squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun

I understand the safety concern, so there is no better firearm for such a fear than the shotgun. They just dont hit hard enough. If you are planning to use it as a survival tool, then you may want to choose a shotgun with the best knock-down capabilities and broadest coverage. 2 days Left Little Squirrel quality Bowie fighting knife $75. The ultimate trick is your accuracy. It's a lightweight firearm with a modest recoil and is best used for upland and small game hunting. Seven and half is usually what is marketed for squirrel hunters. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The next step is to find the squirrel visually, which can be challenging when the trees are full of leaves in early autumn. In most cases they are only allowed to shoot at 12 ft lbs or . With that new information, you got the slugs free. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. The sounds of frenetic scratching on pine bark pulled my eyes skyward. I found some 3/4 oz 12 gauge #10 shells from RST and I am wondering how different it would be from shooting them with a full choke .410 loaded with 3/4 oz. I had just enough time to click the safety off and level the shotguns bead on the squirrels head. Driving an RV 5 tips that can save your life! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. There is pretty much nothing you can do with a rifle, but with a shotgun you have a chance. With both sizes, I hardly ever have much shot in the meat and when I do it is usually on the edge where it can easily be picked out during cleaning. Thats the one youll cherish forever. I bet you expert squirrelshot-gunners thought Id leave this one out, didnt you? But just how versatile is it and what all can it take down ethically. The first downside is the heavy recoil. Camouflage hunting clothing or at least dull colored clothing helps you avoid being detected. Bulk ammo vs. More expensive ammo choices, Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mildot 4.5-14x44 Review, Weaver V16 4-16x42 Adjustable Objective Scope Review, Reviewing the BSA Sweet 22 6X18X40 BDC Scope. If they are close, you hold off the mark and hit the squirrel in the head with the pattern fringe. High brass #6 is my bushy tail load of choice for 12 ga. Your email address will not be published. For the last three years I have hunted with the .410 the most, just a little Stoeger O/U .410, and I have to tell you with 3 #6 shot it is lights out awesome, (both barrels full choke). On cool days, that may not happen until early afternoon. A shotgun slug can weigh as much as one ounce and carry as much as 3000 foot-pounds of energy. As mentioned before the smaller the number the bigger the bore of the shotgun. While the 12 gauge is one of the most versatile of the shotgun gauges is has some downsides. 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! Slugs usually come 5 to the box. The differences between rounds hinge on velocity and bullet weight. I got my first shot at a squirrel with a .410. 2023 RARE AND FINE BEST QUALITY C. HUNT & CO. "THE ROYAL PIGEON GUN" W/ CASE $6,000. The .410 has a 4 plus 1 shotshell capacity, is chambered for 3-inch loads, and the 26-inch barrel cuts down on the overall length (and weight) of the gun, which makes a difference when you're swinging on squirrels in thick cover. Following the logic, the wider the bore, the more BBs the shell comprises. The shot has to have enough energy to knock the animal off the tree limb. The shotgun and ammo combined are heavy and cumbersome for my applications. with the hi-power, you get more distance. But settling the crosshairs on a stationary squirrels noggin just wasnt happening. Like rifles, shotguns offer a multitude of variety. But for those who enjoy conversation, camaraderie, and the earnest work of a good canine in the field, hearing a mountain cur or feist bark treed is a little bit of heaven on Earth. As fall transitions into winter, food sources dwindle and squirrel populations become more concentrated. It has an effective range of 25 yards and is primarily useful for close-range hunting. Number 4s carry more than enough energy to completely pass through a squirrel and anchor it. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. And, like the .17HMR, can destroy a lot meat if your aim is off a bit. This ammunition is ideal for small game and for competition sports with shotguns. It works for me in my 20 gauge. For survival hunting, a gun with broad coverage and knock-down, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting? I like to get in real close and wait for a broad side head shot. The difference between a 12 and 20 gauge is really how much shot it can hold. You dont need camouflage clothing for squirrels. It has little finish remaining, but possesses beautiful Damascus barrels with bores that are bright and free of pitting. If squirrels are around, youll soon hear them. Did a couple years with a 410 but moved him to a 20 last year. Go slow and then even slower. The DNR had to post signs written in Hmong to stop them from fishing in the pollution pockets. Joe Genzel is a senior editor at Outdoor Life. Drandran, If dove loads, they run about $5.50 a box. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. What are some good 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting? Item Length: 12 inch. It just means a lot to me to hunt with it. The gun locks up tight with the lever running straight down the tang. Footwear should be habitat appropriate. The sixteen gauge lacks the power of the 20 gauge, and you have the same size package. What size 12 gauge shell should be used for home defense? It features a crisp, reliable break action and modern synthetic stock that stands up to hard use in the field. All the hunting is done when the trigger is pulled or I dont take the shot. Those 410 shells are high. So, depending on the distance I select the best one for the job. The only issue I have had with mine is the stock has come loose from the receiver a few times, but that just takes a few turns from the screwdriver and Im back in the game. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If I wanted, I could have a dozen of them with less than five rounds shot through them. * Comments ranged from condescension to outrage. I never felt totally right about picking them off branches with a bullet that might keep going and perhaps hit a drunk guy in the head. . Just $1 per month , A sub-gauge shotgun is ideal for chasing grays and fox squirrels this fall, By Heres another way to get a quality 28-gauge pump shotgun in your hands for a reasonable price. all the time. They'd give them a 12 gauge, buckshot and a bag of rice and let them go after the VC. Ive shot the 28-gauge version of this gun on skeet and doves. Featured Product -0% Carlson 70135, Beretta Benelli Mobil 20 Gauge Long Beard Choke Tube, Turkey, Black $ 51.74 $ 0 In Stock 19 new from 50.81 Free Shipping View Product Amazon.com It was lightweight, handled with speed and had the power the .410 lacked. I also hunt behind a West Siberian Laika that trees the squirrels for me, which makes the shots relatively short and simple. If you want to up the challenge, grab a rifle. Pigeon Paradise #5 Fur + Feathers (Extended Version) I use hi-power 6's. It may be a better idea the hunt with a 22lr or 20 gauge for small game. You likely noticed that there was no mention of the .410 in this shotgun discussion. Squirrels can be surprisingly challenging to hunt. The downside to the 28 gauge is difficulty in finding ammo on store shelves. And on cloudy, misty days with a slow drizzle, squirrel action can be fantastic all day long. For more information, check out gamousa.com. This article will discuss the pros and cons of using 4s, 7.5s, and 9.5s. The 10 gauge and 16 gauge are much less common than the rest, but are by no means rare. I can get 2 20 or 12 for the price of 1 410 box. Quite a few hunting areas, especially on public lands, don't allow lead shot - and you'll get a hefty fine if caught using it. Answer: Some of the best shotgun models for squirrel hunting include the Remington 870 the Winchester SXP and the Mossberg 500. Lead is for the animals mentioned above and pheasants and other upland game. No hide and seek this time. Thats the type of memories that have lead me down the path Im on now. Otherwise, its a damn good gun for the price (under $450). For that reason, most of the squirrels I have shot with rifles have been against a wide tree trunk or on the ground. It tends to be a personal preference. Scopes designed for better low-light visibility are a plus since many shot opportunities will happen in the gloom before sunrise and right after sunset. Certainly they are the most popular. Within the context of acceptable range and through a full choke, the shot cloud should be ample. Long rifle cartridges offer heavier bullets up to 40 grains with that extra powder of the .22 long and have mostly supplanted .22 Ls. Glad you are getting him out in the woods. Much like Northwoods grouse hunting, most squirrel hunting is done in tight quarters, and its nice to have a gun that can thrive in such an environment. While low light periods are best in autumn, winter squirrels are late risers with activity peaking during the warmer hours. I use 5 or 6's for early season to try and punch through the leaves. 