7 1/2 is fine for squirrels,with it being full choke see how it shoots with 6 shot.I like #6 better than 7 1/2,with my 12 gauge with high brass #6 with a full choke,its very rare i have to shoot 1 twice.My 410 with 7 1/2,almost all ive killed with it,had to shoot um twice.The 17 HMR is still my favorite squirrel gun.You could almost shoot 1 in the foot and kill him!!!!!!!!!!!BAH,HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!