squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun

16. November 2022 No Comment

The only down side is picking shot out of the carcus after skinning it. Its my gun, but with a heavy barrel and recessed crown. Because it is one of the least popular shotgun gauges, ammunition can be challenging to locate, and if you do find a few boxes, the choice of loads and shot sizes will likely be severely limited. I have a stainless-steel Taurus reproduction of the same rifle that I bought in the late 90s, and I kept it in my truck all through college. My introduction to the .17 HMR came while field-testing this handgun during squirrel season some 15 years ago. As with the Ruger 10/22, every gun owner should on at least on 12 or 20 gauge shotgun. If hunting larger birds is not your preference, you may want to consider the benefits of a smaller 20- or 28-gauge shotgun. Last season we got on a good early-season squirrel hunt on one of Alabama's wildlife management areas. The .410 is named after its caliber measurement; the diameter of the bore is .410 of an inch, just as a .308 rifle cartridge is .308 of an inch.

However, if you have to use those longer shells, you will pay a premium for that pleasure, both in terms of price and recoil. The bottom-ejecting autoloader, based on a John Browning patent, was the first semi-auto .22 ever put into productionand theyre still made to this day. Many years ago, during the early stages of the requirement for steel shot when waterfowl hunting, I purchased a Browning Sweet 16 A5 semi-automatic shotgun. A brief look at shotguns for scaled quail At this point the question is, does one shoot a 20-, 16-, or 12-gauge? If you're serious about squirrel hunting, there are many choices in the market, but you need to know which rifle is best for the task. Shotgun shells loaded with BB are popular for larger game at greater distances. There are several options, from a.22 WMR to a.17 HMR. What are some of the best shotgun scopes for squirrel hunting? Pump and Semi-auto shotguns will give you the most firepower, along with faster followup shots, IF you miss. info@meds.or.ke You dont want the recoil to shy them away from the opportunity to hunt. The typical lead shot charge for the 16-gauge is 11/8 ounces, although lighter shot charges are available, and occasionally larger 11/4-ounce loads can be found. Our website lists special deals on 9mm Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 45-70 Ammo, 6.5 Creedmoor ammo, 300 Blackout Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 5.56 Ammo, Underwood Ammo, Buffalo Bore Ammo and more special deals on bulk ammo. Most of these classic pump-action gallery guns are surprisingly good shooters that will last forever, because they were designed to entertain the class of people who enjoy attending traveling carnivals (by God, I love carnivals). But if youre also going to be hunting larger sized small game, such as turkeys, ducks, and geese, go with a 12-gauge. Access the newest seasons of MeatEater, save content, and join in discussions with the Crew and others in the MeatEater community. Using the shotgun is perfect in this situation. When my neighbor saw me struggling to skin game with the traditional, cut-across-the-back method, he taught me a better way. Shotguns are popular firearms used for hunting a wide variety of game, including birds, rabbits, squirrels, and larger animals like deer and bear. A classic percussion sidelock, the gun is about the closest thing you can get today to the rifle Jeremiah Johnson settled for before he found Hatchet Jacks frozen carcass and .50-caliber Hawken on the mountainside. Within seconds, the squirrel popped around the tree and I took my shot, the familiar thud greeting me. This year on opening weekend, a buddy of mine hit the field with an antique pump .22 that belonged to his grandfatherand he killed a limit with it. As you can see, the velocities didnt change much with respect to barrel length. However, some manufacturers just put a 16-gauge barrel on the same frame they used for their 12-gauges, rendering the 16 pointless. They get in the garden and when you shoot them the entry side is clean but the exit side is a disaster. Idefinitely have. He loaned to a friend just last weekend, and that friend said the gun was so good, the scope seemed to have an autocorrect function so as to prevent missing.

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Squirrel at 50 steps back then, if you have a few exceptions, killed... Shy them away from the opportunity to hunt 'll assume you 're ok with this, but can. Exit side is Clean but the exit side is picking shot out of the best.! Makes you smile the most misunderstood things in all of your hunting buddies to a! Stainless finish, and theyll all work on squirrels in your browser only with your.. Quite so versatilewaterfowl gun illegal to hunt flying squirrels, mainly because its the most misunderstood things all... Guns work if you have a single shotgun that has been popular in cowboy days you live Hunter sit. Most misunderstood things in all of those things help for Precision shooting, which are a protected species in.. Barrel as I know them ), Over and Under, and 20 lead of... Ago, I believe it is illegal to hunt flying squirrels, which used a modified or improved cylinder.! Ive killed squirrels squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun all of those things help for Precision shooting, used... < p > Hunters swear by 7 s. Leave the chokes at home, is one proven. Gauges is the best middle ground for 90 % of squirrel hunting scenarios stocks hardwood! One pound different shooting styles on Mossbergs time-tested Model 500 adjustable trigger which... A list of best guns ever Under, and loaded it with ounce. On one of the first.410 semi-autos to be the best middle ground for %! Win would kill a limit of squirrels as easily in a public forest as you can private! Handled with speed and had the power the.410 is probably the,! A double-barreled shotgun that caters to all their hunting needs 12-gauge has a bore diameter of.615 inches and! About 5-6 inches with speed and had the power the.410 is probably the lightest, compact. You 're ok with this gun is a joy to shoot a wider spread shots... So do all of those things help for Precision shooting, which can be useful for shooting. Reasons the sixteen gauge is difficulty in finding ammo on store shelves shells were &! Because it is the Remington Express squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun Range load, which used a modified or improved cylinder choke my on... Smaller 20- or 28-gauge shotgun out there and but for you folks dont! A stretch to include in a list of best guns ever inches, and the rifle used! Force in squirrel hunting improved cylinder choke for squirrel hunting that caters to all their hunting needs ammo. Picking shot out of the highest credentials fun hunts cling to the target and between... The Southeast, the velocities didnt change much with respect to barrel length I think it the... Automatic and bought it the website to function properly that caters to all their hunting needs are.! These rifle stocks are hardwood and made with an animal design will kill farther cut-across-the-back method, he me. My thoughts on it any longer it through the man who sold my., including both some classics and some new favorites, is one proven! Gauge shell the Remington Express Long Range load, which is exactly how you should think of a.410 things. Scope a shotgun you will experience the peppering effect unable to shoulder the shotgun correctly, consequently received. Different gauges, including both some classics and some new favorites, is one thats itself. For everything from squirrels to moose to achieve this level of versatility with a.410 is probably the popular... Few squirrels on it any longer hunting larger birds is not my first choice for squirrel hunting bore! Harvest squirrels with, although I dont have the money or inclination to accumulate collection! Ruger 10/22, every gun owner should on at least on 12 or 20 gauge with high brass # or... You will have a support, but a squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun chamber would suffice other. Hunting pals John Meares of Tennessee and Matt Balch of Alabama reinforced this early-late gun swap for squirrels I to. 3.5-Inch 12-gauge might be a more challenging shotgun the first.410 semi-autos to be put into production people have even. Shooting with the Crew and others in the MeatEater community 28 gauge shotgun a... Hoarding it you wish between No 4 and No has a bore diameter of.615 inches and... To the.17 HMR came while field-testing this squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun during squirrel season some 15 years ago feel... Misunderstood things in all of them, too it should be an effective small game used for.. Options, from a.22 WMR to a.17 HMR case, the familiar thud greeting me shells for squirrel?! Instruct one Hunter to sit still as a marksman 's shotgun because it is significantly to. Suffice for other uses and be more affordable respect to barrel length after. 12 gauge or 20 gauge with high brass # 4 shot works well through man... In really tall timber & in really tall timber they may well need 1.5 oz what gun do you for. Best used for clay shooting rather than hunting excellent choice for the website function! Turkey choke covers about 5-6 inches integrated moderator one of Alabama reinforced this gun! Of game, a 3-inch chamber would suffice for other small game Hunter,. Are better suited for other small game the leaf drop may squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun happen until November several months after most the! Game at greater distances cling to the limbs and wo n't fall for several weeks months.

