Author Topic: Do any of you guys ever use iron sights on squirrels? (Read 2674 times)

massenrg · « **on:** December 06, 2002, 03:39:47 PM »

Do any of you guys ever use iron sights on squirrels? I've got an old rifle (not grooved for scope rings) and would love to take it afield but I'm not sure I have enough confidence in it to make good shots. I'm used to using scoped rifles but would like more of a challenge.

Also, has anyone here tried the Winchester Super X PowerPoints. The've got a serious cavity nose and look as if they'd do good work on squirrels. I'm concerned that the extra large cavity will affect accuracy.

Thanks. Hunt safely.

JeffG · « **Reply #1 on:** December 08, 2002, 03:48:51 AM »

No, actually I have used scopes to hunt squirrels most of my life, so does my wife. It just seems that when you only see a piece of him in the tree, it's easier. Also, because they are so fast, it's easier to tell when they are going to move as you shoot. Plus, it's fun to watch old Bushytail get his "lumps" through the scope...they tear up or garden something fierce...Good Shooting!

wildman · « **Reply #2 on:** December 08, 2002, 04:41:36 AM »

I use iron sights on small game such as squirrels and rabbits. Oh, I forgot to mention that the iron sights are sitting on top of my Ruger Super Single Six 6.5 inch stainless revolver. Very challenging, but very rewarding as I have had good success hunting with this gun. I hunt with the 22 magnum cylinder.

With a little practice, you should be able to shoot the old bushytails with a good 22 rifle using iron sights also. I used to have fun shooting them through scoped 22's, but wanted something a lot more challenging. I would rather bring home one or two with a iron sighted handgun than to bring home a whole bag with the scoped rifle. It sure does help your woodsman skills when you have to get closer for a good shot. I can consistently hit head shots on squirrels within 25yds with the Ruger, although I have to wait for the still shot in order to do so. Otherwise, a body shot on a moving one is also a good shot for me.

You will need to try several different types of ammo and see which one your gun groups the best. It's kind of funny, but 22 caliber firearms are also picky about which ammo they like the best. Make sure you are shooting from a sturdy rest (such as a sandbag), or else you will be testing your accuracy and not the rifle's.

i303 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2002, 08:21:08 AM »

I use open sights for squirrel and rabbit hunting both. My squirrel rifle is an old Remington 341 bolt action. I agree with the above post that you will go home with less game, but you really can get pretty accurate and fast with a quality open sighted rifle. Almost points itself for me at times.
i303

volshooter · « **Reply #4 on:** January 14, 2003, 02:31:52 AM »

I use a Marlin model 39D (lever action), open sighted, and CB ammo for sruirrels. Yardage is now limited to me being directly under the tree, age will get ya. I also tote a S&W 422 with LR up to 50 feet.
Rick

Quote

every day verticle is a good day

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #5 on:** January 14, 2003, 02:26:26 PM »

Iron sights for squirrels - is there any other way? Two favorite 22's - first - a Remmington 511 (bolt action clip) full size stock - they don't make them like that any more. And second, Winchester 52D - match configuration, heavy barrel and international peep sights front and rear. When you see fur around the outside of the front peep sight you KNOW the squirrel is going to eat lead.

Dwayne TX · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2003, 09:56:50 AM »

I wouldn't have it any other way. Iron sights shooting squirrels, coons, skunks, etc just go together.

BTW, isn't it illegal (at least in TX) to shoot sitting dove with a rifle?

rwng · « **Reply #7 on:** March 02, 2003, 06:34:57 PM »

I only use iron sights, I hunt with my old trusty Savage bolt action 22. (don't know the model # off hand)

willis5 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 03, 2003, 05:07:13 AM »

For the last part of the season, I put a 4x scope on my Ruger 10/22. I punched holes in more squirrles and I was able to see more while they were hiding. Now if it were for sport I would say go iron sights, but I want to snipe those little buggers. I don't want them to live... I want to eat them!` :-D
Cheers,

Willis5

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 03, 2003, 05:24:25 AM »

Dwayne I believe you are correct. Not only is it illegal, I believe it may be a Federal Offense (migratory bird). In my state it is also illegal to shoot them off power lines.

Actually some of the older rifles have finer sights which are better for small targets.

redhawk44p · « **Reply #10 on:** March 06, 2003, 12:38:11 AM »

Iron sights are my choice. I have pics on the page below-
http://www.geocities.com/redhawk44p/Fish/smallgame.html

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #11 on:** March 14, 2003, 05:58:51 AM »

I don't have a gun in the cabinet with a scope.

Besides a scope would look ugly on my .32 flintlock :grin:

That little .32 ball is mean! Only weighs 45 grains, but it hates squirrels. I swear it hits 'em then turns around and hits 'em again and again. Them squirrels just curl up and drop.

It'll group under an inch center-to-center at 25 yards. I've taken squirrels out to 50 yards with it. Interestingly, at 50 yards the ball hits 'em like a normal .22 would - still lethal.

Boy do you feel good watching through the smoke as the squirrel drops. Nothing else like it.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #12 on:** March 14, 2003, 02:10:19 PM »

BJJ - I had a friend in college who used a 30 cal smoke pole for squirrel - much the same emotion.

THE#1hunter · « **Reply #13 on:** July 17, 2003, 02:53:34 PM »

i use open sites all the time, its more of a challenge(mabye thats why i love it so much)!!!!!

savageT · « **Reply #14 on:** July 17, 2003, 02:58:31 PM »

Quote from: THE#1hunter

i use open sites all the time, its more of a challenge(mabye thats why i love it so much)!!!!!

I did too when I was your age. Wait till the eyes dim and the bi-focals are necessary :grin:

Jim

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #15 on:** July 18, 2003, 01:15:52 AM »

Quote from: savageT

I did too when I was your age. Wait till the eyes dim and the bi-focals are necessary.

I'm in the bifocal set and I still avidly use iron sights!

The key is to use a peep rear sight.

I learned this when I was seven years old. Being nearsighted I needed the glasses to shoot.

The AFROTC at the college where my father taught put on a turkey shoot using Remmington target rifles. Even though I forgot my glasses (much blurreyness) I still won a turkey!!!

With my Winchester 52D, with peep sights front and rear, it's sometimes a bit of a problem with squirrels. You can see fur all around the front peep sight, so you KNOW you're going to hit it, but you can't see exactly where! Use a post front sight.

daddywpb · « **Reply #16 on:** July 22, 2003, 02:04:10 PM »

Redhawk44P - great pics!!
I use a Winchester 9422, and a Ruger bearcat, both with iron sights for rabbits and squirrels. My daughter uses her 10/22 with a Bushnell scope.