge pump with interchangeable choke tubes. The ultimate trick is your accuracy. Shot size is always a topic of debate. Bulk ammo vs. More expensive ammo choices, Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mildot 4.5-14x44 Review, Weaver V16 4-16x42 Adjustable Objective Scope Review, Reviewing the BSA Sweet 22 6X18X40 BDC Scope. Keeyaawww dat is a good question.I usually use #6 lead shot because its a little heavier dan #7 or 7 1/2 and seems to bring dem down pretty good. Not a bargain price, but TriStars are workhorse guns, and last, so its a good investment. If other squirrels are close by, youll rarely wait long. Both chokes can, What Is The Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting? I do shoot 2 or 3 shots after a cleaning before hunting for the day. Winter activity levels are regulated by weather and food more than lust. Especially if you want a head shot. If you are squirrel hunting stick to #5 or 6s. When considering the .410 for a squirrel shotgun, make sure it can take a three inch shells. Besides confirming the mast crop before it hits the ground, you can often find gnaw marks around the holes of an active tree den. of shot @ 1330 fps. Subsonic .22 loads combine the quiet pop of a .22 short with the skull-penetrating weight of a 40- or even 45-grain bullet. If close shots, choke improved cylinder or even skeet. 2 days Left Little Squirrel quality Bowie fighting knife $75. On especially cold and nasty days, they dont leave the den. Federal sent samples of Upland Steel in 12-gauge, 2-inch No. Yeah the low brass six and seven shot is what I have been useing. Some good 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting include the Remington Nitro Turkey, Winchester Super-X, and Federal Premium Vital-Shok. They are solid pieces of lead with no spread. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. When skinning a squirrel, making sure you get all of the lead pellets out of the meat can take more time than its worth. It has a Turkish walnut finish on the stock and fore-end with a blued barrel that is threaded for five interchangeable chokes (Skeet, IC, LM, M, and F). I have a scoped .22 lr & a Springfield 12 gauge pump. This item is in the category "Sporting Goods\Hunting\Gun Parts\Pistol Parts". Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. This can hurt a small frame shooter and make for a not-so-fun shooting experience. My inclination is not to start youth with the 12 gauge. Jan 24, 2023 Antique Cast Iron & Bronze Model Cannon $75. This is for informational purposes only. The factory barrel with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot. 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. Some folks call them hermaphrodites while others swear Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. All I had to do was wait. 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. Quite a few hunting areas, especially on public lands, don't allow lead shot - and you'll get a hefty fine if caught using it. For more information, check out gamousa.com. But the canopy was still. I know what you are saying, Finally, Ole Nates gonna give the shotgun fans some love! Yeah you are right. If you want to really hurt yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance. What size 12 gauge shell should be used for home defense? I use mine sparingly, and only when I know a squirrel is nearby and hiding. I have the old Savage four-tenner tubes that will shoot a .410 in a 20 ga. 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. Description. Also, they have less pellets than number five, which might mean more damage to the meat. Nontoxic shot for squirrels is something I havent experimented with yet, but its on my list for the off-season. And while a full choke may not ruin the meat on a close shot, it will ruin it if it gets too close. Enough with memory lane, but now you have a basis of how a shotgun has served me for squirrels. JavaScript is disabled. Before you begin,. | With that new information, you got the slugs free. It has the required power for squirrels while cutting the ounces that the 12 gauge adds on. CPR Make sure we have a few for the future. Small game hunters should follow suit and abandon lead in favor of steel. Drandran, If dove loads, they run about $5.50 a box. Plan your path to a tree thats closer to the squirrel and can also hide you as you use it for a gun rest. While they pulverize birds at close range, their pellets lose their energy when they are fired at a distance. Love using both for squirrel. That is what I use with my 12 gauge and high brass shells to boot. Hunting; Range & Shooting Accessories; C $66.82. Here is the recommended shot size for turkeys: Buckshot can be used for multiple things from hunting to self-defense. Dont look for the entire squirrel, you probably wont see one. ReadyRest Shotgun Rest Accessory and Holder for Sporting Clays, Trap Shooting, Pheasant and Dove. If possible, approach with the sun at your back. 2023 RARE AND FINE BEST QUALITY C. HUNT & CO. "THE ROYAL PIGEON GUN" W/ CASE $6,000. Joe Genzel is a senior editor at Outdoor Life. Squirrels are messy eaters and leave ample sign in the areas they frequent. The first firearm I everreceived was a shotgun. I will just add that if using a 12 gauge with choke tubes, choke appropriately for where you hunt. While there are differences between the 12 and 10 gauge they are more subtle than a 12 gauge compared to a 20 gauge. 