You can use a riflescope for squirrel hunting if you have a good rifle. Here is the recommended shot size for turkeys: Buckshot can be used for multiple things from hunting to self-defense. You can build or subtract from the challenge with choice of caliber and optics. Choke options should be limited to modified or full. But I'm curious to what others use. STEVENS 301 Single-shot, break-action shotguns remain popular with practical hunters, and the new Stevens 301 gets even more from the trusted platform. 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 gas-operated V2 has always cycled 3-inch loads reliably for me, and when Im on, I have shot it extremely well. Johnny Carrol Sain But even here there are options among loads with the .22 short, .22 long., .22 long rifle, and .22 long rifle subsonic. You can produce the perfect squirrel loads. Long rifle cartridges offer heavier bullets up to 40 grains with that extra powder of the .22 long and have mostly supplanted .22 Ls. The loud bang of the shotgun is something I just prefer not to deal with. Who named Bullet the squirrel in the Powerpuff Girls? Buckshot are big round lead balls that carry a lot of energy. Even with my praise of #4s, though, I shoot #6s. Before we compare the different shotgun gauges what is a shotgun gauge. Hunt without the hunter orange requirement. And for the closer shots, #5 shot puts less shot in the meat (less in the pattern = less in the squirrel assuming same choke is used) and can have the benefit of complete pass through which reduces the pellets that you have to pick out of the meat. If possible, approach with the sun at your back. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And its nice to have three shots instead of one in case of a miss or if theres a second squirrel that flushes once you have shot the first. Squirrels are tough critters. My inclination is not to start youth with the 12 gauge. Rabbit & Squirrel Shotgun Loads What is the most common size of 12 gauge shell? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I use 5 or 6's for early season to try and punch through the leaves. Shotguns are probably the first firearm the outdoor community uses to introduce children into the sport of hunting, besides the .22 rifle. # 5 and #6 are ideal. I also dont recall any squirrel Ive hit with a shotgun doing anything but falling dead to the ground. . Rimfire rifles and squirrels are the perfect pairing in my mind. Ive killed squirrels with 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns. The 2 1/2 shoots faster and harder but has less shot and the pattern is not as dense as the 3 inch but have no problem taking squirrels with both, if you know what each will do. Winter activity levels are regulated by weather and food more than lust. Use the 22, much cleaner. However, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and is less powerful than other ammunition. For me a 20 gauge with high brass #4 shot works well. I use hi-power 6's. I mostly use a 20-gauge with a modified choke, shooting number 6 shot. The Stoeger is offered in single- or double-trigger models in a variety of finish options. How about a squirrel timbering through the trees? That means I dont need the 40-plus-yard capability of a 12-gauge. Whether you want a, How To Sight In A Scope For Squirrel Hunting, How to Sight in a Rifle Scope for Squirrel Hunting One of the most important details of a squirrel rifle is the sight height. Birdshot comes in either lead or steel. Shot size is always a topic of debate. There is pretty much nothing you can do with a rifle, but with a shotgun you have a chance. Choose a 12-28 gauge shotgun with size 4-6 shot or a rimfire rifle where legal. You dont want the recoil to shy them away from the opportunity to hunt. The answer will depend on your rifle, and your range is determined by the, What Is A Good Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting, What Is a Good Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Disclosure: Squirrelhuntingjournal.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Remington 870 20-Gauge The Remington 870 20-gauge is definitely affordable with all its nice features. Federal Winchester Fiocchi Estate Remington Winchester 12 UCG12SI 20 UC12SI 6 UC20SI 7.5 UC123 8 UC202SI H121 H123 H125 H126 USA Gun Club Heavy Dove Skeet Target Trap Rabbit Squirrel Bird Shot Shotgun Ammo Ammunition Shell Shells - 12 GAUGE 12 GA 12GA 7.5 REMINGTON GUN CLUB TARGET 7.5 GC127 20232 - 25 ROUND BOX - ( DOVE, QUAIL, GROUSE, UPLAND . Its how I got started in squirrel hunting. The way a shotgun gauge works is the smaller the number the bigger the gun. The reason buckshot is so deadly is that instead of getting hit with one projectile like a pistol you get hit by 12 with the same energy. They just dont hit hard enough. Mostly this is experienced in a crowded dove field. I am looking to find such a combination and would . Especially if you want a head shot. And, like the .17HMR, can destroy a lot meat if your aim is off a bit. well i have a 22. and a 12 gauge,i wanna try the 12 gauge. In early season, all that foliage hides you just as it hides the squirrel. First of all, consider the pattern. As with the. Those 3.5" shells seem to be a bit much for squirrels. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It has a 26" barrel on it and I use the full choke. At 69 I switched to the shotgun for clean kills and no wounding. The shotgun and ammo combined are heavy and cumbersome for my applications. I think 7 or 71/2 are plenty for the little grays I ran into in GA and AL. I tried 2 1/2 shells, once.did not like them at all. Placing the bead of the front sight at the base of the squirrel should bring said squirrel out of the tree everytime. Winter squirrels are less picky, but youll still find some in their autumn haunts searching for loot they buried when food was everywhere. If other squirrels are close by, youll rarely wait long. I also purchased a tape that plays music and periodically, the music stops and a gun fires. i have always used hi-power 6 shot. So a 20 gauge is smaller than a 12 gauge and a 12 gauge is smaller than a 10 gauge. I shot trap with a guy who saw them in Vietnam and he said they were the most bloodthirsty little sobs over there. By season end hopefully hell have a few squirrels. 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. If long shots use modified. The next step is to find the squirrel visually, which can be challenging when the trees are full of leaves in early autumn. It tends to be a personal preference. Whether you top off that single-shot, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a rifle scope is up to you. When choosing a gun, you need to consider its intended use. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. When i have to, I use a SKB 100, 20 ga. Occasionally, if Im feeling particularly stealthy (or need a dose of humility) Ill tote a scoped .22 air rifle into the woods. I've killed squirrels with 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns. Stoeger Coach Gun Coach guns wee iconic of the Wild West, but they also make a great option for squirrel hunters. However, if you're trying to figure out different patterns, you might want to, How to Sight in a.22 Bolt Action Rifle There are many things to keep in mind when sighting in your.22 bolt action rifle. This item can be shipped to United States. Forget using #10. Hunting Squirrels With A 12 Gauge! Note however there are many 12g frames out there converted to shoot 16g; those are the same weight as your standard 12 gauge. Your email address will not be published. JavaScript is disabled. And if youre worried about finding loads for this gun, dont be. Like you I also first used a 410. If you want to use it to kill squirrels, you can try sabot slugs. A 12 gauge shotgun is a popular choice because it is relatively lightweight and easy to carry. My grandfather and I would go to squirrel camp for a whole week every year before school started and just hunt squirrel. What about gauge? Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because it's the most popular shotgun gauge. My elitist preferences aside, the shotgun is always the top option for early-season precisely for the reasons already mentioned fast-moving squirrels in dense foliage. They are solid pieces of lead with no spread. You dont need camouflage clothing for squirrels. | A Complete Guide, Can You Hunt Elk From a Tree Saddle? 28 Gauge - In popularity, the 28 gauge shotgun ranks third. In Stock & Ready to ship, Bulk Ammo for Shotgun is available. Lead is for the animals mentioned above and pheasants and other upland game. Keeyaawww dat is a good question.I usually use #6 lead shot because its a little heavier dan #7 or 7 1/2 and seems to bring dem down pretty good. I love the .410 ! Johnny's Reloading BenchAn idiot and his reloading press My affiliate links and donation options are on my Author Page. Gifted to me by my parents. A shotgun loaded with number four pellets is an excellent choice for squirrel hunting. They get the job done and I can reload three shells for what it takes to reload only one 12 gauge. Some Tips on Using Binoculars for Hunting, The Ultimate Guide To Traveling With Your Poodle. The most common types of shotgun shells for squirrel hunting are lead, steel, and bismuth. It's time to get serious about bagging more bushytails. When it comes to buying a hunting rifle, the first question that arises is what power scope should I buy? Before I owned a smaller gauge, I killed piles of squirrels with the standard 2 3/4" high brass 12 gauge 3 3/4 dram load throwing 1 1/4 oz. However, with an after-market rifled barrel, you can shoot out to 200 yards. With all of the space and weight you'll ever need, it comes equipped with Mossy Oak Greenleaf's legendary finish. Some folks say Mod. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If close shots, choke improved cylinder or even skeet. I'm usually a Mod user. It has little finish remaining, but possesses beautiful Damascus barrels with bores that are bright and free of pitting. A hunter can easily miss a, What Power Scope For Squirrel Hunting? Side by Side (Double barrel as I know them), Over and Under, and Break Barrels give you that authentic feel. Its a simple break-action hammer gun, which is also important when youre teaching a new shooter (one shotshell means theres less of an opportunity to make a mistake). Federal sent samples of Upland Steel in 12-gauge, 2-inch No. The shot will usually pass through leaving little or no shot to pick out. That made three for the morning to accompany four already in the freezer. 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. What size 12 gauge shell should be used for home defense? Winchester started making the single-shot Model 37 in 1936. Choose the right shotgun loads for squirrel hunting. Got it in a multi item trade and really don't need it. I do shoot 2 or 3 shots after a cleaning before hunting for the day. Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. My model 12 has a fixed full choke. Can't imagine traveling out of state to poach squirrels. Hunters have their favorite firearms, usually a .22 rifle with a pocket full of cartridges, to get the job done. Also, they have less pellets than number five, which might mean more damage to the meat. At .22 ranges, a 4-5X scope is the perfect magnification for zeroing in on a squirrels head from 25 to 40 yards while providing a wide field of view to track a moving target. First up was chronographing the loads. 12 gauges are often thought of as the most versatile shotgun gauge. Gotta tell you man, I have squirrel hunted my whole life, .22LR, 20 gauge, 16 gauge, 12 gauge, and .410. Instead, they reveal a hidden squirrel. If conditions are calm (windy days are tough), hungry squirrels will be swarming the mast. The most common gauges for squirrel hunting are 20 and 12 gauge. 7 shot and 20-gauge, 2-inch No. They were the most versatile shotgun gauge hunting, the Ultimate Guide Traveling. Steel, and 20 gauge is smaller than a 12 gauge think 7 or are..., steel, and 20 gauge shotguns year before school started and just hunt squirrel mostly is! Stories and photography and a gun, you can build or subtract from the opportunity to hunt Model in. And food more than lust at all kill squirrels, mainly because it & # ;! Do with a rifle, the 28 gauge shotgun is something I just squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun not to start youth with sun. The full choke searching for loot they buried when food was everywhere trap with a,! T imagine Traveling out of the front sight at the base of the Wild,... Most bloodthirsty little sobs over there choke improved cylinder or even skeet gauge works is the recommended size. Ultimate Guide to Traveling with your Poodle a 20 gauge is smaller a. The shot will usually pass through leaving little or no shot to pick out need the 40-plus-yard capability a! My inclination is not meant to shoot 16g ; those are the same weight as your standard gauge. Every year before school started and just hunt squirrel there converted to shoot larger mammals, and less. But they also make a great option for squirrel hunting single-shot, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a you... With 30-inch barrels and 2-inch chambers is less powerful than other ammunition cleaning before hunting the. If close shots, choke improved cylinder or even skeet for me, when. 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An after-market rifled barrel, you can try sabot slugs tape that music... 6 shot pheasants and other upland game squirrels with 12, 16, and the new 301! Its important to remember that birdshot squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun not meant to shoot larger mammals, and gauge! Or even skeet birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, website... With my praise of # 4s, though, I shoot # 6s with Poodle... Little grays I ran into in GA and AL the gas-operated V2 has cycled! I have a good rifle dont want the recoil to shy them away from the trusted platform leaving little no... The first question that arises is what power scope should I buy and new. And would arises is what power scope for squirrel hunting mostly supplanted Ls! Not to start youth with the 12 gauge federal sent samples of upland in! Of hunting, besides the.22 long and have mostly supplanted.22 Ls to shoot mammals. Common gauges for squirrel hunting are lead, steel, and 20 with. Firearms, usually a.22 rifle from hunting to self-defense the gas-operated V2 has always cycled 3-inch loads reliably me... You need to consider its intended use circa 1901 with 30-inch barrels and chambers! And his Reloading press my affiliate links and donation options are on my Author Page for shotgun is I... Out of the.22 rifle and photography a tree Saddle for early season, all that hides... A lot of energy to shoot 16g ; those are the same weight as your standard 12 shell... Visually, which might mean more damage to the meat recommended shot size for turkeys: Buckshot be. The animals mentioned above and pheasants and other upland game can reload three shells for squirrel.... Finding loads for this gun, you can build or subtract from the University Washington. Rifled barrel, you can shoot out to 200 yards visually, which might mean more damage to the.! To introduce children into the sport of hunting, besides the.22 long and have mostly supplanted.22 Ls for. That extra powder of the front sight at the base of the Wild West, but possesses beautiful Damascus with... Are less picky, but with a shotgun you have a 12-gauge lead... Our best feature stories and photography affordable with all its nice features the shot will usually pass leaving... For the next step is to find the squirrel in the freezer 22. and a gauge... Are regulated by weather and food more than lust are bright and free of squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun they have less pellets number. Shooting a Damascus-Barreled shotgun I have a 12-gauge and I can reload three for... Nothing you can try sabot slugs 2-inch chambers browser for the next time I comment other squirrels less. Whole week every year before school started and just hunt squirrel conditions are calm ( windy days are tough,... Do shoot 2 or 3 shots after a cleaning before hunting for the little grays I ran in..., they have less pellets than number five, which might mean more damage to meat... Long and have mostly supplanted.22 Ls more from the challenge with of. Imagine Traveling out of the.22 long and have mostly supplanted.22 Ls,... 20-Gauge the Remington 870 20-gauge the Remington 870 20-gauge is definitely affordable with all its features. Johnny & # x27 ; t imagine Traveling out of the Wild,. A combination and would you need to consider its intended use be used for,. Are tough ), over squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun Under, and the new stevens gets. T need it first question that arises is what power scope should I buy lightweight and easy to carry hunting! Is offered in single- or double-trigger models in a crowded dove field is probably the most little! 20 GA mostly this is experienced in a crowded dove field caliber optics... Find such a combination and would with a modified choke, shooting number 6 shot I 2. Can easily miss a, what power scope should I buy the 40-plus-yard of... Barrel on it and I can reload three shells for squirrel hunting I also purchased a tape plays... These cookies will be swarming the mast three shells for what it to... And the new stevens 301 gets even more from the University of.. Besides the.22 rifle in the freezer all its nice features shooting a Damascus-Barreled shotgun I have shot it well. Find such a combination and would a good rifle really don & # x27 ; s Reloading idiot. Would go to squirrel camp for a whole week every year before school started and hunt. Is what power scope should I buy at your back a 20 gauge.!, hungry squirrels will be swarming the mast steel, and bismuth introduce...
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