Author Topic: What's your fav. squirrel gun? (Read 38616 times)

howie1968 · « **on:** April 10, 2003, 11:16:39 AM »

what type of gun do you like for squirrels??? me i like .22 the best loaded with hollowpoint ccI mini-mags favorite squirell gun is a marlin model 60 and a ruger 10-22

Woodchuk · « **Reply #1 on:** April 10, 2003, 12:08:50 PM »

Well, here's what I've used in the past...

Shotguns: Mossberg Model 500 in 20 guage, SxS double barrel .410
Rifles: Ruger 10/22 with 4x Redfield scope, Old Remington Pump .22, Winchester Lever .22, and a crossman 1377 pellet pistol.

Now, if I'm in an area where I'd prefer a shotgun, the .410 wins. It's got full chokes and carries just ever so sweetly. Plus, it was my grandfather's who has since passed away, so that makes it even sweeter.

If I'm heading somewhere where I want a rifle, I love to take that Winchester Lever action. It's got a little more heft (weight) to it that makes it balance just right. Problem is, it's not mine. It's my Aunt's and gets used at her house to keep the grey sqirrels out of the bird feeder. I'm free to borrow it anytime though, and lately I've been taking it out on loan for most of winter break. This rifle carries nicely, shoulders nicely, and shoots nicely.

The old Remington pump (not sure of model) is also a sweet little rifle to carry, even better than the Winchester. That's because it's so tiny, I can wrap my whole hand around the reciever. It's accurate too, but I shoot the Winchester better because of it's heavier.

One thing I have to say, is that I prefer to carry my rifles/shotguns. I like something that you can cradle in your arm or carry in your hand, not something you have to sling over your shoulder. Plus, I've developed a fondness for some of the older stuff, cause generally it had better contours. That's one of the reasons I don't like the Ruger 10/22; it has a square-ish stock and just doesn't carry as comfortable or feel as good in my hands. The other reason I don't care for it, is because it's scoped. Nothing wrong with scopes mind you, but my eyesight's good enough that I don't need them and they make carrying the rifle less comfortable. Both the Winchester and Remington have very fine sights with a fine brass bead front sight. I LOVE those brass bead front sights. And these are tiny on both guns, allowing for some precise shooting.

One other firearm that I have shot, but never taken a squirrel with is my buddy's game gun. It's a break action .22 over .410 that was his fathers when he was a kid. It balances nicely, carries nicely, and is a tack driver. I'd love to have it and if I did, it might just rank as my favorite. Only reason I've never shot a squirrel with it is my buddy won't give it up, even for a moment while he's in the woods. Can't say as I blame him though.

One interesting note for some, is that this coming squirrel season I'll be trying out some new firearms. One is a Ruger Super Single Six and the other is a S&W K-22 Masterpiece (also belonged to my grandfather). I live in NYS and my pistol permit was issued just last week. I also plan to start bowhunting squirrels sometime in the future.

So, what was your question? Oh yeah, my favorite...

If I had to choose, I'd say it was that lever action Winchester, with a very close second going to the Remington.

As for ammunition, I shoot the cheapest bricks of .22 I can buy. Usually Federal or Remington. I also do all of my squirrel shooting off hand, and can't say that the extra cost of CCI mini-mags is justified for me. However, I will say that I did buy 50 of them once, just for the plastic case they come in. It makes a handy dispenser of ammo and you can drop out exactly how many you need at one time.

For shotgun ammo, I only have to say...High brass, baby. High brass. :wink:

howie1968 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 10, 2003, 12:50:22 PM »

in a small town called carthage squirrel hunting was awesom as well as fox also. i also lie the older firearms as they appeal to me for the same reasons you talk about. i have also bowhuntd and i am not gonna tell you the hit to miss ratio but it was pretty humbling and the K-22 is a fine weapon try some of those new velocitors ot of it you will be impressed they shoot great in my guns and cci makes them they have the speer gold dot hollow point in them they are super wicked

crawfish · « **Reply #3 on:** April 10, 2003, 03:47:31 PM »

Up until this past season my favorite squirrel getter was a 14 inch 22lr match Contender from Fox Ridge Custom. Just last summer I did three rimfire squirrel projects, a CZ 452, a 10/22 custom, and a Savage 93 .17HMR. Of all these the HMR calls to me every time I go into my gun room. It killed more than half of my season limit of squirrels here in NC (42 I think of the 70) with a hand full being 100yard shots. BTY don't like those long shots on squirrel, just seems to be an up close kind of hunting to me, but I really wanted to see what the HMR could do. IT WILL HUNT!!!!