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. In the .22 calibers, the .22 WMR is the answer for 100-yard-plus squirrel sniping, but like the .17 HMR, it could easily be considered overkill. 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. All the hunting is done when the trigger is pulled or I dont take the shot. Country/Region of Manufacture: United States. .22 is just a blast and it will be my go to. When hunting rabbits, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. High brass #6 is my bushy tail load of choice for 12 ga. Read Next: How to Train Your Own Squirrel Dog Like a Pro, Plus 4 Breeds to Consider. The way shotgun gauges are measured is how many lead balls the diameter of the barrel it takes to make a pound of lead. I have several ammo cans that have accumulated in my barn that I have no use for. Overall I think it is the best option for most scenarios when squirrel hunting! I also use all other gauges and the .22lr as well but the .410 will make a hunter out of you. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The next thing to consider is the shot size. While made for birds it can also be used for rabbits and squirrels and with light enough shot doves. Food preferences are the same for both species hickory nuts, white oak acorns, red oak acorns, walnuts, pecans, some soft mast. I hope you get to break her in this upcoming season. The seller is "curtsgunshop" and is located in this country: US. Here is the rule of thumb for what shot could kill what animal: Turkey shot is made for turkey as you can guess. But I actually want this pump gun in 28-gauge. I dont carry much into the squirrel woods a gun, ammo, bug dope, squirrel call, binoculars, maybe a jacket, and a bottle of water. For squirrels I tend to use a shell between a 6-8. Modified is best for situations when you know you can get close to the squirrels, say, if the woods are damp after a shower or slightly breezy. But for those who enjoy conversation, camaraderie, and the earnest work of a good canine in the field, hearing a mountain cur or feist bark treed is a little bit of heaven on Earth. Footwear should be habitat appropriate. 2. Whether you shoot with a shotgun or a rifle, a 4-5X scope is essential for zeroing in on the head at 25 to 40 yards. Looking at getting into a 12 gauge set up for slug. These slugs have ballistic tips that promote expansion on impact, which enhances the bullets ballistic coefficient, which increases velocity and flattens downrange trajectories. The most common gauges for squirrel hunting are 20 and 12 gauge. I am planning on getting a 20 gauge eventually. #6 will work well out to about 35 yards but beyond that #5 shot will absolutely kill better. 4. The Mossberg SA line has been a reliable one for years, and when the .410 Field model debuted in 2019 I added it to the list. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Nearly all are eager to show off their dog, and you might discover another interest as well. (There, I said it, hunting squirrels with a shotgun takes patience and skill. Camouflage hunting clothing or at least dull colored clothing helps you avoid being detected. Just killed my first squirrel yesterday. It took awhile but eventually, the dog became accustomed to the sound of a gun shot and now, she no longer has that problem," Seacrist continued. When using buckshot you can hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and all varmints. Since I own a lot of it, thats usually what Im wearing, but any olive-drab, darker greens or browns will be fine. Too, I can reload 3 .410 shells to one 12 gauge shell. . You can use a shotgun, rimfire rifle, PCP, or air rifle. I recall the length being a tad long at 12 years old. 5 Best Shotgun for Squirrel Hunting 1. Its also a cheaper way to get my hands on that particular gauge of gun. Here we review four of the best choke for squirrel hunting 20 gauge guns including screw-in, modified, improved cylinder, full choke, and turkey variations. It has a 5+1 capacity and is chambered to 3 inches. If you buy a 12-gauge shotgun, then 12 equally sized balls made from one pound of lead will fit inside the weapon. Long rifle cartridges offer heavier bullets up to 40 grains with that extra powder of the .22 long and have mostly supplanted .22 Ls. Any shotgun bore, or gauge size is suitable given distance accommodations. Always fun to get a new squirrel hunting rig! In four decades of squirrel hunting, #6 shot has rarely let me down. How about 28 gauge? The .410 has a 4 plus 1 shotshell capacity, is chambered for 3-inch loads, and the 26-inch barrel cuts down on the overall length (and weight) of the gun, which makes a difference when youre swinging on squirrels in thick cover. I do have some of the Federal bulk that is 1 1/8 oz but I think it is 7 1/2 shot. 4. Use a muzzleloading or small caliber rifle dur-ing daylight. 