what would be better for the 4 leged beast a .22 or a shotgun?

Most guys I know use a 22 for squirrel. If you want to use a shotgun, maybe a 410 instead of a 20ga. I know a guy who like to use a 50cal black powder for 'em. Gotta make it a head shot or bark them. A body hit with the 50 doesn't leave much.

I'm not a squirrel hunter but I would have to say use a .410, unless the critter is on the ground you can't be sure of where a rifle bullet will fall when shooting skywards, even if it is only a .22.
Remember to be sure of your target AND WHATS BEYOND, if you shoot at a treed animal and miss wheres the bullet gonna fall?

I use a Marlin 22 Mag. It doesn't ruin any meat if only solid points are used. I don't take shots on the ground because of skipping, even though there isn't really any homes near where I hunt.

"Playing under the table and dreaming"

WELL IF ITS A RUNNING SHOT I WOULD WANT A 410, BUT IF ITS A EASY SHOT WHERE THE SQUIRREL ISN'T MOVING THEN A 22, BUT LIKE WHAT WAS POSTED BEFORE MAKE SURE OF WHATS EBHIND YOUR TARGET!!!!!!!

It depends if you want to bring home a lot of squirrels or just want to plink at them for a while. A shotgun will get you a lot more squirrels in the end. Squirrels are really easy to miss with a .22, but it's a lot of fun. If you're using a shotgun forget the .410, use at least a 20 gauge with high brass 6 shot (full choke), drop that to 4 shot if you're using a modified choke. Nothing wrong with a 12 gauge on squirrels either.

Squirrels are not 'Big Game'.

I use a .22 cal. Winchester.

MJW

Edited by - Michael J. Weigel on 01/30/2002 01:16:03

I prefer a .22 or .22 mag with a scope. I aim for the head. It keeps me in practice for hunting with my big game rifle (scope). I have a .410 and have used it also...it works fine too. I plan on letting my son start out with that in a couple years.

Boltman...forget the .410??? That hurts man! LOL I hunt squirrels and rabbits with a .410 all the time. A 410's ballistics are incredible. It's just an "experts gun". The pattern is so dense and tight that it makes it hard to hit small targets.

Since I've been hunting with a 410, caliber has amazed me time and time again. However, I don't feel it's a good caliber to start a child hunting with. The recoil is mild, but the margin for error is so thin that it is discouraging for a child.

.22 with a scope...Winchester model 9422<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

TB

Edited by - Two Beards on 01/31/2002 23:52:30