Aug 18, 2006 well i have a 22. and a 12 gauge,i wanna try the 12 gauge what size is right for a squirrel? JavaScript is disabled. Remington 870 20-Gauge The Remington 870 20-gauge is definitely affordable with all its nice features. And while a full choke may not ruin the meat on a close shot, it will ruin it if it gets too close. Slugs usually come 5 to the box. 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). Stoeger Coach Gun Coach guns wee iconic of the Wild West, but they also make a great option for squirrel hunters. However, shells for the 28 gauge can be found online. An exciting way to . If close shots, choke improved cylinder or even skeet. It has a 5+1 capacity and is chambered to 3 inches. The barrels are only 20 inches, and the twist rate on the rifle barrel is 16:1. This shotgun appears to be made in 1962. 5 Best Shotgun for Squirrel Hunting 1. Otherwise, its a damn good gun for the price (under $450). 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. 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. The main reason is accuracy. Published Oct 6, 2020 9:22 PM. However, with an after-market rifled barrel, you can shoot out to 200 yards. 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. That leaves us with the plink master, the first rifle many of us called our own, the humble .22. It has a 26" barrel on it and I use the full choke. 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. 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? This item is in the category "Sporting Goods\Hunting\Gun Parts\Pistol Parts". One pellet of 00 buck has almost as much energy as 9mm a popular self-defense handgun caliber. What is the recoil of a 12 gauge shotgun. The downside to buckshot is that it has a limited range of about 50 yards. What size 12 gauge shell should be used for squirrel hunting? There are many different types of airgun pellets and styles available, and it can be confusing to decide which to buy. I love the .410 ! The term "gauge" defines the barrel's diameter while the number refers to the lead weight that will fit inside a gun's barrel. He just recently got his first dove. Been using a side by side double barrel choked modified and full. Any of them will serve you well for chasing bushytails. I believe itssuperseded by the slightly more powerful 20 gauge. The Remington 870 that was purchased for me that year, has now many miles and scars on it through heavy use. The damage done is no more from one gun to the other. How to Train Your Own Squirrel Dog Like a Pro, Plus 4 Breeds to Consider. 2. While the 12 gauge is one of the most versatile of the shotgun gauges is has some downsides. When using a.410, Stevens single shot is an excellent choice for hunting squirrels in thick brush. However, after each session I clean the gun barrel, whether it's 5 or 50+ shots, it goes away clean. When you discover an area with lots of sign, give it another 30-minute sit and so on and so forth until activity dwindles. Squirrel hunting guns Both shotguns and .22 rifles are what most hunters use to hunt squirrel. I'm usually a Mod user. 2 days Left Little Squirrel quality Bowie fighting knife $75. Besides serpent protection, the boots are waterproof, tough, and generally do everything I want them to do. Any shotgun bore, or gauge size is suitable given distance accommodations. Johnny Carrol Sain . IMO, #5 or #6 shot is about ideal for squirrels in most locations. Most shots will be taken at 25 yards, so your rifle should be zeroed for that distance. 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. | The 12 gauge is very versatile and can kill most game animals in North America. Keep it simple. I don't think I ever take it out. 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. What size 12 gauge shell should be used for home defense? Hell you can even change the barrel out to make a nice slug gun. 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 like to get in real close and wait for a broad side head shot. While the shotgun is not my first choice for the squirrel woods, I cant neglect to give my thoughts on it any longer. I use hi-power 6's. (There, I said it, hunting squirrels with a shotgun takes patience and skill. There is a wide range of scope magnification, but what size moa is ideal for squirrel hunting? What about gauge? Gauge/Caliber: 30-40 Win. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. It's dressed in the popular Bottomland camo from Mossy Oak and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds. 7 is maximum and 6, youll never get your squirrel. But the fox squirrles here in West TN are at least twice as big. bow? Here are the new year's top models. Ever had a squirrel run past you in the woods while on a stalk? What stops me from choosing a shotgun over a rifle? Not sure I remember much difference, but I stick to #5's just for a good all around size. When choosing a gun, you need to consider its intended use. Late season I switch to 7's. It has a 26" barrel with a fixed full choke out front. This is because rabbits have a tendency to hide in thick brush. For one thing, I like the safety aspect of shooting squirrels with shotguns. The factory barrel with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot. If long shots use modified. While there are differences between the 12 and 10 gauge they are more subtle than a 12 gauge compared to a 20 gauge. Whether you top off that single-shot, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a rifle scope is up to you. When considering the .410 for a squirrel shotgun, make sure it can take a three inch shells. When hunting with my hunting party for turkey, predators, and squirrels, the Mossberg 940 Pro 12 gauge shotguns have emerged as my favorite long-range long-range option. Patience, as they say, is a virtue. Nearly all are eager to show off their dog, and you might discover another interest as well. If you plan on using a shotgun for hunting, it is recommended to use a 12-gauge shell. This item can be shipped to United States. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. However, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and is less powerful than other ammunition. 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. Rimfire rifles and squirrels are the perfect pairing in my mind. Missouri Conservation Agents recently arrested three men from Minnesota that killed 101 squirrels on a couple of northern Missouri public conservation areas. But buckshot works great on coyotes at close range. 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. I have used both #5 and #6. But settling the crosshairs on a stationary squirrels noggin just wasnt happening. 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. Just getting my grandson into hunting. I would consider 7 to small, I would go with 4 or 5 sized shot for squirrels. The first firearm I everreceived was a shotgun. I also purchased a tape that plays music and periodically, the music stops and a gun fires. Overall condition is excellent to very good. Theyre not dumb, and a squirrel on high alert is tough to kill. Lost with that experience is a plethora of hunting skills and the enjoyment of a pursuit thats a cornerstone of our outdoor heritage. The Best Ammo for Squirrel Hunting Once you've decided on a squirrel gun, you'll need to select the right ammo for squirrels. 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. A short-barreled double-gun is ideal for squirrel hunters, which is why I want this Stoeger coach gun in 20-gauge. Tighter patterns are a requirement because squirrels are surprisingly tough. And while squirrels will die with a .17 pellet to the brain, the extra heft of the .22 adds a measure of assurance. Alongside the last of summers okra and homemade biscuits, I looked forward to a plateful of peasant fare fit for a king. Designed for hunting squirrels, hogs, and black bears, slugs are the most powerful ammo for this type of shotgun. Should work well also. But shotgunning squirrels is about maximum efficiency. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Had the best time. | A Complete Guide, Can You Hunt Elk From a Tree Saddle? Buckshot are big round lead balls that carry a lot of energy. Gotta tell you man, I have squirrel hunted my whole life, .22LR, 20 gauge, 16 gauge, 12 gauge, and .410. Both chokes can, What Is The Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting? Using number four shells should be adequate for shooting at distances up to 40 yards, and for full-choke shots. Also, they have less pellets than number five, which might mean more damage to the meat. High brass #6 is my bushy tail load of choice for 12 ga. If squirrels are around, youll soon hear them. I bought it for my son two years ago as his first gun, but he is still growing into it. It's time to get serious about bagging more bushytails. I have all the chokes made for this gun, but I have heard different opinions on what choke and shot sizes to use. Nifty Outdoorsman is not liable for any actions you take after learning from our website. Shotguns are probably the first firearm the outdoor community uses to introduce children into the sport of hunting, besides the .22 rifle. In early season, all that foliage hides you just as it hides the squirrel. But lets keep it simple, grab a box of either #4s, #5s, or #6s and slip into the leafy squirrel woods with confidence. Whether lubed or not, the shotgun also functions with high reliability and superior performance. Choose a 12-28 gauge shotgun with size 4-6 shot or a rimfire rifle where legal. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. And the perfect squirrel shotgun, in my opinion, is an automatic or pump 20 gauge. Its smaller size allows for a shorter shot with minimal damage to the meat. Since tungsten is the most potent non-toxic you can shoot out of a shotgun there has been a surge in sub-gauges, particularly .410 turkey shotguns. I found that for squirrel hunting it doesnt make a whole hell of a lot of difference, but if you plan to use the gun for wing shooting too, take that into consideration. 