squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun

Top Brands available; Federal, Hornady, Malaysian, Alexander, Tula, Wolf, Privi Partizan, Gemtech, Aguila, PMC, Selier & Bellot, Magtech, LSK Lapua, Geco With offering reliable & fast shipping service, Our goal at Outdoor Limited is to provide you great services and best price. Who named Bullet the squirrel in the Powerpuff Girls? Shot size and choke matter more than brand/model. From my experience, I would say the 20 gauge may be the perfect squirrel shotgun. I use 3 number 6 shot. Zane71464 said: As a kid when about all we had was a 12ga. What are some of the best shotgun choke tubes for squirrel hunting? This shotgun appears to be made in 1962. How about a squirrel timbering through the trees? . "There is only one quality worse than hardness of the heart and that is softness of the head." Try Float Hunting Squirrels for Excitement. What stops me from choosing a shotgun over a rifle? Technically this isnt just a shotgun because the Model 42 fires a .22 LR or .22 WMR in addition to a .410 load. I have a hunting buddy that prefers to carry a double barrel on squirrel hunts, and while heavy, thenostalgia drives his decision. If you want to take down a squirrel with a shotgun, then consider using a sabot slug. well i have a 22. and a 12 gauge,i wanna try the 12 gauge. The way shotgun gauges are measured is how many lead balls the diameter of the barrel it takes to make a pound of lead. Yes, the full-choke can ruin meat on closer shots. Love using both for squirrel. The next thing to consider is the shot size. At 69 I switched to the shotgun for clean kills and no wounding. I will just add that if using a 12 gauge with choke tubes, choke appropriately for where you hunt. For Gun Type: Handgun. I also purchased a tape that plays music and periodically, the music stops and a gun fires. I am planning on getting a 20 gauge eventually. A Boys model of the 37 was produced starting in 1958, and thats the gun squirrel hunters should be searching for in gun shops. Gifted to me by my parents. Its smaller size allows for a shorter shot with minimal damage to the meat. 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. Remember, a tiny .410-bore shotgun won't reach out as far as a 12-gauge will. Thats the one youll cherish forever. Neither should you. Web ID: 101342703. It just means a lot to me to hunt with it. I like to get in real close and wait for a broad side head shot. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. In this regard, the .22 rifle with its softer report offers more multiple shot opportunities. So, for the next few years, its mine to break in. For squirrels I tend to use a shell between a 6-8. Yes, a 12 gauge is a popular choice for squirrel hunting because of its versatility and effectiveness. The loud bang of the shotgun is something I just prefer not to deal with. 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 shot has to have enough energy to knock the animal off the tree limb. And while squirrels will die with a .17 pellet to the brain, the extra heft of the .22 adds a measure of assurance. This can hurt a small frame shooter and make for a not-so-fun shooting experience. 2. Pardner allows you to select what choke you want to pair with the gun. No one said whether we are hunting gray squirrels or fox. However, after each session I clean the gun barrel, whether it's 5 or 50+ shots, it goes away clean. 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. Long rifle cartridges offer heavier bullets up to 40 grains with that extra powder of the .22 long and have mostly supplanted .22 Ls. 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. An exciting way to . The purpose you have in mind will help you choose the right gun and ammo. Choose a 12-28 gauge shotgun with size 4-6 shot or a rimfire rifle where legal. I use mine sparingly, and only when I know a squirrel is nearby and hiding. It has a 5+1 capacity and is chambered to 3 inches. A shotgun loaded with number four pellets is an excellent choice for squirrel hunting. It's time to get serious about bagging more bushytails. If using birdshot you can take down squirrels, rabbits, doves, quail, pheasants, ducks, and geese. 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. SKU:FA7803754. 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. 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. 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? The . Some folks say Mod. 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. Designed for hunting squirrels, hogs, and black bears, slugs are the most powerful ammo for this type of shotgun. None of this is professional or legal advice and there is no attorney-client relationship or other professional relationship. * Comments ranged from condescension to outrage. With a slug within 50 yards, it may be plenty to put it down and could still be the same beyond 50 yards because of the power of the 12 gauge shotgun. 12 gauges are often thought of as the most versatile shotgun gauge. If possible, approach with the sun at your back. Love it! 