squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun

In Stock & Ready to ship, Bulk Ammo for Shotgun is available. As I understand it, sabots in a rifled barrel can reach out to longer ranges (for a solid shot shotgun); accurate out to over 100 yards with proper combination of shell and firearm. Dont look for the entire squirrel, you probably wont see one. 2. I recall the length being a tad long at 12 years old. Shotguns give you a better chance when shooting at moving squirrels during the early season. I carried a 12 ga choked IC over the weekend while grouse hunting. 2023 RARE AND FINE BEST QUALITY C. HUNT & CO. "THE ROYAL PIGEON GUN" W/ CASE $6,000. A 12 gauge holds 1 of size 7 shot while a 20 gauge only holds of an ounce of 7. Its an awesome-shooting gas gun at a respectable price point ($655). But settling the crosshairs on a stationary squirrels noggin just wasnt happening. For more information, check out gamousa.com. Slugs usually come 5 to the box. Rimfire rifles and squirrels are the perfect pairing in my mind. It may be a little more difficult to find ammo for the 28-gauge, but squirrel shoots arent exactly high volume, so one box should get you through a few hunts. When it comes to squirrel hunting, it can be confusing to know what type of gun to use. | And How to Hunt Elk With a Tree Saddle. I am planning on getting a 20 gauge eventually. But buckshot works great on coyotes at close range. The loud bang of the shotgun is something I just prefer not to deal with. Also, they have less pellets than number five, which might mean more damage to the meat. Here are some tips to get started. 177 might be a little more accurate or quieter at times, the Gamo technology behind a . i have always used hi-power 6 shot. First of all, consider the pattern. Even if youre not a squirrel hunter, chances are you already own almost everything you need. Joe Genzel His 28 gauge pump would accompany him oncompetition hunts. What is the effective range of a 12 gauge shotgun? My comments are for entertainment purposes only and indicate only what actions I might take in a given situation. What about gauge? 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. G. Juch, SXS, made in Ferlach, Austria. This article will also touch on the difference between dove shot and birdshot, and why the size matters. In addition to ammo, one should also consider the purpose of squirrel hunting when selecting a gun. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I don't think I ever take it out. Some hunters prefer to use birdshot 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting because it is less lethal and can be more effective at close range. 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. In the .22 calibers, the .22 WMR is the answer for 100-yard-plus squirrel sniping, but like the .17 HMR, it could easily be considered overkill. Use of dogs is prohibited when hunting under Special Permit provisions. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Yes, a 12 gauge is a popular choice for squirrel hunting because of its versatility and effectiveness. But the fox squirrles here in West TN are at least twice as big. 4. The higher the number on the box means the smaller the shot size. Thats the type of memories that have lead me down the path Im on now. Foot Pounds of Energy When using a shotgun in old growth timber, it is not just a matter of hitting the squirrel. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Publishing Address: 841 NW 20th Ave, Miami, FL 33125, USA, What Range Should I Zero My.22lr Rifle For Squirrel Hunting? For survival hunting, a gun with broad coverage and knock-down, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting? The hammer on the 37 is also sleeker than most single-shots and located just behind the opening lever. A 12 gauge is one of the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges. Shotguns are used all the time for squirrel, especially early in the season or any time you are hunting near humans (bad idea to fire a .22 upthrough the trees if there are houses/cars/hikers within a 1.5 mile radius). I have some left I am trying to use up on easy shots. I'm using trap loads, #8 and having no problem. See more blogs on the effectiveness of other rounds here. When I was in college, I used all types of ammo- Low brass sixes, 4 and 5 shot, pretty much whatever my dad had to spare. There is pretty much nothing you can do with a rifle, but with a shotgun you have a chance. What Size 12 Gauge Shells For Squirrel Hunting? I have a hunting buddy that prefers to carry a double barrel on squirrel hunts, and while heavy, thenostalgia drives his decision. How about a squirrel timbering through the trees? From my experience, I would say the 20 gauge may be the perfect squirrel shotgun. If the shells are high base (1 1/4 oz), they cost a bit more. Id pass on the 7 1/2s. I got it with the 12 gauge w/ 1oz #6 shot.. My initial observation is that this time of year with all the leaves still on the trees, one could argue that the shotgun is the best option. 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 And what makes it different. of shot @ 1330 fps. Or, as my dad always said, just keep your butt planted at this tree. Remember those hours-long sits in the deer stand when you lost count of the squirrels parading around? It's time to get serious about bagging more bushytails. and 1 oz. Besides serpent protection, the boots are waterproof, tough, and generally do everything I want them to do. I would never use a shotgun for a squirrel. The first downside is the heavy recoil. The side-gate .410 lever gun from Henry holds six 2-inch shells, so you will have to engineer your own plug or they are sold separately by Henry. As with the. The next thing to consider is the shot size. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. * Comments ranged from condescension to outrage. There are several factors to consider when choosing your shotgun. The .410 is probably the lightest, most compact option. Keep it simple. 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. A while ago we posted the story of a hunter who had taken North Americas Squirrel Slam in a single season. I dont ever recall mangling a squirrel with a shotgun either. Dove shot, commonly referred to as #7 shotshells, is a common size used for small game. There are many options to choose from,, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting? The best way Ive found to pack it is in my turkey hunting vest. 4. 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. The .17 HMR and .17 M2 offer whisker-splitting accuracy out to 100 yards if long-range rodents are your thing. By the end of production in 1963, more than 1 million had sold (none of which had serial numbers on them). It is so versatile; can use 3 mag or2 3/4 low brass. So a 12 gauge means that it takes 12 lead balls the diameter of the barrel to make a pound of lead. I bet you are a good enough shot for the 22. i never miss with my 22 garenteed :cool2: #6 in a 2 3/4" shell. While youll be sitting and standing still for periods of time, youll also be moving. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Yeah I know Ive got it pretty bad. My model has a fixed full choke and can easily kill a squirrel at 30 yards. $29.99. 12 Gauge The most common shotgun used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is a 12 gauge. 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). Be sure to check local regulations concerning hunting with an air rifle. On one of my first dove hunts I fired 66 shells and took 6 birds. That particular model was offered in 20-gauge with a 26-inch barrel and shortened stock. Like rifles, shotguns offer a multitude of variety. ), *_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. New Hunter here. A Look at the Gun The Mossberg 500 .410 is being touted as their new turkey gun, but I've found it to work equally well for squirrels in the treetops. When i have to, I use a SKB 100, 20 ga. Whether you top off that single-shot, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a rifle scope is up to you. # 5 and #6 are ideal. Like so many other forest hunts, the first indication that your quarry is near will likely be through sound swishing branches, claws scampering on tree bark, mast hulls pattering on the forest floor, the excited barks or low whistles of a squirrel that has spotted you or another potential threat. MSRP: $299. Look for a slimmer 16g frame. I'm usually a Mod user. If you want to up the challenge, grab a rifle. Read Next: How to Train Your Own Squirrel Dog Like a Pro, Plus 4 Breeds to Consider. But squirrel hunting often lends to shooting a stationary target, especially with a dog (squirrels tend to remain still high up in the tree, at least for a few moments, though some will branch hop immediately). Overall condition is excellent to very good. And for the closer shots, #5 shot puts less shot in the meat (less in the pattern = less in the squirrel assuming same choke is used) and can have the benefit of complete pass through which reduces the pellets that you have to pick out of the meat. Another gray squirrel perched on an oak limb, its tail flicking with every bark. AE22 - Let's check out the Evanix Sniper K .30 Caliber sent to us by New England Airgun . Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! So, lets say $1 apiece for the slugs. It has a 5+1 capacity and is chambered to 3 inches. What is the recoil of a 12 gauge shotgun. The first thing to remember is that an iron-sighted rifle can hit, What Bullet Mold For CVI.32 Caliber Squirrel Rifle Should You Use? Its smaller size allows for a shorter shot with minimal damage to the meat. Hell you can even change the barrel out to make a nice slug gun. Even in ultra-stealth mode, squirrels seem to have an involuntary reaction to the soft chatter of another squirrel. . The 20 gauge comes in second, followed by the 28 gauge and the .410 bore. If close shots, choke improved cylinder or even skeet. is a 7 to big? Camouflage hunting clothing or at least dull colored clothing helps you avoid being detected. The downside to buckshot is that it has a limited range of about 50 yards. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Arriving home from school one Friday afternoon, at the age of 12, there sitting on the fireplace was a green box with the word Remington on it. Its also a cheaper way to get my hands on that particular gauge of gun. 2 days Left Little Squirrel quality Bowie fighting knife $75. 12. Your email address will not be published. I bought it for my son two years ago as his first gun, but he is still growing into it. One pellet of 00 buck has almost as much energy as 9mm a popular self-defense handgun caliber. 12 gauge, high brass, 6 shot will role a fox squirrel through the leaves and knock a grey out of the top of the tallest oak!! If no squirrels have revealed themselves after a 20-minute sit, ease through the woods listening and watching. I had it drilled into my head from an early age that .22 LR bullets can travel 1 1-1/2 miles and you aren't supposed. It works for me in my 20 gauge. Earth-tone plaid flannel shirts are great for cooler weather. Johnny's Reloading BenchAn idiot and his reloading press My affiliate links and donation options are on my Author Page. If you are a reloader it makes the 28 gauge more appealing. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Other gear includes binoculars, to identify that suspicious-looking bump on a limb, and a squirrel call. You'll have your pick of gun types and ammunition. However, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and is less powerful than other ammunition. Long rifle cartridges offer heavier bullets up to 40 grains with that extra powder of the .22 long and have mostly supplanted .22 Ls. Rifled slugs, on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body of the projectile for improved accuracy. Note however there are many 12g frames out there converted to shoot 16g; those are the same weight as your standard 12 gauge. The first question that comes to your mind is "what range should I zero my.22lr rifle for squirrel hunting?" A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer ranges. Seven and half is usually what is marketed for squirrel hunters. 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. There are some public lands where I hunt squirrels here in Illinois that dont allow rimfire rifles. Idefinitely have. It's dressed in the popular Bottomland camo from Mossy Oak and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds. There are a lot of different types of shotgun ammo made for hunting different game, here are the different types and their uses: The main purpose of birdshot is in the name it is made for birds. If they are close, you hold off the mark and hit the squirrel in the head with the pattern fringe. Shotguns are probably the first firearm the outdoor community uses to introduce children into the sport of hunting, besides the .22 rifle. Squirrels have two breeding seasons per year: one in summer and one in winter. Instead, they reveal a hidden squirrel. It has the required power for squirrels while cutting the ounces that the 12 gauge adds on. 9,433 Likes 39,376 Location CT. Aug 3, 2019 #1 Whats your choke for shotgun squirrel hunting? . Back in my earlier days of squirrel hunting I liked hunting in a four man team: Two gunners (Semi-auto guns 10/22, Marlin 60), One sniper (some type of scoped rifle), and One cleanup man (shotgunner). Further, pumps, autoloaders, side-by-sides, and over-and-unders all make for an excellent "dove gun." There will be those shooters who will carry into the dove fields those ultra-light 28s and, on rare occasions, the .410. 3. If using birdshot you can take down squirrels, rabbits, doves, quail, pheasants, ducks, and geese. I had just enough time to click the safety off and level the shotguns bead on the squirrels head. 12 gauge round/platform combination suggestions requested. I have all the chokes made for this gun, but I have heard different opinions on what choke and shot sizes to use. But youre getting the best of both worldsa shotgun load for closer shots and a rimfire in case you have to take a longer poke at a squirrel. Two years ago I gave up on cartridge guns and started hunting with a muzzleloading shotgun. You can use a riflescope for squirrel hunting if you have a good rifle. This ammunition is ideal for small game and for competition sports with shotguns. Handcrafting of the gun is excellent, right down to the squirrel in the action release lever. Treetop squirrels in the woods are often farther than 30 yards away making pattern density, or the lack thereof, an issue. It's also the largest shotgun in the list today. 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. If you want to really hurt yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance. While the 12 gauge is one of the most versatile of the shotgun gauges is has some downsides. Gotta tell you man, I have squirrel hunted my whole life, .22LR, 20 gauge, 16 gauge, 12 gauge, and .410. It's a lightweight firearm with a modest recoil and is best used for upland and small game hunting. I use mine sparingly, and only when I know a squirrel is nearby and hiding. If you're looking for the right size shot for your 12 gauge squirrel hunting rifle, you've come to the right place. If you want to use it to kill squirrels, you can try sabot slugs. As fall transitions into winter, food sources dwindle and squirrel populations become more concentrated. I know what you are saying, Finally, Ole Nates gonna give the shotgun fans some love! Yeah you are right. Also, I would stick to #5 shot for squirrels. But often, even a shotgun blast just reveals more squirrels as they bark and maneuver to get a better view of whats going on. *. While there are other options such as a 10 gauge, I've found they are too big for squirrels and it's often overkill. My elitist preferences aside, the shotgun is always the top option for early-season precisely for the reasons already mentioned fast-moving squirrels in dense foliage. with the hi-power, you get more distance. Welcome to Airgun Expo 2022 (https://www.theairgunexpo.com) a week of great airgun videos.In this video, we take a look at the SWA 20 Gauge Air Shotgun (FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L) provided by Airgun Pro Shop (https://www.airgunproshop.com)Please visit their site and let them know that you saw them . While there are differences between the 12 and 10 gauge they are more subtle than a 12 gauge compared to a 20 gauge. Winter activity levels are regulated by weather and food more than lust. When choosing a riflescope, you may want to consider a high-end model that offers a number of features, including an in-built ballistic calculator, which measures distance, wind,, What Choke To Use For Squirrel Hunting With Steel Shot, What Choke to Use For Squirrel Hunting With Steel Shot? 22 Caliber wins as a clean sweep for the best squirrel hunting caliber, even if the . Choose the right shotgun loads for squirrel hunting. Choke options should be limited to modified or full. I have the old Savage four-tenner tubes that will shoot a .410 in a 20 ga. The purpose you have in mind will help you choose the right gun and ammo. However, those arguments are flimsy.

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squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun