squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun

It was like I had a tactical team for taking down squirrels. If close shots, choke improved cylinder or even skeet. 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. As with the 12 vs 20 gauge, the 10 gauge holds more pellets and has more energy and more recoil. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. While they pulverize birds at close range, their pellets lose their energy when they are fired at a distance. Johnny Carrol Sain However, shells for the 28 gauge can be found online. I hope you get to break her in this upcoming season. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. My model has a fixed full choke and can easily kill a squirrel at 30 yards. perhaps with a touch less velocity but IMO i dont think it would make the difference everyone seems to claim. 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. All Rights Reserved, 5. News; Hunting Use the information you learn responsibly. I love the 410 bore with a load of #6 in 2 1/2 or 3 inch shells. I can understand that someone might prefer to shoot squirrels with a rifleI have shot them with .22s, air rifles and muzzleloadersbut I dont get the hate for shotguns. As I understand it, sabots in a rifled barrel can reach out to longer ranges (for a solid shot shotgun); accurate out to over 100 yards with proper combination of shell and firearm. That made three for the morning to accompany four already in the freezer. While there are other options such as a 10 gauge, I've found they are too big for squirrels and it's often overkill. Well I would have if I hadnt been introduced to it through the man who sold me my first Feist squirrel dog. . The seller is "curtsgunshop" and is located in this country: US. And, while I dont care much for .410s as guns for wingshooting they make great squirrel guns for those with the skill and patience to stalk close. Choose a 12-28 gauge shotgun with size 4-6 shot or a rimfire rifle where legal. A 12 gauge is one of the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges. FWIW, I use #6 shot for squirrel. As with the. Squirrel hunting guns Both shotguns and .22 rifles are what most hunters use to hunt squirrel. Theres more than enough pockets for gear, a built-in cushion for prolonged sits, and a big back pocket that will also carry half a dozen squirrels or more. | And How to Hunt Elk With a Tree Saddle. As fall transitions into winter, food sources dwindle and squirrel populations become more concentrated. One of the best things about squirrel hunting is that it requires minimal gear. I do have some of the Federal bulk that is 1 1/8 oz but I think it is 7 1/2 shot. Answer: Some of the best shotgun models for squirrel hunting include the Remington 870 the Winchester SXP and the Mossberg 500. 2. Other gear includes binoculars, to identify that suspicious-looking bump on a limb, and a squirrel call. Might get a few dollars for them. 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. I cant say that hunting rutting squirrels has led to more bushytails in the bag for me. You don't want a full choke if all your shots are at 25 yards and you don't want an improved cylinder choke if all your shots are 45-50 yards. It comes mounted with a 3-9x40mm Gamo scope, capable of resisting the catastrophic two-directional recoil created by an airgun. In four decades of squirrel hunting, #6 shot has rarely let me down. Web ID: 101342703. Become a Subscriber; Renew a Subscription; Give a Gift Subscription; . Most modern 28s that are reliable can be pricey. I agree on the 3 shells vs. the 2 1/2 shells, they just dont have the reach or power. Before we compare the different shotgun gauges what is a shotgun gauge. I know what you are saying, Finally, Ole Nates gonna give the shotgun fans some love! Yeah you are right. Airgun Web Media Group / 54 Views / 19-12-2022 . 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. 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. For one thing, I like the safety aspect of shooting squirrels with shotguns. While 7 1/2s will undoubtedly kill squirrels, the smaller shot loses a lot of thump at longer ranges. If you want to use it to kill squirrels, you can try sabot slugs. For squirrels I tend to use a shell between a 6-8. Birdshot comes in either lead or steel. Thats the one youll cherish forever. Some hunters prefer to saturate a squirrel with 7 1/2s while others prefer to blow holes completely through them with #4s. Not to mention you are going to have a ton of pellets in the meat, because it sure isn't going to pass through. But shotgunning squirrels is about maximum efficiency. My inclination is not to start youth with the 12 gauge. However, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and is less powerful than other ammunition. i have always used hi-power 6 shot. I'm using trap loads, #8 and having no problem. What are some of the best shotgun choke tubes for squirrel hunting? Yes, some folks hunt squirrels with a .410 and do just fine by limiting the range and scenarios for pulling the trigger. 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. Sight height is the height above the center line of the, What Is A Good Scope For Squirrel Hunting, What Is a Good Scope For Squirrel Hunting? Genzel grew up chasing mallards and Canada geese in the Illinois River Valley. But settling the crosshairs on a stationary squirrels noggin just wasnt happening. The best part about the advent of production TSS shotshells is more gun companies are making .410s. You'll have your pick of gun types and ammunition. 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 . To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. I also use all other gauges and the .22lr as well but the .410 will make a hunter out of you. Then I go on a squirrel hunt and cook some squirrel and dumplings. You should also remember that squirrels often have a tough hide, so even if you kill a large squirrel with a single shot, only a few pellets will reach vital parts. I already own this single-shot in .410. While the 12 gauge is one of the most versatile of the shotgun gauges is has some downsides. Short-Range Shotgunning Can Open up Additional Hunting Opportunities Across the nation,. Note however there are many 12g frames out there converted to shoot 16g; those are the same weight as your standard 12 gauge. Here are the new year's top models. This ammunition is ideal for small game and for competition sports with shotguns. A while ago we posted the story of a hunter who had taken North Americas Squirrel Slam in a single By 5 Best Shotgun for Squirrel Hunting 1. 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. The bullet will travel from 1.5" below the, What Is The Best Air Gun For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Air Gun For Squirrel Hunting? 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. But the 20 gauge has less recoil. Gifted to me by my parents. Certainly. Consequently, you must use non-toxic shot to protect your wildlife. Theres just not enough energy to reliably penetrate a squirrels hide and reach the vitals at normal shooting distances. I had it drilled into my head from an early age that .22 LR bullets can travel 1 1-1/2 miles and you aren't supposed. 7 is maximum and 6, youll never get your squirrel. It may just be the ideal tool to get the job done. Squirrels have two breeding seasons per year: one in summer and one in winter. Ive shot the Model 42 quite a bit at the range and was surprised with its accuracy. 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 In Stock & Ready to ship, Bulk Ammo for Shotgun is available. 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. STEVENS 301 Single-shot, break-action shotguns remain popular with practical hunters, and the new Stevens 301 gets even more from the trusted platform. Joe Genzel 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. Squirrel calls dont bring squirrels to you. Hunting Squirrels With A 12 Gauge! The main reason is accuracy. This coach gun only has 20-inch barrels and is only 36.5 inches long overall, so theres less of chance your barrels swing into a tree if a fox squirrel is skittering across the forest floor. The air rifle is a close-range weapon (25 yards or less), and head shots are a requirement. Placing the bead of the front sight at the base of the squirrel should bring said squirrel out of the tree everytime. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. So, lets say $1 apiece for the slugs. The most common types of shotgun shells for squirrel hunting are lead, steel, and bismuth. Zane71464 said: As a kid when about all we had was a 12ga. On cool days, that may not happen until early afternoon. You really don't want them in your woods "hunting". 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. These allow you to shoot squirrels in the 20- to 25-yard range with accuracy. What is the effective range of a 12 gauge shotgun? however, as far as a squirrel at 50 yards goes, it really doesn't matter. Gauge/Caliber: 30-40 Win. This particular gauge has a strong following, but you wont find it on most store shelves. The first firearm I everreceived was a shotgun. I have the old Savage four-tenner tubes that will shoot a .410 in a 20 ga. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. No electricity or running water. There is a lot of size shot for birdshot. Buckshot are big round lead balls that carry a lot of energy. 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). I slip in just one, giving me a 20 and a .410 choice. While low light periods are best in autumn, winter squirrels are late risers with activity peaking during the warmer hours. And on cloudy, misty days with a slow drizzle, squirrel action can be fantastic all day long. Bulk ammo vs. More expensive ammo choices, Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mildot 4.5-14x44 Review, Weaver V16 4-16x42 Adjustable Objective Scope Review, Reviewing the BSA Sweet 22 6X18X40 BDC Scope. So, depending on the distance I select the best one for the job. Before you begin,. Your email address will not be published. Jan 24, 2023 Antique Cast Iron & Bronze Model Cannon $75. All the stocks and fore-ends are made of AA-grade walnut, but the barrels and receivers come in blued, polished nickel and stainless steel (receiver only) finishes. 9,433 Likes 39,376 Location CT. Aug 3, 2019 #1 Whats your choke for shotgun squirrel hunting? 22 Caliber wins as a clean sweep for the best squirrel hunting caliber, even if the . Had the best time. The term "gauge" defines the barrel's diameter while the number refers to the lead weight that will fit inside a gun's barrel. When using buckshot you can hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and all varmints. There are many options to choose from,, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting? Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. Sounds like you found the gun that makes you smile the most when hunting squirrels. Rifled slugs, on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body of the projectile for improved accuracy. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Try Float Hunting Squirrels for Excitement. Treetop squirrels in the woods are often farther than 30 yards away making pattern density, or the lack thereof, an issue. When you discover an area with lots of sign, give it another 30-minute sit and so on and so forth until activity dwindles. 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 . 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. The hottest squirrel spots are usually red oaks, which are often passed over early because they pack more tannic acid, amping up the bitterness. One pellet of 00 buck has almost as much energy as 9mm a popular self-defense handgun caliber. Phil Bourjaily I would unscrew the turkey choke from my 20 gauge 870, put in a Modified and shoot field loads of 5 or 6 shot. What is the most common size of 12 gauge shell? 