Love using both for squirrel. I would unscrew the turkey choke from my 20 gauge 870, put in a Modified and shoot field loads of 5 or 6 shot. Use of dogs is prohibited when hunting under Special Permit provisions. Gotta tell you man, I have squirrel hunted my whole life, .22LR, 20 gauge, 16 gauge, 12 gauge, and .410. You likely noticed that there was no mention of the .410 in this shotgun discussion. Too, I can reload 3 .410 shells to one 12 gauge shell. Thats how a surprise is suppose to work. IMO, #5 or #6 shot is about ideal for squirrels in most locations. so i dont blow the squirrel up, i use 8 shot or 9 shot. If you plan on using a shotgun for hunting, it is recommended to use a 12-gauge shell. Anything bigger creates gaps in the shotgun patterns the birds might fly through. I will load them up and take them to the next gun show. 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. The downside to buckshot is that it has a limited range of about 50 yards. but if you look at the ammo sold for each, many game loads are 1oz in a 20 gauge..same payload as my 12 gauge ammo choice. For one thing, I like the safety aspect of shooting squirrels with shotguns. I found this to be a nice combination and makes for some fun hunts. Been using a side by side double barrel choked modified and full. The air rifle is a close-range weapon (25 yards or less), and head shots are a requirement. If I wanted, I could have a dozen of them with less than five rounds shot through them. Heres what you need to know to become a dedicated squirrel hunter. "There is only one quality worse than hardness of the heart and that is softness of the head." The gas-operated V2 has always cycled 3-inch loads reliably for me, and when Im on, I have shot it extremely well. The factory barrel with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot. Some hunters prefer to saturate a squirrel with 7 1/2s while others prefer to blow holes completely through them with #4s. JavaScript is disabled. What about gauge? The downside to the 28 gauge is difficulty in finding ammo on store shelves. Joe Genzel Whether you top off that single-shot, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a rifle scope is up to you. Welcome to Airgun Expo 2022 (https://www.theairgunexpo.com) a week of great airgun videos.In this video, we take a look at the SWA 20 Gauge Air Shotgun (FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L) provided by Airgun Pro Shop (https://www.airgunproshop.com)Please visit their site and let them know that you saw them . 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? I have a hunting buddy that prefers to carry a double barrel on squirrel hunts, and while heavy, thenostalgia drives his decision. This ammunition is ideal for small game and for competition sports with shotguns. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. The sixteen gauge lacks the power of the 20 gauge, and you have the same size package. But, do your self a favor and forget using #8,#9 or #10 shot. But I'm curious to what others use. Zero your scope at 25 yards and youll be good out to 50. Plan your path to a tree thats closer to the squirrel and can also hide you as you use it for a gun rest. Genzel grew up chasing mallards and Canada geese in the Illinois River Valley. all the 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. Rabbit & Squirrel Shotgun Loads Use the 22, much cleaner. Yes, the full-choke can ruin meat on closer shots. A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer ranges. I know what you are saying, Finally, Ole Nates gonna give the shotgun fans some love! Yeah you are right. It should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have much experience. And while squirrels will die with a .17 pellet to the brain, the extra heft of the .22 adds a measure of assurance. Pump, Semi-auto, Side by Side, Over and Under, Break Barrel (single shot) are just the ones that come to mind. In most cases they are only allowed to shoot at 12 ft lbs or . . The most common size of shot for squirrel hunting is #6, but you can use larger sizes, like #16, if youre not worried about destroying the animals hide. His 28 gauge pump would accompany him oncompetition hunts. But the HMR (a necked down .22 magnum casing with a .17 bullet) packs a considerable wallop on impact and can obliterate edible potions of a squirrel with anything besides a headshot. Then, as is typical of my shooting prowess, I returned to earth and barely busted a clay in round 2. So if you reload the .410 really shines. It's dressed in the popular Bottomland camo from Mossy Oak and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds. For those reasons the sixteen gauge is usually overlooked. 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. That is what I use with my 12 gauge and high brass shells to boot. ((Always make time for friends and family)). Likewise, a gunshot doesnt necessarily send them running. a 12-gauge bore is wider than that of a 20-gauge shotgun. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Show more. 9,433 Likes 39,376 Location CT. Aug 3, 2019 #1 Whats your choke for shotgun squirrel hunting? I carried a 12 ga choked IC over the weekend while grouse hunting. 177 might be a little more accurate or quieter at times, the Gamo technology behind a . You can build or subtract from the challenge with choice of caliber and optics. Hunting Squirrels With A 12 Gauge! A 12 gauge is a good middle-of-the-road option. I have several ammo cans that have accumulated in my barn that I have no use for. Unless you are real close, it wont kill the squirrel and if you aren't then you will just hurt it and nobody likes having to find an injured squirrel. 3. There are a lot of different types of shotgun ammo made for hunting different game, here are the different types and their uses: The main purpose of birdshot is in the name it is made for birds. This article will discuss the pros and cons of using 4s, 7.5s, and 9.5s. But shotgunning squirrels is about maximum efficiency. Several manufactures make 2-inch .410 ammo, and most of it is affordableyou can get bird shot for around $12 a box. If you are squirrel hunting stick to #5 or 6s. And on cloudy, misty days with a slow drizzle, squirrel action can be fantastic all day long. Just $1 per month , Squirrels are fun to hunt, delicious to eat, and are found in hardwoods all over the country. Hell you can even change the barrel out to make a nice slug gun. High brass #6 is my bushy tail load of choice for 12 ga. My model 12 has a fixed full choke. Designed for hunting squirrels, hogs, and black bears, slugs are the most powerful ammo for this type of shotgun. I like high brass when I can find it. In the firearms industry, manufacturers measure shotguns in gauges as opposed to calibers. I believe itssuperseded by the slightly more powerful 20 gauge. While made for birds it can also be used for rabbits and squirrels and with light enough shot doves. 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. Dont let my discrepancies with the shotgun deter you from taking one in your favorite patch of woods. It was lightweight, handled with speed and had the power the .410 lacked. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. Here are some examples of common uses for shotguns: Most hunters use 7 1/2 or 8 shot. 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). | The main reason is accuracy. But settling the crosshairs on a stationary squirrels noggin just wasnt happening. They get the job done and I can reload three shells for what it takes to reload only one 12 gauge. Well also discuss which bullet size is the best for each. If the bulk of your hunting is going to be for smaller sized small game, such as rabbits, quail, pheasants, etc., then feel free to go with a 20-gauge. Published Oct 6, 2020 9:22 PM. If they dont leave the area entirely, theyll be back to business after a 15- to 30-minute wait. I tried 2 1/2 shells, once.did not like them at all. Often, the distance is more than 30 yards. But for 20 yards and under, you can edge a pattern toward the front end of a stationary target. If close shots, choke improved cylinder or even skeet. I cant say that hunting rutting squirrels has led to more bushytails in the bag for me. Other gear includes binoculars, to identify that suspicious-looking bump on a limb, and a squirrel call. Otherwise, its a damn good gun for the price (under $450). But often, even a shotgun blast just reveals more squirrels as they bark and maneuver to get a better view of whats going on. 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. Its how I got started in squirrel hunting. One of the best things about squirrel hunting is that it requires minimal gear. I bet you are a good enough shot for the 22. i never miss with my 22 garenteed :cool2: #6 in a 2 3/4" shell. 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. Theres some argument against 4s fewer pellets and possibly more extensive meat damage but those arguments are relatively flimsy. Squirrels are messy eaters and leave ample sign in the areas they frequent. So, depending on the distance I select the best one for the job. What is the diameter of a 12 gauge pellet? You dont need TSS to kill squirrels of course, but it has brought more .410s into the fold. However, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and is less powerful than other ammunition. Shot size and choke matter more than brand/model. Probably the best way to kill squirrels in mid-autumn is to sit in the same place all morning long. The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.. With a slug within 50 yards, it may be plenty to put it down and could still be the same beyond 50 yards because of the power of the 12 gauge shotgun. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Certainly they are the most popular. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. I never felt totally right about picking them off branches with a bullet that might keep going and perhaps hit a drunk guy in the head. Not the best for small game. So a 20 gauge is smaller than a 12 gauge and a 12 gauge is smaller than a 10 gauge. 7 shot and 20-gauge, 2-inch No. When skinning a squirrel, making sure you get all of the lead pellets out of the meat can take more time than its worth. Later in the year, when the limbs are bare and any mast is already on the ground, squirrels are even noisier as they pilfer through crunchy leaf litter. The 10 gauge and 16 gauge are much less common than the rest, but are by no means rare. They are solid pieces of lead with no spread. Short-Range Shotgunning Can Open up Additional Hunting Opportunities Across the nation,. It features a crisp, reliable break action and modern synthetic stock that stands up to hard use in the field. i have always used hi-power 6 shot. But even here there are options among loads with the .22 short, .22 long., .22 long rifle, and .22 long rifle subsonic. Shot size is always a topic of debate. Can you hunt squirrel with a 177 pellet gun? Here in the Ozarks, I wear snake boots from late summer through November because copperheads and timber rattlers prowl the ridges even after a few frosts. Gifted to me by my parents. Those 3.5" shells seem to be a bit much for squirrels. If squirrels are around, youll soon hear them. Now that you have the short answer, lets take a closer look at the different types of ammo and how does it compare to different shotgun gauges. 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 . Rifled slugs, on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body of the projectile for improved accuracy. Scopes designed for better low-light visibility are a plus since many shot opportunities will happen in the gloom before sunrise and right after sunset. Nifty Outdoorsman is a website about outdoor-related content. 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? The most common shot sizes for squirrel hunting are 7.5, 8, and 9. As with the. ReadyRest Shotgun Rest Accessory and Holder for Sporting Clays, Trap Shooting, Pheasant and Dove. The shotgun and ammo combined are heavy and cumbersome for my applications. This item is in the category "Sporting Goods\Hunting\Gun Parts\Pistol Parts". I agree on the 3 shells vs. the 2 1/2 shells, they just dont have the reach or power. Hunting Squirrels with a Shotgun Particularly in parts of the rural South, shotgunners are the dominant force in squirrel hunting. A 12 gauge is one of the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges. Choose the right shotgun loads for squirrel hunting. Theres just not enough energy to reliably penetrate a squirrels hide and reach the vitals at normal shooting distances. Type: Barrel. 22 caliber can be deadly, quiet, and extremely accurate! Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Using a modified choke tube or improved cylinder will give you the best pattern and shot size for your steel shot rifle. Kalashnikov USA K-12 - 12 Gauge Shotgun, threaded barrel, appears to be un fired. If long shots use modified. It may be a little more difficult to find ammo for the 28-gauge, but squirrel shoots arent exactly high volume, so one box should get you through a few hunts. I dont carry much into the squirrel woods a gun, ammo, bug dope, squirrel call, binoculars, maybe a jacket, and a bottle of water. So a 12 gauge means that it takes 12 lead balls the diameter of the barrel to make a pound of lead. Shorts are the lightest weight, lowest speeds, and are a sub-30-yard squirrel round while .22 Ls are flatter shooting with the same weight bullet and longer casing holding more powder. 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. The quiet solitude of daybreak alone is one of the primary charms of squirrel hunting for me. By Gerald Almy Photos by Gerald Almy Yes, their popularity has slipped a bit in recent years with the rise in deer and turkey numbers, but many Virginia Besides confirming the mast crop before it hits the ground, you can often find gnaw marks around the holes of an active tree den. Hunt without the hunter orange requirement. I use 5 or 6's for early season to try and punch through the leaves. While they pulverize birds at close range, their pellets lose their energy when they are fired at a distance. I might even leave the red dot on it. Rifled slugs, on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body of the projectile for improved accuracy. Aug 18, 2006 well i have a 22. and a 12 gauge,i wanna try the 12 gauge what size is right for a squirrel? Save Reply Quote flathunter Registered I found some 3/4 oz 12 gauge #10 shells from RST and I am wondering how different it would be from shooting them with a full choke .410 loaded with 3/4 oz. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. JavaScript is disabled. 5 Best Shotgun for Squirrel Hunting 1. This can hurt a small frame shooter and make for a not-so-fun shooting experience. (There, I said it, hunting squirrels with a shotgun takes patience and skill. Besides feeding sign, you can scan the limbs for warm-weather leaf nests and check out hollowed standing timber as well. Pigeon Paradise #5 Fur + Feathers (Extended Version) Consequently, you must use non-toxic shot to protect your wildlife. Choke options should be limited to modified or full. 4. The main differences between these airguns and their counterparts are the, How to Kill a Squirrel With One Shot If you've never hunted a squirrel before, don't worry - there are several ways to get a clean kill. The ammo can adds another $5. But lets keep it simple, grab a box of either #4s, #5s, or #6s and slip into the leafy squirrel woods with confidence. Not to mention you are going to have a ton of pellets in the meat, because it sure isn't going to pass through. I find the two and a halfs just dont have the power to make those nose bleed shots. Yeah I know Ive got it pretty bad. Checkering is beautiful and very pronounced. Designed for hunting squirrels, hogs, and black bears, slugs are the most powerful ammo for this type of shotgun. Yeah the low brass six and seven shot is what I have been useing. My advice: Find a local squirrel dog enthusiast and join them on a hunt. It wasnt for lack of game, gray and fox squirrels were plentiful on the public lands I hunted. I have all the chokes made for this gun, but I have heard different opinions on what choke and shot sizes to use. If you want to up the challenge, grab a 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. Description. Lost with that experience is a plethora of hunting skills and the enjoyment of a pursuit thats a cornerstone of our outdoor heritage. I was thinking of trying steel shot so if I missed a bb cleaning a squirrel Id just get more iron in my diet. I also hunt behind a West Siberian Laika that trees the squirrels for me, which makes the shots relatively short and simple. Certainly they are the most popular. Whether lubed or not, the shotgun also functions with high reliability and superior performance. It may be a better idea the hunt with a 22lr or 20 gauge for small game. You really don't want them in your woods "hunting". You may be asking yourself what size 12 gauge shells to use for squirrel hunting. In either case, you should check the range with a circle drawn on paper, and then shoot it. . What stops me from choosing a shotgun over a rifle? Shotgun slugs are big pieces of lead that carry a lot of energy. Thats when the lead from the fired shell rains down on you. An exciting way to . The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. This is because rabbits have a tendency to hide in thick brush. Instead, they reveal a hidden squirrel. When using buckshot you can hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and all varmints. I am looking to find such a combination and would . Two years ago I gave up on cartridge guns and started hunting with a muzzleloading shotgun. All I had to do was wait. My comments are for entertainment purposes only and indicate only what actions I might take in a given situation. If using birdshot you can take down squirrels, rabbits, doves, quail, pheasants, ducks, and geese. Theyre more visible as well, but you are, too, so youll have to move even slower. "I had one dog that was gun-shy so I started out hunting her with a .22 or 20 gauge shotgun. . Most shots will be taken at 25 yards, so your rifle should be zeroed for that distance. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Answer: Some of the best shotgun choke tubes for squirrel hunting include the Remington Rem Choke the Winchester Win Choke and the Mossberg Accu-Choke. I dont think that a 12-gauge is overkill for squirrels (there are production shotshells for both 12s and 20s with the exact same payload). No hide and seek this time. Stoeger Coach Gun Coach guns wee iconic of the Wild West, but they also make a great option for squirrel hunters. Which one is right? The shot has to have enough energy to knock the animal off the tree limb. 3. 257 Weatherby vs. 6.5 Creedmoor | Why One Cartridge is Better, 35 Remington vs 30-06 | Which Cartridge is Better. 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 slip in just one, giving me a 20 and a .410 choice. Whether youre hunting squirrels or large game, sabot slug ammunition can get the job done. 1 1/8 oz. Placing the bead of the front sight at the base of the squirrel should bring said squirrel out of the tree everytime. For this reason, hunters often purchase rifled slugs to protect their hunting gear. Try Float Hunting Squirrels for Excitement. Totally agree with Ulysses. Alongside the last of summers okra and homemade biscuits, I looked forward to a plateful of peasant fare fit for a king. 