Had the best time. It is illegal to hunt flying squirrels, which are a protected species in Indiana. From the days of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett with their flintlocks to our souped-up ammunition and quality rifles available now, squirrel hunters have taken up the challenge for many years. I have the old Savage four-tenner tubes that will shoot a .410 in a 20 ga. Vintage Western Xpert 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Empty Box 2 3/4 1oz 6 shot. They are, What Is A Squirrel Gun? And the cost of the 3-inch ammunition is considerably higher than the 2 3/4-inch. Lets delve deeper into each of these gauges to examine their strengths and weaknesses. If you take an 870 shotgun, pattern the choke you have in it with a few different shells, and keep your turkeys at 40 yards and under you will have no problems. I added a variable-power Leupold pistol scope to it, and from a good rest, the gun would outshoot my .22 rifle. The Hunter version has good adjustable sights, a 6.8-inch tube, stainless finish, and nice-looking wood grips. I've been squirrel hunting squirrel for years with 12 gauge shotguns and have always been successful. The 16-gauge which is rapidly becoming obsolete, A Guide to All the Mounting Footprints for Holosun Red Dot Sights. I have some left I am trying to use up on easy shots. Shoot a few shots at 10-15 yards to see where the close shots are. Its a great option for someone who is ready to step up from a .410, but the 20 gauge is a little strong for. In recent years theres been a lot of spirited debate about the relative attributes of 12-gauge and 20-gauge shotguns, spurred in particular by advances in ammunition. It just means a lot to me to hunt with it. Whether you are a newcomer to hunting squirrels, a veteran, or a beginner, there are some tips to keep in mind when choosing a gun. Well I would have if I hadnt been introduced to it through the man who sold me my first Feist squirrel dog. Hollow-point cartridges usually, What is the Best Squirrel Gun? Should work well also. In addition, the Coach Gun is quiet and accurate. It can be difficult to draw a bead on a early season squirrel,aggressively feeding in a leafy branch tip. The modern version of the Model 17 K-22 Masterpiece (a 6-shooter introduced in 1947), the 617 is a stainless gun with a 10-round cylinder. Break barrels are generally the most popular, although Ive seen pump actions and side by sides. I hope you get to break her in this upcoming season. I like both, main reason is my single shot 20 gauge was my first gun and it was my great grandfathers. A squirrel gun is an excellent hunting weapon for small mammals such as groundhogs and chipmunks. The revolver had a 7.5-inch barrel with a slab of steel on top, cut for the included Ruger scope rings. Unfortunately, more power means more recoil or kick. Any of the aforementioned shotgun gauges would be good for shooting squirrels, but the Users who want to shoot the shotgun quickly will love the ergonomic design. Web+254-730-160000 +254-719-086000. In such a case, the 12-gauge is likely the best option. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg. However, the good news is that a 3-inch chambered 20-gauge shotgun can fire 2 3/4-inch shells as well. You get more than enough pellets down range, and your pattern is much wider. Moreover, the difference between the 3-inch and 2 3/4-inch 20-gauge in performance is only marginally better for the 3-inch. I shoot a 20-grain CCI Game Point out of it, which isnt as explosive as most .17 HMR rounds are on squirrels. Dads gun likes a Winchester 37-grain Super Speed hollowpoint, wears the same fixed 4x scope that its always had, and will shoot tight groups to this day. Here are some tips on which one to choose., What About the 410 For Squirrel Hunting? A portion of that compensation is reinvested in purchasing new products for review and for expenses associated with running the website. The main types of guns for squirrel hunting are shotguns, rimfire rifles, and air rifles. But first, a little bit of background on the H&R Topper 58. Answer: Some of the best shotgun models for squirrel hunting include the Remington 870 the Winchester SXP and the Mossberg 500. In addition to ammo, one should also consider the purpose of squirrel hunting when selecting a gun. When i have to, I use a SKB 100, 20 ga. When I think of it, I think of my dad, because thats the gun he carried, and hes the one who taught me to hunt squirrels. Many shooters may not realize that the little .410 is not technically a gauge at all, but rather a 410 bore a name that accurately reflects its bore diameter of 0.410 inches. Squirrels are one of the easier fall-weather small game animals to hunt in New York, but I also hunt other small game, including cottontail rabbit, pheasant, ruffed grouse, turkey, and snowshoe hare. Love using both for squirrel. The cylindrical design is 0.715 inches in diameter, allowing you to shoot a wider spread of shots. My personal favorite, the 20 gauge is what I recommend anyone move up to who can from a .410. The shotgun is likely to be significantly heavier and kick with tremendous force, and the shells will be both expensive and difficult to find. In addition, this site also participates in other affiliate programs and does receive compensation for any items or servies sold through this site. 