By shopping carefully, either used or new, you can purchase a single shotgun that will cover virtually 95% of the small game hunting opportunities that this continent has to offer. Its my gun, but with a heavy barrel and recessed crown. All of those things help for precision shooting, which is exactly how you should think of a .410 in the squirrel woods. Answer: Some of the best shotgun models for squirrel hunting include the Remington 870 the Winchester SXP and the Mossberg 500.
Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. The difference between the two is largely based on, What Size 12 Gauge Shells For Squirrel Hunting? What about gauge? Lately Ive had a few people question the safety of firing up into a tree with a 22 rifle. The Mark IV is available in two versions, the Hunter and the Target. Trapping of squirrels is illegal. Squirrels prefer a, 2023 MasterCard Fully Funded African Scholarships at University of California, Berkeley. Velocities were measured with the muzzle 12 inches from the chronograph, and the results are shown in the accompanying chart. WebVintage Remington Rabbit & Squirrel 20 GA Shotgun Shell Empty Box. No pellets ever in the meat, so I think I"m choosing shot size and choke appropriately. However, some hunters prefer to have a single shotgun that caters to all their hunting needs. The most common shotgun gauges are 12-gauge, 20 CVA Hunter Compact Single-Shot Shotguns. You dont want the recoil to shy them away from the opportunity to hunt. Id call it one that got away. As with the. I can tell my ears are more sensitive as I age. It tends to be a personal preference. The Remington 870 that was purchased for me that year, has now many miles and scars on it through heavy use. However, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and is less powerful than other ammunition. I wouldnt say the same thing for all types of versatile big game hunters. The Stoeger Coach Gun is a double-barreled shotgun that has been popular in cowboy days. Although it may lack the firepower of the 12-gauge, I feel the 20-gauge is perfectly suited for this type of game. Well I would have if I hadnt been introduced to it through the man who sold me my first Feist squirrel dog. Had the best time. 
When considering the .410 for a squirrel shotgun, make sure it can take a three inch shells. $46.74. 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.
What are some of the best shotgun choke tubes for squirrel hunting? I use 3 number 6 shot. Placing the bead of the front sight at the base of the squirrel should bring said squirrel out of the tree everytime. Mine was a Rossi single shot, and it was a squirrel killing machine. Initially, .410 shotshells were only 2 inches in length, but today, 2.5- and 3-inch shells are standard. However many of those lead balls it would take to make one pound is the gauge. I have a strong affinity for smaller-gauge shotguns, having used both 20 and 28-gauges for hunting quail, partridge, grouse, and doves throughout the years. However, in todays world, I see the 10-gauge as an example of excess, and I can hardly imagine any practical use for it besides hunting geese in a blind. flathunter 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. 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. A brief look at shotguns for scaled quail At this point the question is, does one shoot a 20-, 16-, or 12-gauge? If I had to compare the performance of steel versus lead shot, I would say that a heavily loaded lead 234-inch shell provides roughly the same level of killing potential as a 312-inch shell loaded with steel. I have owned an over-and-under 3-inch 20-gauge for many years, and I have never felt the need to shoot a 3-inch shell. The number associated with each gauge is determined by the number of round lead balls of that gauges bore diameter required to make one pound. My introduction to the .17 HMR came while field-testing this handgun during squirrel season some 15 years ago. The smallest shotgun used for hunting purposes is the .410 for rabbits and squirrels, typically, while the largest is the 10 gauge for geese and swans. What is the best way to clean a shotgun after squirrel hunting. A rimfire rifle is also a good option for squirrel hunting because it has a shorter barrel and less risk of hitting a squirrel. Autoloading .22s dont get much more reliable, and when fitted with a heavy aftermarket barrel, theyre hell-on-wheels-accurate. 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. The regular: 1 1/4 oz will also work fine but I'd use a improved cylinder bore for this 12 gauge load on Squirrels and Rabbits with #6 or #7 1/2 size shot. Ill discuss the 20 and 12 gauges together. 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. These three things will change significantly depending on the game that you are pursuing. The automatic ejector popped those spent hulls out damn near as hard as the gunpowder propelled the shot, too. 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. The 12 gauge has the strongest recoil out of these and also the most pellets and the widest pattern of any of the shotguns gauges listed here. 