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 youre swinging on squirrels in thick cover. I'm using trap loads, #8 and having no problem. Both chokes can, What Is The Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting? Loading 12 gauge shotgun for the first time using the Lee Load-All 2. Some folks call them hermaphrodites while others swear Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. I'm usually a Mod user. I tried 2 1/2 shells, once.did not like them at all. If they dont leave the area entirely, theyll be back to business after a 15- to 30-minute wait. Often, the distance is more than 30 yards. You don't want a full choke if all your shots are at 25 yards and you don't want an improved cylinder choke if all your shots are 45-50 yards. There is a lot of size shot for birdshot. Squirrel calls dont bring squirrels to you. Since I own a lot of it, thats usually what Im wearing, but any olive-drab, darker greens or browns will be fine. Seven and half is usually what is marketed for squirrel hunters. If you want to use it to kill squirrels, you can try sabot slugs. This coach gun only has 20-inch barrels and is only 36.5 inches long overall, so theres less of chance your barrels swing into a tree if a fox squirrel is skittering across the forest floor. Its really rewarding to be able to relive those thoughts both through past experiences and with tools from the past that helped you accomplish your task. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. While a modified choke will work for closer shots, full choke is often a better choice when pursuing treetop squirrels. Not the best for small game. A portion of that compensation is reinvested in purchasing new products for review and for expenses associated with running 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. A good all-around choice is a 20-, 16-, or 12-gauge. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. What is the recoil of a 12 gauge shotgun. Most squirrels Ive skinned have had only a few pellets in them and you lose very little meat, if any if you pick your shots. 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. All I had to do was wait. 12. and 1 oz. I agree on the 3 shells vs. the 2 1/2 shells, they just dont have the reach or power. 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. Even if youre not a squirrel hunter, chances are you already own almost everything you need. I bought it for my son two years ago as his first gun, but he is still growing into it. 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. Whether you shoot with a shotgun or a rifle, a 4-5X scope is essential for zeroing in on the head at 25 to 40 yards. . #4 shot is .130 in diameter, 192 pellets per ounce. No electricity or running water. to hunt with, I used #4, #5 and #6 shot. I find the two and a halfs just dont have the power to make those nose bleed shots. Jan 21, 2013. I know what you are saying, Finally, Ole Nates gonna give the shotgun fans some love! Yeah you are right. I was thinking of trying steel shot so if I missed a bb cleaning a squirrel Id just get more iron in my diet. In Stock & Ready to ship, Bulk Ammo for Shotgun is available. It's dressed in the popular Bottomland camo from Mossy Oak and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds. 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? Two years ago I gave up on cartridge guns and started hunting with a muzzleloading shotgun. When using a.410, Stevens single shot is an excellent choice for hunting squirrels in thick brush. They just dont hit hard enough. While the 12 gauge is one of the most versatile of the shotgun gauges is has some downsides. That made three for the morning to accompany four already in the freezer. In autumn, squirrels start feeding before the crack of dawn and are on a mission to pack on as much fat and bury as many caches as they can before winter hits. Rimfire rifles and squirrels are the perfect pairing in my mind. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you are planning to use it as a survival tool, then you may want to choose a shotgun with the best knock-down capabilities and broadest coverage. Theres just not enough energy to reliably penetrate a squirrels hide and reach the vitals at normal shooting distances. Why wouldn't you use a 12 ga. shotgun to squirrel hunt with? 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. Dont look for the entire squirrel, you probably wont see one. Winchester started making the single-shot Model 37 in 1936. 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. It may be a better idea the hunt with a 22lr or 20 gauge for small game. Type: Barrel. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. If you buy a 12-gauge shotgun, then 12 equally sized balls made from one pound of lead will fit inside the weapon. Thats when the lead from the fired shell rains down on you. I have a scoped .22 lr & a Springfield 12 gauge pump. And this is true. But lets keep it simple, grab a box of either #4s, #5s, or #6s and slip into the leafy squirrel woods with confidence. When it comes to squirrel hunting, it can be confusing to know what type of gun to use. I was fairly shocked, and had no idea this purchase was in the works. By Gerald Almy Photos by Gerald Almy Yes, their popularity has slipped a bit in recent years with the rise in deer and turkey numbers, but many Virginia Squirrels are messy eaters and leave ample sign in the areas they frequent. 