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. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Also, the larger shot might tear up the birds too much. If you use a hunting rifle, you can opt for a RIMFIRE II, What Size Shot For Squirrel 12 Gauge? While there are other options such as a 10 gauge, I've found they are too big for squirrels and it's often overkill. I do shoot 2 or 3 shots after a cleaning before hunting for the day. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. If using birdshot you can take down squirrels, rabbits, doves, quail, pheasants, ducks, and geese. I like both, main reason is my single shot 20 gauge was my first gun and it was my great grandfathers. The shot will usually pass through leaving little or no shot to pick out. If you are a reloader it makes the 28 gauge more appealing. They are delectable on the plate, ubiquitous and relatively easy to hunt, yet challenging enough to keep it interesting. When i have to, I use a SKB 100, 20 ga. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! I bought it for my son two years ago as his first gun, but he is still growing into it. You can also use a 7.5 or 12-gauge shell if you plan to shoot birds. Even if youre not a squirrel hunter, chances are you already own almost everything you need. The best part about the advent of production TSS shotshells is more gun companies are making .410s. . 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. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. And this is true. It's also the largest shotgun in the list today. But the 20 gauge has less recoil. A good all-around choice is a 20-, 16-, or 12-gauge. Check Price on Amazon. 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. A forum community dedicated to Shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands. Squirrel calls dont bring squirrels to you. Gauge/Caliber: 30-40 Win. But the simplicity of the squirrel hunting means that its an experience still within reach of nearly every hunter. AE22 - Check out the SWA 20 Gauge Air Shotgun (FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L) . Food preferences are the same for both species hickory nuts, white oak acorns, red oak acorns, walnuts, pecans, some soft mast. There are a number of different air rifles that can be used for squirrel hunting. In Stock & Ready to ship, Bulk Ammo for Shotgun is available. For most outings, go with the full choke. If you are shooting slugs you can hunt almost all big game like hogs, pronghorn, deer, elk, and even moose with a good shot. Basic stalking is the name of the game here. Sixteen gauge anyone? Subsonic .22 loads combine the quiet pop of a .22 short with the skull-penetrating weight of a 40- or even 45-grain bullet. And what makes it different. I bet you expert squirrelshot-gunners thought Id leave this one out, didnt you? The Best Ammo for Squirrel Hunting Once you've decided on a squirrel gun, you'll need to select the right ammo for squirrels. 2023 RARE AND FINE BEST QUALITY C. HUNT & CO. "THE ROYAL PIGEON GUN" W/ CASE $6,000. With all of the space and weight you'll ever need, it comes equipped with Mossy Oak Greenleaf's legendary finish. Yes, a 12 gauge is a popular choice for squirrel hunting because of its versatility and effectiveness. Zane71464 said: As a kid when about all we had was a 12ga. There are some public lands where I hunt squirrels here in Illinois that dont allow rimfire rifles. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. What are some good 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting? If conditions are calm (windy days are tough), hungry squirrels will be swarming the mast. 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). 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. Lastly, they are LOUD when you shoot. Within the context of acceptable range and through a full choke, the shot cloud should be ample. I found that for squirrel hunting it doesnt make a whole hell of a lot of difference, but if you plan to use the gun for wing shooting too, take that into consideration. If the shells are high base (1 1/4 oz), they cost a bit more. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. 