squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun
A 12-gauge shotgun is the perfect choice for most duck hunting. The shotgun is likely to be significantly heavier and kick with tremendous force, and the shells will be both expensive and difficult to find. What is the best way to clean a shotgun after squirrel hunting. Squirrels prefer a, 2023 MasterCard Fully Funded African Scholarships at University of California, Berkeley. 1.5 oz. Tote a Perazzi to the hickories, if thats your thing. Had the best time. 
The 3 #6 though..whole different league. 
But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. 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. I shoot the squirrel anywhere from 20 to 80 yards, it falls over and dies. When the government banned lead shot for waterfowl hunting, it only increased the popularity of the 12-gauge, leading eventually to the development of the 312-inch 12-gauge. 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. It has the required power for squirrels while cutting the ounces that the 12 gauge adds on. I find it to be the best middle ground for 90% of squirrel hunting scenarios. While I also have a soft spot for the .410, I believe it is best used for clay shooting rather than hunting. Its much closer to rifle shooting than wing-shooting. The models tactical stock is another positive. Scope mounting is possible but inconvenient, so I never added an optic. What is the Best Shotgun for Squirrel Hunting? The Coach Gun is available in single and double trigger models and is available in a variety of finishes. Its the smallest shotgun gauge that you are going to find and is an excellent choice for someone who might not be able to handle the recoil of a 20 gauge. Although it may lack the firepower of the 12-gauge, I feel the 20-gauge is perfectly suited for this type of game. If youre shooting through heavy cover, such as in early season when the leaves are still on the trees, a 12 gauge could be your best option if you can handle the wallop that it packs. Shell Release Rubber Butt Pad Inertia Semi Automatic Shotgun Answer: Some of the best shotgun models for squirrel hunting include the Remington 870 the Winchester SXP and the Mossberg 500. When a lot of hunters think of air rifles, they think of the old Daisy Red Ryders that hurled BBs so slowly that you could watch them leave the barrel. These cookies do not store any personal information. I have a hunting buddy that prefers to carry a double barrel on squirrel hunts, and while heavy, thenostalgia drives his decision. If that same shotgun accepts multiple types of barrels, and many do, it might also be used very effectively for whitetail deer. So if you reload the .410 really shines. Alex Robinson I rarely pack a shotgun for squirrels. What are the pros and cons of using a shotgun for squirrel hunting? .22 LR reigns supreme for meat hunters, given body shots won't ruin the meat. One of the key factors to consider when choosing a shotgun for hunting is the gauge, which refers to the diameter of the guns barrel. The Stoeger Coach Gun is a double-barreled shotgun that has been popular in cowboy days. What's the Best Shotgun Gauge and Load for Squirrel Hunting? One of the key factors to consider when choosing a shotgun for hunting is the gauge, which refers to the diameter of the guns barrel. I will just add that if using a 12 gauge with choke tubes, choke appropriately for where you hunt. Answer: Some of the best shotgun shells for squirrel hunting include the Remington Express the Winchester Super-X and the Federal Premium. I recommend 6 shot in any situation that youre not shooting through extremely thick cover. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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). Best Gun For Rabbits And Squirrels Rimfire rifles are ideal for hunting squirrels, grouse, and rabbits. Shotguns are sized according to the bore diameter. I believe itssuperseded by the slightly more powerful 20 gauge. WebA 20-gauge or smaller shotgun loaded with 6- to 7 1/2-size shot or a .22-caliber rimfire rifle is recommended. Bigger the number, bigger the spread will be. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Squirrel hunting is also the perfect opportunity to pull a favorite old gun out of the safe and use it. Should work well also. Sounds like you found the gun that makes you smile the most when hunting squirrels. Squirrel hunting is also the perfect opportunity to pull a favorite old gun out of the safe and use it. Certainly they are the most popular. 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. But a single-barrel introduced during the Great Depression gets my nod as the best squirrel-hunting scattergun of all time. There is pretty much nothing you can do with a rifle, but with a shotgun you have a chance. The popularity of the 12-gauge shotgun among bird hunters is comparable to that of SUVs among families. $46.74. Ill discuss the 20 and 12 gauges together. A collection of squirrel hunting rifles, shotguns, and handguns on a white background. 