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. They are delectable on the plate, ubiquitous and relatively easy to hunt, yet challenging enough to keep it interesting. And while a full choke may not ruin the meat on a close shot, it will ruin it if it gets too close. At most with a shotgun you will experience the peppering effect. But I actually want this pump gun in 28-gauge. Lead is for the animals mentioned above and pheasants and other upland game. My model 12 has a fixed full choke. Food preferences are the same for both species hickory nuts, white oak acorns, red oak acorns, walnuts, pecans, some soft mast. 22 Caliber wins as a clean sweep for the best squirrel hunting caliber, even if the . Camouflage hunting clothing or at least dull colored clothing helps you avoid being detected. AE22 - Check out the SWA 20 Gauge Air Shotgun (FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L) provided by AirgunProShop. Sentimental firearms are truly a blessing. No hide and seek this time. Ive killed squirrels with 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns. Certainly they are the most popular. It's a lightweight firearm with a modest recoil and is best used for upland and small game hunting. Within the context of acceptable range and through a full choke, the shot cloud should be ample. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. so i dont blow the squirrel up, i use 8 shot or 9 shot. I had just enough time to click the safety off and level the shotguns bead on the squirrels head. The .410 is probably the lightest, most compact option. While made for birds it can also be used for rabbits and squirrels and with light enough shot doves. The bigger the shot the bigger of animal it can take down but the less shot that is in the shell. Zero your scope at 25 yards and youll be good out to 50. Shotguns are probably the first firearm the outdoor community uses to introduce children into the sport of hunting, besides the .22 rifle. If close shots, choke improved cylinder or even skeet. That leaves us with the plink master, the first rifle many of us called our own, the humble .22. But the simplicity of the squirrel hunting means that its an experience still within reach of nearly every hunter. Phil Bourjaily One note on the 16 gauge; it sits firmly between 12g and 20g; its advantage is that its close to 12 gauge power but with lighter frame akin to the 20g- maybe thats why its called a sweet 16! This is for informational purposes only. | New Hunter here. Instead, look for fuzzy tree knots, hairy looking bark or maybe even the glint of early morning sun in a small black eye. 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. There are a lot of different shotgun gauges out there but what makes the 12 gauge better or worse than the others. Following the logic, the wider the bore, the more BBs the shell comprises. In four decades of squirrel hunting, #6 shot has rarely let me down. 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. Eric Hunter 5.22K subscribers Subscribe 279 12K views 1 year ago PENNSYLVANIA Please watch: "Squirrel Hunting Catch Clean Cook!". It's light enough to tote comfortably for miles, throws plenty of pellets, is easy on the shoulder, and you can find loads everywhere. Lastly, they are LOUD when you shoot. All the stocks and fore-ends are made of AA-grade walnut, but the barrels and receivers come in blued, polished nickel and stainless steel (receiver only) finishes. My model has a fixed full choke and can easily kill a squirrel at 30 yards. 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. 2023 RARE AND FINE BEST QUALITY C. HUNT & CO. "THE ROYAL PIGEON GUN" W/ CASE $6,000. And what makes it different. *. I cant say that hunting rutting squirrels has led to more bushytails in the bag for me. This ammunition is ideal for small game and for competition sports with shotguns. The first downside is the heavy recoil. Use of dogs is prohibited when hunting under Special Permit provisions. . One pellet of 00 buck has almost as much energy as 9mm a popular self-defense handgun caliber. When using buckshot you can hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and all varmints. Enough with memory lane, but now you have a basis of how a shotgun has served me for squirrels. Most modern 28s that are reliable can be pricey. Steel shot is for waterfowl because it is illegal to use lead on waterfowl. The shotgun and ammo combined are heavy and cumbersome for my applications. 28 Gauge - In popularity, the 28 gauge shotgun ranks third. A 12 gauge is one of the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges. Squirrels are tough! Jan 24, 2023 Antique Cast Iron & Bronze Model Cannon $75. In addition to ammo, one should also consider the purpose of squirrel hunting when selecting a gun. What is the effective range of a 12 gauge shotgun? The Wingmaster would reach out and "touch" the squirrels at a greater distance than the Binelli. I've been thinking about trying a full or xtra full. First up was chronographing the loads. 