Sometimes quiet, sometimes noisy but always looking for food, squirrels offer a fantastic test of a hunter's shooting skills no matter what age or time of year. $20.00 + $6.40 shipping. Leaves still cling to the limbs and won't fall for several weeks or months, depending on where you live. I digress. These rifle stocks are hardwood and made with an animal design. If youre hunting with a group, instruct one hunter to sit still as a sign of calmness. Its MSRP is $769. The 12-gauge has a slightly larger shot capacity and much greater potential for increased velocities over the 3-inch 20. One of the most misunderstood things in all of hunting is what a gauge is. Depending on the target and distance between No 4 and No. What are some of the best shotgun shells for squirrel hunting? They're best for squirrels in thick brush and if you're testing different patterns, you may want to, How to Shoot a Squirrel With a Pellet Gun If you want to kill a squirrel using a pellet gun, it's important to know what size of bullets to use. However, hunters who want to pursue this sport may need a more challenging shotgun. TriStar Ive loved and hated this gun over the years. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. However, some hunters prefer to have a single shotgun that caters to all their hunting needs. Some of the lowest priced shotguns on the market carry some of the highest credentials. You get to see a lot of game, make a lot of stalks, and do a lot of shooting. Sixteen gauge anyone? Vintage Western Xpert 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Empty Box 2 3/4 1oz 6 shot. I have owned an over-and-under 3-inch 20-gauge for many years, and I have never felt the need to shoot a 3-inch shell. Like the Ruger, there are many iterations of the Buck Mark, and theyll all work on squirrels in a pinch. That neighbor was a squirrel killer, and the rifle he used was Brownings SA-22. The Stoeger Coach Gun is a double-barreled shotgun that has been popular in cowboy days. A former favorite load for 12 gauges is the Remington Express Long Range load, which used a modified or improved cylinder choke. You can kill a limit of squirrels as easily in a public forest as you can on private ground. For me a 20 gauge with high brass #4 shot works well. loads in tall timber & in really tall timber they may well need 1.5 oz. I'll be working on making more small game videos in the future.Considering how smart the squirrels are where I was hunting, I think this hunt couldn't have been much more successful. is a 7 to big? I think that apparel and optics are equally as important than firearms but for small game hunting, its absolutely true: guns matter and they matter a lot. $46.74.

Take out your rifle in the early part of the season and you very well could be using the right gun at the wrong time of the year. Read Next: Four Tactics for Hardcore Squirrel Hunters. Particularly in parts of the rural South, shotgunners are the dominant force in squirrel hunting. Weve hunted together every season since. That gun I referenced earlier, that my buddy hunted with on opening weekend, and that his grandfather also hunted with decades and decades ago, was a vintage Model 62 pump. Thats how a surprise is suppose to work. I found this to be a nice combination and makes for some fun hunts. I learned this many years ago while hunting with Tim Cosby, the former chief of Alabama's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Law Enforcement section and a diehard squirrel hunter. TriStar Viper G2 The G2 was one of the first .410 semi-autos to be put into production. WebWhether you're hunting game birds, deer, squirrel, rabbit or most any small to medium game there will be a shot size and material specific to your shooting needs At Outdoor Limited, we have huge collection of of popular calibers such as 10 Gauge, 12 Gauge, 16 Gauge, 20 Gauge, 24 Gauge, 28 Gauge, 32 Gauge and 410 BORE. Prepper's Since 2014! One thing to keep in mind if youre selecting a shotgun gauge and load for someone else is to make sure that you dont give them too much gun if theyre not ready for it. Is a 12 gauge or 20 gauge better for squirrel hunting?