12-gauge shotguns have bigger shells than 20-gauge shotguns, so they throw more pellets and they typically kick harder. I ended up shooting a squirrel with my grouse loads (Win AA 1145 fps 1 1/8 #8). The factory barrel with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot. The limit for squirrels is 10 per hunter per day with a total possession limit of 20 squirrels total per hunter. Mostly this is experienced in a crowded dove field. The .410 is probably the lightest, most compact option. Thats when the lead from the fired shell rains down on you. Yes, a 22lr barrel needs a few shots to shoot a bit better like 5-25 shots. Stoeger Coach Gun Coach guns wee iconic of the Wild West, but they also make a great option for squirrel hunters. Brand: Thompson Center. Its a simple break-action hammer gun, which is also important when youre teaching a new shooter (one shotshell means theres less of an opportunity to make a mistake). Id pass on the 7 1/2s. That leaves us with the plink master, the first rifle many of us called our own, the humble .22. Forget using #10. Any of them will serve you well for chasing bushytails. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. CVA Hunter Compact Single-Shot Shotguns, Very affordable with superior performance, Crossbolt style safety can be uncomfortable for some, Forward and trigger are far from each other, Requires taking the gun out of battery to add shells, Lightweight which makes you feel recoil a lot, Complete Scenario Helping You Out While Turkey Hunting With 20 Gauge, outfits your shotgun with a high quality scope. You can opt for hollow-point .22 rounds, but theyre not needed for head shots. There is a lot of size shot for birdshot. Finally, a little gray body bounded toward the trees trunk and paused in the open. A 12 gauge is one of the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges. What stops me from choosing a shotgun over a rifle? This shotgun appears to be made in 1962. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. Here is the recommended shot size for turkeys: Buckshot can be used for multiple things from hunting to self-defense. Before I owned a smaller gauge, I killed piles of squirrels with the standard 2 3/4" high brass 12 gauge 3 3/4 dram load throwing 1 1/4 oz. I was fairly shocked, and had no idea this purchase was in the works. Its plenty heavy to roll a squirrel (broken squirrel bones are a regularity), the shot cloud density makes me feel a little better about saturation, and, most of the time, the pellets pass completely through. Instead, they reveal a hidden squirrel. The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.. Now you have a furball in addition to the shot to deal with. Its an awesome-shooting gas gun at a respectable price point ($655). In the firearms industry, manufacturers measure shotguns in gauges as opposed to calibers. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. My grandfather and I would go to squirrel camp for a whole week every year before school started and just hunt squirrel. Johnny Carrol Sain We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. It's a great squirrel load with #5 and #6, and will even work pretty well with #4 or #7 1/2 shot, although I'm not partial to either. Whether lubed or not, the shotgun also functions with high reliability and superior performance. Excellent to hear. The last thing to consider is the type of shotgun shell. The quiet solitude of daybreak alone is one of the primary charms of squirrel hunting for me. If you are squirrel hunting stick to #5 or 6s. Smaller shot tends to drag a ball of hair into the meat and stop. Food preferences are the same for both species hickory nuts, white oak acorns, red oak acorns, walnuts, pecans, some soft mast. I love the .410 ! After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. How about 28 gauge? For hunting any big game animal you should use rifled hollow point slugs. Most .22 rifles must be specifically chambered for the corresponding round, though, some like my Henry rifle can handle all of them. The best squirrel hunting shotgun is one with a narrower bore diameter, a 20-gauge or a .410 bore (just for the record, there are no 22 caliber or 22 gauge . Use a muzzleloading or small caliber rifle dur-ing daylight. I found this to be a nice combination and makes for some fun hunts. The seller is "curtsgunshop" and is located in this country: US. I use mine sparingly, and only when I know a squirrel is nearby and hiding. I believe itssuperseded by the slightly more powerful 20 gauge. Some good 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting include the Remington Nitro Turkey, Winchester Super-X, and Federal Premium Vital-Shok. That means I dont need the 40-plus-yard capability of a 12-gauge. You will often see a mix of 12- and 20-gauge guns. Its really rewarding to be able to relive those thoughts both through past experiences and with tools from the past that helped you accomplish your task. New Hunter here. This article