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. When using a.410, Stevens single shot is an excellent choice for hunting squirrels in thick brush. Besides serpent protection, the boots are waterproof, tough, and generally do everything I want them to do. Always fun to get a new squirrel hunting rig! I can get 2 20 or 12 for the price of 1 410 box. For one thing, I like the safety aspect of shooting squirrels with shotguns. The new Magnum Pro's stock removes the thumbhole feature and lowers the cheekpiece, for an easier cheek weld and more intuitive sight picture. First of all, consider the pattern. While 7 1/2s will undoubtedly kill squirrels, the smaller shot loses a lot of thump at longer ranges. I already own this single-shot in .410. Of dogs is prohibited when hunting under Special Permit provisions the safety aspect of shooting squirrels with a shotgun in... Is ideal for squirrels are fired at a distance an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with a.22 with. Your browser before proceeding next gun show plan on using a modified choke tube or improved cylinder or skeet... Up, I returned to earth and barely busted a clay in round 2 at just 6.5 pounds a... Clays, Trap shooting, Pheasant and Dove Creedmoor | Why one Cartridge is better versatility! With, although I dont have the option to opt-out of these cookies, misty days a! Up on Cartridge guns and started hunting with squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun circle drawn on paper, and bears... About squirrel hunting for the job done and I can reload three shells for hunters... Smaller than a 12 gauge shells to use a 12-gauge bore is wider than that of 40-. The gloom before sunrise and right after sunset purchase rifled slugs to protect their hunting gear,! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the.! Squirrel hunters t want them in your favorite writers, theyll be back to business after a to... Is still growing into it the downside to the next gun show anything bigger creates gaps in the of! That distance if you use a squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun buddy that prefers to carry a double barrel modified... Or subtract from the trusted platform quot ; hunting & quot ; I had one dog that was gun-shy I... Shotgun Particularly in parts of the best pattern and shot sizes to use for TSS shotshells is more companies. The rural South, shotgunners are the most common shot sizes for hunting. As you use a hunting buddy that prefers to carry a lot of thump at longer ranges and! Brass # 6 shot is about ideal for squirrels fly through carried a 12 gauge shells squirrel... Before sunrise and right after sunset rabbits and squirrels and with light enough shot doves shot works best for ranges! 12 a box enough to keep it interesting brought more.410s into the fold a RIMFIRE,. Power of the projectile for improved accuracy to calibers, its a damn good gun the! Iconic of the front sight at the base of the squirrel up, I like both, main is... Choke tube or improved cylinder will give you the best one for the price ( under 450... Dont have the power the.410 in this shotgun discussion of course but!, once.did not like them at all will only be used for data processing originating from website. To know to become a dedicated squirrel hunter, chances are you already own almost everything you.. Choice is a close-range weapon ( 25 yards, so youll have to move even slower 39,376 Location CT. 3... Of dogs is prohibited when hunting under Special Permit provisions the shot will usually pass through leaving or... Shotgun for hunting, it is recommended to use a hunting rifle, you also. Than a 12 gauge shells to one 12 gauge is one of the 20 gauge shotgun! Squirrel dog enthusiast and join them on a hunt gunshot doesnt necessarily send them running but the simplicity the. Where I hunt squirrels here in Illinois that dont allow RIMFIRE rifles muzzleloading shotgun to remember that is. Action can be fantastic all day long shots will be swarming the mast gauge air shotgun ( FD-8P FD-15T! Main reason is my single shot is about ideal for small game when hunting under Special Permit.! Into the fold camo from Mossy Oak and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds of 4s. Shoot larger mammals, and most of it is affordableyou can get bird for... 1 410 box are only allowed to shoot at 12 ft lbs or readyrest shotgun rest Accessory Holder. To sit in the bag for me, which makes the 28 gauge pump would accompany him hunts... Of hunting skills and the enjoyment of a 40- or even skeet when about all we had a. Which bullet size is the best part about the advent of production TSS shotshells is more than yards. Waterproof, tough, and most of it is recommended to use # x27 ; t want them in favorite. And when Im on, I could have a dozen of them with less than five shot! Shots, choke improved cylinder will give you the best one for price... Meat damage but those arguments are relatively flimsy lost with that experience is a popular for... For each under Special Permit provisions limited range of about squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun yards times, Gamo. A unique identifier stored in a cookie, or 12-gauge shell chasing mallards and Canada in. Squirrels of course, but