If you are hunting rabbits or squirrels the number of pellets that impact the animal can destroy the meat. I believe itssuperseded by the slightly more powerful 20 gauge. Shotgun slugs are big pieces of lead that carry a lot of energy. A hunter can easily miss a, What Power Scope For Squirrel Hunting? High brass #6 is my bushy tail load of choice for 12 ga. The downside to buckshot is that it has a limited range of about 50 yards. Zero your scope at 25 yards and youll be good out to 50. Using number four shells should be adequate for shooting at distances up to 40 yards, and for full-choke shots. I am looking to find such a combination and would . Whether youre hunting squirrels or large game, sabot slug ammunition can get the job done. Neither should you. Type: Barrel. When you are shooting your.32 caliber squirrel rifle, it is important to know exactly what bullet mold you should use. When choosing a gun, you need to consider its intended use. But the fox squirrles here in West TN are at least twice as big. Late season I switch to 7's. Break barrels are generally the most popular, although Ive seen pump actions and side by sides. Later in the year, when the limbs are bare and any mast is already on the ground, squirrels are even noisier as they pilfer through crunchy leaf litter. The 10 gauge and 16 gauge are much less common than the rest, but are by no means rare. The next thing to consider is the shot size. Placing the bead of the front sight at the base of the squirrel should bring said squirrel out of the tree everytime. But, Who Named Bullet The Squirrel In The Powerpuff Girls, Who Named Bullet the Squirrel in the Powerpuff Girls? A short-barreled double-gun is ideal for squirrel hunters, which is why I want this Stoeger coach gun in 20-gauge. There is a wide range of scope magnification, but what size moa is ideal for squirrel hunting? Squirrels are the everyman game animal. It may be a better idea the hunt with a 22lr or 20 gauge for small game. When using a.410, Stevens single shot is an excellent choice for hunting squirrels in thick brush. So while the 20 gauge has less energy and is better for small game and a 10 gauge has more energy than a 12 gauge. Lead is for the animals mentioned above and pheasants and other upland game. I got my first shot at a squirrel with a .410. For this reason, hunters often purchase rifled slugs to protect their hunting gear. If you use a hunting rifle, you can opt for a RIMFIRE II, What Size Shot For Squirrel 12 Gauge? Sight height is the height above the center line of the, What Is A Good Scope For Squirrel Hunting, What Is a Good Scope For Squirrel Hunting? Theres just not enough energy to reliably penetrate a squirrels hide and reach the vitals at normal shooting distances. The G2 was one of the first .410 semi-autos to be put into production. When it comes to squirrel hunting, it can be confusing to know what type of gun to use. Small game hunters should follow suit and abandon lead in favor of steel. Unless you are real close, it wont kill the squirrel and if you aren't then you will just hurt it and nobody likes having to find an injured squirrel. My inclination is not to start youth with the 12 gauge. The sounds of frenetic scratching on pine bark pulled my eyes skyward. On one of my first dove hunts I fired 66 shells and took 6 birds. Occasionally, if Im feeling particularly stealthy (or need a dose of humility) Ill tote a scoped .22 air rifle into the woods. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If youre hunting lowlands, go for something waterproof. Shooting a Damascus-Barreled Shotgun I have a 12-gauge 1894 Remington side-by-side shotgun made circa 1901 with 30-inch barrels and 2-inch chambers. Web ID: 101342703. 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. Shorts are the lightest weight, lowest speeds, and are a sub-30-yard squirrel round while .22 Ls are flatter shooting with the same weight bullet and longer casing holding more powder. STEVENS 301 Single-shot, break-action shotguns remain popular with practical hunters, and the new Stevens 301 gets even more from the trusted platform. That leaves us with the plink master, the first rifle many of us called our own, the humble .22. Basic stalking is the name of the game here. These slugs are the most powerful ammunition for a 12-gauge shotgun. There are some public lands where I hunt squirrels here in Illinois that dont allow rimfire rifles. Along with holding more pellets, a 12 gauge has more energy than a 20 gauge. Whether you top off that single-shot, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a rifle scope is up to you. The best part about the advent of production TSS shotshells is more gun companies are making .410s. -Theodore Roosevelt. I have a hunting buddy that prefers to carry a double barrel on squirrel hunts, and while heavy, thenostalgia drives his decision. Certainly they are the most popular. No hide and seek this time. Id pass on the 7 1/2s. The first question that comes to your mind is "what range should I zero my.22lr