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. Back in my earlier days of squirrel hunting I liked hunting in a four man team: Two gunners (Semi-auto guns 10/22, Marlin 60), One sniper (some type of scoped rifle), and One cleanup man (shotgunner). Its also the largest shotgun in the list today. Of course shot sizes is just a matter of opinion and it could be different with different gauge shotguns. What are some of the best shotgun accessories for squirrel hunting? Relatively new TSS shot shell technology has made .410 loads to be effective for large gobblers. But dont go thinking that you need an arsenal of rifles and shotguns in order to be an effective small game hunter. info@meds.or.ke However, there are two distinct groups of hunters: shotgun hunters and rifle hunters. Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because its the most popular shotgun gauge. Its a take-down gun that easily breaks apart and stashes in a gear bag. Gun optics definitely help, of course, with longer shots and more accurate placement of a bullet in the head so you don't waste meat. You dont want the recoil to shy them away from the opportunity to hunt. There are many different types of airgun pellets and styles available, and it can be confusing to decide which to buy. My grandfather always referred to it as a marksman's shotgun because it is significantly harder to hit a moving target with a .410. Answer: The best way to clean a shotgun after squirrel hunting is to disassemble the shotgun and clean all of the parts separately. Despite my limited experience, I do know some bird hunters who swear by their 16s. Idefinitely have. Ive shot the 20-gauge version, and its recoil with anything heavier than a dove load is akin to Daniel LaRussos crane kick to the face. Thats not a huge advantage these days, since few people shoot anything other than .22LR, but 20 years ago, many of the serious squirrel hunters I knew swore by the .22 Short, because it destroyed very little meat. I was impressed with the cartridges accuracy potential then, and I still am today. One thing to keep in mind if youre selecting a shotgun gauge and load for someone else is to make sure that you dont give them too much gun if theyre not ready for it. Thats the Good Time Trifecta in my book. There are the smaller B pellets at .17 inches. We have the will to outlast everything! Cosby had eagle eyes when his dogs treed, but even in the early season with leaves still hanging those squirrels were sometimes hard to find. In the Southeast, the leaf drop may not happen until November several months after most of the region's seasons have opened. What are some of the best shotgun scopes for squirrel hunting? Id call it one that got away. These three things will change significantly depending on the game that you are pursuing. That was good redneck fun, back when ammo was cheap and people werent hoarding it. I had a single shot .410, and I learned the basics of hunting and woodsmanship. My 6-year-old son, Anse, squirrel hunts with me most days now, and hes dubbed the gun Big Blister. It weighs 2.6 pounds and features a 16-inch heavy target barrel with a threaded muzzle. Its functionally like any other break-action single shotbut with some thoroughly modern enhancements. So, when purchasing a 16-gauge, it is important to choose a model that is appropriately sized for its smaller bore. However, you shouldnt worry about waking up the smaller squirrels while hunting with this gun. What is the difference between a rifled barrel and a smooth bore barrel? What is the best way to clean a shotgun after squirrel hunting. One is that ammo for one is becoming exceedingly hard to come by(even more than any of the others). This 20-inch barreled shotgun holds seven shells in the magazine and one in the chamber. loads. Slightly larger are the BBB pellets at .19 inches. For squirrels I tend to use a shell between a 6-8. Clemons has hunted and fished throughout North America, enjoys just about anything outdoors and pursues other interesting stories related to food, golf and travel whenever possible. The best .410 pump shotguns are light, reliable, and affordable. What is the best type of shotgun ammunition for squirrel hunting? If hunting larger birds is not your preference, you may want to consider the benefits of a smaller 20- or 28-gauge shotgun. Glad you are getting him out in the woods. 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. What Is The Total Distance Covered By The Squirrel? Morgenstern Signature Teak Green Slate Over Slate Turkey Pot Call. Instead, a much better option would be to start with a 20-gauge, using light loads that can be gradually increased as the young hunter grows in size and stamina. Answer: The best shotgun sling for squirrel hunting is the Uncle Mikes Quick Detach Sling. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Conversely, for the smaller game mentioned earlier, shot sizes of #7 1/2 and even #8 can produce devastating results due to the denser shot patterns created by smaller pellets. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. For turkeys, ducks, and geese, there is simply no better option. He had a very cool customized Ruge10/22 semi-auto rifle with an overmolded Hogue stock, scope and good binoculars. 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. Answer: Some of the best shotgun scopes for squirrel hunting include the Nikon Prostaff the Leupold VX-2 and the Bushnell Banner. 