:grin: :-D

willis5 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 15, 2003, 07:09:14 AM »

10/22 is my bag filler. 410 bolt action (don't know the model) that my uncle lent me used to be my fav. it would smack a tree rat at 45 yards with ease.
cheers,
willis5

Jumpshootin' · « **Reply #5 on:** April 15, 2003, 01:50:02 PM »

A Marlin bolt-action .22 with a 3x8 Bushnell scope.

Dan Mich Trapper · « **Reply #6 on:** April 16, 2003, 07:04:11 PM »

I like to keep the sport in it so I also us a .22 . It is just a cheap westernfeild bolt action with a bushnell scope my dad traded a fishing pole for . He gave me the gun when I was13 and still use it to this day .

ShooterToo · « **Reply #7 on:** April 17, 2003, 12:59:02 AM »

Kimber of Oregon Model 82 with a Leupold 2.5-8X32. Last month I came across a deal and bought a Kimber SVT and a Ruger K77/17VMBBZ. I topped them both with Leupold 4.5-14X50 scopes. I get real serious about squirrel hunting.

I like the Velocitors in the Kimber 82 and using a rangerfinder and the with Velocitors I have made several 80+ yard shots. I hope to stretch that out with the 17HMR this fall. Did I mention I get serious about squirrel hunting.

I am also working on a modified ghillie suit. It will incorporate a bugnet under the suit. So far it isn't working, it's too heavy. I live on the MS Gulf Coast so 70-80 degree December days are not unusual. It needs to be light enough for the early season and that is causing the problem. By the time I start adding bulk to break up my outline it is almost too hot to wear.

flatlander · « **Reply #8 on:** April 22, 2003, 02:27:45 AM »

Contender first, followed closely by a marlin lever action 22. Both are super guns and very accurate.

Bear · « **Reply #9 on:** April 30, 2003, 02:05:22 PM »

Have to go with my Marlin over-under 22/20 ga. I like open sites, if I miss with the 22 cal I'll get them skipping through the trees with the 20 ga.

redhawk44p · « **Reply #10 on:** May 06, 2003, 05:57:47 AM »

I am still trying to figure that out. See for yourself-http://www.geocities.com/redhawk44p/Fish/smallgame.html

massenrg · « **Reply #11 on:** May 22, 2003, 09:42:35 AM »

My favorite squirrel gun is also my least expensive! I love using my Marlin .22MN with a 4X scope. Yes, it's a magnum, but with solid points (cci maximags) it's great for squirrels. I find that these bullets do little more damage than .22lr hollow points. Plus, with the flatter trajectory, I can take shots out to 100 yrds with full confidence! Long range shooting adds a new element of challenge to the game. Also, for challenge, I occasionally use an old Winchester model 67 with iron sites. This means when I locate a squirrel, I have to put my stalking skills to the test.

It's only May now but I can't wait for October to roll around!

Happy hunting.

Texas Squirrel Hunter :gulp:

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #12 on:** June 17, 2003, 10:09:01 AM »

Another vote for the .22 WMR. I use Federal 50 grainers in an NEF Sportster. Velocity is around 1500 fps and it kills very nicely with body shots without wrecking a lot of meat.

As good or better is my ancient Savage 23 in .25-20 WCF with cast 65 grainers also at about 1500 fps. Unfortunately, .25-20 rifles are mighty hard to come by.

wildman · « **Reply #13 on:** June 17, 2003, 03:39:16 PM »

Ruger Super Single Six 6.5inch barrel with .22 magnum cylinder installed and CCI 22mag hollowpoints. I get a little more pep out of this gun than folks do with a rifle shooting 22lr. I carry the iron sighted revolver in an old Bianchi Flap Holster. I needed a challenge after many years with an old Marlin 22 rifle, and boy did I get it. This has to be my most enjoyable hunting experience in the early season. It also allows me to scout for deer while having a blast in the woods. If you've never tried handgun hunting for squirrels, you can't imagine what kind of fun you are missing out on!

TravisM. · « **Reply #14 on:** June 29, 2003, 09:56:31 AM »

Shotguns: Savage 20g fox model B double or Mossberg 12g 500
Rifles: Marlin M25 22LR with 4x Bushnell, Daisy Legacy with a 4x Bushnell

The Savage was my grandpaps shotgun. The Legacy was my first gun. Its a unique little rifle, with an adjustable buttstock, interchangeable smoothbore and rifled barrels, and a 10rd rotary mag just different enough from the rugers to not be interchangeable.