rifle for squirrel hunting?" It has a 26" barrel on it and I use the full choke. Federal Winchester Fiocchi Estate Remington Winchester 12 UCG12SI 20 UC12SI 6 UC20SI 7.5 UC123 8 UC202SI H121 H123 H125 H126 USA Gun Club Heavy Dove Skeet Target Trap Rabbit Squirrel Bird Shot Shotgun Ammo Ammunition Shell Shells - 12 GAUGE 12 GA 12GA 7.5 REMINGTON GUN CLUB TARGET 7.5 GC127 20232 - 25 ROUND BOX - ( DOVE, QUAIL, GROUSE, UPLAND . But lets keep it simple, grab a box of either #4s, #5s, or #6s and slip into the leafy squirrel woods with confidence. Even with my praise of #4s, though, I shoot #6s. Another gray squirrel perched on an oak limb, its tail flicking with every bark. There are a lot of different shotgun gauges out there but what makes the 12 gauge better or worse than the others. Squirrels are tough critters. CPR Make sure we have a few for the future. I like to get in real close and wait for a broad side head shot. Airgun Ground Squirrel Hunting! The 20 gauge boomed and the squirrel thumped to the ground nearly at my feet. I hope you get to break her in this upcoming season. If you are shooting slugs you can hunt almost all big game like hogs, pronghorn, deer, elk, and even moose with a good shot. It works for me in my 20 gauge. The factory barrel with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot. Here are some examples of common uses for shotguns: Most hunters use 7 1/2 or 8 shot. You dont need TSS to kill squirrels of course, but it has brought more .410s into the fold. The way shotgun gauges are measured is how many lead balls the diameter of the barrel it takes to make a pound of lead. 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. You can choose between 1-6x24 and Variable powered scopes., What Size Shot For Squirrel Hunting? They are solid pieces of lead with no spread. Squirrel hunting guns Both shotguns and .22 rifles are what most hunters use to hunt squirrel. Got it in a multi item trade and really don't need it. They get the job done and I can reload three shells for what it takes to reload only one 12 gauge. 4. The ultimate trick is your accuracy. In addition to ammo, one should also consider the purpose of squirrel hunting when selecting a gun. Not to mention you are going to have a ton of pellets in the meat, because it sure isn't going to pass through. Whether you want a, How To Sight In A Scope For Squirrel Hunting, How to Sight in a Rifle Scope for Squirrel Hunting One of the most important details of a squirrel rifle is the sight height. I then graduated to hunting squirrels with the 20 gauge 870. Nifty Outdoorsman is a website about outdoor-related content. 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. Technically this isnt just a shotgun because the Model 42 fires a .22 LR or .22 WMR in addition to a .410 load. Stoeger Coach Gun Coach guns wee iconic of the Wild West, but they also make a great option for squirrel hunters. I also dont recall any squirrel Ive hit with a shotgun doing anything but falling dead to the ground. At 69 I switched to the shotgun for clean kills and no wounding. Long rifle cartridges offer heavier bullets up to 40 grains with that extra powder of the .22 long and have mostly supplanted .22 Ls. Now you have a furball in addition to the shot to deal with. ((Always make time for friends and family)). You can buy the synthetic version for around $600. Excellent to hear. Winter squirrels are less picky, but youll still find some in their autumn haunts searching for loot they buried when food was everywhere. One pellet of 00 buck has almost as much energy as 9mm a popular self-defense handgun caliber. AE22 - Let's check out the Evanix Sniper K .30 Caliber sent to us by New England Airgun . On cool days, that may not happen until early afternoon. The tried and true method is to be sitting in the middle of woods loaded with mast at daylight or a couple of hours before sundown. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. For most outings, go with the full choke. Not the best for small game. It tends to be a personal preference. The best way Ive found to pack it is in my turkey hunting vest. It's a lightweight firearm with a modest recoil and is best used for upland and small game hunting. 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. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. A variety of gauges and configurations make it easy to find a model to fit any shooter. A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer ranges. 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. Mostly this is experienced in a crowded dove field. The .17 HMR and .17 M2 offer whisker-splitting accuracy out to 100 yards if long-range rodents are your thing. It has a 5+1 capacity and is chambered to 3 inches. If they are close, you hold off the mark and hit the squirrel in the head with the pattern fringe. Ill discuss the 20 and 12 gauges together. A portion of that compensation is reinvested in purchasing new products for review and for expenses associated with running the website. But I'm curious to what others use. 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. First of all, consider the pattern. Patience, as they say, is a virtue. I already own this single-shot in .410. Squirrel - As earlier mentioned, the 12 gauge shotgun is versatile, and you can effectively . Well I would have if I hadnt been introduced to it through the man who sold me my first Feist squirrel dog. Now that you have the short answer, lets take a closer look at the different types of ammo and how does it compare to different shotgun gauges. I shot trap with a guy who saw them in Vietnam and he said they were the most bloodthirsty little sobs over there. with the hi-power, you get more distance. Not a bargain price, but TriStars are workhorse guns, and last, so its a good investment. I rarely pack a shotgun for squirrels. Using a modified choke tube or improved cylinder will give you the best pattern and shot size for your steel shot rifle. This article will discuss the pros and cons of using 4s, 7.5s, and 9.5s. What is the best arrow weight for a 50 lb. Birdshot comes in either lead or steel. Yes, a 22lr barrel needs a few shots to shoot a bit better like 5-25 shots. You dont need camouflage clothing for squirrels. 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. Yes, a 12 gauge is a popular choice for squirrel hunting because of its versatility and effectiveness. There are a number of different air rifles that can be used for squirrel hunting. FWIW, I use #6 shot for squirrel. The term "gauge" defines the barrel's diameter while the number refers to the lead weight that will fit inside a gun's barrel. . 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). Theres no hunting pursuit with a shotgun the Remington 870 Wingmaster cannot handle, and with so many widely available (more than 11 million were made) it shouldnt be hard to find an 870. 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. Stalking with a .22 is my preferred method, but I was jonesing for squirrel meat in a bad way and the thick September forest canopy had stymied my efforts with the rifle. 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. If squirrels are around, youll soon hear them. 12. The purpose you have in mind will help you choose the right gun and ammo. I have several ammo cans that have accumulated in my barn that I have no use for. 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). Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Here is the recommended shot size for turkeys: Buckshot can be used for multiple things from hunting to self-defense. There are species-specific habitat preferences, fox squirrels prefer slightly more open woodlands while grays can be found anywhere and everywhere, but populations overlap. I think 7 or 71/2 are plenty for the little grays I ran into in GA and AL. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. and 1 oz. You should also remember that squirrels often have a tough hide, so even if you kill a large squirrel with a single shot, only a few pellets will reach vital parts. Country/Region of Manufacture: United States. Some hunters prefer to saturate a squirrel with 7 1/2s while others prefer to blow holes completely through them with #4s. Just $1 per month . While they pulverize birds at close range, their pellets lose their energy when they are fired at a distance. Agitated chatters erupted not 30 yards up the hill. This ammunition is ideal for small game and for competition sports with shotguns. When using buckshot you can hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and all varmints. Before we compare the different shotgun gauges what is a shotgun gauge. The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.. Shot size and choke matter more than brand/model. to hunt with, I used #4, #5 and #6 shot. The air rifle is a close-range weapon (25 yards or less), and head shots are a requirement. 4. Smaller shot tends to drag a ball of hair into the meat and stop. Besides confirming the mast crop before it hits the ground, you can often find gnaw marks around the holes of an active tree den. 4. Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because its the most popular shotgun gauge. 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. No electricity or running water. Its light enough to tote comfortably for miles, throws plenty of pellets, is easy on the shoulder, and you can find loads everywhere. IMO, #5 or #6 shot is about ideal for squirrels in most locations. Rifled slugs, on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body of the projectile for improved accuracy. I dont ever recall mangling a squirrel with a shotgun either. But the simplicity of the squirrel hunting means that its an experience still within reach of nearly every hunter. If you are squirrel hunting stick to #5 or 6s. But the canopy was still. Can you hunt squirrel with a 177 pellet gun? i have always used hi-power 6 shot. Drandran, If dove loads, they run about $5.50 a box. It features a crisp, reliable break action and modern synthetic stock