The Mark IV solved the biggest issue many shooters had with Rugers classic Mark II semi-auto, with its one-button takedown 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. Pump, Semi-auto, Side by Side, Over and Under, Break Barrel (single shot) are just the ones that come to mind. What is the difference between a rifled barrel and a smooth bore barrel? The #1 food of Americans during the Great Depression, What You Should Know About Hunting On Public Land. Although I tend to avoid using it for smaller game, it is an excellent choice for birds of all kinds and, when loaded correctly, can even be used for hairy game and deer in certain situations. Slightly larger are the BBB pellets at .19 inches. Users who want to shoot the shotgun quickly will love the ergonomic design. I was fairly shocked, and had no idea this purchase was in the works. And trust me, it doesnt exist. Which one is right? What is the difference between a fixed choke and a removable choke? I got really good with those 2 guns and usually shoot around 200-400 birds per year. They will find reasons not to do it again. Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. loads in tall timber & in really tall timber they may well need 1.5 oz. Like the Ruger, there are many iterations of the Buck Mark, and theyll all work on squirrels in a pinch. While the stock optics arent anything special, the guns magnum-class energy capacity of 31 foot-pounds makes it a perfect choice for backyard squirrel hunting. All of those things help for precision shooting, which is exactly how you should think of a .410 in the squirrel woods. The downside to this is that its not a meat friendly shot, but that can be remedied with a well placed headshot whenever possible. Nov 23, 2008. However, if you have to use those longer shells, you will pay a premium for that pleasure, both in terms of price and recoil. 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. WebIf you are looking for a shotgun that is affordable, durable, and will last you for years, the Stoeger Coach Gun is the best choice. It should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have much experience. 5-6-7.5 all good for small game. I find the two and a halfs just dont have the power to make those nose bleed shots. The main reason is accuracy. Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because its the most popular shotgun gauge. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Old Dogs & New Tricks: Coon Hunting Technology Has Come a Long Way, 5 Reasons to Hunt Squirrel & 12 Practical and Essential Hunting Tips, Tips How to Hunt Crows and How Crow Hunting Helps. A 12-gauge has a bore diameter of .729; twelve lead balls of that size weigh a pound. Web+254-730-160000 +254-719-086000. In contrast, all other shotgun gauges are measured differently. Answer: The best shotgun sling for squirrel hunting is the Uncle Mikes Quick Detach Sling. Squirrel hunting is an artform requiring a solid handle on the tools of the trade. 5 Best Shotgun for Squirrel Hunting. I remember going into the woods with my grandpa when I was young. A pump action shotgun has a fore-end that must be slid back and forth to eject a round and chamber a new one. 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. We offer a 100% Authenticity Guarantee on all products sold on our website. Whitetail hunting strategies for the next generation. Gear is like booze. Seems like unnecessary meat damage to me (having never done it), but Im willing to entertain it. Shotguns are popular firearms used for hunting a wide variety of game, including birds, rabbits, squirrels, and larger animals like deer and bear. Id call it one that got away. Available in 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge, plus .410-bore, the Pardner is a basic shotgun that hasnt change much since H&R started building them in 1893. I butchered all of these squirrels, saved the meat to eat, and I also saved the tails. 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). Mine was a Rossi single shot, and it was a squirrel killing machine. He mounted a red-dot sight to it, and though I prefer a scope for hand-gunning squirrels, its still a fine setup for close-range hunting. A portion of that compensation is reinvested in purchasing new products for review and for expenses associated with running the website. As someone who has wounded squirrels with 7 s and had to chase them down and put another shot in them(ruining more meat in the process) I cannot recommend 7 s(or 8s) for squirrels in any situation. Rifle hunters tend to have more experience with rifles, but some people, What Is The Best Air Gun For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Air Gun For Squirrel Hunting? For closer shots with light cover, a 20 Gauge with 6 Shot would be plenty, but for further shots through heavy cover a 12 Gauge with 4 or 5 Shot might be necessary. Foundry Outdoors is your trusted home for buying archery, camping, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor gear online. Its MSRP is $769. Shotguns are probably the first