Relatively new TSS shot shell technology has made .410 loads to be effective for large gobblers. I recall the length being a tad long at 12 years old. The Remington 870 that was purchased for me that year, has now many miles and scars on it through heavy use. The Stoeger Coach Gun is a double-barreled shotgun that has been popular in cowboy days. In the Southeast, the leaf drop may not happen until November several months after most of the region's seasons have opened. 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? Winchester Vintage Hunting Shotgun Shell Boxes, Shotgun Vintage Hunting Shell Boxes, At most with a shotgun you will experience the peppering effect. I tried 2 1/2 shells, once.did not like them at all. Those 410 shells are high. The 16-gauge which is rapidly becoming obsolete, A Guide to All the Mounting Footprints for Holosun Red Dot Sights. Along Mombasa Road. Thats what makes the 410 shine. Mine was a Rossi single shot, and it was a squirrel killing machine. 
Small-bore muzzleloaders can be a little finickybut theyre also amazingly accurate once you dial into the right load. I view the 10-gauge as a relic of the past, reminiscent of the days of market hunting when the main objective was to quickly fill the boat with game by maximizing the amount of shot in the air. While the stock optics arent anything special, the guns magnum-class energy capacity of 31 foot-pounds makes it a perfect choice for backyard squirrel hunting. There are a few different types of these. If youre starting out you might be wondering what gauge and load you need for a successful hunt? The most common shotgun used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is a 12 gauge. A 12 gauge shell also has advantage over the smaller gauges because it has a shorter shot column. At the end of the day, you need to take what youre comfortable with, that still makes sense for the shots you will be taking and go get in the woods! Seeing as this gun is new for 2020, it might seem a stretch to include in a list of best guns ever. The 10-22 is handy and inexpensive, and if youre the type to tinker, theres just nothing better. The popularity of the 12-gauge shotgun among bird hunters is comparable to that of SUVs among families. Thats when the lead from the fired shell rains down on you. When the leaves are thick and you can't see them well, though, the shotgun absolutely is the way to go.". Whitetail hunting strategies for the next generation. This gun has a synthetic stock, making it comfortable to hold and shoot, and has a non-slip texture on the forearm and pistol grip. I have used a 16-gauge for upland bird hunting and find it to be satisfactory, but it does have some drawbacks, which Ill discuss later. The typical lead shot charge for the 16-gauge is 11/8 ounces, although lighter shot charges are available, and occasionally larger 11/4-ounce loads can be found. Totally agree with Ulysses. Pros; Cons; 2. However, I do caution against using a 28-gauge for pheasant hunting. The Coach Gun is available in single and double trigger models and is available in a variety of finishes. loads. I also use all other gauges and the .22lr as well but the .410 will make a hunter out of you. 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 As you can see, the velocities didnt change much with respect to barrel length. What is the Total Distance Covered by a Squirrel? Yes a 20 gauge will work just fine for squirrels if you got one. I like both, main reason is my single shot 20 gauge was my first gun and it was my great grandfathers. As with the Ruger 10/22, every gun owner should on at least on 12 or 20 gauge shotgun. Answer: Some of the best shotgun shells for squirrel hunting include the Remington Express the Winchester Super-X and the Federal Premium. Lately Ive had a few people question the safety of firing up into a tree with a 22 rifle. However, the gun isnt the most accurate or safest gun, and you may want to invest in a quality rifle for safety purposes. Gotta tell you man, I have squirrel hunted my whole life, .22LR, 20 gauge, 16 gauge, 12 gauge, and .410. The revolver had a 7.5-inch barrel with a slab of steel on top, cut for the included Ruger scope rings. When it comes to taking squirrels, any type of gun will work. Modern air rifles are perfect for hunting small game. Shotguns are sized according to the bore diameter. More recently, my raccoon hunting pals John Meares of Tennessee and Matt Balch of Alabama reinforced this early-late gun swap for squirrels. If you have decided to get a squirrel gun to kill the pesky creatures, you're probably wondering, "What is a good one?" Its functionally like any other break-action single shotbut with some thoroughly modern enhancements. It should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have much experience. Placing the bead of the front sight at the base of the squirrel should bring said squirrel out of the tree everytime. The break-barrel air rifle is a joy to shoot, with an integrated moderator. A squirrel gun is an excellent hunting weapon for small mammals such as groundhogs and chipmunks. Once the group is ready, they can then quickly shoot the squirrel. flathunter I then graduated to hunting squirrels with the 20 gauge 870. If youre shooting through heavy cover, such as in early season when the leaves are still on the trees, a 12 gauge could be your best option if you can handle the wallop that it packs. Below, What To Use For Gun Prop When Squirrel Hunting, What to Use for Gun Prop When Squirrel Hunting Whether you are going to be using a.410 shotgun, 17HMR, or a.22 rifle, knowing what to use for gun prop is essential to your success. Shotgun shells loaded with BB are popular for larger game at greater distances. However this week I ordered a 20 gauge pump with interchangeable choke tubes. Shotguns that use the term gauge, such as 10-gauge, 12-gauge, and 20-gauge, rely on an arcane system that correlates the bore diameter to how many lead spheres of that size it would take to make a pound of weight. Answer: A fixed choke is a choke that is permanently attached to the barrel of the shotgun while a removable choke can be removed and replaced as needed. But the standard Topper, usually in 20-gauge, is the gun Ive seen used most in the squirrel woods, and its still one of the best bargains going in the world of single-barrel shotguns. All the hunting is done when the trigger is pulled or I dont take the shot. If youre taking further shots through thick cover a 20 or 12 gauge is going to be the way to go. It can be difficult to draw a bead on a early season squirrel,aggressively feeding in a leafy branch tip. Along Mombasa Road. With an 18.5-inch barrel and weight of just 5 pounds, I dont know of a shotgun any smaller than this micro-sized pump, either. They are, What Is A Squirrel Gun? Shoot a few shots at 10-15 yards to see where the close shots are. Its the smallest shotgun gauge that you are going to find and is an excellent choice for someone who might not be able to handle the recoil of a 20 gauge. The Mark IV is available in two versions, the Hunter and the Target. Accuracy is of paramount importance, What is the Best Gun to Kill a Squirrel? How many of yall hunt squirrels with a 12 gauge? Its big and heavy, with a wide forend that rests perfectly against saplings, and a Micro Groove barrel that is famous for cloverleaf groups. One is that ammo for one is becoming exceedingly hard to come by(even more than any of the others). Marketed as a turkey gun to pair with TSS .410 shells, it has a Jebs turkey tube, a scope base, and a synthetic camo stock with removable spacers to accommodate a growing hunter. Most of these classic pump-action gallery guns are surprisingly good shooters that will last forever, because they were designed to entertain the class of people who enjoy attending traveling carnivals (by God, I love carnivals). A 12-gauge has a bore diameter of .729; twelve lead balls of that size weigh a pound. The most common shotgun gauges are 12-gauge, 20 I have the old Savage four-tenner tubes that will shoot a .410 in a 20 ga. Overall I think it is the best option for most scenarios when squirrel hunting! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But if youre also going to be hunting larger sized small game, such as turkeys, ducks, and geese, go with a 12-gauge. Ammunition for these gauges is widely available and highly versatile, and theres no practical reason to stray into the more esoteric gauges. Winchester Vintage Hunting Shotgun Shell Boxes, Shotgun Vintage Hunting Shell Boxes, Thats the one youll cherish forever. Alan Clemons has been writing and photographing interesting things for 30 years, starting with his hometown weekly newspaper when he was a senior in high school. Web+254-730-160000 +254-719-086000. What is the best way to clean a shotgun after squirrel hunting. A good squirrel gun should also have a high-quality trigger and good sights. WebVintage Remington Rabbit & Squirrel 20 GA Shotgun Shell Empty Box. The 7 1/2 shot has smaller shot, but a much higher number of shot because birds are easy to down or kill. I know what you are saying, Finally, Ole Nates gonna give the shotgun fans some love! Yeah you are right. I hunted gray squirrels and red squirrels during October in New York with a Remington 870 12 gauge shotgun. But you should always try different chokes and loads and see how your shotgun patterns them before you hunt. Full isn't a bad choice for a shorter barrel 12 or any shotgun 20 gauge and smaller. The main types of guns for squirrel hunting are shotguns, rimfire rifles, and air rifles. Most dont associate lever guns with precision, but this one isnt built like most lever guns. Whether you top off that single-shot, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a rifle scope is up to you. I can get 2 20 or 12 for the price of 1 410 box. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. My ten yard pattern with my turkey choke covers about 5-6 inches. 6 works well. Lets delve deeper into each of these gauges to examine their strengths and weaknesses. Answer: A rifled barrel has spiral grooves cut into the inside of the barrel while a smooth bore barrel does not. For me a 20 gauge with high brass #4 shot works well. Admittedly, my personal experience with the 16-gauge is limited. I have many cherished memories of hunting with my 20-gauge shotguns. I can tell my ears are more sensitive as I age. On the other end of the spectrum is the 10-gauge, which I consider to be a specialized weapon with limited hunting potential, similar to the .410. Certainly they are the most popular. The primary advantage of the 16 over its closest competitor, the 12-gauge, is its smaller size. But the .410 version isnt bad at all, and if youre using lead shot, squirrel hunting is the one pursuit where that little shell and its 11/16-ounce payload is actually useful. Initially, .410 shotshells were only 2 inches in length, but today, 2.5- and 3-inch shells are standard. Other companies followed suit, making the coach gun a classic piece of cowboy gear. WebIf you are looking for a shotgun that is affordable, durable, and will last you for years, the Stoeger Coach Gun is the best choice. As with the. I bet you expert squirrelshot-gunners thought Id leave this one out, didnt you? Undoubtedly, non-toxic shot options such as steel pale in comparison to lead shot in terms of killing potential. The muzzle is threaded for use with a suppressor, too. I shot six last week, the next to last one at the top of a hickory about 30 yards out. Which one is right? Regardless of what you're planning on using the shotgun for, there are some important things to consider before choosing a shell. 