This year I plan on trying my Ruger 22/45 with a 5.5" Bull Barrel and a red dot sight. I can consistently hit empty 7.62x39s from about 35 yrds away.
My dad has a Marlin in 17 HMR that I might try this year as well.

kjeff50cal · « **Reply #15 on:** June 30, 2003, 07:40:15 PM »

Hawken pistol in .50 cal loaded with a 177grain patched round ball in front of 35 grns. of fffg :-D . Aim for the head :eek: .

Dogshooter · « **Reply #16 on:** July 06, 2003, 03:19:41 AM »

Up until this year I used my Kimber 82 with a Leupold 2X7RF. BUT......just bought a CZ in 17 HMR and put a Buris 3X9 on it and think I might be using it a lot more.

armycar01 · « **Reply #17 on:** July 09, 2003, 06:33:56 PM »

I like my old savage model 24 22lr over a 410. whichever mood your in

THE#1hunter · « **Reply #18 on:** July 17, 2003, 07:29:54 AM »

Easy question, my favorite squirrel gun of all time would have to be my 20g ithica fetherlight

Ron T. · « **Reply #19 on:** August 19, 2003, 02:00:04 PM »

I can't imagine using anything but a .22 rifle and long-rifle hollow-points for squirrels.

My long-time "squirrel medicine" is my Ruger 10/22 semi-auto .22 caliber rimfire rifle, serial #9XX. That's right, one of the first thousand 10/22's made.

I tested at least 15 different kind of ammo in the little Ruger on which I've installed a Bushnell 3x-9x by 40mm scope... and found out it likes Federal high-velocity long rifle hollow-points.

With the above combination, no squirrel within 50 yards is safe.

Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

Straight Shooter · « **Reply #20 on:** August 20, 2003, 06:43:11 AM »

Sentimental favorite is my Glenfield 22. That was my first gun.

Current favorite: T/C Contender with a 10" 45/410 barrel. I took it out last year once and it was a load of fun. It will be with me on opening day this year.

janehal · « **Reply #21 on:** September 09, 2003, 07:27:20 AM »

Have used a .17 CCM for a acouple of years and this year I will be using a .14 Walker Hornet,,,,,,also like to keep it small......both are 21in. Bull Contenders

Ladobe · « **Reply #22 on:** September 14, 2003, 04:14:47 PM »

For years my favorite has been my two 17 Ackley Hornets, but that changed early March '02 when I got the first 17HMR. This is a round that was simply made for squirrels, and both of mine get the call now almost 100% of the time.

Ladobe :bye:

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #23 on:** September 18, 2003, 10:52:40 AM »

I use a .32 caliber flintlock. A 45 grain lead ball going 1900 fps at the muzzle! It kills 'em clean. And is it fun watching through the smoke a ball of squirrel plummet to the ground.

It's also a fine way to learn a flintlock. If you get a misfire - just fix it and wait another 5 minutes. Not like deer hunting where a misfire could spoil your only opportunity.

Old Griz · « **Reply #24 on:** October 07, 2003, 11:36:27 AM »

A Smith & Wesson Model 617, with a 6" barrel, and LER scope. CCI Small Game Bullets or Winchester Wildcats that have been hollowpointed.
:cb2:

Dave in WV · « **Reply #25 on:** October 08, 2003, 03:16:37 AM »

A 16 ga 870 when the leaves are still on heavy. Later a Win. M52B sporter .22 repro or a Ruger MKII 5 1/2" bull barrel stainless .22.

les hemby · « **Reply #26 on:** October 08, 2003, 12:14:51 PM »

finally get to go this weekend will be using a single six,ruger mk2,and maybe 410 contender, but like 22 better. all handgun all weekend

Swamp Fox · « **Reply #27 on:** October 11, 2003, 11:36:48 AM »

My fave is a Rugger 77/22 mag. varmint. Winchester super-x hollow points.

Strictly head shots for the obvious reason.

Been useing it for 10-12 years. My longest run of no miss head shots was 38.

High Brass · « **Reply #28 on:** October 31, 2003, 10:06:56 AM »

Mine would be my Dad's M870 in 16 ga. or his Remington M572 22 pump. It stinks when your favorite squirrel guns are your Dad's and you live 500 miles away :x . Here in NC, I mostly use a Marlin M60 with a Tasco WC straight 4X. Good enough for me.

Lawdog · « **Reply #29 on:** October 31, 2003, 10:50:59 AM »

My Rapid 12-250 from Theoban. Accurate and deadly out to as far as I feel comfortable shooting, usually about 70 yards. Doesn't tear up to much meat either. Lawdog