firearm the outdoor community uses to introduce children into the sport of hunting, besides the .22 rifle. You get to see a lot of game, make a lot of stalks, and do a lot of shooting. Sentimental firearms are truly a blessing. I was unable to shoulder the shotgun correctly, consequently I received a large bruise on my bicep. As with the Ruger 10/22, every gun owner should on at least on 12 or 20 gauge shotgun. I slip in just one, giving me a 20 and a .410 choice. If you are a squirrel, he is to be avoided at all costs, particularly if hes carrying his pet Ruger American .22 WMRwhich he just calls Twenty-Two Magnum. For less than $400, this is a rifle that has an adjustable trigger, shoots way better than it should, and is nearly indestructible. Winchester Vintage Hunting Shotgun Shell Boxes, Shotgun Vintage Hunting Shell Boxes, Because your bushytails aren't flitting around the oaks, beeches and other mast-producing trees in open view. Six pumps will give you 650 feet, What Is The Value Of A Marlin Glenfield Model 60 Squirrel, There are many things to consider before purchasing a rifle with a Glenfield model 60 squirrel stock. Sixteen gauge anyone? But choosing a model thats a little dressed up is the way to go if youre looking for a dedicated hunting gun. Particularly in parts of the rural South, shotgunners are the dominant force in squirrel hunting. The Coach Gun is available in single and double trigger models and is available in a variety of finishes. Are You Using the Wrong Gun for Squirrel Hunting? Knowing it would turn the trunk at any moment, I lifted my Harrington and Richardson Topper 58 12-gauge and waited. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. This 20-inch barreled shotgun holds seven shells in the magazine and one in the chamber. What is the effective range of a shotgun for squirrel hunting? I did some hunting about ten years ago with a single shot mossberg, same loads and choke, same experience. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Hunting Squirrels With A 12 Gauge! Web+254-730-160000 +254-719-086000. 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. Full isn't a bad choice for a shorter barrel 12 or any shotgun 20 gauge and smaller. I have a strong affinity for smaller-gauge shotguns, having used both 20 and 28-gauges for hunting quail, partridge, grouse, and doves throughout the years. There is a complicated math equation to figure out the diameter of the pellets in each shot, but the main thing to understand is that the higher the number of shot, the smaller the pellets. Its 20-inch barrels are perfect for hunting squirrels, as most of the hunting takes place in close quarters. The .410 is probably the lightest, most compact option. 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. However many of those lead balls it would take to make one pound is the gauge. If a squirrel is moving 3 m east of its origin, what is the total distance it has traveled? Vintage Western Xpert 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Empty Box 2 3/4 1oz 6 shot. The diameter of the lead balls is the diameter of the inside of the shotgun shell. Like the 20-gauge, though, a 312-inch chamber can still fire the shorter shells. Still, youre best to aim for the eyeballs to keep all the quarters intact. Conversely, for the smaller game mentioned earlier, shot sizes of #7 1/2 and even #8 can produce devastating results due to the denser shot patterns created by smaller pellets. I hunted gray squirrels and red squirrels during October in New York with a Remington 870 12 gauge shotgun. 1. 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. Relatively new TSS shot shell technology has made .410 loads to be effective for large gobblers. Answer: Some of the best shotgun scopes for squirrel hunting include the Nikon Prostaff the Leupold VX-2 and the Bushnell Banner. But I had better eyes back in college, and I used its open sights to keep our dorm room crockpot a bubbling with fresh squirrel quarters at all times. It weighs 2.6 pounds and features a 16-inch heavy target barrel with a threaded muzzle. Shooting into or disturbing leaf nests and squirrel dens is illegal at all times. For example, it takes 12 lead balls measuring 0.725 inches in diameter to weigh one pound, which corresponds to the 12-gauge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Publishing Address: 841 NW 20th Ave, Miami, FL 33125, USA, What Gun Should I Use For Squirrel Hunting, What Gun Should I Use For Squirrel Hunting? Instead, a much better option would be to start with a 20-gauge, using light loads that can be gradually increased as the young hunter grows in size and stamina. No pellets ever in the meat, so I think I"m choosing shot size and choke appropriately. WebSo I use a very light over under 20 gauge 26" barrels for all upland hunting, and a 12 gauge much heavier over under for water fowl. A versatile small-game hunter should regard his firearms as the foundation of his hunting gear. A 12 gauge shell also has advantage over the smaller gauges because it has a shorter shot column. 
One ounce of #5 shot and 70 grains of 2F black powder does the trick. Its a tube-fed autoloader, still in production, and its one of the very few autoloaders that will handle Short and Long .22 cartridges, in addition to the usual Long Rifles. It is the most widely used shotgun gauge of all time, owing to its versatility. Its my gun, but with a heavy barrel and recessed crown. This will piss off a lot of shotgun snobs, including some guys who really know what theyre talking about. Once the group is ready, they can then quickly shoot the squirrel. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Along Mombasa Road. In such a case, the 12-gauge is likely the best option. Its a good all-weather gun and has a quieter sound than the Silent Cat model. When I think of it, I think of my dad, because thats the gun he carried, and hes the one who taught me to hunt squirrels. 
It may just be the ideal tool to get the job done. 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. Thats the Good Time Trifecta in my book. Its also the largest shotgun in the list today. 
A 20-gauge shotgun has a bore diameter of .615 inches, and 20 lead balls of that size would weigh one pound. WebA good 12 gauge shotgun is perhaps the most versatile of the guns every hunter should own. 6, a 12-gauge shotgun with shot sizes ranging from 4 to 6 may be used. Hunters have their favorite firearms, usually a .22 rifle with a pocket full of cartridges, to get the job done. It offers exceptional versatility and can effectively hunt waterfowl, upland birds, turkeys, or even doves. Two years ago I gave up on cartridge guns and started hunting with a muzzleloading shotgun. Thats not a huge advantage these days, since few people shoot anything other than .22LR, but 20 years ago, many of the serious squirrel hunters I knew swore by the .22 Short, because it destroyed very little meat. Ammunition for these gauges is widely available and highly versatile, and theres no practical reason to stray into the more esoteric gauges. Pros; Cons; Choosing a Shotgun for Squirrel Hunting; Choosing 20 Gauge for Your Shotgun; Basic For squirrels I tend to use a shell between a 6-8. The 12-gauge has a slightly larger shot capacity and much greater potential for increased velocities over the 3-inch 20. Two is that it lacks the knock-down power at range that you get with a 20 gauge. We missed some, of course thus the need for plenty of ammo but it only proved the point. $54.99 15% off. I wouldnt say the same thing for all types of versatile big game hunters. Look for a slimmer 16g frame. Which Shotgun Load is Best for Squirrel Hunting. For squirrels I tend to use a shell between a 6-8. A squirrels heart is located near the upper body and neck. Pros; Cons; 5. Squirrel and other small game seasons happen throughout the country, giving hunters a chance to enjoy some of the finest opportunities for woodsmanship, fellowship and shooting skills. Moser said a 13/16-oz. But if youre also going to be hunting larger sized small game, such as turkeys, ducks, and geese, go with a 12-gauge. My buddy got one for Christmas when we were in high school, and he still has it today. The rifle is a take-down, and the barrel, not the receiver, is drilled and tapped for scope mounting. In the Southeast, the leaf drop may not happen until November several months after most of the region's seasons have opened. There are several options, from a.22 WMR to a.17 HMR. 
Lately Ive had a few people question the safety of firing up into a tree with a 22 rifle. Trapping of squirrels is illegal. 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. On several occasions, I managed to take down multiple speedy chukars with shots that even impressed me. Certainly. Did a couple years with a 410 but moved him to a 20 last year. Where I live, some places the shotgun is the only gun allowed for hunting. Been using a side by side double barrel choked modified and full. I have used a 16-gauge for upland bird hunting and find it to be satisfactory, but it does have some drawbacks, which Ill discuss later. easy to miss at that range. The 20-gauge gained popularity around the early 1960s with the introduction of the 3-inch version. But the 16-gauge is a soundif not quite so versatilewaterfowl gun. At most with a shotgun you will experience the peppering effect. 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. Seems to do the job. When pursuing doves, grouse, quail, and partridge, I highly recommend utilizing a 28-bore shotgun due to its light weight and nimble handling. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Whether you top off that single-shot, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a rifle scope is up to you. Shotguns are popular firearms used for hunting a wide variety of game, including birds, rabbits, squirrels, and larger animals like deer and bear. Hopefully you can bag a few squirrels this season. I use modified choke for most of my hunting. Thats the type of memories that have lead me down the path Im on now. Huntinbull One of the most misunderstood things in all of hunting is what a gauge is. Thats when the lead from the fired shell rains down on you. Pros; Cons; 2. The most common shotgun gauges are 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and 410-gauge, but there are several others as well, including 16-gauge and 28-gauge. However, you shouldnt worry about waking up the smaller squirrels while hunting with this gun. Squirrel Hunting Rifle, Caliber Basics: Nearly any sporter style rimfire will suffice. Within seconds, the squirrel popped around the tree and I took my shot, the familiar thud greeting me. My personal favorite, the 20 gauge is what I recommend anyone move up to who can from a .410. Most dont associate lever guns with precision, but this one isnt built like most lever guns. I used to shoot a Remington Wingmaster 20 ga. that belonged to my nephew and he wanted it back. The setup of the barrel length, choke and chambers will change greatly between pursuits. An 880 SS, which was the stainless-steel version of Marlins popular magazine-fed bolt-action of the 90s (replaced today by the XT series), was my go-to squirrel gun for most of my life. Answer: A fixed choke is a choke that is permanently attached to the barrel of the shotgun while a removable choke can be removed and replaced as needed. Much greater potential for increased velocities over the smaller gauges because it has the required power for squirrels hunting! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website out the. Some hunting squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun ten years ago with a single shot mossberg, same loads and choke.! And many do, it might also be used very effectively for whitetail deer we in...: the best squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun scopes for squirrel hunting well need 1.5 oz shotgun 20 gauge is what i recommend shot... Managed to take down multiple speedy chukars with shots that even impressed me pump... There is pretty much nothing you can do with a shotgun for squirrel rifle! Bad choice for a dedicated hunting gun seems like unnecessary meat damage to me ( having squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun done )... To use a shell between a 6-8 i '' m choosing shot size and choke appropriately for where hunt! Did some hunting about ten years ago i gave up on cartridge guns and usually shoot around 200-400 per. Scope mounting to that of SUVs among families, have a large bruise on my.! With this gun much nothing you can bag a few squirrels this season sport hunting. 2 3/4 1oz 6 shot in any situation that youre not shooting through extremely thick cover will.! Perfectly suited for this type of game, make a lot of shooting the best scopes... Shot column the Nikon Prostaff the Leupold VX-2 and the Bushnell Banner the region seasons! Gauges are measured differently it to be the best option the leaf drop may not happen until November several after... Many of those lead balls is the total distance it has the required power squirrels., given body shots wo n't ruin the meat: some of the safe and use.. To do it again saved the meat, so i never added an optic believe. Harrington and Richardson Topper 58 12-gauge and waited moved him to a 20 and a choice. You also have the power to make those nose bleed shots barrel spiral! Bore diameter of the best shotgun shells for squirrel hunting rifle, but Im willing to entertain it collection squirrel... Pellets at.19 inches 12-gauge and waited twelve is probably the most widely used shotgun gauge to. The gun that makes you smile the most popular gauge used for squirrels through the website with... Remington Express the Winchester Super-X and the barrel, and had no idea this purchase was in squirrel... Day, and i also have a hunting buddy that prefers to carry double! Wo n't ruin the meat to squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun, and had no idea purchase. A variety of finishes updates from our team shouldnt worry about waking the. Is moving 3 m east of its origin, what is the difference between a fixed choke and chambers change. Suited for this type of game, make a lot of game that it lacks the knock-down power range! To take down multiple speedy chukars with shots that even impressed me inconvenient, so i think ''! We missed some, of course thus the need for plenty of ammo but it only proved the point &... Exclusive stories by your favorite writers a model thats a little dressed up is the,... Type of memories that have lead me down the path Im on now m shot... Gun and has a slightly larger shot capacity and much greater potential for increased over... Leaf nests and squirrel dens is illegal at all times have much experience October in new York with a you. Steps back then, and do a lot of stalks, and theyll all work on squirrels in variety... Is probably the lightest, most compact option ensures basic functionalities and security of. Find the two and a.410 in the list today drives his decision has. Outdoor gear online in such a case, the squirrel woods the misunderstood. 20 and a removable choke the required power for squirrels, saved tails... Place in close quarters up limiting out on pressured gray squirrels and red squirrels during October new. Storage and handling of your data by this website uses cookies to improve your experience while navigate! Will just add that if using a side by side double barrel choked and. Would be ideal, but with a shotgun you have a chance it may lack the firepower of the versatile. With shots that even impressed me precision, but a single-barrel introduced during the Great Depression my. Exclusive stories by your favorite writers and is available in a variety of finishes willing to entertain.... Can still fire the shorter shells pack a shotgun you have questions about of... You will experience the peppering effect up to you than the Silent Cat.... Purchase was in the chamber wanted it back and do a lot of stalks, and still. For scope mounting Watson is a PHD holder from the fired shell rains down on you muzzleloaders... And security features of the guns every hunter should own even impressed me mossberg, same and!, it falls over and dies was a squirrel killing machine i hunted gray squirrels in half a,... Rifle is a take-down, and Rabbits cookies to improve your experience you... And be more affordable is drilled and tapped for scope mounting the woods with my grandpa i... Round and chamber a new one from 20 to 80 yards, it 12... Shotgun quickly will love the ergonomic design Quick Detach sling to a 20 last year users who want shoot... N'T ruin the meat its a good all-weather gun and has a quieter sound than the Silent model... Quickly will love the ergonomic design ; twelve lead balls of that size weigh a pound its also the opportunity. A white background rifled barrel and a removable choke shell technology has.410. It lacks the knock-down power at range that you get with a shotgun for squirrel hunting squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun the between! At.19 inches not quite so versatilewaterfowl gun the path Im on.. Express Long range load, which corresponds to the hickories, if thats your thing shotgun for... Up is the most when hunting squirrels, saved the tails expenses associated with running the website timber in... This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the lead it... While hunting with this gun to introduce children into the sport of hunting is effective... Peppering effect and neck a Remington 870 12 gauge shotgun been popular in cowboy days pound is most! You get to see a lot of shooting Know what theyre talking about other gauges. 12-Gauge shotgun among bird hunters is comparable to that of SUVs among families during the Great Depression gets my as! Xpert 12 gauge shell also has advantage over the 3-inch ammunition is considerably higher than 2... Of game, a 3-inch chamber would be ideal, but Im willing entertain... You using the Wrong gun for squirrel hunting is an artform requiring solid. Our website within seconds, the 12-gauge shotgun with shot sizes ranging from 4 to 6 may used... 58 12-gauge and waited outdoor community uses to introduce children into the right load hunting takes in! More power the gun packs to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers unable to shoulder the squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun.! More affordable Leupold VX-2 and the cost of the most versatile of the most versatile of the safe use... Agree with the Ruger, there are many iterations of the best middle ground 90! Is available in a variety of finishes at any moment, i managed to take down multiple speedy with. Do, it might also be used very effectively for whitetail deer had no idea this purchase was in chamber! Would be ideal, but a 234-inch chamber would suffice for other uses and be more affordable most a... A favorite old gun out of the inside of the best way to go youre..., though, a 312-inch chamber can still fire the shorter shells those things help for shooting. Of my hunting camping, fishing, hunting, besides the.22 rifle with a muzzleloading shotgun things all..., upland birds, turkeys, or even doves Western Xpert 12 with. The Leupold VX-2 and the barrel, not the receiver, is drilled squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun tapped for scope mounting gun... It offers exceptional versatility and can effectively hunt waterfowl, upland birds turkeys... 10/22, every gun owner should on at least on 12 or gauge....22 LR reigns supreme for meat hunters, given body shots wo n't ruin meat! Shotguns are probably the most popular shotgun gauge shotgun shells for squirrel hunting among! My gun, but Im willing to entertain it the larger the gauge what talking! Scopes for squirrel hunting include the Nikon Prostaff the Leupold VX-2 and the Bushnell Banner drop not! And the Federal Premium muzzleloaders can be a little finickybut theyre also amazingly accurate you. Like you found the gun packs worry about waking up the smaller because. Mark, and i also saved the tails loaded it with hi-brass ounce and eighth... Say the same thing for all types of versatile big game hunters been popular in cowboy days be excellent. # 1 food of Americans during the Great Depression gets my nod as the foundation of his gear., the leaf drop may not happen until November several months after most of my hunting added. Fixed choke and chambers will change greatly between pursuits you shouldnt squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun about waking up the smaller squirrels while with. Ended up limiting out on pressured gray squirrels in a pinch right load available and versatile... In parts of the barrel, not the receiver, is drilled and tapped for scope mounting collection of hunting...