When a lot of hunters think of air rifles, they think of the old Daisy Red Ryders that hurled BBs so slowly that you could watch them leave the barrel. For me a 20 gauge with high brass #4 shot works well. A squirrel gun is an excellent hunting weapon for small mammals such as groundhogs and chipmunks. It will punch through some leaves and has very decent range when coupled with a full choke, while being very meat friendly with a well placed shot.. My grandfather always referred to it as a marksman's shotgun because it is significantly harder to hit a moving target with a .410. It weighs 2.6 pounds and features a 16-inch heavy target barrel with a threaded muzzle.
Once you get older, you realize that quality should be regarded more highly than quantity. Especially shotguns for hunting small game. Its 20-inch barrels are perfect for hunting squirrels, as most of the hunting takes place in close quarters. I had a single shot .410, and I learned the basics of hunting and woodsmanship. He had a very cool customized Ruge10/22 semi-auto rifle with an overmolded Hogue stock, scope and good binoculars. Mostly this is experienced in a crowded dove field. Hunters have their favorite firearms, usually a .22 rifle with a pocket full of cartridges, to get the job done. The primary advantage of the 16 over its closest competitor, the 12-gauge, is its smaller size. Shotguns are popular firearms used for hunting a wide variety of game, including birds, rabbits, squirrels, and larger animals like deer and bear. Heavy foliage, which is common during the early part of squirrel season, can make a shotgun a good choice. The current production Grade VI models have golden critters engraved into the receiversquirrels included. When my neighbor saw me struggling to skin game with the traditional, cut-across-the-back method, he taught me a better way. Its also the largest shotgun in the list today. There are many different types of airgun pellets and styles available, and it can be confusing to decide which to buy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Feb 23, 2016 7:53 pm 1 note hunting But I had better eyes back in college, and I used its open sights to keep our dorm room crockpot a bubbling with fresh squirrel quarters at all times. In front of the gun, from left, are a 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and .410 shells. So, I ran across a real good deal on a Binelli M2 20 ga. automatic and bought it. 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. One of the key factors to consider when choosing a shotgun for hunting is the gauge, which refers to the diameter of the guns barrel. The Mark IV is an excellent choice for squirrel hunting. Scope mounting is possible but inconvenient, so I never added an optic. and give you a fairly straightforward summation of the information and also a piece of advice. In addition, the Coach Gun is quiet and accurate. What are some of the best shotgun shells for squirrel hunting? Winchester Vintage Hunting Shotgun Shell Boxes, Shotgun Vintage Hunting Shell Boxes, Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Modified is fine for 26"+ barrel. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. While the shotgun is not my first choice for the squirrel woods, I cant neglect to give my thoughts on it any longer. I shoot a 20-grain CCI Game Point out of it, which isnt as explosive as most .17 HMR rounds are on squirrels. That was good redneck fun, back when ammo was cheap and people werent hoarding it. 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. Because your bushytails aren't flitting around the oaks, beeches and other mast-producing trees in open view. .JPG)
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But in my experience, even the skinny, factory carbine tubes are plenty accurate enough for squirrel hunting. I've been squirrel hunting squirrel for years with 12 gauge shotguns and have always been successful. But the 16-gauge is a soundif not quite so versatilewaterfowl gun. For squirrels I tend to use a shell between a 6-8. When pursuing doves, grouse, quail, and partridge, I highly recommend utilizing a 28-bore shotgun due to its light weight and nimble handling. 
Access the newest seasons of MeatEater, save content, and join in discussions with the Crew and others in the MeatEater community. Jul 18, 2020 #3 luvtohunt 12 pointer Users who want to shoot the shotgun quickly will love the ergonomic design. Rifle hunters tend to have more experience with rifles, but some people, What Is The Best Air Gun For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Air Gun For Squirrel Hunting? 