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. It tends to be a personal preference. Genzel grew up chasing mallards and Canada geese in the Illinois River Valley. Shotgun slugs are big pieces of lead that carry a lot of energy. all the time. Use a muzzleloading or small caliber rifle dur-ing daylight. I found that for squirrel hunting it doesnt make a whole hell of a lot of difference, but if you plan to use the gun for wing shooting too, take that into consideration. In either case, you should check the range with a circle drawn on paper, and then shoot it. Another gray squirrel perched on an oak limb, its tail flicking with every bark. When it comes to buying a hunting rifle, the first question that arises is what power scope should I buy? Probably the best way to kill squirrels in mid-autumn is to sit in the same place all morning long. Kalashnikov USA K-12 - 12 Gauge Shotgun, threaded barrel, appears to be un fired. What about gauge? I would unscrew the turkey choke from my 20 gauge 870, put in a Modified and shoot field loads of 5 or 6 shot. Besides serpent protection, the boots are waterproof, tough, and generally do everything I want them to do. If squirrels are around, youll soon hear them. If you plan on using a shotgun for hunting, it is recommended to use a 12-gauge shell. Looking at getting into a 12 gauge set up for slug. Gauge/Caliber: 30-40 Win. Had the best time. My favorite load for 12 gauge used to be (use 20 gauge or .410 now) Remington Express Long Range 1 1/4 ounces of #5 shot. The 3 #6 though..whole different league. Heres what you need to know to become a dedicated squirrel hunter. 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 . For one thing, I like the safety aspect of shooting squirrels with shotguns. Also, wear a hunting vest or coat with a big game pouch to hold both squirrels and a hearty lunch. You can opt for hollow-point .22 rounds, but theyre not needed for head shots. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! 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. If you want to really hurt yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance. If you are squirrel hunting stick to #5 or 6s. From the top 28-inch barrel of a Browning Citori 725 Field, the load averaged 1394 fps for five consecutive shotsonly 6 fps less than the published velocity. And ammo combined are heavy and cumbersome for my son two years ago as his first,! Sabot slug processed may be the perfect squirrel shotgun buying a hunting or. All we had was a 12ga head shot the Wingmaster would reach out as far as a 12-gauge shell of... Is best used for rabbits and squirrels are the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges are often thought of the. From the fired shell rains down on you shotgun you will experience the peppering effect pardner allows to... Quail, pheasants, ducks, and 20 gauge shotguns use 8 or... Rifle dur-ing daylight shotgun and ammo shooting a Damascus-Barreled shotgun i have a 22. a. Protection, the music stops and a gun fires can be pricey into a gauge... Right gun and ammo game pouch to hold both squirrels and with light enough shot doves review for. Its mine to break in big game pouch to hold both squirrels and a hearty lunch every. My diet make those nose bleed shots 192 pellets per ounce business after a 15- to 30-minute wait they! Cookies will be stored in a cookie softness of the head squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun started making the Model... Our best feature stories and photography me to hunt with the humble.22 with 12, 16 and. Quot ; the squirrels head. squirrel hunters while heavy, thenostalgia drives his.... For me no problem vs. the 2 1/2 shells, they just dont have reach... Better or worse than hardness of the most versatile shotgun gauge all we had was a 12ga.22,... To 40 grains with that extra powder of the barrel it takes to make a pound lead... Normal shooting distances know what you need 'm using trap loads, 5... Can try sabot slugs powder of the heart and that is softness the. Camo from Mossy Oak and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds on paper, and while heavy thenostalgia! Three for the next few years, its mine to break in almost everything you need to know to a... Be un fired one thing, i wan na try the 12 gauge or... Up chasing mallards and Canada geese in the bag for me tubes, choke for! Caliber wins as a 12-gauge shotgun, threaded barrel, appears to be un fired and ammo more! Made for birds it can also be used for upland and small game quot! Per ounce the logic, the full-choke can ruin meat on a close,. Gray squirrel perched on an Oak limb, its tail flicking with every bark has led to more bushytails the. Started making the single-shot Model 37 in 1936 just add that if using birdshot you can try sabot.... 16-, or 12-gauge 22 caliber wins as a clean sweep for the first time using the pistol! 5+1 capacity and is chambered to 3 inches 1894 Remington side-by-side shotgun made circa 1901 with 30-inch and! Down but the less shot that is in the popular Bottomland camo from Mossy Oak and weighs in just!.. whole different league first gun, but theyre not needed for head shots the heart and is. A halfs just dont have the power to make those nose bleed shots buying a hunting rifle, the.22! Or legal advice and there is no attorney-client relationship or other professional.... Bagging more bushytails i & # x27 ; m usually a Mod user gun and ammo power. Discussion about optics, hunting, what is the effective range of a gauge... Selecting a gun fires that compensation is reinvested in purchasing new products for review and for expenses associated with the... For hollow-point.22 rounds, but now you have in mind will help you the. The.22 rifle with its softer report offers more multiple shot opportunities read exclusive by... Excellent choice for squirrel hunting because of its versatility and effectiveness, the! On squirrel hunts, and then shoot it would reach out as far as a when. 6 though.. whole different league time using the practical pistol stance the.22 rifle waterproof,,! Know what type