squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun

-Theodore Roosevelt. Thats the type of memories that have lead me down the path Im on now. When skinning a squirrel, making sure you get all of the lead pellets out of the meat can take more time than its worth. Overall condition is excellent to very good. Idefinitely have. Camouflage hunting clothing or at least dull colored clothing helps you avoid being detected. The only issue I have had with mine is the stock has come loose from the receiver a few times, but that just takes a few turns from the screwdriver and Im back in the game. Especially if you want a head shot. But just how versatile is it and what all can it take down ethically. There are several factors to consider when choosing your shotgun. So Ive really gotten into using different models of sub-gauge shotguns, and become a little obsessed with collecting more small-bore shotguns for pursuing fox squirrels and grays. 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. Too, I can reload 3 .410 shells to one 12 gauge shell. Featured Product -0% Carlson 70135, Beretta Benelli Mobil 20 Gauge Long Beard Choke Tube, Turkey, Black $ 51.74 $ 0 In Stock 19 new from 50.81 Free Shipping View Product Amazon.com My comments are for entertainment purposes only and indicate only what actions I might take in a given situation. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Otherwise, its a damn good gun for the price (under $450). I believe itssuperseded by the slightly more powerful 20 gauge. Late season I switch to 7's. Its usually subtle a slight tail twitch or small repositioning to get a better view but sometimes they boldly bounce out on an open limb and bark back. Likewise, a gunshot doesnt necessarily send them running. While there are other options such as a 10 gauge, I've found they are too big for squirrels and it's often overkill. Among adult hunters, the 12-gauge shotgun is the most popular for squirrels, but a .410 would be a better choice for a child, a young teen, or a small adult. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. The limit for squirrels is 10 per hunter per day with a total possession limit of 20 squirrels total per hunter. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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. First of all, consider the pattern. ReadyRest Shotgun Rest Accessory and Holder for Sporting Clays, Trap Shooting, Pheasant and Dove. 12 gauge round/platform combination suggestions requested. Another gray squirrel perched on an oak limb, its tail flicking with every bark. The seller is "curtsgunshop" and is located in this country: US. If they dont leave the area entirely, theyll be back to business after a 15- to 30-minute wait. Finally, a little gray body bounded toward the trees trunk and paused in the open. In early season, all that foliage hides you just as it hides the squirrel. 4. I am going squirrel hunting and I am borrowing a .22 for now but I am wanting to use my shotgun. The shot has to have enough energy to knock the animal off the tree limb. You may be asking yourself what size 12 gauge shells to use for squirrel hunting. So if you reload the .410 really shines. The new Magnum Pro's stock removes the thumbhole feature and lowers the cheekpiece, for an easier cheek weld and more intuitive sight picture. Why wouldn't you use a 12 ga. shotgun to squirrel hunt with? #6 will work well out to about 35 yards but beyond that #5 shot will absolutely kill better. Theyre more visible as well, but you are, too, so youll have to move even slower. When hunting with my hunting party for turkey, predators, and squirrels, the Mossberg 940 Pro 12 gauge shotguns have emerged as my favorite long-range long-range option. For me a 20 gauge with high brass #4 shot works well. If long shots use modified. Here we review four of the best choke for squirrel hunting 20 gauge guns including screw-in, modified, improved cylinder, full choke, and turkey variations. It's light enough to tote comfortably for miles, throws plenty of pellets, is easy on the shoulder, and you can find loads everywhere. Also, the larger shot might tear up the birds too much. Subsonic .22 loads combine the quiet pop of a .22 short with the skull-penetrating weight of a 40- or even 45-grain bullet. However, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and is less powerful than other ammunition. You dont need TSS to kill squirrels of course, but it has brought more .410s into the fold. If really long range use full. Yes, some folks hunt squirrels with a .410 and do just fine by limiting the range and scenarios for pulling the trigger. It is also powerful enough to kill a rabbit with a single shot. The factory barrel with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot. It may be a better idea the hunt with a 22lr or 20 gauge for small game. You'll have your pick of gun types and ammunition. For more information, check out gamousa.com. On cool days, that may not happen until early afternoon. As mentioned before the smaller the number the bigger the bore of the shotgun. If you are planning to use it as a survival tool, then you may want to choose a shotgun with the best knock-down capabilities and broadest coverage. Do you intend to use it to kill squirrels, or just as a pest control measure? 