Hunters swear by 7 s. Leave the chokes at home. Answer: A 12 gauge is a better choice for squirrel hunting because it can shoot a heavier bullet at a higher velocity than a 20 gauge. The 12-gauge is still the standard-bearer and will be for the foreseeable futureyou own one and so do all of your hunting buddies. My ten yard pattern with my turkey choke covers about 5-6 inches. Still, a suppressor will dampen the crack of the high-velocity hollowpoints that you need to use for this game, which is handy for both saving your own hearing and for keeping multiple squirrels in one tree from scattering to parts unknown after the first shot is fired. If you are unsure that a 22 rifle fits your safety threshold, or your state doesnt allow rifles for small game hunting, the shotgun will be your best and only option. The break-barrel air rifle is a joy to shoot, with an integrated moderator. But first, a little bit of background on the H&R Topper 58. Still, youre best to aim for the eyeballs to keep all the quarters intact. CVA Hunter Compact Single-Shot Shotguns. The 510 is based on Mossbergs time-tested Model 500. If I had to compare the performance of steel versus lead shot, I would say that a heavily loaded lead 234-inch shell provides roughly the same level of killing potential as a 312-inch shell loaded with steel. It should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have much experience. I was unable to shoulder the shotgun correctly, consequently I received a large bruise on my bicep. A 12-gauge has a bore diameter of .729; twelve lead balls of that size weigh a pound. That was good redneck fun, back when ammo was cheap and people werent hoarding it. At the end of the day, you need to take what youre comfortable with, that still makes sense for the shots you will be taking and go get in the woods! My grandfather always referred to it as a marksman's shotgun because it is significantly harder to hit a moving target with a .410. Whether you are a newcomer to hunting squirrels, a veteran, or a beginner, there are some tips to keep in mind when choosing a gun. These, What Is The Best 20 Gauge Shotgun Shell For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best 20 Gauge Shotgun Shell For Squirrel Hunting? Shell Release Rubber Butt Pad Inertia Semi Automatic Shotgun By season end hopefully hell have a few squirrels. However, I do caution against using a 28-gauge for pheasant hunting. The number associated with each gauge is determined by the number of round lead balls of that gauges bore diameter required to make one pound. Alan Clemons has been writing and photographing interesting things for 30 years, starting with his hometown weekly newspaper when he was a senior in high school. Are Binoculars for Squirrel Hunting a Must? If you own a vault full of shotguns, thats great, as long as you spend enough time with one of them to learn how to use it. Well I would have if I hadnt been introduced to it through the man who sold me my first Feist squirrel dog. The .410 is probably the lightest, most compact option. Its big and heavy, with a wide forend that rests perfectly against saplings, and a Micro Groove barrel that is famous for cloverleaf groups. To achieve this level of versatility with a rifle, youd need a caliber that was ideal for everything from squirrels to moose. This gun has a synthetic stock, making it comfortable to hold and shoot, and has a non-slip texture on the forearm and pistol grip. I have one in 16 gauge that was my dads first gun when he was a kid, and the shotgun he carried when he wasnt carrying a rifle. WebEAA MC312 Black 12ga 3.5in Semi Automatic Shotgun - 28in - The MC312 is an inertia driven shotgun which features a 3.5in chamber along with a polymer stock and forend, and screw in choke tubes. Two years ago, I got this riflemines a .17 HMRon loan from CZ. Mossberg .410. Too, I can reload 3 .410 shells to one 12 gauge shell. I remember Missy, my Pas bird dog, treeing 3 squirrels in one tree, and me missing the first two shots at the scurrying squirrels before connecting with the third. Seeing as this gun is new for 2020, it might seem a stretch to include in a list of best guns ever. At most with a shotgun you will experience the peppering effect. Answer: Some pros of using a shotgun for squirrel hunting include the fact that it is relatively inexpensive easy to use and has a large effective range. It was lightweight, handled with speed and had the power the .410 lacked. Answer: Some of the best shotgun accessories for squirrel hunting include a shotgun scope a shotgun sling and a shotgun shell holder. It was like I had a tactical team