Whats your Ideal Squirrel setup?

[Jack Ryan]

Originally Posted by lawrra

I've been squirrel hunting twice in my lifetime. I didn't see a thing either time. Should I use a 12ga with 7.5, a .410 with 8, or my .22LR Marlin 60 (iron sights)? The closest house is just over a quarter mile outside heavy woods. I'm slightly worried about the .22 continuing on if I miss one in the trees, and I don't want to be in the papers if something horrible happens. Suggestions?

Guns don't make you see them regardless of what kind you carry.

You should be taking your field guide and learning to ID white oak, pig nut hickory, red oak, paw paw, persimon, walnut.

When you start seeing squirrels then take your shotgun with you next time.

When you start killing your limit every time out, start taking the rifle.

[Indy_Guy_77]

Remington 710 .270 Winchester with a 4x12x40 illuminated reticle (sp?) off-brand scope.

I like plinking squirrel from 200 yards.

-J-

[SC_Shooter]

.17 MachII with a Sweet 17 ballistic compensated scope. It is an incredible weapon and the last two seasons have resulted in more than 60 squirrels that chose to move to my fridge...all with single head shots.

This is not a "shoot them on the move" weapon, but it is insanely accurate for head shots out to about 150 yards (if you could even see them that far), though my longest attempt the past two years was just over 80-yards to the tree.

[Josh Smith]

Right now a Romanian training rifle, extensively modified for reduced lock time, d&t for 'scope, floated barrel, capable of dime accuracy at 50 yards with bulk ammo.

I'll probably be looking at 10/22 heavy barreled rifles however... we'll see what I come up with.

Josh <><

[Huzrjim]

All good advice. For a shotgun I've always went with 6 shot for squirrel, save the 7.5 or 8 for rabbit and birds. The last several years I've hunted with a 60 year old Winchester model 74 .22lr given to me by my father.

[Indybeer]

Only thing I use for squirrels is my old single shot 22/410 over/under that was given to me by a family friend when I was 12...best damn squirrel gun there is.

[JBob77]

It's a Timber King Scope, so I pretty well think that is part of the problem. Also, the base screws seem tight and the scope seems solid. CCI mini mags, so ammo is probably not the problem. I am not the best shot off hand, but leaning against a tree, the third shot out of the barrel was 3 inches low @50 yards, but had been sighted prone from a sight vise. I was concerned about the Improved cylinder choke, but w.6's, a few fairly clean looks and a 12ga, I think i will try it. If not, I will find a mod choke tube for a winchester 1200. Anyone got one.

[RelicHound]

Originally Posted by JBob77

It's a Timber King Scope, so I pretty well think that is part of the problem. Also, the base screws seem tight and the scope seems solid. CCI mini mags, so ammo is probably not the problem. I am not the best shot off hand, but leaning against a tree, the third shot out of the barrel was 3 inches low @50 yards, but had been sighted prone from a sight vise. I was concerned about the Improved cylinder choke, but w.6's, a few fairly clean looks and a 12ga, I think i will try it. If not, I will find a mod choke tube for a winchester 1200. Anyone got one.

mossberg accu chokes{mossberg 500 and the like} will work in the Winchester 1200..make sure its not the accu MAG chokes as they will not work.

[The Meach]

[RelicHound]

Originally Posted by The Meach

happy? lol