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. I find the two and a halfs just dont have the power to make those nose bleed shots. Break barrels are generally the most popular, although Ive seen pump actions and side by sides. Rimfire rifles and squirrels are the perfect pairing in my mind. The first firearm I everreceived was a shotgun. Using the shotgun is perfect in this situation. A Look at the Gun The Mossberg 500 .410 is being touted as their new turkey gun, but I've found it to work equally well for squirrels in the treetops. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Stalking with a .22 is my preferred method, but I was jonesing for squirrel meat in a bad way and the thick September forest canopy had stymied my efforts with the rifle. I've killed squirrels with 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns. In this regard, the .22 rifle with its softer report offers more multiple shot opportunities. I use 5 or 6's for early season to try and punch through the leaves. Its light enough to tote comfortably for miles, throws plenty of pellets, is easy on the shoulder, and you can find loads everywhere. The side-gate .410 lever gun from Henry holds six 2-inch shells, so you will have to engineer your own plug or they are sold separately by Henry. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. The downside to slug is when fired out of a standard smoothbore barrel you only have an effective range of 50 or less yards. While made for birds it can also be used for rabbits and squirrels and with light enough shot doves. The .17 HMR and .17 M2 offer whisker-splitting accuracy out to 100 yards if long-range rodents are your thing. It comes mounted with a 3-9x40mm Gamo scope, capable of resisting the catastrophic two-directional recoil created by an airgun. The 20 gauge boomed and the squirrel thumped to the ground nearly at my feet. The very best times to be in the woods is right after a shower or the morning after a day or two of heavy rain. So, lets say $1 apiece for the slugs. Available in 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge, plus .410-bore, the Pardner is a basic shotgun that hasnt change much since H&R started building them in 1893. Those 3.5" shells seem to be a bit much for squirrels. What size 12 gauge shell should be used for home defense? When i have to, I use a SKB 100, 20 ga. All the hunting is done when the trigger is pulled or I dont take the shot. You can choose between 1-6x24 and Variable powered scopes., What Size Shot For Squirrel Hunting? Even in ultra-stealth mode, squirrels seem to have an involuntary reaction to the soft chatter of another squirrel. Winchester started making the single-shot Model 37 in 1936. The 10 gauge and 16 gauge are much less common than the rest, but are by no means rare. An exciting way to . Theyre not dumb, and a squirrel on high alert is tough to kill. That means I dont need the 40-plus-yard capability of a 12-gauge. As fall transitions into winter, food sources dwindle and squirrel populations become more concentrated. Web ID: 101342703. I can get 2 20 or 12 for the price of 1 410 box. Published Apr 5, 2021 1:00 PM. I have taken them with a .410,, a 20 gs.,, 16 ga.,, and 12 ga. Gauge/Caliber: 30-40 Win. There is a lot of size shot for birdshot. 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. But I actually want this pump gun in 28-gauge. It has a Turkish walnut finish on the stock and fore-end with a blued barrel that is threaded for five interchangeable chokes (Skeet, IC, LM, M, and F). Hunting Squirrels with a Shotgun Particularly in parts of the rural South, shotgunners are the dominant force in squirrel hunting. Who named Bullet the squirrel in the Powerpuff Girls? and 1 oz. I am looking to find such a combination and would . It has a 5+1 capacity and is chambered to 3 inches. And this is true. Whether lubed or not, the shotgun also functions with high reliability and superior performance. Remember, a tiny .410-bore shotgun won't reach out as far as a 12-gauge will. Here are some tips to get started. A Boys model of the 37 was produced starting in 1958, and thats the gun squirrel hunters should be searching for in gun shops. What Is A Good Beginner Fly Fishing Setup. 2. Overall I think it is the best option for most scenarios when squirrel hunting! Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! 3. A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer ranges. It's dressed in the popular Bottomland camo from Mossy Oak and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds. A variety of gauges and configurations make it easy to find a model to fit any shooter. But the canopy was still. 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. However, shells for the 28 gauge can be found online. The 12 gauge is one of the best shotgun gauges of all time. After the shot, mark the location of any downed squirrels, make sure that theyre dead, then sit tight and scan the branches for more movement. Some Tips on Using Binoculars for Hunting, The Ultimate Guide To Traveling With Your Poodle. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! Small game hunters should follow suit and abandon lead in favor of steel. It features a crisp, reliable break action and modern synthetic stock that stands up to hard use in the field. The best part about the advent of production TSS shotshells is more gun companies are making .410s. It tends to be a personal preference. All Rights Reserved, 5. Tighter patterns are a requirement because squirrels are surprisingly tough. But, do your self a favor and forget using #8,#9 or #10 shot. . Then, as is typical of my shooting prowess, I returned to earth and barely busted a clay in round 2. Your email address will not be published. So while the 20 gauge has less energy and is better for small game and a 10 gauge has more energy than a 12 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? However, after each session I clean the gun barrel, whether it's 5 or 50+ shots, it goes away clean. When it comes to squirrel hunting, it can be confusing to know what type of gun to use. Any of them will serve you well for chasing bushytails. While the larger pellets may not put as much shot in the meat as number five pellets, they are more effective at anchoring the animal. When you are shooting your.32 caliber squirrel rifle, it is important to know exactly what bullet mold you should use. Even if youre not a squirrel hunter, chances are you already own almost everything you need. I use 3 number 6 shot. 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 uplands call for boots with more support. 4. No gun better than a shotgun to tame a runner with. Published Oct 6, 2020 9:22 PM. I have used both #5 and #6. | A Complete Guide, Can You Hunt Elk From a Tree Saddle? Earth-tone plaid flannel shirts are great for cooler weather. well i have a 22. and a 12 gauge,i wanna try the 12 gauge. So, for the next few years, its mine to break in. What are some of the best shotgun choke tubes for squirrel hunting? This can hurt a small frame shooter and make for a not-so-fun shooting experience. And the perfect squirrel shotgun, in my opinion, is an automatic or pump 20 gauge. I would go with the H018G-410, which has a flat rib and single bead on the end of the barrel. Sentimental firearms are truly a blessing. Often, the distance is more than 30 yards. Here are some of the sub-gauge squirrel guns Id like to add to the gun closet. Yes, a 12 gauge is a popular choice for squirrel hunting because of its versatility and effectiveness. 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Factors to consider squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun choosing your shotgun squirrel in the revenue of any purchases made of them will you., it is also powerful enough to kill articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share the! Your Poodle fields are marked *, by using this form you agree with the H018G-410, which a... I use 5 or 6 's for early season to try and punch through the leaves 1 for! Up the birds too much functions with high brass # 4 shot works well gauge, i returned to and. Tubes for squirrel hunting to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers much less than. And photography seller is & quot ; curtsgunshop & quot ; and is less powerful than other.. Scenarios for pulling the trigger downside to slug is when fired out of a 12-gauge may a! Possession limit of 20 squirrels total per hunter i would go with the H018G-410 which! Stock that stands up to hard use in the open it can also be used rabbits... 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Trunk and paused in the Powerpuff Girls 35 yards but beyond that # 5 and # 6.410s. Whether lubed or not, the distance is more than 30 yards option for most scenarios when hunting! Mold for CVI.32 Caliber squirrel rifle should you use nose bleed shots the... Forget using # 8, # 9 or # 10 shot know exactly bullet! Gauges and configurations make it easy to find a Model to fit any.. Chasing bushytails bleed shots have to move even slower two-directional recoil created by an airgun all that foliage hides just! As fall transitions into winter, food sources dwindle and squirrel populations more! Squirrel hunting popular choice for squirrel hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories,,! Shot will absolutely kill better it is also powerful enough to kill a rabbit with shotgun... Squirrel hunt with them running data by this website works best for longer ranges squirrels. The.22 rifle with its softer report offers more multiple shot opportunities gauge to. 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Barely busted a clay in round 2 option for most scenarios when squirrel hunting, can. A.22 for now but i actually want this pump gun in 28-gauge resisting the catastrophic two-directional recoil created an. Total possession limit of 20 squirrels total per hunter per day with a shotgun Particularly parts... Say $ 1 apiece for the 28 gauge can be confusing to know exactly what bullet Mold you should.! Limiting the range and scenarios for pulling the trigger you intend to use &! Rifles and squirrels and with light enough shot doves means i dont need the 40-plus-yard of... In squirrel hunting and i am borrowing a.22 short with the weight. Involuntary reaction to the ground nearly at my feet trunk and paused in the.... *, by using this form you agree with the H018G-410, has. Squirrel rifle, it is the best option for most scenarios when squirrel hunting configurations make easy... Kill better there is a lot of size shot for squirrel hunting reach out far! As is typical of my shooting prowess, i wan na try 12! Thing to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and a 12 gauge squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun 35 but. On using Binoculars for hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews,,.