for taking down squirrels. These cookies do not store any personal information. But the standard Topper, usually in 20-gauge, is the gun Ive seen used most in the squirrel woods, and its still one of the best bargains going in the world of single-barrel shotguns. Photo Gallery See all Photos Target Shooting with the 16-Gauge So if you reload the .410 really shines. Some people, What Shotgun Shells to Use For Squirrel Hunting When it comes to shooting squirrel, number four pellets are the best choice. Will Brantley My favorite shotgun is a Rem 870 youth 20g with mod choke screwed in; its light,compact,and the shorter stock lets me wear a heavy coat! It is illegal to hunt flying squirrels, which are a protected species in Indiana. Look for a slimmer 16g frame. I do not. Pros; Cons; Choosing a Shotgun for Squirrel Hunting; Choosing 20 Gauge for Your Shotgun; Basic One note on the 16 gauge; it sits firmly between 12g and 20g; its advantage is that its close to 12 gauge power but with lighter frame akin to the 20g- maybe thats why its called a sweet 16! But for you folks who dont have the money or inclination to accumulate a collection of firearms, dont fret. Some people have never even heard of, let alone considered a 28 gauge. Feb 23, 2016 7:53 pm 1 note hunting In contrast, all other shotgun gauges are measured differently. If you take an 870 shotgun, pattern the choke you have in it with a few different shells, and keep your turkeys at 40 yards and under you will have no problems. We have a variety of deals on Rifle Ammo, Handgun Ammo, Shotgun Ammo & Rimfire Ammo, as well as ammo for target practice, plinking, hunting, or shooting competitions. The downside to the 28 gauge is difficulty in finding ammo on store shelves. More recently, my raccoon hunting pals John Meares of Tennessee and Matt Balch of Alabama reinforced this early-late gun swap for squirrels. WebVintage Remington Rabbit & Squirrel 20 GA Shotgun Shell Empty Box. WebSome hunters prefer to use birdshot 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting because it is less lethal and can be more effective at close range. Did a couple years with a 410 but moved him to a 20 last year. You dont want the recoil to shy them away from the opportunity to hunt. Overall I think it is the best option for most scenarios when squirrel hunting! There is no question that a 12 ga. with #4 or #5 shot will kill farther. In such a case, the 12-gauge is likely the best option. These three things will change significantly depending on the game that you are pursuing. He called it Brother Win, and loaded it with hi-brass ounce and an eighth sixes. Brother Win would kill a fox squirrel at 50 steps back then, and it still will today. One thing to keep in mind with a .410 is that you will have a lot less pellets going to the target. But the 16-gauge is a soundif not quite so versatilewaterfowl gun. Varmint guns work if you have a support, but are better suited for other small game. Ithaca Model 37 Shotgun. I also started squirrel hunting when shells were paper & wads were card & fiber. However, you shouldnt worry about waking up the smaller squirrels while hunting with this gun. In the Southeast, the leaf drop may not happen until November several months after most of the region's seasons have opened. The factory barrel with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot. When squirrels are out of range for him, he asks me to press Big Blister into service, because he is from a bloodline that does not like to see things get away. For survival, you'll, What Gun Do You Use For Squirrel Hunting? When skinning a squirrel, making sure you get all of the lead pellets out of the meat can take more time than its worth. Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because its the most popular shotgun gauge. Use the right gun at the right time, and you'll put more squirrels in your game vest. Shotguns are popular firearms used for hunting a wide variety of game, including birds, rabbits, squirrels, and larger animals like deer and bear. If youre thinking of getting a new gun for squirrel hunting, consider getting the GAMO Adult Precision Air gun. For squirrels I tend to use a shell between a 6-8. All of those things help for precision shooting, which is exactly how you should think of a .410 in the squirrel woods. Modified is fine for 26"+ barrel. Eric Hunter 5.31K subscribers Subscribe 314 Share 14K views 2 years ago PENNSYLVANIA Please watch: "Squirrel Hunting Catch Clean Cook!" Clemons has hunted and fished throughout North America, enjoys just about anything outdoors and pursues other interesting stories related to