Guest lilcrackshot Posted May 12, 2005 Report Share Posted May 12, 2005 I was told by a guy in a gunshop that a 12 gauge is a horrible squirrel gun because there are so many pellets and each one has to use up so much energy and a bunch of technical stuff that I couldn't quite understand. You guys think the 12 gauge is OK for squirrel/rabbit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Colorado Bob Posted May 12, 2005 Report Share Posted May 12, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels It's the best IMO. #4 is good squirrel shot. #6 is my choice for rabbits. CB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brownie65 Posted May 12, 2005 Report Share Posted May 12, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels 12 gauge works great for squirrel. I have used one for years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Squirrelbuster Posted May 12, 2005 Report Share Posted May 12, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels I think anything from a .410 up to a 12 guage is a fine squirrel shotgun. It just depends on the level of difficulty you are looking for. The first squirrel I shot with a shotgun was with a 12 guage with improved-cylinder choke while bird hunting. I shot him at about 20 yards or so and he didn't die right off. I had to look for him because he ran off. So I would recommend, even with a 12 guage to use at least a mod. choke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted May 12, 2005 Report Share Posted May 12, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels I don't squirrel hunt anymore, but yeah, a 12 is fine. A little overkill IMHO, but, it will work. I prefered a .22 when I did hunt them, just seemed to be a bit more challenging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSGB Posted May 12, 2005 Report Share Posted May 12, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels Like Tominator, I prefer a .22 for squirrels, but a 12 gauge will do fine. Just aim a little in front of his nose so that you don't pepper the whole body. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squirrelhunter91 Posted May 12, 2005 Report Share Posted May 12, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels Use a 2 3/4 " shell with #6 shot and you should be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunter336 Posted May 12, 2005 Report Share Posted May 12, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels A 12 gauge works great when the leaves are still on the trees. A 2 3/4" #4 is what I would recommend. If you want a bit more challenge then go with the .22 like Tominator and DSGB said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David_218 Posted May 13, 2005 Report Share Posted May 13, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels [ QUOTE ] I was told by a guy in a gunshop that a 12 gauge is a horrible squirrel gun because there are so many pellets and each one has to use up so much energy and a bunch of technical stuff that I couldn't quite understand. You guys think the 12 gauge is OK for squirrel/rabbit? [/ QUOTE ] I personally use a .410 3" #5 shot for Squirrels when not using a rifle. I have used 12 gauges for Squirrels & Rabbits, but found it too destructive, unless it is a light 1 oz load in a modified choke. # 6 or 7 1/2 shot seems to works fine in the 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAhardwoods Posted May 13, 2005 Report Share Posted May 13, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels I've used a 12 ga for years and it works great. I have been thinking about getting a 410 winchester model 9410 just for something diffrent Cody Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
too_pointer Posted May 13, 2005 Report Share Posted May 13, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels Geez, dead is dead The squirrel won't care !! Yes, a 12 guage throws alot more pellets, but just aim a little high on his head and not throw the whole pattern on him. too_pointer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David_218 Posted May 14, 2005 Report Share Posted May 14, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels [ QUOTE ] I've used a 12 ga for years and it works great. I have been thinking about getting a 410 winchester model 9410 just for something diffrent Cody [/ QUOTE ] While the little Winchester M-9410 is a neat shotgun, you might consider buying a .410 that fires a 3" shell instead of the 2.5" shell. My experience with the 2.5" shell is that it is not very good for hunting due to it's light 1/2 oz load and limited range. Also the Winchester M-9410 cost around $500 new and you could buy a 3" firing .410 shotgun for a lot less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted May 14, 2005 Report Share Posted May 14, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I've used a 12 ga for years and it works great. I have been thinking about getting a 410 winchester model 9410 just for something diffrent Cody [/ QUOTE ] While the little Winchester M-9410 is a neat shotgun, you might consider buying a .410 that fires a 3" shell instead of the 2.5" shell. My experience with the 2.5" shell is that it is not very good for hunting due to it's light 1/2 oz load and limited range. Also the Winchester M-9410 cost around $500 new and you could buy a 3" firing .410 shotgun for a lot less. [/ QUOTE ] yup, i definetly agree with David on this one. i have a little over-and-under .410, the 3" will shoot a lot better than the 2 1/2". i tried a Remington 1100 in 28ga, now i plan on buying one! you should consider an 1100 in 28ga or .410, they are a great little gun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spyderpancake Posted May 14, 2005 Report Share Posted May 14, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels you can definitely use a 12ga on squirrels, but i prefer the challenge of a .22 or my .17hmr. with a shotgun you have to pick the hair out of all the hundreds of little holes in the body-it is just too much trouble. You will have a lot more fun, and learn to shoot better, if you use a rifle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longislandhunter Posted May 15, 2005 Report Share Posted May 15, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels 12 gauge is great for squirrels, been using one for a long time. I usually use #5 shot. The hide on the bushytails is so thick you'll usually find that most of the pellets never make it all the way throught the skin, or if they do they are just underneath and easy to remove. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spyderpancake Posted May 15, 2005 Report Share Posted May 15, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels [ QUOTE ] I usually use #5 shot. The hide on the bushytails is so thick you'll usually find that most of the pellets never make it all the way throught the skin, or if they do they are just underneath and easy to remove. [/ QUOTE ] um, if your pellets get stopped by the hide, then what kills the squirrel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAhardwoods Posted May 17, 2005 Report Share Posted May 17, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels [ QUOTE ] While the little Winchester M-9410 is a neat shotgun, you might consider buying a .410 that fires a 3" shell instead of the 2.5" shell. My experience with the 2.5" shell is that it is not very good for hunting due to it's light 1/2 oz load and limited range. Also the Winchester M-9410 cost around $500 new and you could buy a 3" firing .410 shotgun for a lot less. [/ QUOTE ] Thanks for the tips guys I didnt even think about it only being able to hold 2.5's i may have to think about getting something else although i would like to have one of the 9410's in the gun case Cody Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bow Hunter Derek Posted May 25, 2005 Report Share Posted May 25, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels Any shot gun will work just fine. A 22 works great also. But if you really want to have fun hunting squirrels, fletch some old arrows up with flu flu's and bow hunt them. That is the only way I hunt them anymore. What a blast! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted May 25, 2005 Report Share Posted May 25, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels Everyone seems to use a pretty heavy game load. I use the cheap ole 7 1/2 target loads. It knocks em down very well... Or at least its always worked for me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Squirrelbuster Posted May 26, 2005 Report Share Posted May 26, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels Nice haul there jeramie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIG_BUCK_1 Posted May 26, 2005 Report Share Posted May 26, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels Everytime I go squirrel hunting i use a 12 gauge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christsavedme Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels I have used a 12 and a 20 ga for years and both do fine. As others though...now I enjoy the challange of my 22......gotta be a good shot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
preacherman Posted June 3, 2005 Report Share Posted June 3, 2005 Re: 12 Gauge for Squirrels I personally use a 12 ga Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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