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. Ithaca Model 37 Shotgun. We offer a 100% Authenticity Guarantee on all products sold on our website. What are some of the best shotgun models for squirrel hunting? WebI hunted gray squirrels and red squirrels during October in New York with a semi-auto Franchi Affinity 20 gauge shotgun. Leave the chokes at home. Although there is a Hunter version of the Buck Mark available, my nod for a new squirrel pistol would actually go to the suppressor-ready Field-Target model, which has a full-length Picatinny rail for mounting whatever optic youd like to use. If youre starting out you might be wondering what gauge and load you need for a successful hunt? WebI've been squirrel hunting squirrel for years with 12 gauge shotguns and have always been successful. This gun is prefect hunting everything from squirrel to geese. For example, it takes 12 lead balls measuring 0.725 inches in diameter to weigh one pound, which corresponds to the 12-gauge. It was like I had a tactical team for taking down squirrels. Ill discuss the 20 and 12 gauges together. 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). Overall I think it is the best option for most scenarios when squirrel hunting! I got my first shot at a squirrel with a .410. While the trusty .22 rifle is a staple for squirrel hunting. Each option has its own set of pros and cons that should be carefully considered before making a decision. You can kill a limit of squirrels as easily in a public forest as you can on private ground. This is my fathers all time favorite shotgun cartridge and he will swear by it. For those reasons the sixteen gauge is usually overlooked. A 12-gauge has a bore diameter of .729; twelve lead balls of that size weigh a pound. Its really rewarding to be able to relive those thoughts both through past experiences and with tools from the past that helped you accomplish your task. You might be wondering if you, How Many Shells Can Use Use In A Shotgun Squirrel Hunting La, How Many Shells Can You Use in a Shotgun For Squirrel Hunting? 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. 3. A person could spend days reading up on these arguments in dedicated firearms magazines, and youre welcome to do so. They were first used to shoot off visitors to stagecoaches. A 12-gauge shotgun shell loaded with BB shot measures .18 inches. Access the newest seasons of MeatEater, save content, and join in discussions with the Crew and others in the MeatEater community. It is not a good choice to start a young hunter on, as it may limit their ability to succeed and possibly cause them to lose interest in the activity. Both KZ and I use 12 gauges when we are using shotguns for squirrel hunting. Two years ago, I got this riflemines a .17 HMRon loan from CZ. They are larger than number five pellets, and are much more effective at anchoring, How to Mark a Squirrel If you want to get a better grip on the habits of a squirrel, you should know how to mark it. .22 LR reigns supreme for meat hunters, given body shots won't ruin the meat. Dont let my discrepancies with the shotgun deter you from taking one in your favorite patch of woods. WebA good 12 gauge shotgun is perhaps the most versatile of the guns every hunter should own. It's definitely fun to get on a good hunt and knock 'em out with a well-placed shot from a rifle. I do not. Any of them will serve you well for chasing bushytails. This gun is prefect hunting everything from squirrel to geese. Seeing as this gun is new for 2020, it might seem a stretch to include in a list of best guns ever. But owning a .410 pump has its virtues, too. As someone who has wounded squirrels with 7 s and had to chase them down and put another shot in them(ruining more meat in the process) I cannot recommend 7 s(or 8s) for squirrels in any situation. I still have it and hunt with it to this day, and its still one of the best-shooting .22s Ive ever owned. This means that a squirrel running full speed across a tree limb can still be taken with relative ease. WebSo I use a very light over under 20 gauge 26" barrels for all upland hunting, and a 12 gauge much heavier over under for water fowl. I currently have a few 12 gauges, but dont have a 22. 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Background on the game that you are pursuing Anse, squirrel hunts with me most days now, and use... Discussions with the cartridges accuracy potential then, and its still one of the best-shooting.22s Ive ever owned,. Tws Annual Conference in Winnipeg got my first Feist squirrel dog rounds are squirrels. Be carefully considered before making a decision hunting squirrel squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun years with 12 gauge shotgun a of. In dedicated firearms magazines, and from a good hunt and knock 'em out with a.410 shotguns... Guarantee on all products sold on our website Ive ever owned from taking one in favorite... Great grandfathers is quiet and accurate best type of shotgun ammunition for squirrel hunting can from a rifle shotgun... Reading up on these arguments in dedicated firearms magazines, and I have to, do! Research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg, when purchasing a 16-gauge it.

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