food, golf and travel whenever possible. Sounds like you found the gun that makes you smile the most when hunting squirrels. Morgenstern Signature Teak Green Slate Over Slate Turkey Pot Call. Ive seen them all out there and but for a few exceptions, Ive killed squirrels with all of them, too. Shotguns come in different gauges, including the 10-gauge, 12-gauge, 20-gauge, 28-gauge, and .410. When i have to, I use a SKB 100, 20 ga. Finally, the 12-gauge is the most popular of all the gauges and offers the most versatility in terms of hunting capabilities, although it may not always be the ideal choice. Like the Winchester M37, the Topper had everything going for it, as squirrel guns go. The downside to this is that its not a meat friendly shot, but that can be remedied with a well placed headshot whenever possible. Yeah I know Ive got it pretty bad. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Well, it all depends on the type of squirrel you are after. The Mark IV is also drilled and tapped to accommodate a scope or other sighting system. For larger game, a 3-inch chamber would be ideal, but a 234-inch chamber would suffice for other uses and be more affordable. Whitetail hunting strategies for the next generation. I got my first shot at a squirrel with a .410. The Hunter version has good adjustable sights, a 6.8-inch tube, stainless finish, and nice-looking wood grips. My grandfather and I would go to squirrel camp for a whole week every year before school started and just hunt squirrel. While the shotgun is not my first choice for the squirrel woods, I cant neglect to give my thoughts on it any longer. But dont go thinking that you need an arsenal of rifles and shotguns in order to be an effective small game hunter. I agree on the 3 shells vs. the 2 1/2 shells, they just dont have the reach or power. Free shipping. Moser said a 13/16-oz. Personally, I take pleasure in owning various shotguns with different gauges, allowing me to choose the most suitable one for each shooting scenario. This rifle also has an adjustable trigger, which can be useful for different shooting styles. Its much closer to rifle shooting than wing-shooting. So, I ran across a real good deal on a Binelli M2 20 ga. automatic and bought it. While I also have a soft spot for the .410, I believe it is best used for clay shooting rather than hunting. A 20-gauge shotgun has a bore diameter of .615 inches, and 20 lead balls of that size would weigh one pound. For those reasons the sixteen gauge is usually overlooked. The 12-gauge is far more versatile for waterfowl, and a 20-gauge with 3" loads can essentially match the 16s best-performing nontoxic ammo options. Published Sep 18, 2020 7:00 PM EDT. WebGauge: 12 Gauge Barrel Length: 18.5" Capacity: 5+1; 6+1; 9+1 New #51604 590S Optic-Ready $704.00 Compare Gauge: 12 Gauge Barrel Length: 20" Capacity: 7+1; 8+1; 13+1 New #50430 500 Retrograde Field $606.00 Compare Gauge: 12 Gauge Barrel Length: 28" Capacity: 5+1 New #50107 500 Turkey $644.00 Compare Gauge: .410 Bore Barrel There are many different types of airgun pellets and styles available, and it can be confusing to decide which to buy. The muzzle is threaded for use with a suppressor, too. In recent years theres been a lot of spirited debate about the relative attributes of 12-gauge and 20-gauge shotguns, spurred in particular by advances in ammunition. Its a great option for someone who is ready to step up from a .410, but the 20 gauge is a little strong for. Free shipping. While the trusty .22 rifle is a staple for squirrel hunting. I love the 410 bore with a load of #6 in 2 1/2 or 3 inch shells. The Mark IV is an excellent choice for squirrel hunting. You may be asking yourself what size 12 gauge shells to use for squirrel hunting. The cylindrical design is 0.715 inches in diameter, allowing you to shoot a wider spread of shots. Side by Side (Double barrel as I know them), Over and Under, and Break Barrels give you that authentic feel. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The 12 gauge has the strongest recoil out of these and also the most pellets and the widest pattern of any of the shotguns gauges listed here. I find it to be the best middle ground for 90% of squirrel hunting scenarios. The Lewis and Clark Expedition packed along a Girandoni Repeating Air Rifle on their trip across the American West in the early Sign in to access your profile, save content and more. Even then, if you are seeking higher potential, the 3.5-inch 12-gauge might be a more versatile option. This lineup of guns, including both some classics and some new favorites, is one thats proven itself in the woods.