12 gauge, high brass, 6 shot will role a fox squirrel through the leaves and knock a grey out of the top of the tallest oak!! Nifty Outdoorsman is a website about outdoor-related content. If possible, approach with the sun at your back. 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. Check Price on Amazon. Also, they have less pellets than number five, which might mean more damage to the meat. My model 12 has a fixed full choke. When considering the .410 for a squirrel shotgun, make sure it can take a three inch shells. Squirrels are tough critters. best bets, use the .22! Hell you can even change the barrel out to make a nice slug gun. I pivoted just a bit and squeezed the trigger. I was thinking of trying steel shot so if I missed a bb cleaning a squirrel Id just get more iron in my diet. It is also powerful enough to kill a rabbit with a single shot. I can attest to the fact that light pellets even at close range will not go through squirrel hide (its pretty tough). For this reason, hunters often purchase rifled slugs to protect their hunting gear. What is the recoil of a 12 gauge shotgun. 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. Foot Pounds of Energy When using a shotgun in old growth timber, it is not just a matter of hitting the squirrel. In autumn, squirrels start feeding before the crack of dawn and are on a mission to pack on as much fat and bury as many caches as they can before winter hits. But squirrel hunting often lends to shooting a stationary target, especially with a dog (squirrels tend to remain still high up in the tree, at least for a few moments, though some will branch hop immediately). So, for the next few years, its mine to break in. If squirrels are around, youll soon hear them. 2023 RARE AND FINE BEST QUALITY C. HUNT & CO. "THE ROYAL PIGEON GUN" W/ CASE $6,000. Show more. When it comes to buying a hunting rifle, the first question that arises is what power scope should I buy? I also dont recall any squirrel Ive hit with a shotgun doing anything but falling dead to the ground. The idea of using a shotgun for squirrels fits with early season and heavy foliage. While a modified choke will work for closer shots, full choke is often a better choice when pursuing treetop squirrels. 22 caliber can be deadly, quiet, and extremely accurate! I have several ammo cans that have accumulated in my barn that I have no use for. If you are squirrel hunting stick to #5 or 6s. Published Apr 5, 2021 1:00 PM. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Slugs are used for hunting big game such as deer or elk. 12 gauges are often thought of as the most versatile shotgun gauge. 28 Gauge - In popularity, the 28 gauge shotgun ranks third. I would consider 7 to small, I would go with 4 or 5 sized shot for squirrels. If no squirrels have revealed themselves after a 20-minute sit, ease through the woods listening and watching. 4. Real Avid FINI Shotgun Tool Choke Wrench with Shotgun Scope Adjuster and Shotgun Keychain, Hunting. Also, a 20 gauge should be about ideal also, but if you don't have a 20 gauge, use whatever gauge you have, but try to find some #5 or #6 shot if you can. But, Who Named Bullet The Squirrel In The Powerpuff Girls, Who Named Bullet the Squirrel in the Powerpuff Girls? The sixteen gauge lacks the power of the 20 gauge, and you have the same size package. 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. So a 20 gauge is smaller than a 12 gauge and a 12 gauge is smaller than a 10 gauge. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. Dont look for the entire squirrel, you probably wont see one. The Improved Cylinder is the widest choke practical for hunting purposes. And even if it does put the squirrel down, youll be picking shot out of the meat while youre cleaning them and out of your mouth while youre eating them. 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. It just means a lot to me to hunt with it. Check Price on Amazon. Theyre not dumb, and a squirrel on high alert is tough to kill. The 10 gauge and 16 gauge are much less common than the rest, but are by no means rare. You dont want the recoil to shy them away from the opportunity to hunt. Nifty Outdoorsman is not liable for any actions you take after learning from our website. It wasnt for lack of game, gray and fox squirrels were plentiful on the public lands I hunted. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. to hunt with, I used #4, #5 and #6 shot. With all of the space and weight you'll ever need, it comes equipped with Mossy Oak Greenleaf's legendary finish. Manage Settings This shotgun appears to be made in 1962. 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. The way a shotgun gauge works is the smaller the number the bigger the gun. Choke options should be limited to modified or full. And gray squirrels love pine nuts, though, I rarely find fox squirrels in pine trees. I had just enough time to click the safety off and level the shotguns bead on the squirrels head. Technically this isnt just a shotgun because the Model 42 fires a .22 LR or .22 WMR in addition to a .410 load. Small game hunters should follow suit and abandon lead in favor of steel. And while squirrels will die with a .17 pellet to the brain, the extra heft of the .22 adds a measure of assurance. The higher the gauge, the smaller the bore diameter, e.g. Shotgun slugs are big pieces of lead that carry a lot of energy. The tried and true method is to be sitting in the middle of woods loaded with mast at daylight or a couple of hours before sundown. The bigger the shot the bigger of animal it can take down but the less shot that is in the shell. Can't imagine traveling out of state to poach squirrels. It has an effective range of 25 yards and is primarily useful for close-range hunting. The G2 was one of the first .410 semi-autos to be put into production. Mostly this is experienced in a crowded dove field. While made for birds it can also be used for rabbits and squirrels and with light enough shot doves.

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