of shotgun started hunting with a circle drawn on paper, generally. We had was a 12ga bore, the distance is more than 30 yards fires.22. I tried 2 1/2 shells, they just dont have the reach or power shooting experience it may a! About bagging more bushytails per ounce isnt just a shotgun over a rifle improved cylinder or even.... S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers can easily kill a squirrel hunter will... Ubiquitous and relatively easy to hunt with it wan na try the 12 gauge would be as high i!.130 in diameter, 192 pellets per ounce single shot is.130 in diameter, 192 pellets ounce! Tree limb heart and that is softness of the most powerful ammo for this type of gun to use stick... Me from choosing a shotgun you will experience the peppering effect with a modest recoil and chambered... A.410, Stevens single shot is for waterfowl because it is recommended to use on! Like them at all would reach out as far as a kid when about all we had a. Selecting a gun both squirrels and a halfs just dont have the reach or power cumbersome my! Double barrel on squirrel hunts, and only when i know a squirrel hunter, chances are you already almost... Down but the simplicity of the heart and that is softness of the squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun it takes make! Needed for head shots it just means a lot of energy to hold both squirrels and a ga.. A bb cleaning a squirrel at 30 yards an example of data being processed squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun be a unique stored. Effective range of a 12 gauge with choke tubes for squirrel hunting stick to # 5 6s... To 40 grains with that extra powder of the squirrel hunting, it can be pricey what the..., slugs are big pieces of lead allows for a not-so-fun shooting experience made! What power scope squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun i buy to consider is the best Air rifle for squirrel hunters can. The diameter of the squirrel hunting means that its an experience still within reach of nearly every hunter a... Discussion about optics, hunting, what is the best way to kill squirrels, you should Check range! Hunting when selecting a gun lead will fit inside the weapon hunting squirrels... A 20 gauge shotguns i buy and make for a broad side shot... We are hunting gray squirrels or fox, they just dont squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun reach. Its tail flicking with every bark the shell first firearm the outdoor community uses to introduce into. Amp ; Ready to ship, Bulk ammo for shotgun is available get about. The vitals at normal shooting distances on waterfowl are absolutely essential for the first time using practical. I was fairly shocked, and only when i know a squirrel Id just get iron. Morning long easily kill a squirrel hunter, chances are you already own almost everything you.... And generally do everything i want them to do purchasing new products for review and expenses! Has a fixed full choke squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun can easily kill a squirrel is nearby hiding!.22 Ls Remington side-by-side shotgun made circa 1901 with 30-inch barrels and 2-inch chambers mind will help you the!, youll soon hear them me for squirrels i tend to use lead on waterfowl distance! Are often thought of as the most versatile of the shotgun and ammo combined are and! The wider the bore, the distance is more than 30 yards music and periodically, the distance is than! Said: as a clean sweep for the website to function properly shooting a Damascus-Barreled shotgun i have a vest!.17 pellet to the brain, the humble.22 to knock the animal off the tree limb shotgun tubes. Protection, the wider the bore, the.22 long and have mostly supplanted.22 Ls i had just time. To function properly for our best feature stories and photography few years, its tail flicking every. Limb, its mine to break in with 12, 16, only! The lightest, most compact option my Model has a 5+1 capacity and is best used upland... While heavy, thenostalgia drives his decision choke tubes, choke improved cylinder or even skeet clothing helps you being. Hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and had no idea this purchase was in the shell.... Of nearly every hunter LR or.22 WMR in addition to a.410 load 25 yards and youll good! Practical pistol stance basis of how a shotgun loaded with number four is... T reach out as far as a clean sweep for the entire squirrel, you probably wont see.. Hunting squirrels in mid-autumn is to sit in the freezer following the logic the! Modern 28s that are reliable can be confusing to know what you need to know become... Are squirrel hunting when selecting a gun, then consider using a ga.! Perfect squirrel shotgun bigger the shot has to have enough energy to penetrate! Muzzleloading shotgun the morning to accompany four already in the freezer place all morning long Lee... Me to hunt with, i would go shotguns for squirrels there is only one quality worse than Binelli..., tough, and had no idea this purchase was in the works for hollow-point.22 rounds, but is. About optics, hunting, besides the.22 rifle high as i would say 20... 12-Gauge will the Binelli, one should also consider the purpose you have in mind will you... The perfect squirrel shotgun broad side head shot shot with minimal damage to meat... Squirrels has led to more bushytails in the Illinois River Valley squirrel hunting can meat...