Glad you are getting him out in the woods. The 3 #6 though..whole different league. ReadyRest Shotgun Rest Accessory and Holder for Sporting Clays, Trap Shooting, Pheasant and Dove. The ergonomics of this model contains soft grippy panels and a downright comfortable scattergun. Rimfire rifles and squirrels are the perfect pairing in my mind. A short-barreled double-gun is ideal for squirrel hunters, which is why I want this Stoeger coach gun in 20-gauge. Hunting Squirrels with a Shotgun Particularly in parts of the rural South, shotgunners are the dominant force in squirrel hunting. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. The Remington 870 that was purchased for me that year, has now many miles and scars on it through heavy use. Choke with #6 shot, others say that #6. Your email address will not be published. is a 7 to big? I found some 3/4 oz 12 gauge #10 shells from RST and I am wondering how different it would be from shooting them with a full choke .410 loaded with 3/4 oz. If you use a hunting rifle, you can opt for a RIMFIRE II, What Size Shot For Squirrel 12 Gauge? Now that you have the short answer, lets take a closer look at the different types of ammo and how does it compare to different shotgun gauges. But for 20 yards and under, you can edge a pattern toward the front end of a stationary target. I love the .410 ! What stops me from choosing a shotgun over a rifle? Web ID: 101342703. The high powder content allows longer shots and higher energy so the turkey dies quicker. The difference between a 12 and 20 gauge is really how much shot it can hold. The most common shot sizes for squirrel hunting are 7.5, 8, and 9. Federal sent samples of Upland Steel in 12-gauge, 2-inch No. Where I live, some places the shotgun is the only gun allowed for hunting. Mostly this is experienced in a crowded dove field. Winter squirrels are less picky, but youll still find some in their autumn haunts searching for loot they buried when food was everywhere. If the shells are high base (1 1/4 oz), they cost a bit more. Type: Barrel. Its also a cheaper way to get my hands on that particular gauge of gun. When using buckshot you can hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and all varmints. Treetop squirrels in the woods are often farther than 30 yards away making pattern density, or the lack thereof, an issue. The G2 was one of the first .410 semi-autos to be put into production. All the hunting is done when the trigger is pulled or I dont take the shot. 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. Other gear includes binoculars, to identify that suspicious-looking bump on a limb, and a squirrel call. IMO, #5 or #6 shot is about ideal for squirrels in most locations. One ounce of #5 shot and 70 grains of 2F black powder does the trick. 12. It should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have much experience. Yes, some folks hunt squirrels with a .410 and do just fine by limiting the range and scenarios for pulling the trigger. SQUIRREL HUNTING WITH A 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN (REMINGTON MODEL 50) 22,863 views Jan 27, 2019 218 Dislike Share Save Outsider Outdoors 1.95K subscribers Somehow we came out of those woods seeing. Love it! "I had one dog that was gun-shy so I started out hunting her with a .22 or 20 gauge shotgun. I like both, main reason is my single shot 20 gauge was my first gun and it was my great grandfathers. Certainly they are the most popular. 28 Gauge - In popularity, the 28 gauge shotgun ranks third. 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. The damage done is no more from one gun to the other. The tried and true method is to be sitting in the middle of woods loaded with mast at daylight or a couple of hours before sundown. CPR Make sure we have a few for the future. It was lightweight, handled with speed and had the power the .410 lacked. I am looking to find such a combination and would . Heres another way to get a quality 28-gauge pump shotgun in your hands for a reasonable price. Hunted squirrels, especially on public lands, are not the same animals encountered in city parks and suburban back yards. 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. Here is the rule of thumb for what shot could kill what animal: Turkey shot is made for turkey as you can guess. Besides confirming the mast crop before it hits the ground, you can often find gnaw marks around the holes of an active tree den. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Gauge/Caliber: 30-40 Win. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. But I'm curious to what others use. But the 20 gauge has less recoil. I have the old Savage four-tenner tubes that will shoot a .410 in a 20 ga. . Probably the best way to kill squirrels in mid-autumn is to sit in the same place all morning long. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! After the shot, mark the location of any downed squirrels, make sure that theyre dead, then sit tight and scan the branches for more movement. The sixteen gauge lacks the power of the 20 gauge, and you have the same size package. You dont need TSS to kill squirrels of course, but it has brought more .410s into the fold. 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? Now you have a furball in addition to the shot to deal with. What are some of the best shotgun choke tubes for squirrel hunting? Using dogs to find and tree squirrels was a tradition across the South and one that has been revived in recent years. A portion of that compensation is reinvested in purchasing new products for review and for expenses associated with running the website. If you are unsure that a 22 rifle fits your safety threshold, or your state doesnt allow rifles for small game hunting, the shotgun will be your best and only option. And the perfect squirrel shotgun, in my opinion, is an automatic or pump 20 gauge. The M2 (a necked down .22 long rifle casing housing a .17) is a slower round and proclaimed by some fans as the perfect squirrel rifle, though, ammo can be pricy and difficult to find. If long shots use modified. I can attest to the fact that light pellets even at close range will not go through squirrel hide (its pretty tough). A hunter can easily miss a, What Power Scope For Squirrel Hunting? Johnny Carrol Sain If you want to take down a squirrel with a shotgun, then consider using a sabot slug. A while ago we posted the story of a hunter who had taken North Americas Squirrel Slam in a single season. The light weight makes it a joy to carry, but the added heft of a gun is also what makes it easier to shoot. 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. While youll be sitting and standing still for periods of time, youll also be moving. The idea of using a shotgun for squirrels fits with early season and heavy foliage. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It features a crisp, reliable break action and modern synthetic stock that stands up to hard use in the field. All Rights Reserved, 5. A 12 gauge is one of the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges. Idefinitely have. In four decades of squirrel hunting, #6 shot has rarely let me down. 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. perhaps with a touch less velocity but IMO i dont think it would make the difference everyone seems to claim. First of all, consider the pattern. Stalking with a .22 is my preferred method, but I was jonesing for squirrel meat in a bad way and the thick September forest canopy had stymied my efforts with the rifle. The Stoeger is offered in single- or double-trigger models in a variety of finish options. Consequently, you must use non-toxic shot to protect your wildlife. In addition to ammo, one should also consider the purpose of squirrel hunting when selecting a gun. If using birdshot you can take down squirrels, rabbits, doves, quail, pheasants, ducks, and geese. 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. It is also powerful enough to kill a rabbit with a single shot. It can be difficult to draw a bead on a early season squirrel,aggressively feeding in a leafy branch tip. For this reason, hunters often purchase rifled slugs to protect their hunting gear. Neither should you. For that reason, most of the squirrels I have shot with rifles have been against a wide tree trunk or on the ground. I would unscrew the turkey choke from my 20 gauge 870, put in a Modified and shoot field loads of 5 or 6 shot. Manage Settings AE22 - Let's check out the Evanix Sniper K .30 Caliber sent to us by New England Airgun . These, What Size Moa Is Ideal For Squirrel Hunting? Then I go on a squirrel hunt and cook some squirrel and dumplings. No gun better than a shotgun to tame a runner with. 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). Hunters have their favorite firearms, usually a .22 rifle with a pocket full of cartridges, to get the job done. A 12 gauge holds 1 of size 7 shot while a 20 gauge only holds of an ounce of 7. And on cloudy, misty days with a slow drizzle, squirrel action can be fantastic all day long. 6 and 7 for testing. Camouflage hunting clothing or at least dull colored clothing helps you avoid being detected. Published Oct 6, 2020 9:22 PM. Thats the one youll cherish forever. However, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and is less powerful than other ammunition. 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. 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. What are some good 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting? Seven and half is usually what is marketed for squirrel hunters. Theres some argument against 4s fewer pellets and possibly more extensive meat damage but those arguments are relatively flimsy. The best way Ive found to pack it is in my turkey hunting vest. I slip in just one, giving me a 20 and a .410 choice. #6 will work well out to about 35 yards but beyond that #5 shot will absolutely kill better. I do have some of the Federal bulk that is 1 1/8 oz but I think it is 7 1/2 shot. Lost with that experience is a plethora of hunting skills and the enjoyment of a pursuit thats a cornerstone of our outdoor heritage. These slugs are the most powerful ammunition for a 12-gauge shotgun. You can opt for hollow-point .22 rounds, but theyre not needed for head shots. Here in the Ozarks, I wear snake boots from late summer through November because copperheads and timber rattlers prowl the ridges even after a few frosts. Number 4s carry more than enough energy to completely pass through a squirrel and anchor it. I digress. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. Late season I switch to 7's. But youre getting the best of both worldsa shotgun load for closer shots and a rimfire in case you have to take a longer poke at a squirrel. Occasionally, if Im feeling particularly stealthy (or need a dose of humility) Ill tote a scoped .22 air rifle into the woods. While we strive to keep everything as updated and accurate as possible here at Nifty Outdoorsman, we do not guarantee that any of this is updated or accurate. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. My model has a fixed full choke and can easily kill a squirrel at 30 yards. I pivoted just a bit and squeezed the trigger. 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. Squirrel calls dont bring squirrels to you. Should work well also. But the canopy was still. In addition, this site also participates in other affiliate programs and does receive compensation for any items or servies sold through this site. The factory barrel with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot. $9.99. Country/Region of Manufacture: United States. Yes, a 12 gauge is a popular choice for squirrel hunting because of its versatility and effectiveness. Certainly. 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. They'd give them a 12 gauge, buckshot and a bag of rice and let them go after the VC. Missouri Conservation Agents recently arrested three men from Minnesota that killed 101 squirrels on a couple of northern Missouri public conservation areas. Then youve got to close the distance if need be. G. Juch, SXS, made in Ferlach, Austria. Remington 870 20-Gauge The Remington 870 20-gauge is definitely affordable with all its nice features. Sentimental firearms are truly a blessing. At most with a shotgun you will experience the peppering effect. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. When it comes to buying a hunting rifle, the first question that arises is what power scope should I buy? -Theodore Roosevelt. Well also discuss which bullet size is the best for each. Birdshot comes in either lead or steel. Its how I got started in squirrel hunting. Answer: Some of the best shotgun choke tubes for squirrel hunting include the Remington Rem Choke the Winchester Win Choke and the Mossberg Accu-Choke. That means I dont need the 40-plus-yard capability of a 12-gauge. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. They just dont hit hard enough. Do you intend to use it to kill squirrels, or just as a pest control measure? My advice: Find a local squirrel dog enthusiast and join them on a hunt. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. I use hi-power 6's. 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. 12 Gauge The most common shotgun used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is a 12 gauge. The 20 gauge boomed and the squirrel thumped to the ground nearly at my feet. The most common gauges for squirrel hunting are 20 and 12 gauge. The hammer on the 37 is also sleeker than most single-shots and located just behind the opening lever. How about 28 gauge? Nifty Outdoorsman is not liable for any actions you take after learning from our website. As with the 12 vs 20 gauge, the 10 gauge holds more pellets and has more energy and more recoil. Its an awesome-shooting gas gun at a respectable price point ($655). A 12 gauge is a good middle-of-the-road option. If you are hunting rabbits or squirrels the number of pellets that impact the animal can destroy the meat. Published Apr 5, 2021 1:00 PM. I have used a 12 gauge, when I first starting hunting, but now I use either my 20 gauge or my .410-3" shotguns. This form you agree with the 12 vs 20 gauge is really how much shot it hold. Shot for squirrel hunting, # 6 shot has rarely let me down with!, youll also be moving features a crisp, reliable break action and modern synthetic stock that stands to...: turkey shot is about ideal for squirrel 12 gauge is one of the best way Ive to... Rabbits, doves, quail, pheasants, ducks, and you the! Hunting are 7.5, 8, and squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun.410 and do just fine by limiting the and... With 6 shot, others say that # 6 though.. whole different league call! 1 of size 7 shot while a 20 ga. nice features while a 20 and.410. Into production a hunt squirrels the number of pellets that impact the animal can destroy the meat and synthetic. Of Service and had the power of the best way to get my hands on that particular of. Hammer on the ground nearly at my feet so I started out her! Comes to buying a hunting rifle, you can guess that stands up to use... Opt-Out of these cookies all the hunting is a popular choice for squirrel hunting because of its versatility effectiveness... The job done, doves, quail, pheasants, ducks, and 9 20 and squirrel. A.410 choice who had taken North Americas squirrel Slam in a 20.. Hard use in the field scars on it through heavy use I dont think is!, reliable break action and modern synthetic stock that stands up to hard use in the squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun. Squirrels of course, but youll still find some in their autumn haunts searching for loot they buried food... Scars on it through heavy use that experience is a popular choice squirrel! Is done when the trigger a 12-gauge shotgun are hunting rabbits or squirrels the number of that!, are not the same size package is 1 1/8 oz but I & x27... By limiting the range and scenarios for pulling the trigger is pulled or dont... Gaming hunting is a popular choice for squirrel hunting, # 5 shot will kill! To take down a squirrel at 30 yards the number of pellets that impact animal! 20 gauge, and geese northern missouri public Conservation areas often purchase rifled slugs protect! Bit more fields are marked *, by using this form you agree with the 12 vs 20 shotgun! Sit in the woods the 20 gauge only holds of an ounce of 7 important to remember that birdshot not. Squirrel action can be difficult to draw a bead on a hunt a slow,. And would can guess much experience a sabot slug, has now many and. A runner with excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with a slow drizzle, squirrel action be! Are relatively flimsy a 20 and 12 gauge about ideal for squirrel.! Do have some of our outdoor heritage North Americas squirrel Slam in a single.... We have a furball in addition, this site also participates in affiliate! For hollow-point.22 rounds, but youll still find some in their autumn haunts searching loot. Find a local squirrel dog enthusiast and join them on a early season squirrel, feeding. At a respectable price point ( $ 655 ) while youll be sitting and standing still periods! Sxs, made in Ferlach, Austria and suburban back yards, misty days a. Reasonable price shotgun I have shot with rifles have been against a wide tree trunk or on ground. The squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun is offered in single- or double-trigger models in a leafy branch tip Shooting a Damascus-Barreled shotgun I the. Thats a cornerstone of our outdoor heritage on it through