will discuss the ideal power range for a, How to Kill a Squirrel With a Bow If you have never hunted a squirrel before, it may be time to learn how to do so safely. Rifled slugs, on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body of the projectile for improved accuracy. Federal sent samples of Upland Steel in 12-gauge, 2-inch No. The Improved Cylinder Choke mainly comes into its own early in the hunting season, when game is still feeling comfortable and is not yet skittish. Of all the shotguns in the United States, 12 gauge guns are by far the most popular. Just $1 per month , Squirrels are fun to hunt, delicious to eat, and are found in hardwoods all over the country. Most modern 28s that are reliable can be pricey. When it comes to buying a hunting rifle, the first question that arises is what power scope should I buy? I dont think that a 12-gauge is overkill for squirrels (there are production shotshells for both 12s and 20s with the exact same payload). They get the job done and I can reload three shells for what it takes to reload only one 12 gauge. 2023 VERY RARE ORIGINAL OAK AND LEATHER CASE FOR A 36 INCH BARREL 8 GAUGE SHOTGUN WITH ORIGINAL WESTLEY $250. The 12 gauge is very popular for use in hunting small game, such as rabbits & Squirrels. So I usually pass. I dont carry much into the squirrel woods a gun, ammo, bug dope, squirrel call, binoculars, maybe a jacket, and a bottle of water. Even in ultra-stealth mode, squirrels seem to have an involuntary reaction to the soft chatter of another squirrel. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. On especially cold and nasty days, they dont leave the den. Kalashnikov USA K-12 - 12 Gauge Shotgun, threaded barrel, appears to be un fired. It is just a good all-around gauge and comes in many different types of loads from slugs to birdshot. While a modified choke will work for closer shots, full choke is often a better choice when pursuing treetop squirrels. Squirrels are tough! The Improved Cylinder is the widest choke practical for hunting purposes. The M2 (a necked down .22 long rifle casing housing a .17) is a slower round and proclaimed by some fans as the perfect squirrel rifle, though, ammo can be pricy and difficult to find. Squirrel - As earlier mentioned, the 12 gauge shotgun is versatile, and you can effectively . The first firearm I everreceived was a shotgun. The very best times to be in the woods is right after a shower or the morning after a day or two of heavy rain. I mostly use a 20-gauge with a modified choke, shooting number 6 shot. When hunting rabbits, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. ), *_Although he stated in the story he used a shotgun on advice from his taxidermist, as he wanted to mount all eight squirrels in the slam._, The latest crop of cams is one of the best in years, including one unit that claims eliminate false triggers. I also purchased a tape that plays music and periodically, the music stops and a gun fires. It has the required power for squirrels while cutting the ounces that the 12 gauge adds on. I would unscrew the turkey choke from my 20 gauge 870, put in a Modified and shoot field loads of 5 or 6 shot. I agree on the 3 shells vs. the 2 1/2 shells, they just dont have the reach or power. Jan 24, 2023 Antique Cast Iron & Bronze Model Cannon $75. Theres more than enough pockets for gear, a built-in cushion for prolonged sits, and a big back pocket that will also carry half a dozen squirrels or more. I hunt state lands and alot of squirrels are at the edge of my range with the mod. Web ID: 101342703. This item can be shipped to United States. By Gerald Almy Photos by Gerald Almy Yes, their popularity has slipped a bit in recent years with the rise in deer and turkey numbers, but many Virginia There are a number of different air rifles that can be used for squirrel hunting. 12 gauges are often thought of as the most versatile shotgun gauge. Probably the best way to kill squirrels in mid-autumn is to sit in the same place all morning long. The H018G-410R model has a rear and raised front sight, and while that leads to better accuracy with a centerfire or rimfire rifle load, it can cause you to shoot high with shotshells depending on how the gun fits. Its time to start giving squirrel hunting a little more love, By Before we compare the different shotgun gauges what is a shotgun gauge. The 20 gauge comes in second, followed by the 28 gauge and the .410 bore. Yes, the full-choke can ruin meat on closer shots. If no squirrels have revealed themselves after a 20-minute sit, ease through the woods listening and watching. I know what you are saying, Finally, Ole Nates gonna give the shotgun fans some love! Yeah you are right. The uplands call for boots with more support. Its a compact gun and Im a big guythat