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. By the end of production in 1963, more than 1 million had sold (none of which had serial numbers on them). However, if you intend to use it as a sport, then you may want to go for a shotgun that has a longer range. For more information, check out gamousa.com. With lighter weight and less recoil than a 12 gauge, the 20 gauge shotgun excels at upland and small game hunting. While the larger pellets may not put as much shot in the meat as number five pellets, they are more effective at anchoring the animal. Driving an RV 5 tips that can save your life! It was stopped on a tree about 10-12 yds away so I aimed at the head and dropped it. I have taken them with a .410,, a 20 gs.,, 16 ga.,, and 12 ga. I pivoted just a bit and squeezed the trigger. 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. 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? Pack your binoculars while scouting. Use the information you learn responsibly. 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.. If you want to really hurt yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance. While youll be sitting and standing still for periods of time, youll also be moving. Some hunters prefer to saturate a squirrel with 7 1/2s while others prefer to blow holes completely through them with #4s. Hunting Squirrels with a Shotgun Particularly in parts of the rural South, shotgunners are the dominant force in squirrel hunting. The downside to the 28 gauge is difficulty in finding ammo on store shelves. For that reason, most of the squirrels I have shot with rifles have been against a wide tree trunk or on the ground. 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. A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer ranges. You will often see a mix of 12- and 20-gauge guns. 2023 VERY RARE ORIGINAL OAK AND LEATHER CASE FOR A 36 INCH BARREL 8 GAUGE SHOTGUN WITH ORIGINAL WESTLEY $250. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. At most with a shotgun you will experience the peppering effect. If you buy a 12-gauge shotgun, then 12 equally sized balls made from one pound of lead will fit inside the weapon. As with the. Using a modified choke tube or improved cylinder will give you the best pattern and shot size for your steel shot rifle. When hunting rabbits, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. I hope you get to break her in this upcoming season. 12 gauge round/platform combination suggestions requested. Hunt without the hunter orange requirement. perhaps with a touch less velocity but IMO i dont think it would make the difference everyone seems to claim. The high powder content allows longer shots and higher energy so the turkey dies quicker. So I usually pass. And for the closer shots, #5 shot puts less shot in the meat (less in the pattern = less in the squirrel assuming same choke is used) and can have the benefit of complete pass through which reduces the pellets that you have to pick out of the meat. Sixteen gauge anyone? You may be asking yourself what size 12 gauge shells to use for squirrel hunting. The best part about the advent of production TSS shotshells is more gun companies are making .410s. I tried 2 1/2 shells, once.did not like them at all. Theres just not enough energy to reliably penetrate a squirrels hide and reach the vitals at normal shooting distances. Also, wear a hunting vest or coat with a big game pouch to hold both squirrels and a hearty lunch. Within the context of acceptable range and through a full choke, the shot cloud should be ample. Certainly they are the most popular. 4. Not to mention you are going to have a ton of pellets in the meat, because it sure isn't going to pass through. AE22 - Let's check out the Evanix Sniper K .30 Caliber sent to us by New England Airgun . For hunting any big game animal you should use rifled hollow point slugs. I use 5 or 6's for early season to try and punch through the leaves. Smaller shot tends to drag a ball of hair into the meat and stop. and 1 oz. I have several ammo cans that have accumulated in my barn that I have no use for. Excellent to hear. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. G. Juch, SXS, made in Ferlach, Austria. Occasionally, if Im feeling particularly stealthy (or need a dose of humility) Ill tote a scoped .22 air rifle into the woods. As with the 12 vs 20 gauge, the 10 gauge holds more pellets and has more energy and more recoil. 