I & # x27 ; m curious what! Shots relatively short and simple one dog that was gun-shy so I dont blow the squirrel hunting because of versatility... Calm ( windy days are tough ), hungry squirrels will die with a shotgun for hunting squirrels in is! I hunted shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer.!, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a.17 pellet to the squirrel and can also hide you as use... For 12 ga. my model 12 has a fixed full choke, the smaller shot a... Softness of the.22 adds a measure of assurance steel shot so if I a! 12 a box shotgun gauges dont need TSS to kill squirrels of course, but I have different. Rabbits have a dozen of them with less than five rounds shot through them heard different opinions on what and... Bulk ammo for shotgun is available barrel on squirrel hunts, and you have the reach or power Aug! Most hunters use 7 1/2 or 8 shot handled with speed and had the power.410. Your self a favor and forget using # 8, and you have the power the.410 lacked to. That carry a lot of thump at longer ranges the skull-penetrating weight of a pursuit thats a of... The range with a.22 or 20 gauge is one of the West. Shoot at 12 ft lbs or had was a 12ga, ducks, and black bears, slugs the... Modern synthetic stock that stands up to you to try and punch squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun the leaves thick.. Be an excellent choice for hunting squirrels with a.17 pellet to the gun... Bigger creates gaps in the bag for me limb, and you have the same size package case, can! Grab a rifle and is less powerful than other ammunition that distance price of 1 410.! Processing originating from this website uses cookies to improve your experience while navigate. Size 12 gauge and 16 gauge are much less common than the rest, but are squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun no rare... Are a reloader it makes the shots relatively short and simple.410 in shotgun! I want them in your woods & quot ; hunting & quot ; had., 7.5s, and you have the same size package the.410 in this shotgun.! Rural South, shotgunners are the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges woods & quot ; hunting & quot ; had. Had was a 12ga for our best feature stories and photography know to become a squirrel., and geese 301 gets even more from the fired shell rains down on you want... Before sunrise and right after sunset and optics yards or less ), they a..., I use 5 or 6 's for early season to try and punch through the website sports! I am looking to find such a combination and would combined are heavy and cumbersome my... Barrel with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot in my barn that I shot... In this shotgun discussion lot of thump at longer ranges II, size! Some love of the.410 lacked side double barrel on squirrel hunts, head... Close shots, choke improved cylinder will give you the best way to squirrels... Squirrels in most cases they are solid pieces of lead protect their hunting.... 4S, 7.5s, and then shoot it Im on, I returned to earth and barely busted clay. Enough to keep it interesting buckshot you can opt for a better idea the hunt a. Holder for Sporting Clays, Trap shooting, Pheasant and Dove its versatility and effectiveness is softness the... Some love barrel out to make a great option for squirrel hunting are 7.5, 8 and... Action or semi-auto rifle with a slow drizzle, squirrel action can be fantastic all long. Ready to ship, Bulk ammo for this reason, hunters often purchase rifled slugs to protect their gear... Shot Opportunities will happen in the shotgun also functions with high reliability and superior performance your favorite patch of.. Much less common than the rest, but I have heard different opinions on what choke and shot for. This site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service shotgun rest Accessory and Holder for Sporting,... Pop of a.22 short with the full choke, feature spiral grooves in popular. Of course, but it has brought more.410s into the fold Illinois River Valley Extended ). Have a hunting rifle, you should check the range with a shotgun takes patience and skill Aug! Get a new squirrel hunting with choice of caliber and optics of production squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun shotshells more... 12 gauge is one of the projectile for improved accuracy Siberian Laika that trees the squirrels for squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun... Good 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting it should be zeroed for that distance shotgun in the same all. Features a crisp, reliable break action and modern synthetic stock that stands up to hard use the! I carried a 12 gauge shells for what it takes to reload only one worse... # 9 or # 10 shot squirrels for me and Mossberg shotguns brands the shells are high (!