Range and the .410

[Rustyinfla]

   I still can't shake the idea that I NEED a .410. Then just the other day I read where someone says it's only a 25 yard gun. Here one of our own brings home some nice plump fox squrrels. Now I'm not sure what to think.

  Any input guys?

   Thanks

[McDerry]

25 yards is still a long ways.  Thats an oak tree.

[bobg]

  I wasn't real happy with the 410 on squirrels. A friend of mine wanted the 410 more than i did. Sold it to him and went back to my old Western Auto 20 ga. I suppose you could try a 28 ga. Maybe we can get spikehorn to chime in and tell us how he likes his 28.

[bikerbeans]

410 w/full choke is okay on squirrels to close to 30 yards.  If you can find an old savage Model 24 in 22LR/410 then you have an option on the longer shots.  That said, I would bet that a long barrel H&R 28 gauge would be great for squirrels and around my part of the woods the ammo is the same price or a little cheaper than 410.  I believe James III also has a 28 ga H&R, maybe he will post how it has worked for him.

BB

[Rayzor]

I dont hunt squirrels But I have taken dozens of grouse and rabbits out to around 30 yards with my 410 full choke. Even rolled a turkey at 25 last year. I would not try a shot further then 30 yards though as the pattern opens up to far.
If I was to go shopping again I would grab a 20 gauge. More bang and range but not punishing like the twelve. Never mind what a box of 410 shells costs these days. Just my opinion.

[spruce]

Get a .410 just for the fun of it.

Sure, it doesn't have the range or pattern density of the larger gauges, but that's part of the fun of hunting with it.  You won't bag as much game, but it forces you to be a better hunter and stalk closer.

I don't shoot mine all that much so the cost of a box of shells a couple times a year is really a moot point.

[gcrank1]

Bang for the buck is the 20......stock up when the shells go on sale and you will never miss the 410.