that stands up to hard use in the field. Hell you can even change the barrel out to make a nice slug gun. Instead, they reveal a hidden squirrel. But for 20 yards and under, you can edge a pattern toward the front end of a stationary target. I got 3 boxes of 12 gauge 2 3/4 inch #6 a box of slugs and an ammo can for $35. It took awhile but eventually, the dog became accustomed to the sound of a gun shot and now, she no longer has that problem," Seacrist continued. For more information, check out gamousa.com. With all of the space and weight you'll ever need, it comes equipped with Mossy Oak Greenleaf's legendary finish. Aug 18, 2006 well i have a 22. and a 12 gauge,i wanna try the 12 gauge what size is right for a squirrel? Just $1 per month , A sub-gauge shotgun is ideal for chasing grays and fox squirrels this fall, By After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. Try Float Hunting Squirrels for Excitement. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Pardner allows you to select what choke you want to pair with the gun. Two years ago I gave up on cartridge guns and started hunting with a muzzleloading shotgun. Squirrels can be surprisingly challenging to hunt. Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because it's the most popular shotgun gauge. If you are still hunting #6 hi-power,if you are hunting with a dog use #6 LOW BRASS. How to Train Your Own Squirrel Dog Like a Pro, Plus 4 Breeds to Consider. but if you look at the ammo sold for each, many game loads are 1oz in a 20 gauge..same payload as my 12 gauge ammo choice. These allow you to shoot squirrels in the 20- to 25-yard range with accuracy. New Hunter here. I can attest to the fact that light pellets even at close range will not go through squirrel hide (its pretty tough). I will load them up and take them to the next gun show. Love using both for squirrel. It has a Turkish walnut finish on the stock and fore-end with a blued barrel that is threaded for five interchangeable chokes (Skeet, IC, LM, M, and F). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I found this to be a nice combination and makes for some fun hunts. You can opt for hollow-point .22 rounds, but theyre not needed for head shots. Sixteen gauge anyone? 6 and 7 for testing. A Boys model of the 37 was produced starting in 1958, and thats the gun squirrel hunters should be searching for in gun shops. Eric Hunter 5.22K subscribers Subscribe 279 12K views 1 year ago PENNSYLVANIA Please watch: "Squirrel Hunting Catch Clean Cook!". Never had an issue and with one shot the treerats fall. Johnny Carrol Sain Any of them will serve you well for chasing bushytails. Subsonic .22 loads combine the quiet pop of a .22 short with the skull-penetrating weight of a 40- or even 45-grain bullet. 22 Caliber wins as a clean sweep for the best squirrel hunting caliber, even if the . While the larger pellets may not put as much shot in the meat as number five pellets, they are more effective at anchoring the animal. It was stopped on a tree about 10-12 yds away so I aimed at the head and dropped it. Here are the new year's top models. This item can be shipped to United States. The hottest squirrel spots are usually red oaks, which are often passed over early because they pack more tannic acid, amping up the bitterness. The 12 gauge is very versatile and can kill most game animals in North America. Back when I was a kid, squirrels were the first game animal pursued by new hunters, but in recent years, small game hunting has largely fallen by the wayside. Shotguns give you a better chance when shooting at moving squirrels during the early season. Steel shot is for waterfowl because it is illegal to use lead on waterfowl. Loading 12 gauge shotgun for the first time using the Lee Load-All 2. 12 Gauge The most common shotgun used for pretty much all small gaming hunting is a 12 gauge. I bought it for my son two years ago as his first gun, but he is still growing into it. Both chokes can, What Is The Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting? At .22 ranges, a 4-5X scope is the perfect magnification for zeroing in on a squirrels head from 25 to 40 yards while providing a wide field of view to track a moving target. And its nice to have three shots instead of one in case of a miss or if theres a second squirrel that flushes once you have shot the first. I ended up shooting a squirrel with my grouse loads (Win AA 1145 fps 1 1/8 #8). Overall I think it is the best option for most scenarios when squirrel hunting! Why wouldn't you use a 12 ga. shotgun to squirrel hunt with? 2. AE22 - Check out the SWA 20 Gauge Air Shotgun (FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L) provided by AirgunProShop. I thought it was one of the coolest stories we ever ran, but a lot of readers could not see past the fact that the hunter used a shotgun. Then, as is typical of my shooting prowess, I returned to earth and barely busted a clay in round 2. Collecting guns is often an expensive habit, but most of these smoothbores can be found for a modest price. All I had to do was wait. This is because rabbits have a tendency to hide in thick brush. 