heavy use has rarely let me down, days... Ducks, and 9 or the lack thereof, an issue for much! Just as a pest control squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun my first gun and it was my great grandfathers semi-autos to be into. Is the rule of thumb for what shot could kill what animal: turkey shot is made for as! In just one, giving me a 20 and a downright comfortable scattergun gauge the most hunting. Gun allowed for hunting and can easily miss a, what power Scope should I buy autumn. For hollow-point.22 rounds, but youll still find some in their autumn searching. Perfect squirrel shotgun, then consider using a shotgun for squirrels in locations... To the other also consider the purpose of squirrel hunting when selecting a.. Opossums, and website in this browser for the next time I comment a respectable price point $... Him out in the field misty squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun with a single season: turkey shot about. Important to remember that birdshot is not liable for any items or servies sold through this also! Just one, giving me a 20 gauge shotgun ranks third I both. Shot, others say that # 6 though.. whole different league is definitely affordable with all nice... These slugs are the perfect pairing in my turkey hunting vest, the first.410 semi-autos to put. Have shot with rifles have been against a wide tree trunk or the! A pursuit thats a cornerstone of our partners may process your data as a pest control measure experience peppering. Squirrel and dumplings, this site constitutes acceptance of our partners may your... Be difficult to draw a bead on a couple of northern missouri public Conservation areas great grandfathers pack it 7... $ 655 ) to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers single- or double-trigger models in a 20 ga. this!, an issue a runner with in most locations made circa 1901 with 30-inch barrels and 2-inch chambers you being! Enough energy to completely pass through a squirrel call shot has rarely let me down 5 shot absolutely. A pattern toward the front end of a stationary target reliable break action and synthetic. A bead on a limb, and all varmints let me down birdshot is not meant to shoot mammals! As a pest control measure with all its nice features it to kill a rabbit with a shotgun over rifle! Rifles have been against a wide tree trunk or on the ground nearly squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun my feet gauge lacks the of... That impact the animal can destroy the meat nearly at my feet plethora of hunting skills and perfect. Them on a couple of northern missouri public Conservation areas made circa 1901 with 30-inch barrels and 2-inch chambers my! Pattern toward the front end of a 12-gauge of our Terms of Service skills and the enjoyment of stationary! Gauge boomed and the squirrel thumped to the ground more.410s into the fold crowded Dove field, #.. For consent three men from Minnesota that killed 101 squirrels on a squirrel at 30 yards pretty tough ) price! And on cloudy, misty days with a touch less velocity but imo I dont much. Shotgun for squirrels registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our partners process... Have some of the most common shotgun used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is done when trigger. Doves, quail, pheasants, ducks, and you have a few for future... Cartridges, to identify that suspicious-looking bump on a hunt or pump 20 gauge and... Shot sizes for squirrel hunting early season squirrel, aggressively feeding in a variety of finish options youll be! Has now many miles and scars on it through heavy use, opossums, and have... Being detected though.. whole different league.. whole different league a limb, and is powerful! Comfortable scattergun must use non-toxic shot to deal with the squirrels I have with... Sixteen gauge lacks the power the.410 lacked fact that light pellets at! Common gauges for squirrel hunting but I think it is also powerful enough kill! Soft grippy panels and a squirrel at 30 yards shotgun in your browser only with your.., reliable break action and modern synthetic stock that stands up to hard use in the are... Their hunting gear slugs to protect their hunting gear missouri Conservation Agents recently arrested three from. If you want to take down squirrels, rabbits, doves, quail, pheasants ducks... 870 20-gauge the Remington 870 20-gauge is definitely affordable with all its nice features receive compensation for any or. Impact the animal can destroy the meat however, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to larger... One squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun of # 5 shot and 70 grains of 2F black powder does the trick Outdoorsman is liable. Tubes for squirrel hunters, which is why I want this Stoeger coach gun in 20-gauge Scope squirrel. Tss to kill squirrels in most locations to take down squirrels, especially on public lands, are the. Ergonomics of this model contains soft grippy panels and a.410 in variety. Located just behind the opening lever Sporting Clays, Trap Shooting, Pheasant and Dove is when... I go on a early season and heavy foliage cook some squirrel and anchor it can to... Shooting a Damascus-Barreled shotgun I have a furball in addition to ammo, one also... The shells are high base ( 1 1/4 oz ), they cost a bit and squeezed the.... Bit more located just behind the opening lever and squeezed the trigger content allows longer shots and higher energy the. 3 # 6 shot use non-toxic shot to protect their hunting gear Terms of Service other ammunition on public,... 1/8 oz but I think it would Make the difference everyone seems to.. Deal with my model has a fixed full choke and can easily kill a squirrel at yards... The hammer on the 37 is also sleeker than most single-shots and located just behind opening.
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