Rabbit questions
 

I go rabbit hunting alot with a 16 gauge. Is that too big? I was think a 410 would be perfect. I would be considered gun illiterate.What are your opinions for a good Rabbit or Squirrel shotgun? I did find that a pump comes in very handy for the fast critters!

RE: Rabbit questions
 

I use a 20g remington 870 for rabbit and squirrel. I use 2 3/4in6 shot.

RE: Rabbit questions
 

Just curious if you used the Remi for deer hunting also?

RE: Rabbit questions
 

I wouldnt use anything bigger then a 20 gauge for rabbit hunting (IMO).

RE: Rabbit questions
 

I have frequently shot both cotton tail, and jack rabbit with my 870 12ga. I shoot a high brass 4 or 6 shot for the jacks, and low brass 6 or 7 shot on the cotton tail. I don't like to pick shot out of my kill, so I prefer my single shot 22lr. It also adds a little more sport to the hunt.

RE: Rabbit questions
 

I forgot to add that I have taken deer with my 870 shooting 00 buck shot. Back in Alabama it was common place to hunt deer with dogs or use people to drive them, so when you add a running deer with the thick Alabama undergrowth 00 buck was the only way you could make a clean harvest.

RE: Rabbit questions
 

For rabbits and squirrels a 16 isnt too bad, I will admit its not my first choice but it will work. The 410 is an awesome gun for rabbits and squirrels!!!!!!!!! In fact thats what I use most of the time for them. IF not the 410, then get either a 12 or 20. Oh and be sure to only shoot 7 1/2 or 6 shot out of your shotguns for the little critters. 7 1/22 is better for rabbits, and 6 is a little better for squirrels. If not these choices go back to using the old 16. Actually tell you something.... the 28 guage is an awesome choice for the rabbits and squirrels too. I got one and am very impressed with it.

RE: Rabbit questions
 

I dont have anything smaller than a 12 ga. So when i go i always borrow a buddies 410 or 28 ga. Im pretty fond of the 28 ga. Its a smooth shooting gun...

RE: Rabbit questions
 

Well, if you're going to get a new gun for just rabbit and squirrel (I think the 16 will be fine though) I would get a semi auto .22lr. You can buy one used for really cheap. If you're hunting rabbits, the semi auto is great, since you're shooting down, but if you're squirrel hunting, you'd better be a good shot and have self discipline and common sense to not shoot wildly into the air.

RE: Rabbit questions
 

There is nothing wrong with the 16 ga. I used to only have a 12 ga and shot plenty of rabbits, squirrels, birds... with it and yes I have torn some of it up, but there were sometimes that I was glad I had it. If you are looking to get a new gun, then fine. A 28 ga supposedly is the best all around shotgun you can find. However, what you have will do the trick just fine.

I have found with a .410, that sometimes it isn't enough (shooting hare). I can make a good, well placed shot on a sitting target and that blasted hare will get up and run away. Then it is up to the dogs to either catch it or bring it around again. Cottontails don't seem to be so hearty.

RE: Rabbit questions
 

a .410 is a good gun for rabbits and squirrels but the shell price has gone up. its pretty bad when a box of 25 cost $8-10. but lately ive been using my .22 pistol its more of a challenge. when a rabbit comes out of a brush pile and you got the 12 or 20 gauge its no fun anymore especially with dogs because its almost impossible to miss. im really enjoying using the .22 more. i got a ruger 10/22 with 3-9 scope on and a .22 pistol that i use for squirrels, rabbits, coon, fox and coyote and yes i have killed a coyote with the .22 just use copper or brass plated hollow point and they drop like rocks even at 100 yards.

RE: Rabbit questions
 

As you can see, everyone has an opinion and they're all different. Shoot what you have and don't worry about it. You can buy 12 gauge shells with only 1 oz of shot or you can get 20 gauge shells with 1 1/4 oz of shot. There's a lot of overlapping of capabilities between the different size gauges so just find a load that works for you and use it.

Now, for my opinion. Most squirrels and rabbits are shot at close range so just about anything will work. I use larger shot just because there are fewer pellets to pick out of the meat. I've even used number 4 buckshot on rabbits, it may sound like overkill but the pellets are .24 caliber and usually only one or two pellets actually hit it, no worse onhim than using a .22. I've also reloaded shells with a felt wad above the pellets in order to help spread the shot faster.

RE: Rabbit questions
 

I prefer a light 20 gauge also

RE: Rabbit questions
 

I never use a rifle for rabbits because in my area, quail, woodcocks, doves, and sometimes pheasants are in the mix. Shotgun kind of depends on the conditions. With some good beagles that are gonna circle it back to you, a 410 or 20 gauge will do. I often use a 12 gauge though which expands your effective range when drive huntingwith other people instead of using dogs. Being careful to pick your short range shots and/or leading the rabbits well,will help cut down somewhat on pellets in the meat.

RE: Rabbit questions
 

When I live in the northeast I had the same situation. I used to reload only 7/8 oz of shot in a 12 gauge and use it for my first shot followed by two regular loads with 1 1/8 oz.

RE: Rabbit questions
 

410,28gauge or 22lr rifle or pistol are all fine,I used to use a 20gauge but thought it was over kill,now its just the 22 but sometimes I use the cci shot in the 22 pistolif Iam climbing around brush piles....

RE: Rabbit questions
 

I dont know about most of you but i have two dogs that smoke the rabbits. Their usually carrying the mail. I use a 12g. Remember the more bb's the better the chance you got to kill them.I have never had a problem.

RE: Rabbit questions
 

12 guage!