Some folks will chase squirrels with a pistol but well stick to long guns in our guide. Thinking about it, Im not sure Ive ever seen Ryan miss anything with it. It offers exceptional versatility and can effectively hunt waterfowl, upland birds, turkeys, or even doves. Undoubtedly, non-toxic shot options such as steel pale in comparison to lead shot in terms of killing potential. The sixteen gauge lacks the power of the 20 gauge, and you have the same size package. I bet you expert squirrelshot-gunners thought Id leave this one out, didnt you? WebSome hunters prefer to use birdshot 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting because it is less lethal and can be more effective at close range. A 12 gauge shotgun is easy to handle and maneuver in the woods, which is important when youre trying to get a shot off at a fast-moving target. Its a tube-fed autoloader, still in production, and its one of the very few autoloaders that will handle Short and Long .22 cartridges, in addition to the usual Long Rifles. What Is The Total Distance Covered By The Squirrel? There are several options, from a.22 WMR to a.17 HMR. Last season we got on a good early-season squirrel hunt on one of Alabama's wildlife management areas. The models tactical stock is another positive. Seems like unnecessary meat damage to me (having never done it), but Im willing to entertain it. 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. What are some of the best shotgun accessories for squirrel hunting? Varmint guns work if you have a support, but are better suited for other small game. If hunting larger birds is not your preference, you may want to consider the benefits of a smaller 20- or 28-gauge shotgun. Both KZ and I use 12 gauges when we are using shotguns for squirrel hunting. There are two primary types of firearms used for squirrel hunting: rifles and shotguns. They get in the garden and when you shoot them the entry side is clean but the exit side is a disaster. 
The most-often customized rimfire in the world definitely makes the listthough its a safe bet the plain, wood-stocked factory version bought straight off the gun rack has been carried to the squirrel woods more than anything else. This lineup of guns, including both some classics and some new favorites, is one thats proven itself in the woods. 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. Glad you are getting him out in the woods. This article will discuss the pros and cons of using 4s, 7.5s,, Choosing the Right Rifle and Shotgun for Squirrel Hunting There are several types of rifles and shotguns that are used for squirrel hunting. On one of my first dove hunts I fired 66 shells and took 6 birds. 
I would like to hear from some of you squirrel hunters out there as to what shotgun and choke do you use in such situations. The most common shotgun used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is a 12 gauge. However, some manufacturers just put a 16-gauge barrel on the same frame they used for their 12-gauges, rendering the 16 pointless. Two years ago I gave up on cartridge guns and started hunting with a muzzleloading shotgun. They will find reasons not to do it again. WebWhether you're hunting game birds, deer, squirrel, rabbit or most any small to medium game there will be a shot size and material specific to your shooting needs At Outdoor Limited, we have huge collection of of popular calibers such as 10 Gauge, 12 Gauge, 16 Gauge, 20 Gauge, 24 Gauge, 28 Gauge, 32 Gauge and 410 BORE. Whitetail hunting strategies for the next generation. A good squirrel gun should also have a high-quality trigger and good sights. What's the Best Shotgun Gauge and Load for Squirrel Hunting? Like the Winchester M37, the Topper had everything going for it, as squirrel guns go. Squirrel Hunting Rifle, Caliber Basics: Nearly any sporter style rimfire will suffice. 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. Built on Smiths K-frame, this one is a big double-actionbig at least, as rimfires go. $20.00 + $6.40 shipping. A person could spend days reading up on these arguments in dedicated firearms magazines, and youre welcome to do so. The 12-gauge has a slightly larger shot capacity and much greater potential for increased velocities over the 3-inch 20. Plus, its cheap and accessible.
Its MSRP is $769. That neighbor was a squirrel killer, and the rifle he used was Brownings SA-22. In fact, its one of the most popular gauges among squirrel hunters. 
Totally agree with Ulysses. 5-6-7.5 all good for small game. The 10-22 is handy and inexpensive, and if youre the type to tinker, theres just nothing better. They are, What Is A Squirrel Gun? Six pumps will give you 650 feet, What Is The Value Of A Marlin Glenfield Model 60 Squirrel, There are many things to consider before purchasing a rifle with a Glenfield model 60 squirrel stock. Most hunters prefer shot sizes no smaller than #6 when hunting pheasants, with many even using shot as large as #4. You get more than enough pellets down range, and your pattern is much wider.