Author Topic: Best gauge for squirrel? (Read 2468 times)

Varminter · « **on:** September 26, 2005, 11:49:39 AM »

I've always used the 12 gauge but i think i'm gonna switch to something smaller. I don't really see the logic in using that in a single shot for 4 days on my upcoming squirrel hunt. So i thought i would ask you all the question. What is your favorite/best gauge in your opinion for squirrels?

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #1 on:** September 27, 2005, 02:53:22 AM »

I'm a fan of 16GA pump action shotguns for squirrel. I have my grandfather's Winchester Model 12 16GA shotgun from 1939 that I use. It is a classic and it still shoots great...Plus it has an adjustable choke similar to a poly choke.

willysjeep134 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 27, 2005, 07:55:32 AM »

Idon't hunt squirrels enough to have a preference, nor do I own enough guns to develop one. I have hunted the occasional bushytail with a .410 and with a 12 gauge. Given the choice, I would pick the .410. I haven't ever had the chance to try a 16, 20, or 28 so I don't know if a more moderate gauge might be better. I haven't ever been dissappointed with a .410 though.

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** September 27, 2005, 09:16:39 AM »

Nothing reaches out and touches them like a 12 ga. if you're gonna use a shotgun. Now when hunting squirrels I've not used a shotgun in at least 45 and likely more years. I use a .22LR rifle or handgun.

But I do a lot of shooting of them around here for pest control to keep them out of my fruit trees. For that job I use a Rem. 870 12 ga. pump with 1-1/4 to 2 oz. of #4 or $6 shot. I'm not after them for food but I do NOT want them to get away with my fruit so I use the most efficient killing machine at my disposal.

But with the low limits and given you're using a shotgun what difference does it make which gauge from a recoil stand point. You shouldn't be firing more than 6-8 times a day. Ya gotta be seriously recoil sensitive for that to matter.

Varminter · « **Reply #4 on:** September 27, 2005, 10:30:16 AM »

Yeah i know that. Recoil isn't really gonna be an issue. I just need another reason to get another gun. :grin: What choke do you use? I think i'm gonna go with a single shot 16 gauge if i can find one.

Sx2 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 27, 2005, 02:36:18 PM »

Quote from: WNY_Whitetailer

I'm a fan of 16GA pump action shotguns for squirrel. I have my grandfather's Winchester Model 12 16GA shotgun from 1939 that I use. It is a classic and it still shoots great...Plus it has an adjustable choke similar to a poly choke.

God bless your soul man.
I use a 16 ga model 31. It's a niche gun more than anything else. I wouldn't use it on much else (mabe rabbits). It is DEADLY on squirell. 1 1/4 oz #4's duck and pheasant loads when there are thick leaves on the trees and they are running around in the tree tops doing accrobatics. Carries like a 20 hits like a 12. A true "meat gun" Pull up, they go plop on the ground, not many pellet holes either. By the time the 4's get 40 yards up the tree to the leaves they thin out a bit. But the ones that do hit do the job :wink:

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Graybeard · « **Reply #6 on:** September 27, 2005, 05:31:39 PM »

Quote

What choke do you use?

An extended sporting clays type SS tube marked modified.

Ron T. · « **Reply #7 on:** September 30, 2005, 07:38:55 PM »

Like Graybeard, I use a .22 rimfire rifle on squirrels.

My rifle is a Ruger 10/22 (semi-auto) sporting a 3x-9x by 40mm scope on it for squirrels. I sight my rifle "in" for 50 yards... and generally shoot squirrels either in the head or through the ribs wasting as little meat as possible.

I used a .410 bore shotgun on my very first squirrel hunt... but, after that, it was the good 'ol 10/22 that took the squirrels and, sometimes, rabbits as well.

Squirrel hunting is good practice for deer hunting... they are both very similar with their needs and how the hunts are conducted, BOTH for deer-hunts and for hog-hunts... and, of course, for squirrels.

Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

gino · « **Reply #8 on:** October 01, 2005, 04:08:34 AM »

I voted for the 12 ga. Where I used to hunt (haven't been in 20 yrs.) it was TALL timber and .22s were a non-starter because of built up areas nearby.
gino

Sx2 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 01, 2005, 01:37:01 PM »

Hey gino,
Hello from Pekin

snakeman · « **Reply #10 on:** October 09, 2005, 05:59:43 PM »

I mostly use a .22 for them. I have in the past, and will again in the future, use a shotgun on them. I have used the 12, 20, and .410. All of them will work well. When I use a shotgun I usually just pick one and go. All three of them are single shots. Any of them will work fine, just pick your favorite shotgun and use it.

snakeman

Doug B. · « **Reply #11 on:** October 28, 2005, 11:25:54 AM »

I use nothing but a .22 LR. Very challenging hitting something about the size of a quarter......it's head.

Safe shooting.

slayer · « **Reply #12 on:** November 04, 2005, 01:55:41 PM »

I also use a .22LR, but also dabble with my NEF .410, neither ruins them, and I also aim for the head. Jack.

hogwild_444 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 18, 2005, 02:51:11 AM »

I've used 12,16,20,.410. The best shotgun I have is a Win mdl 12, 16 full choke. It patterns so tight with #5 or 6 that I prefer to shoot 30yd or more to prevent blownup meat. Seems like I cant hit squat with my 12 ga guns. Go figure. After the leaves fall a T/C 22match carbine does wonders

horseman308 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 19, 2005, 11:52:25 AM »

I killed my first squirrel with my grandfather's Stevens 16 gauge SxS. I haven't used it in quite a while, usually using a .22LR, but I've thought about pulling it back out for squirrel, and might just do it, now that I've remembered that memory.

Sx2 · « **Reply #15 on:** December 19, 2005, 01:29:22 PM »

Two 16ga fans in a row!
Lomg live the purple hull!

corbanzo · « **Reply #16 on:** January 09, 2006, 08:32:47 AM »

Well, we have to break the 16 gauge chain then. If you are all about hunting, I like a 12 gauge, with some 8 shot and the most open choke you can get (so less bb'crap em). If you are hunting little ground squirrels, most anything will work, but I've have seen some pretty dang big tree squirrels, which I wouldnt like a bird shot .410 for. I would have to say if I was limited to one gun (please god don't ever let it happen).. It would be a 12 gauge. Plus I'm not sure how it works where you guys are from, but when we are out squirreling, its open for rabbits, and grouse too, so have something for everything. But really for squirrels, it don't matter what I like, it's what you like. Try different stuff, pretty much anything will kill a squirrel. When I was a kid, rocks were about as good as any gun :-D

Star1pup · « **Reply #17 on:** January 16, 2006, 07:12:20 AM »

I use my 28 for just about everything and it is great for squirrels. I load my own shells with #6 shot. My gun is a Red Label.

My second choice would be a 16. Maybe I'm just fond (crazy?) about the less used gauges.

waltcowan · « **Reply #18 on:** January 25, 2006, 11:12:05 AM »

yeup, low brass 12 with anything from 4 to 6 will do the job. same for all the other gauges too. been thinking about a nice single shot 32 gauge. if only i could find a cheap one!

field989 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 25, 2006, 03:01:59 PM »

When I use a shotgun I usually bring a mossberg 835 turkey gun(with a full choke) and #6 shot

Havent not killed one yet :grin:

poncaguy · « **Reply #20 on:** February 04, 2006, 02:57:35 PM »

If I'm not using my 17 HMR Single Sis with a red dot, or my Ruger Mark III SS slab target 22 with red dot, I use my 20 Mossberg pump with mod choke.

RaySendero · « **Reply #21 on:** February 05, 2006, 03:11:50 AM »

I use either a .22 or a 12 gauge depending on the hunt/area.

Sx2 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 06, 2006, 03:14:14 PM »

nice guns Ray

Savage .250 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 07, 2006, 05:00:56 AM »

410..........full choke. May have to pass on some shots for what ever reason but who cares. I`m in the woods having fun and if a tree rat comes /gets with-in 410 range i`ll take a shot, maybe.
Good exercise, get to see stuff, good hunt for me.

Graybeard · « **Reply #24 on:** February 07, 2006, 12:19:21 PM »

Is this the one Ray? If it's newer than this one then it's gone and can't be brought back. If older tho I likely can.

Poll

Best Gauge for Squirrels

Author Topic: Best gauge for squirrel? (Read 2468 times)