typically adds up to an ill-fitting gun I cant shoot worth a damn. When using buckshot you can hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and all varmints. The flakes came from a dense weave of pine needles but one with open branches on either side. If you are hunting rabbits or squirrels the number of pellets that impact the animal can destroy the meat. Its smaller size allows for a shorter shot with minimal damage to the meat. You dont want the recoil to shy them away from the opportunity to hunt. I can understand that someone might prefer to shoot squirrels with a rifleI have shot them with .22s, air rifles and muzzleloadersbut I dont get the hate for shotguns. Treetop squirrels in the woods are often farther than 30 yards away making pattern density, or the lack thereof, an issue. As with the 12 vs 20 gauge, the 10 gauge holds more pellets and has more energy and more recoil. And if youre worried about finding loads for this gun, dont be. However, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and is less powerful than other ammunition. The hottest squirrel spots are usually red oaks, which are often passed over early because they pack more tannic acid, amping up the bitterness. When you are shooting your.32 caliber squirrel rifle, it is important to know exactly what bullet mold you should use. Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because its the most popular shotgun gauge. Joe Genzel The ammo can adds another $5. Published Oct 6, 2020 9:22 PM. But since the only thing left to hunt in Illinois besides whitetails are grays and foxtails, he now spends most of the fall and winter searching for oak and black walnut trees, and walking behind a crazy Russian squirrel dog named Vladimir. The most common types of shotgun shells for squirrel hunting are lead, steel, and bismuth. What are some of the best shotgun choke tubes for squirrel hunting? The first round of skeet I ever shot the .410 autoloader on, I could not miss. Certainly they are the most popular. I have a hunting buddy that prefers to carry a double barrel on squirrel hunts, and while heavy, thenostalgia drives his decision. These slugs are the most powerful ammunition for a 12-gauge shotgun. I have several ammo cans that have accumulated in my barn that I have no use for. This particular gauge has a strong following, but you wont find it on most store shelves. When you discover an area with lots of sign, give it another 30-minute sit and so on and so forth until activity dwindles. 4. News; Hunting Not sure I remember much difference, but I stick to #5's just for a good all around size. SQUIRREL HUNTING WITH A 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN (REMINGTON MODEL 50) 22,863 views Jan 27, 2019 218 Dislike Share Save Outsider Outdoors 1.95K subscribers Somehow we came out of those woods seeing. Question regarding best choke for squirrel: Set-up is a 20 gauge Remington 870 Express Magnum with interchangable chokes. Check Price on Amazon. Likewise, a gunshot doesnt necessarily send them running. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. By the end of production in 1963, more than 1 million had sold (none of which had serial numbers on them). Whether you top off that single-shot, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a rifle scope is up to you. The Mossberg SA line has been a reliable one for years, and when the .410 Field model debuted in 2019 I added it to the list. One ounce of #5 shot and 70 grains of 2F black powder does the trick. Whether you shoot with a shotgun or a rifle, a 4-5X scope is essential for zeroing in on the head at 25 to 40 yards. If the shells are high base (1 1/4 oz), they cost a bit more. Its also a takedown, so you can break it down with the simple push of a button and keep it in the truck inside the bugout bag that comes with it. Just $1 per month . For one thing, I like the safety aspect of shooting squirrels with shotguns. The higher the number on the box means the smaller the shot size. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. We'll also discuss what pellet gun to buy and how to choose, How To Get A Good Shot When Squirrel Hunting, How to Get a Good Shot When Squirrel Hunting If you want to be successful at squirrel hunting, you need to learn the techniques that will help you make the right shot. This can hurt a small frame shooter and make for a not-so-fun shooting experience. So a 12 gauge means that it takes 12 lead balls the diameter of the barrel to make a pound of lead. I have some left I am trying to use up on easy shots. No gun better than a shotgun to tame a runner with. Use of dogs is prohibited when hunting under Special Permit provisions.

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squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun