squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun

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. I understand the safety concern, so there is no better firearm for such a fear than the shotgun. Most shots will be taken at 25 yards, so your rifle should be zeroed for that distance. I recall the length being a tad long at 12 years old. Loading 12 gauge shotgun for the first time using the Lee Load-All 2. If conditions are calm (windy days are tough), hungry squirrels will be swarming the mast. 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. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg. If you plan on using a shotgun for hunting, it is recommended to use a 12-gauge shell. Love using both for squirrel. Its a more difficult task to locate one, but I shoot 28 gauges better than 20 gauges. Johnny Carrol Sain 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. Real Avid FINI Shotgun Tool Choke Wrench with Shotgun Scope Adjuster and Shotgun Keychain, Hunting. Using dogs to find and tree squirrels was a tradition across the South and one that has been revived in recent years. 4. There are several factors to consider when choosing your shotgun. This item is in the category "Sporting Goods\Hunting\Gun Parts\Pistol Parts". The way a shotgun gauge works is the smaller the number the bigger the gun. Otherwise, its a damn good gun for the price (under $450). Subsonic .22 loads combine the quiet pop of a .22 short with the skull-penetrating weight of a 40- or even 45-grain bullet. The Improved Cylinder is the widest choke practical for hunting purposes. 12. Theyre not dumb, and a squirrel on high alert is tough to kill. In early season, all that foliage hides you just as it hides the squirrel. If you want to really hurt yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance. Had the best time. While they pulverize birds at close range, their pellets lose their energy when they are fired at a distance. 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. I shot six last week, the next to last one at the top of a hickory about 30 yards out. 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. Buckshot are big round lead balls that carry a lot of energy. 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!! 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. The purpose you have in mind will help you choose the right gun and ammo. The factory barrel with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot. Should work well also. For this reason, hunters often purchase rifled slugs to protect their hunting gear. Remington 870 20-Gauge The Remington 870 20-gauge is definitely affordable with all its nice features. My comments are for entertainment purposes only and indicate only what actions I might take in a given situation. Which one is right? 177 might be a little more accurate or quieter at times, the Gamo technology behind a . Sub-gauges are lighter (in most cases), making them easier to carry. It wasnt for lack of game, gray and fox squirrels were plentiful on the public lands I hunted. After the shot, mark the location of any downed squirrels, make sure that theyre dead, then sit tight and scan the branches for more movement. Choose the right shotgun loads for squirrel hunting. Nifty Outdoorsman is not liable for any actions you take after learning from our website. Hell you can even change the barrel out to make a nice slug gun. a 12-gauge bore is wider than that of a 20-gauge shotgun. 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. 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). I use mine sparingly, and only when I know a squirrel is nearby and hiding. None of this is professional or legal advice and there is no attorney-client relationship or other professional relationship. Genzel grew up chasing mallards and Canada geese in the Illinois River Valley. Like you I also first used a 410. It has a 5+1 capacity and is chambered to 3 inches. It was like I had a tactical team for taking down squirrels. I had it drilled into my head from an early age that .22 LR bullets can travel 1 1-1/2 miles and you arent supposed to shoot them into the air. 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. 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. The seller is "curtsgunshop" and is located in this country: US. I can attest to the fact that light pellets even at close range will not go through squirrel hide (its pretty tough). It should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have much experience. That is what I use with my 12 gauge and high brass shells to boot. 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? It has an effective range of 25 yards and is primarily useful for close-range hunting. Nontoxic shot for squirrels is something I havent experimented with yet, but its on my list for the off-season. Web ID: 101342703. 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. I was unable to shoulder the shotgun correctly, consequently I received a large bruise on my bicep. Note however there are many 12g frames out there converted to shoot 16g; those are the same weight as your standard 12 gauge. Also, wear a hunting vest or coat with a big game pouch to hold both squirrels and a hearty lunch. Theres just not enough energy to reliably penetrate a squirrels hide and reach the vitals at normal shooting distances. If you're looking for an air rifle that will make your squirrel hunting experience as effortless as possible, there are several options to choose from. Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because it's the most popular shotgun gauge. Joe Genzel is a senior editor at Outdoor Life. 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. however, as far as a squirrel at 50 yards goes, it really doesn't matter. G. Juch, SXS, made in Ferlach, Austria. A while ago we posted the story of a hunter who had taken North Americas Squirrel Slam in a single By As fall transitions into winter, food sources dwindle and squirrel populations become more concentrated. It may be a better idea the hunt with a 22lr or 20 gauge for small game. When using buckshot you can hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and all varmints. For survival hunting, a gun with broad coverage and knock-down, How Far Should I Zero My 22 For Squirrel Hunting? FWIW, I use #6 shot for squirrel. 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. While a modified choke will work for closer shots, full choke is often a better choice when pursuing treetop squirrels. You dont need TSS to kill squirrels of course, but it has brought more .410s into the fold. Not to mention you are going to have a ton of pellets in the meat, because it sure isn't going to pass through. 2. That leaves us with the plink master, the first rifle many of us called our own, the humble .22. Excellent to hear. Steel and bismuth are the options Im looking at for both environmental reasons and the real possibility of requirements from game agencies. And what makes it different. The difference between a 12 and 20 gauge is really how much shot it can hold. From my experience, I would say the 20 gauge may be the perfect squirrel shotgun. 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. This article will also touch on the difference between dove shot and birdshot, and why the size matters. 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. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. The most common types of shotgun shells for squirrel hunting are lead, steel, and bismuth. I have several ammo cans that have accumulated in my barn that I have no use for. Patience, as they say, is a virtue. Look for gnawed mast hulls and shredded pine cones on the forest floor or scattered on a favorite feeding stump or rock. With that new information, you got the slugs free. 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? As with the Ruger 10/22, every gun owner should on at least on 12 or 20 gauge shotgun. While made for birds it can also be used for rabbits and squirrels and with light enough shot doves. The next thing to consider is the shot size. Do you intend to use it to kill squirrels, or just as a pest control measure? Birdshot comes in either lead or steel. 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. Rabbit & Squirrel Shotgun Loads 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. When hunting with my hunting party for turkey, predators, and squirrels, the Mossberg 940 Pro 12 gauge shotguns have emerged as my favorite long-range long-range option. Any of them will serve you well for chasing bushytails. If the shells are high base (1 1/4 oz), they cost a bit more. Too, I can reload 3 .410 shells to one 12 gauge shell. Just getting my grandson into hunting. Squirrels can be surprisingly challenging to hunt. Flanigan, however, recommends using larger pellets, which have a similar density but offer greater knock-down power. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. AE22 - Check out the SWA 20 Gauge Air Shotgun (FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L) . For those reasons the sixteen gauge is usually overlooked. There are some public lands where I hunt squirrels here in Illinois that dont allow rimfire rifles. The shot has to have enough energy to knock the animal off the tree limb. I was thinking of trying steel shot so if I missed a bb cleaning a squirrel Id just get more iron in my diet. This article will discuss the pros and cons of using 4s, 7.5s, and 9.5s. If they dont leave the area entirely, theyll be back to business after a 15- to 30-minute wait. It just means a lot to me to hunt with it. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Mostly this is experienced in a crowded dove field. You can build or subtract from the challenge with choice of caliber and optics. 7 is maximum and 6, youll never get your squirrel. Shotgun Gauges: Recommended Uses. Even with my praise of #4s, though, I shoot #6s. Pump and Semi-auto shotguns will give you the most firepower, along with faster followup shots, IF you miss. But the HMR (a necked down .22 magnum casing with a .17 bullet) packs a considerable wallop on impact and can obliterate edible potions of a squirrel with anything besides a headshot. You can use a riflescope for squirrel hunting if you have a good rifle. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. I rarely pack a shotgun for squirrels. Its an awesome-shooting gas gun at a respectable price point ($655). Another gray squirrel perched on an oak limb, its tail flicking with every bark. Its time to start giving squirrel hunting a little more love, By SKU:FA7803754. Its a compact gun and Im a big guythat typically adds up to an ill-fitting gun I cant shoot worth a damn. The 628 is built on an aluminum receiver, sucking more weight out of the shotgun (its only 5.4 pounds). Yeah I know Ive got it pretty bad. B Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Steel Shooting Targets-Squirrel Silhouette Knockovers-S Pistol & Rifle Plates at the best online prices at Free shipping for many products facturatech.net. Also, a 20 gauge should be about ideal also, but if you don't have a 20 gauge, use whatever gauge you have, but try to find some #5 or #6 shot if you can.

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