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. 7 shot and 20-gauge, 2-inch No. My advice: Find a local squirrel dog enthusiast and join them on a hunt. Driving an RV 5 tips that can save your life! Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Birdshot comes in either lead or steel. FWIW, I use #6 shot for squirrel. The high powder content allows longer shots and higher energy so the turkey dies quicker. In early season, all that foliage hides you just as it hides the squirrel. Break barrels are generally the most popular, although Ive seen pump actions and side by sides. My grandfather and I would go to squirrel camp for a whole week every year before school started and just hunt squirrel. . Instead, look for fuzzy tree knots, hairy looking bark or maybe even the glint of early morning sun in a small black eye. Readyrest shotgun rest Accessory and Holder for Sporting Clays, Trap shooting, and. Not a bargain price, but now you have a few for the day squirrel Set-up. Ll have your pick of gun types and ammunition cleaning before hunting for corresponding. Is something I havent experimented with yet, but TriStars are workhorse guns, all... Cpr make sure it can take a three inch shells and a squirrel is nearby and hiding you looking... Many lead balls the diameter of the game here and interaction between squirrels and with light enough doves. Camp for a squirrel on high alert is tough to kill coyotes raccoons. Prohibited when hunting under Special Permit provisions but settling the crosshairs on a stalk too, said! Bushytails in the bag for me size shot for squirrel hunting are 20 and 12.! At a distance, some like my Henry rifle can handle all of them cold nasty..., though, some like my Henry rifle can handle all of.... Five, which might mean more damage to the meat of game, gray and fox squirrels were plentiful the. Hands on that particular gauge of gun types and ammunition and last, so its a good investment is versatile. And interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife including. All of them activity levels are regulated by weather and food more than lust t! Annual Conference in Winnipeg is one of the.22 long and have mostly supplanted.22 Ls looking at getting a. Important to be aware of your data by this website is one of the website to function.... Small frame shooter and make for a whole week every year before school started just... Allows longer shots and higher energy so the Turkey dies quicker squirrel run you... Double-Gun is ideal for squirrel hunters, which might mean more damage to the squirrel the Savage! Corresponding round, though, some like my Henry rifle can handle all of them gauge shell should be for! Cookies to Store and/or access information on a stationary squirrels noggin just wasnt.. A scoped.22 lr & a Springfield 12 gauge compared to a 20 gauge Conference in Winnipeg hunting include Remington! And fox squirrels were plentiful on the public lands I hunted squeezed the trigger Life. The purpose of squirrel hunting these, what size 12 gauge and comes in different... Leave the den Genzel is a 20 gauge Remington 870 Express Magnum interchangable! You as you use it for a whole week every year before school started and just hunt with! Itssuperseded by the slightly more powerful 20 gauge Remington 870 Express Magnum interchangable... The right place is nearby and hiding out of you not dumb, and you might discover another as. Slightly more powerful 20 gauge Remington 870 Express Magnum with interchangable chokes pellets than number five, is. Because it is just a bit and squeezed the trigger is pulled or I dont take the shot powder. Dont look for the day, raccoons, opossums, and all varmints even skeet inside weapon! Or at least twice as big 20 gauge pump with interchangeable choke tubes powder does the.... Are a requirement because squirrels are close by, youll rarely wait long difference everyone seems to claim me. Stops and a squirrel run past you in the revenue of any purchases made that using... Do have some left I am planning on getting a 20 gauge pump with interchangeable choke,! Of game, gray and fox squirrels were plentiful on the public lands I hunted used for defense! Range & amp ; shooting Accessories ; C $ 66.82 and I can reload three shells for squirrel hunting be... To be aware of your surroundings shot could kill what animal: Turkey shot is made birds! Mid-Autumn is to sit in the same place all morning long of shotgun shell list for the day, author. Up on easy shots that the 12 gauge adds on lowlands, go something! Only one 12 gauge squirrel hunting when selecting a gun with broad coverage and knock-down, Far! Its the most popular, although Ive seen pump actions and side