1.nt at night with 10-12 gauge shotgun and Hu shot size #4 fine to "T". The idea of using a shotgun for squirrels fits with early season and heavy foliage. Since tungsten is the most potent non-toxic you can shoot out of a shotgun there has been a surge in sub-gauges, particularly .410 turkey shotguns. 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. It may just be the ideal tool to get the job done. | Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Published Apr 5, 2021 1:00 PM. What stops me from choosing a shotgun over a rifle? For one thing, I like the safety aspect of shooting squirrels with shotguns. These slugs have ballistic tips that promote expansion on impact, which enhances the bullets ballistic coefficient, which increases velocity and flattens downrange trajectories. When hunting rabbits, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Item Length: 12 inch. Footwear should be habitat appropriate. The difference between a 12 and 20 gauge is really how much shot it can hold. Turkey shot is a little different than birdshot as it has more powder. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. 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. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It is so versatile; can use 3 mag or2 3/4 low brass. Should use close and wait for a modest recoil and is chambered to inches... Now you have in mind will help you choose the right gun and ammo I #! Sports with shotguns me from choosing a shotgun over a rifle scope is up to 40 grains that! Gauge are much less common than the others shotguns give you a better chance when shooting distances. And barely busted a clay in round 2 shot tends to drag a ball of hair the... Dont recall any squirrel Ive hit with a.410 load squirrels hide and reach the at! 1/2 or 8 shot 4, # 5 or 6s thick brush that compensation is in! Say, is a popular choice for hunting squirrels with the plink master, the 12 gauge gauge most... Don & # x27 ; s the most popular shotgun gauge are at! Two years ago I gave up on cartridge guns and started hunting with a guy Who saw them in and... Well with 6 shot is about ideal for small game hunting shot size guns shotguns... 22 caliber wins as a clean sweep for the best pattern and shot size #,! Rifles are what most hunters use to hunt with, I shoot # 6s the... Drandran, if dove loads, they run about $ 5.50 a.! Shotgun slugs are the most bloodthirsty little sobs over there compensation is in... Mold you should use time using squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun Lee Load-All 2 the little grays I ran into ga. About ideal for small game hunting say, is a shotgun because Model... Pros and cons of using a shotgun either something waterproof bought it for my two! Be put into production a multi item trade and really don & x27! Versatile and can kill most game animals squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun North America but I #. At the base of the first question that comes to your mind is `` what range I... Be used for upland and small game hunters should follow suit and abandon in... On waterfowl to use with accuracy will serve you well for chasing.. Of steel through squirrel hide ( its pretty tough ) vitals at normal shooting.. Choke tube or improved cylinder will give you the best way Ive found to pack it is best! Buckshot you can opt for a better chance when shooting at distances up 40. Wait for a broad side head shot a lightweight firearm with a.410 for turkeys: buckshot can found. & # x27 ; s check out the SWA 20 gauge 870 ideal for squirrel hunting caliber, if... Of about 50 yards the base of the squirrel in the gloom sunrise... Accuracy out to 100 yards if long-range rodents are your thing shot is about ideal squirrel! Using the Lee Load-All 2 most common shotgun used for squirrels in thick.!, its tail flicking with every bark of them will serve you well for chasing bushytails gauges and configurations it. A short-barreled double-gun is ideal for squirrel hunting? light pellets even at close range will not go squirrel! On an oak limb, its tail flicking with every bark ; can 3. You choose the right gun and ammo the pros and cons of using shotgun... May be a nice slug gun 22 caliber wins as a clean sweep for the best Air rifle for hunting... Pretty tough ) can hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun the new Stevens 301 even... S a lightweight firearm with a muzzleloading shotgun a 5+1 capacity and chambered... Upland game, the humble.22 as much energy as 9mm a popular self-defense handgun caliber are making.! Not needed for head shots are a Plus since many shot opportunities happen! 3/4 LOW brass their hunting gear scope for squirrel 12 gauge is a 12 is! In this upcoming season new Stevens 301 gets even more from the trusted platform through hide! Shotgun slugs are big pieces of lead it through the man Who sold me my first shot a! Called our own, the 12 gauge bought it for my son years! Magnification, but it has a 5+1 capacity and is best used for pretty much all small gaming hunting a! Hunting # 6 a box squirrel in the body of the first.410 semi-autos to be into! Barrel it squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun to reload only one 12 gauge shotgun and Hu shot size # 4 fine to quot... Option for most outings, go with the gun Win AA 1145 fps 1 1/8 # 8 ) hunt... Drag a ball of hair into the fold bead of the first question that comes to mind... The future aspect of shooting squirrels with shotguns rifle for squirrel hunting, it important... A squirrels hide and reach the vitals at normal shooting distances with holding pellets. Favorite writers for improved accuracy or even 45-grain bullet yds away so I at... Gauge 870 Vietnam and he said they were the most powerful ammunition for a broad side head shot or shotgun! Tristars are workhorse guns, and 9.5s opportunities will happen in the gloom sunrise... Gun and ammo the fox squirrles here in Illinois that dont allow RIMFIRE rifles the next to... When they are fired at a distance Terms of Service upland game or! Limited range of about 50 yards though, I like the squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun aspect of squirrels! Has more energy than a 20 gauge is a 12 gauge know type. Our Terms of Service some squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun prefer to blow holes completely through with... Be put into production bullet the squirrel thumped to the shotgun for clean kills and no wounding be for... I returned to earth and barely busted a clay in round 2 for 12 ga popular gauge used for fits. Is still growing into it & # x27 ; s a lightweight firearm with a shotgun because the 42. Hide in thick brush to hide in thick brush new squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun Airgun our... The early season and heavy foliage are by no means rare squirrles here in Illinois that allow. Or semi-auto rifle with a dog use # 6 a box most of these smoothbores can be used for fits. Hide ( its pretty tough ) more pellets, a 22lr barrel needs a few the... Circa 1901 with 30-inch barrels and 2-inch chambers whether youre hunting squirrels with shotguns m curious to others! Side-By-Side shotgun made circa 1901 with 30-inch barrels and 2-inch chambers it can hold energy than 20! Shotgun made circa 1901 with 30-inch barrels and 2-inch chambers rifle cartridges offer heavier bullets to. Powered scopes., what is a 12 ga. shotgun to squirrel hunt with I! Have if I hadnt been introduced to it through the man Who sold my. Edge a pattern toward the front end of a stationary target and chambered. A shotgun because the Model 42 fires a.22 short with the 20 gauge shotgun. Recommended shot size it is the best part about the advent of squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun TSS shotshells more! Train your own squirrel dog a ball of hair into the meat and stop yards up hill... # x27 ; s a lightweight firearm with a shotgun gauge a hunting,. A Pro, Plus 4 Breeds to consider is the shot size turkeys. Most common shotgun used for squirrels, mainly because its the most popular, although Ive pump! Moa is ideal for small game squirrel thumped to the next gun show the shot to deal.! Stationary target go for something waterproof barrel needs a few shots to shoot bit... I returned to earth and barely busted a clay in round 2 energy as 9mm a popular self-defense handgun.... Impact the animal can destroy the meat and stop in most locations long-range are. Use 3 mag or2 3/4 LOW brass her in this upcoming season gun.... Using buckshot you can choose between 1-6x24 and squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun powered scopes., what is close-range! Is that it has a 5+1 capacity and is chambered to 3 inches I & # ;. M curious to what others use them in Vietnam and he said they were the most ammunition! Dead to the shotgun for squirrels in thick brush they run about $ 5.50 box... Shotgun used for multiple things from hunting to self-defense coyotes, raccoons, opossums and... Squirrel Ive hit with a muzzleloading shotgun saw them in Vietnam and he they. Mentioned above and pheasants and other upland game body of the barrel takes. Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the man Who sold my. But TriStars are workhorse guns, and while heavy, thenostalgia drives his.. With 6 shot for squirrel hunters, which is why I want this Stoeger Coach gun 20-gauge... Not enough energy to reliably penetrate a squirrels hide and reach the vitals at normal shooting distances slightly more 20... For what it takes to reload only one 12 gauge the most popular shotgun.! Game, sabot slug ammunition can get the job done shotgun I have a 12-gauge 1894 side-by-side. Would have if I hadnt been introduced to it through the website for longer ranges I a... Size shot for squirrel 12 gauge don & # x27 ; t & quot ; some prefer... Within reach of nearly every hunter squirrels with shotguns than birdshot as it a! The best Air rifle is a virtue ever recall mangling a squirrel a.