squirrel hunting

[starshine]

is using a panoramic sight good for squirrel hunting and close range shots I would like to start hunting these critters with a .22 rifle I have a ruger 10/22 with a 4x32 scope on it with a parellax setting of 50 yards, which would be better the scope or the panoramic sight

 

[Cosmoline]

Where's the no scope option? I see no need for one at all.

 

[gbran]

I use a 3x9 but generally keep it on 3 power. A red dot or open sights would work in most cases.

 

[bannockburn]

Currently I have an old Weaver K2.5 on my 10/22, but I wouldn't mind someday moving up to a 4X scope. With CCI MiniMags or Wolf Match Target, this rifle is capable of some pretty outstanding accuracy.

 

[Hardtarget]

Never hunted with a scope. A .22 with peeps is good for me. When I take the Savage .22/410 its just open sights. Have to admit...I haven't been after the bushy tail in several years.

Last week I was at the farm and the ground around hickory tree was deep with nut hulls. Those little critters have been busy!

A scope is great if the rifle is accurate enough to make it pay off. I hunt close enough to use the peep sights.

Mark

 

[Maia007]

Squirrel hunting demands quick sight placement on the target. I like iron sights best (ghost ring rear, gold bead front), but if I were to consider a scope it would be a 1x5 or a red-dot.

 

[deafdave3]

I use a low power Tasco scope on my Ruger 77/22 for squirrel hunting.

 

[AStone]

Where's the no scope option?
I see no need for one at all.

Ditto that.

A set of peep sights is all you need.

I recommend Skinner's.
Simple, elegant, well-made.

 

[deafdave3]

True, there's no need for one. However, I find it more fun and challenging to try to make a brain shot at 50 yards. Anybody can blow a squirrel out of a tree with a shotgun. I like to have a challenge!

 

[wankerjake]

I like my 3-9x setup. I have the see thru rings so I can use the iron sights on my 10/22 but I rarely use them. I can get on them pretty fast with a scope, but you don't generally need to... I tend to wait until they stop to blast them. I like the 9x when they get way up in the tree, or if the tree is so thick that I have to back way out to find them. I definitely use the 9x, and pretty often too.

 

[stonecoldy]

4 power has worked fine for me whether early or late in the season-peeps are great, love to use them, but I'm finally at the age the scope helps (sob). Not as precise as using higher powers but good for squirrels running on the ground.
I've always enjoyed stillhunting squirrels rather than sitting-on a nice day too likely to take a nap, plus you get to see more country.

I'll agree with Nematocyst on the Skinner peeps, have them on two Marlin levers and really like them. Check 'em out with the link he posted.

 

[JEB]

i like the 3-9. i carry with it set at 3 incase i stumble onto a tree rat and have to make a quick shot. however i like to have the option of a 9 power and yes i have used it more than once. i hate shooting them anywhere but the head and a little extra magnification can be very helpful.

 

[ghostv4]

Some of the best times i had as a kid, and now spend with taking my kids is going squirrel hunting. I have a old Marlin 22 mag with a 7 shot clip and use a 3x9 scope,I always just go for a nice and clean head shoot. with my scope it works great every time.

 

[cottswald]

I have a Weaver 4x28. Always go for the head shot. Makes skinning and dressing a lot less messy. I know guys that use higher powered scopes (not for accuracy, just to watch her split the hairs)!

 

[Yarddog]

I have'nt hunted tre rats in ages, But when I did I would find the T-Rs & pop one, They will scatter & I sit and wait till thet come back out get that bunch and move on & do it all over again ; ) PS I use a 3x9 on a savage bolt sighted @ 30-40 yrds
Y/D

 

[wyocarp]

If all you're planning to use is a 22, I hope you have good shot placement.

 

[cottswald]

Although I don't own one, I've seen holographic "panoramic" sights used very effectively on pistols. I see no reason they can't be properly mounted and just as effective on a rifle. Target acquisition is very fast, as fast (or faster) than open sights. Compact, light, just as (if not more) accurate as a scope since parallax is not an issue. In fact I think my next one will be a holo sight.

Check out this thread:

http://www.thehighroad.org/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=6733

 

[cottswald]

If all you're planning to use is a 22, I hope you have good shot placement.

Here's some guys with pretty good shot placement!

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=549061

 

[1911 guy]

I use a bolt rifle with a 3-9 set on 3X. If I get a shot over 30 yards or so, I dial it up a couple and usually have time to do so. If not, just pop 'em a 3X. I prefer head shots as they die extremely quickly and there's no wasted meat.

 

[Mudinyeri]

If all you're planning to use is a 22, I hope you have good shot placement.

Just like zombies ... head shots only.

 

[420Stainless]

Got a Bushnell 4X on my 10/22. Great for head shots at 50 yards.

 

[ssyoumans]

I use a 3-9x32 Simmons - don't see the need for an expensive scope on a rimfire with most shots <30 yards. Key thing is to get one that has parallax adjustment or has the parallax set for 50 yards instead of 100 yards found on most "rifle" scopes w/o adjustment. Most of the time, the scope is on 4-5x when hunting squirrels.

 

[ghitch75]

good scope will let you get more meat.....i don't eat the heads....22lr or in my case 10/17HM2 is great for head shots...

 

[HOOfan_1]

In my neck of the woods, the squirrels don't really get active until 30 minutes before sunset. It is really too dark to shoot only open sights at more than 10-15 yards.

I use 4 power fixed scopes.

 

[ritepath]

I have a 4-24 on my "built" 10/22, but my two bolt 22's are open sight, one had peeps the other isn't drilled for mounts.

I haven't went squack hunting for years until last weekend when my son wanted to take his open sighted 22 out. I tried to talk him into taking the 10/22 but he insisted on taking his rossi. LOL