12-gauge shotguns have bigger shells than 20-gauge shotguns, so they throw more pellets and they typically kick harder. The gauge and shot you choose is completely dependent on what youre comfortable with as a hunter and what kind of woods youre hunting in. 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). The shotgun is likely to be significantly heavier and kick with tremendous force, and the shells will be both expensive and difficult to find. $54.99 15% off. Seems like unnecessary meat damage to me (having never done it), but Im willing to entertain it. Introduced in 1891, the 39A is the longest continuously produced rifle in the world (though today, new ones are only available through Marlins Custom Shop). These shells contain shot charges ranging from about 1/2-ounce in the 2.5-inch shells to about 11/16-ounce in the 3-inch version. Answer: Some of the best shotgun scopes for squirrel hunting include the Nikon Prostaff the Leupold VX-2 and the Bushnell Banner. The Model 37 sported a small exposed hammer and beefy Steelbilt construction. My grandfather and I would go to squirrel camp for a whole week every year before school started and just hunt squirrel. Access the newest seasons of MeatEater, save content, and join in discussions with the Crew and others in the MeatEater community. Pre-owned. A little shotgun that fits, with a woods full of squirrels, is about the best way I know of to get a kid into hunting. To kick off this article on gear, Ill refer to one of my own passages from Volume 1 of the Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game. When they asked for it back, I told them no, and sent them a check for it instead. Your email address will not be published. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. If you're a squirrel hunter, you've probably wondered what is the best squirrel gun. Comments have to be approved before showing up, 2023 Foundry Outdoors - All Rights Reserved, Product successfully added to your Shopping Cart, 223 WSSM Winchester Super Short Magnum Ammo, 243 WSSM Winchester Super Short Magnum Ammo, 25 WSSM Winchester Super Short Magnum Ammo, 300 RSAUM Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum Ammo, 7mm RSAUM Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum Ammo. 3. Unfortunately, more power means more recoil or kick. Any of the aforementioned shotgun gauges would be good for shooting squirrels, but the 1. I use modified choke for most of my hunting. Built on Smiths K-frame, this one is a big double-actionbig at least, as rimfires go. The 12-gauge is far more versatile for waterfowl, and a 20-gauge with 3" loads can essentially match the 16s best-performing nontoxic ammo options. It is primarily used for geese and large ducks. Years ago, I had a .32-caliber Traditions muzzleloader thats similar to the Crockett rifle in current production. For squirrels I tend to use a shell between a 6-8. Why? 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. Mine shot best with just 12 grains of FFFG black powder and a patched .310 lead round ball, and that combo was lethal on 25-yard squirrels. What is the best type of shotgun ammunition for squirrel hunting? I was using game loads and target loads with size 4 and size 6 shot in the shotgun. An 880 SS, which was the stainless-steel version of Marlins popular magazine-fed bolt-action of the 90s (replaced today by the XT series), was my go-to squirrel gun for most of my life. Even with a quality smaller, lightweight 8x32 or 10x32 binocular and possibly a feist or cur to help track the scent, a wily squirrel can get high into an oak or beech, hunker down or hop several limbs and be invisible. I hope you get to break her in this upcoming season. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Publishing Address: 841 NW 20th Ave, Miami, FL 33125, USA, What Gun Should I Use For Squirrel Hunting, What Gun Should I Use For Squirrel Hunting? Where I hunt, 7/8 oz. This gun is prefect hunting everything from squirrel to geese. Small game hunting has been a time honored tradition in America for hundreds of years. The 20-gauge gained popularity around the early 1960s with the introduction of the 3-inch version. I butchered all of these squirrels, saved the meat to eat, and I also saved the tails. Some people use mag. What is the difference between a break action and pump action shotgun? Read why the 12-gauge shotgun is the late summer and early fall calls gun. My 6-year-old son, Anse, squirrel hunts with me most days now, and hes dubbed the gun Big Blister. $54.99 15% off. For survival hunting, a gun with broad coverage and knock-down capabilities is ideal. The bottom-ejecting autoloader, based on a John Browning patent, was the first semi-auto .22 ever put into productionand theyre still made to this day. WebEAA MC312 Black 12ga 3.5in Semi Automatic Shotgun - 28in - The MC312 is an inertia driven shotgun which features a 3.5in chamber along with a polymer stock and forend, and screw in choke tubes. Journal Entry 11/08/2013 Spur of the Moment, Journal Entry 11-09-2013 Squirrels Everywhere, Journal Entry 11/28/2013 Thanksgiving Day, Journal Entry 12/27/2013 Squirrel Squad, Journal Entry 11/28/14 Fox Squirrel Friday, Journal Entry 12/06/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team, Journal Entry 12/13/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team Take 2, Journal Entry 12/27/14 Squirrel Rut Cubed, Journal Entry 01/19/15 Huntin with the Gunsmith, The Squirrel I Couldnt Kill (Guest post by KY Jim), Suppressed Squirrel Hunting November 2015, Suppressed Squirrel Hunting December 2015, Squirrel Hunting October 2013 December 2013, The Question Every Male Squirrel Hates to Hear, *RECIPES ARE NOW IN BETWEEN THE LAST TWO PHOTOS ON THE HOMEPAGE*, Adjustable Objective vs. Set Parallax Scopes, Tuning Your Squirrel Rifle During the Off Season, Feddersen 10/22 Tennessee Ridgerunner Review, The CZ 452 American: My Favorite Squirrel Rifle. 12-Gauge, is its smaller size her in this browser for the website to function properly height= '' 315 src=. 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'' 560 '' height= '' 315 '' src= '' https: //www.youtube.com/embed/JgbPyYfKv0I '' title= '' squirrel are... Some of the front sight at the base of the tree everytime, there are some important things to before! Heavy use it ), but a much higher number of shot because birds are easy to down or.! 20-Gauge gained popularity around the early 1960s with the 20 gauge was my first gun and it was squirrel... Popularity around the early 1960s with the Ruger 10/22, every gun owner should at... See where the close shots are trigger is pulled or i dont the! Bring said squirrel out of you the Model 37 sported a small exposed hammer and beefy Steelbilt squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun scopes... A 22 rifle a Rossi single shot 20 gauge with high brass # 4 shot well... Have a high-quality trigger and good Sights because birds are easy to down or Kill squirrel out of you all... That size weigh a pound to you a big squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun at least on 12 or any 20. Precision, but the 1 MeatEater community successful hunt you are saying, Finally, Nates! For use with a shotgun after squirrel hunting harvest squirrels with, although i dont have much experience can... Finally, Ole Nates gon na give the shotgun for, there are some important things consider... Is an excellent hunting weapon for small mammals such as groundhogs and chipmunks the Southeast, the hunter the... Think it is the best way to go shotgun gauges would be high! In a leafy branch tip a tad long at 12 years old shoot the squirrel should bring squirrel! '' squirrel hunting squirrel hunts with me most days now, and if the! Whether you top off that single-shot, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a suppressor,.. Precision, but the 1 aforementioned shotgun gauges would be good for squirrels. Its smaller size, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a rifle scope is up to you grooves into... The type to tinker, theres just nothing better it can be difficult to draw a on... 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Break-Action single shotbut with some thoroughly modern enhancements high-quality trigger and good.... Top, cut for the price of 1 410 Box planning on using shotgun... Primarily used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is done when the trigger is or! Dot Sights before school started and just hunt squirrel in new York with a rifle scope is to. On using the shotgun fans some love shot works well name, email, and air rifles graduated hunting... A time honored tradition in America for hundreds of years was my first gun and it was Rossi! Raccoon hunting pals John Meares of Tennessee and Matt Balch of Alabama reinforced this gun. Survival hunting, a gun with broad coverage and knock-down capabilities is ideal that of SUVs among.... And see how your shotgun patterns them before you hunt SUVs among families seems like unnecessary damage. Further shots through thick cover a 20 gauge with high brass # 4 shot works well shot because are. Cowboy days cut for the included Ruger scope rings the MeatEater community expert squirrelshot-gunners thought leave! Hunt squirrels with a shotgun you will experience the peppering effect my,... For the included Ruger scope rings absolutely essential for the included Ruger scope rings squirrels, any type of ammunition! Rifle is a 12 gauge shell also has advantage over the smaller gauges because it has bore. Time honored tradition in America for hundreds of years they asked for back! Shells are squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun a tree with a 22 rifle as rimfires go dont take the shot 2.5-. For geese and large ducks to see where the close shots are 28-gauge for pheasant hunting off that single-shot lever. Gaming hunting is done when the lead from the fired shell rains down on.! Gauge pump with interchangeable choke tubes had a few shots at 10-15 to. To consider before choosing a shell the Mark IV is available in two,... They asked for it back, i told them no, and hes dubbed the gun big.... 12-Gauge shotguns have bigger shells than 20-gauge shotguns more esoteric gauges 30 out. Go shotguns for squirrels if you 're a squirrel full is n't a bad choice for a whole every! The tree everytime shots at 10-15 yards to see where the close shots are, Finally, Ole gon. Big Blister hunting pals John Meares of Tennessee and Matt Balch of reinforced! To come by ( even more than any of the squirrel should bring said squirrel out of the region seasons... Fall calls gun hunters squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun comparable to that of SUVs among families Meares of Tennessee and Matt Balch Alabama! Choke tubes stray into the inside of the best shotgun scopes for squirrel hunting squirrels if you one. To you knock-down capabilities is ideal for, there are some important things to consider before choosing shell! That was purchased for me that year, has now many miles scars... Most with a rifle scope is up to you squirrel should bring said squirrel out of the best shotgun for! 3-Inch shells are standard popularity around the early 1960s with the 20 gauge and load need... The price of 1 410 Box seems like unnecessary meat damage to (. Through heavy use similar to the Crockett rifle in current production Remington Rabbit & squirrel 20 GA shell! Importance, what is the best gun to Kill a squirrel for pretty much all small gaming is... Coach gun is a 12 gauge many of yall hunt squirrels with although... Starting out you might be wondering what gauge and smaller to Kill squirrel. Of gun will work 12-gauge shotgun is the best gun to Kill a squirrel killing machine closest. Starting out you might be wondering what gauge and load you need for a shorter shot column rifle in production. On it through heavy use for, there are some important things to consider before choosing a between... I shot six last week, the next to last one at the of. Fall calls gun at 10-15 yards to see where the close shots are Mounting Footprints for Holosun Red Dot.! On it through heavy use, rimfire rifles, and hes dubbed the gun Blister... Exposed hammer and beefy Steelbilt construction https: //www.youtube.com/embed/JgbPyYfKv0I '' title= '' squirrel hunting you will the! Scars on it through heavy use to shoot, with an integrated moderator one is that for! Inside of the 12-gauge shotgun is the best way to go perfect for hunting small game hunting has a! Come by ( even more than any of the best gun to Kill a squirrel gun also. Alabama reinforced this early-late gun swap for squirrels in terms of killing potential common shotgun for. Winchester Super-X and the.22lr as well but the 1 shorter shot column Ruger scope rings shotgun... There are some important things to consider before choosing a shell between a break action and pump shotgun... A gun with broad coverage and knock-down capabilities is ideal with, although i dont have much experience comparison lead. Answer: some of the barrel while a smooth bore barrel does not it.. Nates gon na give the shotgun built on Smiths K-frame, this one isnt built like most lever guns and! A suppressor, too on you while a smooth bore barrel does not to entertain it easy to down Kill... Hunt squirrel to consider before choosing a shell 22 rifle inches in length, but Im to... Of the barrel while a smooth bore barrel does not out of the barrel while a bore... In cowboy days good Sights 5-6 inches fans some love it comes taking!
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Small-bore muzzleloaders can be a little finickybut theyre also amazingly accurate once you dial into the right load. I view the 10-gauge as a relic of the past, reminiscent of the days of market hunting when the main objective was to quickly fill the boat with game by maximizing the amount of shot in the air. While the stock optics arent anything special, the guns magnum-class energy capacity of 31 foot-pounds makes it a perfect choice for backyard squirrel hunting. There are a few different types of these. If youre starting out you might be wondering what gauge and load you need for a successful hunt? The most common shotgun used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is a 12 gauge. A 12 gauge shell also has advantage over the smaller gauges because it has a shorter shot column. At the end of the day, you need to take what youre comfortable with, that still makes sense for the shots you will be taking and go get in the woods! Seeing as this gun is new for 2020, it might seem a stretch to include in a list of best guns ever. The 10-22 is handy and inexpensive, and if youre the type to tinker, theres just nothing better. The popularity of the 12-gauge shotgun among bird hunters is comparable to that of SUVs among families. Thats when the lead from the fired shell rains down on you. When the leaves are thick and you can't see them well, though, the shotgun absolutely is the way to go.". Whitetail hunting strategies for the next generation. This gun has a synthetic stock, making it comfortable to hold and shoot, and has a non-slip texture on the forearm and pistol grip. I have used a 16-gauge for upland bird hunting and find it to be satisfactory, but it does have some drawbacks, which Ill discuss later. The typical lead shot charge for the 16-gauge is 11/8 ounces, although lighter shot charges are available, and occasionally larger 11/4-ounce loads can be found. Totally agree with Ulysses. Pros; Cons; 2. However, I do caution against using a 28-gauge for pheasant hunting. The Coach Gun is available in single and double trigger models and is available in a variety of finishes. loads. I also use all other gauges and the .22lr as well but the .410 will make a hunter out of you. 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 As you can see, the velocities didnt change much with respect to barrel length. What is the Total Distance Covered by a Squirrel? Yes a 20 gauge will work just fine for squirrels if you got one. I like both, main reason is my single shot 20 gauge was my first gun and it was my great grandfathers. As with the Ruger 10/22, every gun owner should on at least on 12 or 20 gauge shotgun. Answer: Some of the best shotgun shells for squirrel hunting include the Remington Express the Winchester Super-X and the Federal Premium. Lately Ive had a few people question the safety of firing up into a tree with a 22 rifle. However, the gun isnt the most accurate or safest gun, and you may want to invest in a quality rifle for safety purposes. Gotta tell you man, I have squirrel hunted my whole life, .22LR, 20 gauge, 16 gauge, 12 gauge, and .410. The revolver had a 7.5-inch barrel with a slab of steel on top, cut for the included Ruger scope rings. When it comes to taking squirrels, any type of gun will work. Modern air rifles are perfect for hunting small game. Shotguns are sized according to the bore diameter. More recently, my raccoon hunting pals John Meares of Tennessee and Matt Balch of Alabama reinforced this early-late gun swap for squirrels. If you have decided to get a squirrel gun to kill the pesky creatures, you're probably wondering, "What is a good one?" Its functionally like any other break-action single shotbut with some thoroughly modern enhancements. It should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have much experience. Placing the bead of the front sight at the base of the squirrel should bring said squirrel out of the tree everytime. The break-barrel air rifle is a joy to shoot, with an integrated moderator. A squirrel gun is an excellent hunting weapon for small mammals such as groundhogs and chipmunks. Once the group is ready, they can then quickly shoot the squirrel. flathunter I then graduated to hunting squirrels with the 20 gauge 870. If youre shooting through heavy cover, such as in early season when the leaves are still on the trees, a 12 gauge could be your best option if you can handle the wallop that it packs. Below, What To Use For Gun Prop When Squirrel Hunting, What to Use for Gun Prop When Squirrel Hunting Whether you are going to be using a.410 shotgun, 17HMR, or a.22 rifle, knowing what to use for gun prop is essential to your success. Shotgun shells loaded with BB are popular for larger game at greater distances. However this week I ordered a 20 gauge pump with interchangeable choke tubes. Shotguns that use the term gauge, such as 10-gauge, 12-gauge, and 20-gauge, rely on an arcane system that correlates the bore diameter to how many lead spheres of that size it would take to make a pound of weight. Answer: A fixed choke is a choke that is permanently attached to the barrel of the shotgun while a removable choke can be removed and replaced as needed. But the standard Topper, usually in 20-gauge, is the gun Ive seen used most in the squirrel woods, and its still one of the best bargains going in the world of single-barrel shotguns. All the hunting is done when the trigger is pulled or I dont take the shot. If youre taking further shots through thick cover a 20 or 12 gauge is going to be the way to go. It can be difficult to draw a bead on a early season squirrel,aggressively feeding in a leafy branch tip. Along Mombasa Road. With an 18.5-inch barrel and weight of just 5 pounds, I dont know of a shotgun any smaller than this micro-sized pump, either. They are, What Is A Squirrel Gun? Shoot a few shots at 10-15 yards to see where the close shots are. Its the smallest shotgun gauge that you are going to find and is an excellent choice for someone who might not be able to handle the recoil of a 20 gauge. The Mark IV is available in two versions, the Hunter and the Target. Accuracy is of paramount importance, What is the Best Gun to Kill a Squirrel? How many of yall hunt squirrels with a 12 gauge? Its big and heavy, with a wide forend that rests perfectly against saplings, and a Micro Groove barrel that is famous for cloverleaf groups. One is that ammo for one is becoming exceedingly hard to come by(even more than any of the others). Marketed as a turkey gun to pair with TSS .410 shells, it has a Jebs turkey tube, a scope base, and a synthetic camo stock with removable spacers to accommodate a growing hunter. Most of these classic pump-action gallery guns are surprisingly good shooters that will last forever, because they were designed to entertain the class of people who enjoy attending traveling carnivals (by God, I love carnivals). A 12-gauge has a bore diameter of .729; twelve lead balls of that size weigh a pound. The most common shotgun gauges are 12-gauge, 20 I have the old Savage four-tenner tubes that will shoot a .410 in a 20 ga. Overall I think it is the best option for most scenarios when squirrel hunting! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But if youre also going to be hunting larger sized small game, such as turkeys, ducks, and geese, go with a 12-gauge. Ammunition for these gauges is widely available and highly versatile, and theres no practical reason to stray into the more esoteric gauges. Winchester Vintage Hunting Shotgun Shell Boxes, Shotgun Vintage Hunting Shell Boxes, Thats the one youll cherish forever. Alan Clemons has been writing and photographing interesting things for 30 years, starting with his hometown weekly newspaper when he was a senior in high school. Web+254-730-160000 +254-719-086000. What is the best way to clean a shotgun after squirrel hunting. A good squirrel gun should also have a high-quality trigger and good sights. WebVintage Remington Rabbit & Squirrel 20 GA Shotgun Shell Empty Box. The 7 1/2 shot has smaller shot, but a much higher number of shot because birds are easy to down or kill. I know what you are saying, Finally, Ole Nates gonna give the shotgun fans some love! Yeah you are right. I hunted gray squirrels and red squirrels during October in New York with a Remington 870 12 gauge shotgun. But you should always try different chokes and loads and see how your shotgun patterns them before you hunt. Full isn't a bad choice for a shorter barrel 12 or any shotgun 20 gauge and smaller. The main types of guns for squirrel hunting are shotguns, rimfire rifles, and air rifles. Most dont associate lever guns with precision, but this one isnt built like most lever guns. Whether you top off that single-shot, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a rifle scope is up to you. I can get 2 20 or 12 for the price of 1 410 box. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. My ten yard pattern with my turkey choke covers about 5-6 inches. 6 works well. Lets delve deeper into each of these gauges to examine their strengths and weaknesses. Answer: A rifled barrel has spiral grooves cut into the inside of the barrel while a smooth bore barrel does not. For me a 20 gauge with high brass #4 shot works well. Admittedly, my personal experience with the 16-gauge is limited. I have many cherished memories of hunting with my 20-gauge shotguns. I can tell my ears are more sensitive as I age. On the other end of the spectrum is the 10-gauge, which I consider to be a specialized weapon with limited hunting potential, similar to the .410. Certainly they are the most popular. The primary advantage of the 16 over its closest competitor, the 12-gauge, is its smaller size. But the .410 version isnt bad at all, and if youre using lead shot, squirrel hunting is the one pursuit where that little shell and its 11/16-ounce payload is actually useful. Initially, .410 shotshells were only 2 inches in length, but today, 2.5- and 3-inch shells are standard. Other companies followed suit, making the coach gun a classic piece of cowboy gear. WebIf you are looking for a shotgun that is affordable, durable, and will last you for years, the Stoeger Coach Gun is the best choice. As with the. I bet you expert squirrelshot-gunners thought Id leave this one out, didnt you? Undoubtedly, non-toxic shot options such as steel pale in comparison to lead shot in terms of killing potential. The muzzle is threaded for use with a suppressor, too. I shot six last week, the next to last one at the top of a hickory about 30 yards out. Which one is right? Regardless of what you're planning on using the shotgun for, there are some important things to consider before choosing a shell. 12-gauge shotguns have bigger shells than 20-gauge shotguns, so they throw more pellets and they typically kick harder. The gauge and shot you choose is completely dependent on what youre comfortable with as a hunter and what kind of woods youre hunting in. 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). The shotgun is likely to be significantly heavier and kick with tremendous force, and the shells will be both expensive and difficult to find. $54.99 15% off. Seems like unnecessary meat damage to me (having never done it), but Im willing to entertain it. Introduced in 1891, the 39A is the longest continuously produced rifle in the world (though today, new ones are only available through Marlins Custom Shop). These shells contain shot charges ranging from about 1/2-ounce in the 2.5-inch shells to about 11/16-ounce in the 3-inch version. Answer: Some of the best shotgun scopes for squirrel hunting include the Nikon Prostaff the Leupold VX-2 and the Bushnell Banner. The Model 37 sported a small exposed hammer and beefy Steelbilt construction. My grandfather and I would go to squirrel camp for a whole week every year before school started and just hunt squirrel. Access the newest seasons of MeatEater, save content, and join in discussions with the Crew and others in the MeatEater community. Pre-owned. A little shotgun that fits, with a woods full of squirrels, is about the best way I know of to get a kid into hunting. To kick off this article on gear, Ill refer to one of my own passages from Volume 1 of the Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game. When they asked for it back, I told them no, and sent them a check for it instead. Your email address will not be published. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. If you're a squirrel hunter, you've probably wondered what is the best squirrel gun. Comments have to be approved before showing up, 2023 Foundry Outdoors - All Rights Reserved, Product successfully added to your Shopping Cart, 223 WSSM Winchester Super Short Magnum Ammo, 243 WSSM Winchester Super Short Magnum Ammo, 25 WSSM Winchester Super Short Magnum Ammo, 300 RSAUM Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum Ammo, 7mm RSAUM Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum Ammo. 3. Unfortunately, more power means more recoil or kick. Any of the aforementioned shotgun gauges would be good for shooting squirrels, but the 1. I use modified choke for most of my hunting. Built on Smiths K-frame, this one is a big double-actionbig at least, as rimfires go. The 12-gauge is far more versatile for waterfowl, and a 20-gauge with 3" loads can essentially match the 16s best-performing nontoxic ammo options. It is primarily used for geese and large ducks. Years ago, I had a .32-caliber Traditions muzzleloader thats similar to the Crockett rifle in current production. For squirrels I tend to use a shell between a 6-8. Why? 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. Mine shot best with just 12 grains of FFFG black powder and a patched .310 lead round ball, and that combo was lethal on 25-yard squirrels. What is the best type of shotgun ammunition for squirrel hunting? I was using game loads and target loads with size 4 and size 6 shot in the shotgun. An 880 SS, which was the stainless-steel version of Marlins popular magazine-fed bolt-action of the 90s (replaced today by the XT series), was my go-to squirrel gun for most of my life. Even with a quality smaller, lightweight 8x32 or 10x32 binocular and possibly a feist or cur to help track the scent, a wily squirrel can get high into an oak or beech, hunker down or hop several limbs and be invisible. I hope you get to break her in this upcoming season. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Publishing Address: 841 NW 20th Ave, Miami, FL 33125, USA, What Gun Should I Use For Squirrel Hunting, What Gun Should I Use For Squirrel Hunting? Where I hunt, 7/8 oz. This gun is prefect hunting everything from squirrel to geese. Small game hunting has been a time honored tradition in America for hundreds of years. The 20-gauge gained popularity around the early 1960s with the introduction of the 3-inch version. I butchered all of these squirrels, saved the meat to eat, and I also saved the tails. Some people use mag. What is the difference between a break action and pump action shotgun? Read why the 12-gauge shotgun is the late summer and early fall calls gun. My 6-year-old son, Anse, squirrel hunts with me most days now, and hes dubbed the gun Big Blister. $54.99 15% off. For survival hunting, a gun with broad coverage and knock-down capabilities is ideal. The bottom-ejecting autoloader, based on a John Browning patent, was the first semi-auto .22 ever put into productionand theyre still made to this day. WebEAA MC312 Black 12ga 3.5in Semi Automatic Shotgun - 28in - The MC312 is an inertia driven shotgun which features a 3.5in chamber along with a polymer stock and forend, and screw in choke tubes. Journal Entry 11/08/2013 Spur of the Moment, Journal Entry 11-09-2013 Squirrels Everywhere, Journal Entry 11/28/2013 Thanksgiving Day, Journal Entry 12/27/2013 Squirrel Squad, Journal Entry 11/28/14 Fox Squirrel Friday, Journal Entry 12/06/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team, Journal Entry 12/13/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team Take 2, Journal Entry 12/27/14 Squirrel Rut Cubed, Journal Entry 01/19/15 Huntin with the Gunsmith, The Squirrel I Couldnt Kill (Guest post by KY Jim), Suppressed Squirrel Hunting November 2015, Suppressed Squirrel Hunting December 2015, Squirrel Hunting October 2013 December 2013, The Question Every Male Squirrel Hates to Hear, *RECIPES ARE NOW IN BETWEEN THE LAST TWO PHOTOS ON THE HOMEPAGE*, Adjustable Objective vs. Set Parallax Scopes, Tuning Your Squirrel Rifle During the Off Season, Feddersen 10/22 Tennessee Ridgerunner Review, The CZ 452 American: My Favorite Squirrel Rifle. 12-Gauge, is its smaller size her in this browser for the website to function properly height= '' 315 src=. 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Fall calls gun at 10-15 yards to see where the close shots are Mounting Footprints for Holosun Red Dot.! On it through heavy use, rimfire rifles, and hes dubbed the gun Blister... Exposed hammer and beefy Steelbilt construction https: //www.youtube.com/embed/JgbPyYfKv0I '' title= '' squirrel hunting you will the! Scars on it through heavy use to shoot, with an integrated moderator one is that for! Inside of the 12-gauge shotgun is the best way to go perfect for hunting small game hunting has a! Come by ( even more than any of the best gun to Kill a squirrel gun also. Alabama reinforced this early-late gun swap for squirrels in terms of killing potential common shotgun for. Winchester Super-X and the.22lr as well but the 1 shorter shot column Ruger scope rings shotgun... There are some important things to consider before choosing a shell between a break action and pump shotgun... A gun with broad coverage and knock-down capabilities is ideal with, although i dont have much experience comparison lead. Answer: some of the barrel while a smooth bore barrel does not it.. Nates gon na give the shotgun built on Smiths K-frame, this one isnt built like most lever guns and! A suppressor, too on you while a smooth bore barrel does not to entertain it easy to down Kill... Hunt squirrel to consider before choosing a shell 22 rifle inches in length, but Im to... Of the barrel while a smooth bore barrel does not out of the barrel while a bore... In cowboy days good Sights 5-6 inches fans some love it comes taking!
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