Rifle or shotgun?

Green Lantern · September 10, 2017, 07:14 PM

Hunting squirrel.

Rifle or shotgun?

EIB0879 · September 10, 2017, 07:27 PM

I always used a shotgun in early fall and a rifle after all the leaves fell off of the trees.

weblance · September 10, 2017, 07:31 PM

I've used both. I settled on a 20 ga.

GeauxTide · September 10, 2017, 07:40 PM

When I hunted in LA in my youth, I used a 12ga. Ithaca 37 with a 30" full choke and 1 1/4oz #4 shot. Trees didn't shed leaves until November, so it was too thick for a 22. I used #4 because I had some 40-50 yard shots and it wouldn't take but one or two pellets.

Chainsaw. · September 10, 2017, 10:07 PM

22lr for me. My Dads 510 target master is a tack driver, bad medicine for squirrels.

JWT · September 10, 2017, 10:14 PM

Tree rats should be hunted with a .22 rifle. No lead shot to spit out when eating the critters. Shotguns ruin too much meat and if the shot is taken from too far a distance often fail to kill.

jmr40 · September 10, 2017, 10:14 PM

Both. I like a rifle better, but you have to choose shots carefully. A 22 shot into the air that misses can travel a long way before coming down. In some locations a shotgun is a lot safer.

the possum · September 11, 2017, 10:38 AM

I use everything depending on my mood. For my purposes, I've settled on the shotgun when I'm serious about bringin' home some meat. You can easily shoot 'em jumping between trees or bounding on the ground, or get 3 outta the same tree even after they scatter upon firing the 1st shot.

In fact, the shotgun is so easy it seems downright unsporting. So to add some fun and challenge back into the game, that's when I bring a rifle. I generally only take head shots to preserve meat (Though my great grandpa would disagree, since he loved the jowls & mixed the brains with his scrambled eggs). Preferably put a .22 bullet through the eye.

And then, there's times I just feel like getting a favored old gun out in the woods, and squirrels are readily available. So I might grab a pistol, or antique shotgun, or centerfire rifle, depending on my mood.

T. O'Heir · September 11, 2017, 12:35 PM

"...No lead shot to spit out..." Geezuz. Who cooks in your house? snicker. Pellets get removed when cleaning the beast.
"...serious about bringin' home some meat..." Hunt something other than tree rats. Hardly any meat in 'em. A ground hog on the other hand...
The only real issue with using a rifle is the high angle at which most shots are taken. Sends the bullet a very long way if you miss.

the possum · September 11, 2017, 12:58 PM

Quote:

"...serious about bringin' home some meat..." Hunt something other than tree rats. Hardly any meat in 'em.

Well, yes. I thought that went without saying. Perhaps I should have said, "When I'm serious about bringin' home some squirrels..."

Wyosmith · September 11, 2017, 02:41 PM

Yes!

(or handgun)

GarandTd · September 11, 2017, 08:07 PM

Shotgun, because most shots are up into the trees. I intend to carry a 22 sa revolver this year, though, for the occasional close ground or tree trunk shot. I also had an experience last year with a giant fox squirrel that wasn't dead when it hit the ground. The 22 will be good for that scenario as well.

Danoobie · September 11, 2017, 08:57 PM

.410 shotgun. Brings them down, doesn't tear them up
too much.

johnwilliamson062 · September 13, 2017, 10:21 AM

A centerfire up into the tree tops?

Dangerous range of some of the larger shot sizes is pretty far.

the possum · September 13, 2017, 11:06 AM

Quote:

A centerfire up into the tree tops?

I'm really trying hard to resist being snarky. Why do so many folks on these forums automatically assume everyone is an immature bumbling idiot? Sure, man. I also love rapping off a couple mags full of .308 fmj on New Year's Eve by shooting 'em straight up in the air in town.

peterg7 · September 13, 2017, 05:04 PM

Shotgun, I was never comfortable firing the .22lr into the air at an angle

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rob228 · September 13, 2017, 05:21 PM

I always used a 20 gauge with #6 shot. Never had excessive meat damage. I am not a fan of firing a .22 upwards.

GarandTd · September 13, 2017, 06:05 PM

Quote:

A centerfire up into the tree tops?

Yes, my shotgun is centerfire.

Don Fischer · September 14, 2017, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmr40

Both. I like a rifle better, but you have to choose shots carefully. A 22 shot into the air that misses can travel a long way before coming down. In some locations a shotgun is a lot safer.

Have to agree with this. Miss at one up a tree and the bullet can go a long way. I still would like the 22 rifle though. I've got a 410 SxS that would probably be pretty good also

Husqvarna · September 14, 2017, 04:09 PM

for some stupid reason they are listed as endagered in my country and by golly don't they know it?

always pestering you if you are sitting quietly in a blind throwing pinecons on your roof

i've had the luxuary to hunt a few as pest control thou

used an airrifle because I was hunting in town

Sure Shot Mc Gee · September 14, 2017, 10:04 PM

Since I also reload my own shot shells. Why not a 12 ga.
10-12 grs. of Green Dot under 1-1/4 oz of #6 shot isn't the fastest shot string in the woods for us far sited bifocal users. Undoubtedly this shot shell has the best short range shot pattern for the squirrel purpose. "That's true & for certain"

Jack O'Conner · September 17, 2017, 06:54 AM

I've taken far more squirrels with my older break open single barrel in 16 gauge. Barrel has a full choke. It's a featherweight and can be carried all day and I hardly notice it's weight at all. My 22 rifle has accounted for many squirrels too but many misses as well.

Jack

Mobuck · September 17, 2017, 07:05 AM

"I like a rifle better, but you have to choose shots carefully. A 22 shot into the air that misses can travel a long way before coming down. In some locations a shotgun is a lot safer."
This the reason I switched to the 17HMR. While it can fly a long way, the energy level is far less than a common 40 grain lead 22 bullet. In addition, hitting nearly any part of the foliage will "self destruct" the fragile little bullet rather than send it ricocheting off like a 22 bullet often does. If you shoot the rats in the head, the destructive power doesn't affect the edible parts anyway.
I don't hunt squirrels often-usually only with the Grandsons. I also appreciate the killing power of the 17 when the boys make a poor shot.

Green Lantern · September 17, 2017, 12:51 PM

Well as I have mentioned, I'm new to guns and hunting. So after looking at Illinois hunting rules, I find out that ONLY 22lr rimfire can be used.

Unless I missed something.

rodwhaincamo · September 18, 2017, 07:53 PM

I've been curious about trying my .50 cal muzzleloader with a light powder charge. Many old timers do this with even larger patched balls too. Seems kinda ridiculous but I don't guess it's worth trying anyway. Sure would take the head off rather cleanly I'd guess.

September 10, 2017, 07:14 PM	#1
Green Lantern Member Join Date: September 9, 2017 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 95	Rifle or shotgun? Hunting squirrel. Rifle or shotgun?

September 10, 2017, 10:07 PM	#5
Chainsaw. Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2015 Location: Issaquah WA. Its a dry rain. Posts: 1,774	22lr for me. My Dads 510 target master is a tack driver, bad medicine for squirrels. __________________ Just shoot the damn thing.

September 10, 2017, 10:14 PM	#7
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	Both. I like a rifle better, but you have to choose shots carefully. A 22 shot into the air that misses can travel a long way before coming down. In some locations a shotgun is a lot safer. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

September 11, 2017, 12:35 PM	#9
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...No lead shot to spit out..." Geezuz. Who cooks in your house? snicker. Pellets get removed when cleaning the beast. "...serious about bringin' home some meat..." Hunt something other than tree rats. Hardly any meat in 'em. A ground hog on the other hand... The only real issue with using a rifle is the high angle at which most shots are taken. Sends the bullet a very long way if you miss. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

September 11, 2017, 08:07 PM	#12
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	Shotgun, because most shots are up into the trees. I intend to carry a 22 sa revolver this year, though, for the occasional close ground or tree trunk shot. I also had an experience last year with a giant fox squirrel that wasn't dead when it hit the ground. The 22 will be good for that scenario as well. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

September 10, 2017, 07:27 PM	#2
EIB0879 Member Join Date: May 22, 2016 Posts: 45	I always used a shotgun in early fall and a rifle after all the leaves fell off of the trees.

September 10, 2017, 07:31 PM	#3
weblance Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Posts: 1,229	I've used both. I settled on a 20 ga.

September 10, 2017, 07:40 PM	#4
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	When I hunted in LA in my youth, I used a 12ga. Ithaca 37 with a 30" full choke and 1 1/4oz #4 shot. Trees didn't shed leaves until November, so it was too thick for a 22. I used #4 because I had some 40-50 yard shots and it wouldn't take but one or two pellets.

September 10, 2017, 10:14 PM	#6
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 3,888	Tree rats should be hunted with a .22 rifle. No lead shot to spit out when eating the critters. Shotguns ruin too much meat and if the shot is taken from too far a distance often fail to kill.

September 11, 2017, 10:38 AM	#8
the possum Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2004 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 555	I use everything depending on my mood. For my purposes, I've settled on the shotgun when I'm serious about bringin' home some meat. You can easily shoot 'em jumping between trees or bounding on the ground, or get 3 outta the same tree even after they scatter upon firing the 1st shot. In fact, the shotgun is so easy it seems downright unsporting. So to add some fun and challenge back into the game, that's when I bring a rifle. I generally only take head shots to preserve meat (Though my great grandpa would disagree, since he loved the jowls & mixed the brains with his scrambled eggs). Preferably put a .22 bullet through the eye. And then, there's times I just feel like getting a favored old gun out in the woods, and squirrels are readily available. So I might grab a pistol, or antique shotgun, or centerfire rifle, depending on my mood.

September 11, 2017, 02:41 PM	#11
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	Yes! (or handgun)

September 11, 2017, 08:57 PM	#13
Danoobie Senior Member Join Date: April 27, 2017 Posts: 351	.410 shotgun. Brings them down, doesn't tear them up too much.

September 13, 2017, 10:21 AM	#14
johnwilliamson062 Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Posts: 9,995	A centerfire up into the tree tops? Dangerous range of some of the larger shot sizes is pretty far.

September 13, 2017, 05:04 PM	#16
peterg7 Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2017 Posts: 316	Shotgun, I was never comfortable firing the .22lr into the air at an angle Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

September 13, 2017, 05:21 PM	#17
Rob228 Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2010 Location: Hampstead NC Posts: 1,450	I always used a 20 gauge with #6 shot. Never had excessive meat damage. I am not a fan of firing a .22 upwards.

September 14, 2017, 04:09 PM	#20
Husqvarna Senior Member Join Date: May 7, 2012 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,000	for some stupid reason they are listed as endagered in my country and by golly don't they know it? always pestering you if you are sitting quietly in a blind throwing pinecons on your roof i've had the luxuary to hunt a few as pest control thou used an airrifle because I was hunting in town

September 14, 2017, 10:04 PM	#21
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	Since I also reload my own shot shells. Why not a 12 ga. 10-12 grs. of Green Dot under 1-1/4 oz of #6 shot isn't the fastest shot string in the woods for us far sited bifocal users. Undoubtedly this shot shell has the best short range shot pattern for the squirrel purpose. "That's true & for certain"

September 17, 2017, 06:54 AM	#22
Jack O'Conner Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2005 Location: Manatee County, Florida Posts: 1,976	I've taken far more squirrels with my older break open single barrel in 16 gauge. Barrel has a full choke. It's a featherweight and can be carried all day and I hardly notice it's weight at all. My 22 rifle has accounted for many squirrels too but many misses as well. Jack __________________ Fire up the grill! Deer hunting IS NOT catch and release.

September 17, 2017, 07:05 AM	#23
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	"I like a rifle better, but you have to choose shots carefully. A 22 shot into the air that misses can travel a long way before coming down. In some locations a shotgun is a lot safer." This the reason I switched to the 17HMR. While it can fly a long way, the energy level is far less than a common 40 grain lead 22 bullet. In addition, hitting nearly any part of the foliage will "self destruct" the fragile little bullet rather than send it ricocheting off like a 22 bullet often does. If you shoot the rats in the head, the destructive power doesn't affect the edible parts anyway. I don't hunt squirrels often-usually only with the Grandsons. I also appreciate the killing power of the 17 when the boys make a poor shot.

September 17, 2017, 12:51 PM	#24
Green Lantern Member Join Date: September 9, 2017 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 95	Well as I have mentioned, I'm new to guns and hunting. So after looking at Illinois hunting rules, I find out that ONLY 22lr rimfire can be used. Unless I missed something.

September 18, 2017, 07:53 PM	#25
rodwhaincamo Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,246	I've been curious about trying my .50 cal muzzleloader with a light powder charge. Many old timers do this with even larger patched balls too. Seems kinda ridiculous but I don't guess it's worth trying anyway. Sure would take the head off rather cleanly I'd guess.