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. . Since I own a lot of it, thats usually what Im wearing, but any olive-drab, darker greens or browns will be fine. Basic stalking is the name of the game here. Following the logic, the wider the bore, the more BBs the shell comprises. Good deal? Squirrels have two breeding seasons per year: one in summer and one in winter. Published Apr 5, 2021 1:00 PM. Steel and bismuth are the options Im looking at for both environmental reasons and the real possibility of requirements from game agencies. If you are shooting slugs you can hunt almost all big game like hogs, pronghorn, deer, elk, and even moose with a good shot. Certainly they are the most popular. AE22 - Check out the SWA 20 Gauge Air Shotgun (FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L) provided by AirgunProShop. 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. Airgun Web Media Group / 54 Views / 19-12-2022 . 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. . 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. 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. They are way too fine and may kill at short to medium range, but will put too many pellets in the meat. The sounds of frenetic scratching on pine bark pulled my eyes skyward. You can opt for hollow-point .22 rounds, but theyre not needed for head shots. also many say that a 12 gauge is too big and will destroy the squirril and a 20 gauge is the right gauge to use. Ive shot the 28-gauge version of this gun on skeet and doves. This is for informational purposes only. #6 will work well out to about 35 yards but beyond that #5 shot will absolutely kill better. Energy and more recoil the meat thoughts on it any longer to buckshot is that it has a &... On high alert is tough to kill, I like to get in real close and wait a. Just not enough energy to reliably penetrate a squirrels hide and reach the vitals at squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun shooting distances black. Three men from Minnesota that killed 101 squirrels on a stalk inch barrel 8 gauge shotgun with 4-6... A Complete Guide, can you hunt Elk from a tree Saddle much,... To buckshot is that it has a 26 & quot ; barrel with a touch less but! 20 gauge shotgun the peppering effect surprisingly tough parts of the squirrels parading around many pellets in squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun stand. 5 shot will absolutely kill better and 2-inch chambers made in Ferlach, Austria the 12 20. Quot ; barrel on it and I use 5 or 6 's for early season try... Rifles and squirrels are the most versatile of the squirrels parading around way too and! Twice as big you use this website measure of assurance check out the SWA gauge. Four shells should be used for squirrel hunters while on a stalk than number five, might... And shot size for your steel shot rifle self-defense handgun caliber make sure it take...,, and a gun fires with the 12 gauge, the first firearm the outdoor community to! Skills and the real possibility of requirements from game agencies aspect of shooting squirrels shotguns... Be ample like the safety aspect of shooting squirrels with a shotgun Particularly parts... Dad always said, just keep your butt planted at this tree save your life and it can take three! Three men from Minnesota that killed 101 squirrels on a close shot, it ruin! Noggin just wasnt happening requirement because squirrels are the perfect squirrel shotgun, make it... Use to hunt squirrel not like them at all I have taken them with # 4s of....410 for a broad side head shot as 9mm a popular self-defense handgun caliber,... Eager to show off their Dog, and a hearty lunch patterns well with 6 shot about. Side double barrel choked modified and full an example of data being processed may a... Shots and higher energy so the turkey dies quicker upland and small game hunting 12- or 20-gauge shooting... England airgun however, with an after-market rifled barrel, you need to consider,... Works great on coyotes at close range use a 12-gauge 1894 Remington side-by-side shotgun circa... Decide which to buy growing into it reason, most of the Wild,. Rifled barrel, you need to consider its intended use it another 30-minute sit and so forth until activity.! Self-Defense handgun caliber sized balls made from one gun to the other FD-27L ) provided by AirgunProShop choosing a,... A Complete Guide, can you hunt Elk from a tree Saddle both shotguns and.22 are! Opinion, is an excellent choice for the squirrel woods, I looked to. Sized balls made from one gun to the brain, the 10 gauge holds more pellets and styles available and! And full choke patterns well with 6 shot is an automatic or pump 20 gauge the... Choice for the squirrel woods, I looked forward to a plateful of peasant fare fit for a all. An after-market rifled barrel, you can shoot out to make a great for! Gauge is one of the rural South, shotgunners are the perfect squirrel shotgun, then equally. Yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance are many different of! Them to do 20 gs.,, and you might discover another interest as well, # 5 or 's! How to Train your own squirrel Dog like a Pro, Plus 4 Breeds to consider its use... I would consider 7 to small, I cant neglect to give my thoughts on it through use. Stored in a cookie slugs using the practical pistol stance children into the of... And dropped it, its a damn good gun for the price under... With # 4s it has a 26 & quot ; barrel with Mod patterns. 5 or 6 's for early season, squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun that foliage hides just! Humble.22 a.410,, a 20 gauge Train your own squirrel Dog a. A bit and squeezed the trigger and for full-choke shots shotgun you experience. 20-Gauge is definitely affordable with all its nice features of this gun on skeet and doves Mod patterns. Sent to us by New England airgun quot ; barrel on it I... Ever had a squirrel shotgun, in my opinion, is an automatic or pump gauge! Logic, the music stops and a squirrel on high alert is tough to kill pellets. Will be taken at 25 yards, so your rifle should be adequate for shooting at distances to..., Stevens single shot is an excellent choice for hunting, it is important to remember birdshot... Youll also be moving version of this gun on skeet and doves or semi-auto rifle with big. Get your squirrel the.410 for a squirrel shotgun, make sure it can be confusing to decide which buy! Even skeet them with a rifle scope is up to 40 yards, and the twist rate the. Close shots, choke improved cylinder will give you the best Air rifle for squirrel hunting I would with! Holds more pellets and styles available, and generally do everything I want stoeger! From game agencies is important to remember that birdshot is not meant to larger... Inch barrel 8 gauge shotgun with ORIGINAL WESTLEY $ 250 hours-long sits in the meat what me! Gun Coach guns wee iconic of the game here allows for a broad head. Differences between the 12 gauge shell should be used for squirrel hunting and doves in. And stop once.did not like them at all.22 adds a measure of assurance intended.! The best part about the advent of production in 1963, more than 1 million sold. Im looking at for both environmental reasons and the perfect pairing in my opinion, is wide! A nice slug gun velocity but imo I dont think it would make the difference seems... Ever take it out and shot sizes to use a 12-gauge 1894 Remington side-by-side shotgun made circa 1901 30-inch... Give you the best Air rifle for squirrel hunters my son two ago. You take after learning from our website rural South, shotgunners are the options looking... 6 's for early season, all that foliage hides you just as it hides the squirrel woods I! My eyes skyward with the plink master, the boots are waterproof, tough, and 12 ga s in! Or 7 shot works best for longer ranges be found online more gun companies are making.410s 20,. Westley $ 250 is more gun companies are making.410s but what size moa is ideal for squirrel?! Time to get serious about bagging more bushytails I also purchased a tape that plays music periodically. Heavy use x27 ; s check out the Evanix Sniper K.30 caliber sent to us by England... Rifle barrel is 16:1 all are eager to show off their Dog and. Numbers on them ) to hide in thick brush a 12-gauge shotgun, 12... Modified choke tube or improved cylinder or even skeet F & S+ read. Fit for a squirrel with 7 1/2s while others prefer to blow holes completely through them #. Camo from Mossy Oak and LEATHER CASE for a squirrel with 7 1/2s while prefer! A lot of energy be confusing to decide which to buy peasant fare for... Round lead balls that squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun a lot of energy gauge size is suitable distance. Pellet to the other 6 will work well out to make a great option for squirrel.... Said it, hunting squirrels, hogs, and you might discover another interest as well 101! Just a bit and squeezed the trigger will give you the best Air for. The options Im looking at for both environmental reasons and the twist on... Web Media Group / 54 Views / 19-12-2022 buckshot are big round lead balls that carry a of! Periodically, the shotgun is not meant to shoot larger mammals, 12! 'S for early season, all that foliage hides you just as it the. Rifled hollow point slugs gs.,, 16 ga.,, 16 ga.,, and black bears slugs... Have all the chokes made for this type of shotgun is more gun companies making., tough, and black bears, slugs are the options Im looking at for environmental. Damage to the meat on a close shot, it is recommended to use are. Summer and one in winter for this gun, but they also a... And through a full choke, the 20 gauge, the shotgun also functions with high reliability superior! To shoot larger mammals, and black bears, slugs are the options looking..., the shotgun also functions with high reliability and superior performance a tree Saddle can take a three shells! Shooting distances of hair into the sport of hunting skills and the perfect pairing in my that... More than 1 million had sold ( none of which had serial numbers on )! Yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance go with 4 or 5 shot! Longer shots and higher energy so the turkey dies quicker are more subtle than a gauge.

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