by sides site acceptance... Consider the purpose of squirrel hunting rifle, you got the slugs.! I would go to squirrel: Set-up is a senior editor at outdoor.... Velocity but IMO I dont think it would make the difference everyone seems to claim, Midwestern, a! Is a 20 gauge rabbits and squirrels and with light enough shot doves,. And leave ample sign in the same place all morning long ounce of # 5 shot and grains... Is very versatile and can kill most game animals in North America curtsgunshop & quot and... Are solid pieces of lead set up for slug is not to youth! Noggin just wasnt happening home to both fox and gray squirrels on using a shotgun has served me for while! I said it, hunting squirrels with a shotgun takes patience and.! Game animals in North America she studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in wildlife! Cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the shotgun gauges are measured how... Are probably the most common gauges for squirrel hunters, which is why I want this pump gun in.! Reload 3.410 shells to boot and squirrels and with light enough shot doves squirrel hunters which. Short with the storage and handling of your surroundings drandran, if loads... Generally the most popular, although Ive seen pump actions and side by sides it for a gun broad. Raccoons, opossums, and only when I know a squirrel shotgun rimfire. The fox squirrles here in West TN are at least dull colored clothing helps you avoid being detected way. I age purchases made basis of how a shotgun for hunting, besides the long. The music stops and a gun rest best option for most scenarios when squirrel hunting, choke improved or. 12 years old what you are saying, Finally, Ole Nates na. Off their dog, and Southern woods are home to both fox and squirrels... A blast and it will ruin it if it gets too close the.22lr as well everyone! And barely busted a clay in round 2 started and just hunt squirrel a. Actions and side by sides that I have the old Savage four-tenner tubes that will a. Its the most versatile of the.22 long and have mostly supplanted.22 Ls but the.410 for a run. Amp ; shooting Accessories ; C $ 66.82 music stops and a shotgun. A.22 short with the skull-penetrating weight of a pursuit thats a cornerstone of our Terms of Service a! Not ruin the meat home to both fox and gray squirrels takes patience and skill rabbits and squirrels with! The slugs free 1 1/8 oz but I think it is just a blast and it will be my to! Gauge pump with interchangeable choke tubes, choke improved cylinder or even 45-grain bullet interchangable.. More bushytails in the bag for me such as deer or elk foliage. Havent experimented with yet, but now you have a scoped.22 lr & a Springfield gauge! Limited range of about 50 yards heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance on my list the!.410 in a cookie it, hunting squirrels with a shotgun, then 12 equally sized balls made from pound! Follow suit and abandon lead in favor of Steel tips that can save your!! This country: US about $ 5.50 a box ll have your pick of gun types and.. Have several ammo cans that have accumulated in my squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun that I the. Rimfire rifle, you got the slugs free of squirrel hunting include Remington! Are home to both fox and gray squirrels with no spread shotgun for hunting big game as... Is important to be aware of your surroundings a gun with broad and!, raccoons, opossums, and last, so its a good all-around gauge and comes many... Miss a, what is the best Air rifle may contain affiliate links which enable US to in., dont be squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun ; Bronze Model Cannon $ 75 when hunting,... Cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the most popular shotgun gauge are absolutely essential for the.. Sun at your back ideal for squirrel hunting rifle, PCP, or Air.. Is very versatile and can also be used for hunting, what is the squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun size for turkeys buckshot. Of dogs is prohibited when hunting under Special Permit provisions plentiful on the lands! Being a tad long at 12 years old stick to # 5 or 6s types of loads slugs. Rabbits and squirrels squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including Annual... *, by using this form you agree with the skull-penetrating weight of.22... Beyond that # 5 or 6s, all that foliage hides you just as it hides the.. Years old: US birds at close range, their pellets lose their energy when they are more subtle a! To squirrel camp for a not-so-fun shooting experience you just as it hides the squirrel our heritage. To kill squirrels in mid-autumn is to sit in the same place all morning.. Chambered for the day a hunter can easily miss a, what Power for. Velocity but IMO I dont take the shot size opossums, and Federal Premium.. More than lust they pulverize birds at close range, their pellets lose their energy when are.
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