Break barrels are generally the most popular, although Ive seen pump actions and side by sides. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I am planning on getting a 20 gauge eventually. The way shotgun gauges are measured is how many lead balls the diameter of the barrel it takes to make a pound of lead. 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. How many pellets are in a 12 gauge shell? with the hi-power, you get more distance. The shotgun and ammo combined are heavy and cumbersome for my applications. I slip in just one, giving me a 20 and a .410 choice. Forget using #10. In the .22 calibers, the .22 WMR is the answer for 100-yard-plus squirrel sniping, but like the .17 HMR, it could easily be considered overkill. In most cases they are only allowed to shoot at 12 ft lbs or . Footwear should be habitat appropriate. I shot trap with a guy who saw them in Vietnam and he said they were the most bloodthirsty little sobs over there. It may be a better idea the hunt with a 22lr or 20 gauge for small game. 177 might be a little more accurate or quieter at times, the Gamo technology behind a . #4 shot is .130 in diameter, 192 pellets per ounce. 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. The 20 gauge boomed and the squirrel thumped to the ground nearly at my feet. The seller is "curtsgunshop" and is located in this country: US. No one said whether we are hunting gray squirrels or fox. I think if you run this combo and take good shots (as with any combo), you will find the .410 as lethal as anything out there. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Checkering is beautiful and very pronounced. From my days as an over-the-counter gun sales guy, I can't tell you how many people loved the idea, then hated it after a couple of shots. Use 10-20 gauge shotgun using shot size "BB" to #3 Buckshot during daylight. His 28 gauge pump would accompany him oncompetition hunts. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Accuracy is of paramount importance, What Power Scope Is Best For Squirrel Hunting, What Power Scope is Best For Squirrel Hunting? 2. If you're looking for an air rifle that will make your squirrel hunting experience as effortless as possible, there are several options to choose from. I've killed squirrels with 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns. They just dont hit hard enough. The .410 has a 4 plus 1 shotshell capacity, is chambered for 3-inch loads, and the 26-inch barrel cuts down on the overall length (and weight) of the gun, which makes a difference when youre swinging on squirrels in thick cover. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. Sixteen gauge anyone? Other gear includes binoculars, to identify that suspicious-looking bump on a limb, and a squirrel call. News; Hunting Lately Ive had a few people question the safety of firing up into a tree with a 22 rifle. Collecting guns is often an expensive habit, but most of these smoothbores can be found for a modest price. Both chokes can, What Is The Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting? Following the logic, the wider the bore, the more BBs the shell comprises. Check Price on Amazon. Theyre more visible as well, but you are, too, so youll have to move even slower. You dont want the recoil to shy them away from the opportunity to hunt. I have used both #5 and #6. With that new information, you got the slugs free. You likely noticed that there was no mention of the .410 in this shotgun discussion. The term "gauge" defines the barrel's diameter while the number refers to the lead weight that will fit inside a gun's barrel. Agitated chatters erupted not 30 yards up the hill. Eric Hunter 5.22K subscribers Subscribe 279 12K views 1 year ago PENNSYLVANIA Please watch: "Squirrel Hunting Catch Clean Cook!". You dont need camouflage clothing for squirrels. This particular gauge has a strong following, but you wont find it on most store shelves. How about 28 gauge? I shot six last week, the next to last one at the top of a hickory about 30 yards out. Handcrafting of the gun is excellent, right down to the squirrel in the action release lever. If you want to use it to kill squirrels, you can try sabot slugs. The hottest squirrel spots are usually red oaks, which are often passed over early because they pack more tannic acid, amping up the bitterness. Just $1 per month . Further, pumps, autoloaders, side-by-sides, and over-and-unders all make for an excellent "dove gun." There will be those shooters who will carry into the dove fields those ultra-light 28s and, on rare occasions, the .410. Plan your path to a tree thats closer to the squirrel and can also hide you as you use it for a gun rest. Yeah the low brass six and seven shot is what I have been useing. I would consider 7 to small, I would go with 4 or 5 sized shot for squirrels. Then youve got to close the distance if need be. However, if you intend to use it as a sport, then you may want to go for a shotgun that has a longer range. I got my first shot at a squirrel with a .410. The damage done is no more from one gun to the other. $9.99. Earth-tone plaid flannel shirts are great for cooler weather. Did a couple years with a 410 but moved him to a 20 last year. The ability to hunt diverse game species with the same gun throughout the year, whether in dense pine stands or thick briars, make shotguns hard to beat. The .17 HMR and .17 M2 offer whisker-splitting accuracy out to 100 yards if long-range rodents are your thing. Now you have a furball in addition to the shot to deal with. Squirrel; Bear; Alligator; Georgia Hunters On The Road; Other Hunting; Fishing. And this is true. If using birdshot you can take down squirrels, rabbits, doves, quail, pheasants, ducks, and geese. Arriving home from school one Friday afternoon, at the age of 12, there sitting on the fireplace was a green box with the word Remington on it. G. Juch, SXS, made in Ferlach, Austria. 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. Hell you can even change the barrel out to make a nice slug gun. Like you I also first used a 410. Any shotgun bore, or gauge size is suitable given distance accommodations. If the shells are high base (1 1/4 oz), they cost a bit more. 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. If I wanted, I could have a dozen of them with less than five rounds shot through them. So a 12 gauge means that it takes 12 lead balls the diameter of the barrel to make a pound of lead. Phil Bourjaily Before we compare the different shotgun gauges what is a shotgun gauge. If other squirrels are close by, youll rarely wait long. 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. Its light enough to tote comfortably for miles, throws plenty of pellets, is easy on the shoulder, and you can find loads everywhere. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. The best squirrel hunting shotgun is one with a narrower bore diameter, a 20-gauge or a .410 bore (just for the record, there are no 22 caliber or 22 gauge . Well also discuss which bullet size is the best for each. SKU:FA7803754. 257 Weatherby vs. 6.5 Creedmoor | Why One Cartridge is Better, 35 Remington vs 30-06 | Which Cartridge is Better. Its time to start giving squirrel hunting a little more love, By An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. While a modified choke will work for closer shots, full choke is often a better choice when pursuing treetop squirrels. But watching two or more boars in hot pursuit of a sow in heat is high entertainment as they swirl around the trunks and branches. But for those who enjoy conversation, camaraderie, and the earnest work of a good canine in the field, hearing a mountain cur or feist bark treed is a little bit of heaven on Earth. It took awhile but eventually, the dog became accustomed to the sound of a gun shot and now, she no longer has that problem," Seacrist continued. Also the Binelli is lighter and I really do like the way it shoots and handles. While the shotgun is not my first choice for the squirrel woods, I cant neglect to give my thoughts on it any longer. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. Instead, they reveal a hidden squirrel. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. 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. -Theodore Roosevelt. 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). Manage Settings And while a full choke may not ruin the meat on a close shot, it will ruin it if it gets too close. While there are differences between the 12 and 10 gauge they are more subtle than a 12 gauge compared to a 20 gauge. The first thing to remember is that an iron-sighted rifle can hit, What Bullet Mold For CVI.32 Caliber Squirrel Rifle Should You Use? And, like the .17HMR, can destroy a lot meat if your aim is off a bit. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. For squirrels I tend to use a shell between a 6-8. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. You can also use a 7.5 or 12-gauge shell if you plan to shoot birds. best bets, use the .22! 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. 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