Alot of people talk about semi auto's and lever actions. But I like a pump gun myself. just self preference. I like to shoot cci shorts and they seemed to want to jam more in a semi auto so I bought me a remington 572. Not really a gun many guys speak of but they been making them for years now and are great little rifles. accurate too! I would recommend this gun to you but it most likely out of the price range your wanting to spend. Im going to put a 3x9x40 on mine. I want a good field of view so I wont be going with the 32. 4 power scope just isnt for me. I want to really zoom in on the little guy and get that head shot. But once again its all self preference. I have had people laugh at me when i say im going to put a 3x9 on there for squirrel hunting. Just get something that is comfortable to you and get you a nice scope. Nothing wrong with spending a little extra on a nice scope, theyll last for years to come. I would prefer shooting shorts though. much quieter in the woods. but thats just me.
wanna get into squirrel hunting but need help.
- Thread starter frankenstein406
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Yes, CCI standard velocity has an fps rating of 1080 http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=143578 and would be considered subsonic. It is also considered an excellent small game round.
"Standard velocity" is often used interchangeably with "subsonic". However there is a difference. Subsonic will always mean anything below the speed of sound (1140 feet per second). It can also be very low, like 5 or 6 hundred fps. which has its uses, but would probably be considered inadequate for small game hunting. Always check the fps rating. Standard velocity on the other hand is normally no less than 1000 fps. When you get into the "high velocity" your usually talking around 1260 fps.
Regarding the rifle. Bullets increase in speed as they travel through the bore (to a point). Most standard/high velocity .22lr rounds require at least a 16.5 in. barrel to obtained maximum velocity. After that the bullet gradually begins to slow down.
Also, keep in mind that fps ratings are approximations. Bullet speed can be affected by conditions such as temperature and humidity. For instance it is possible for a subsonic round to travel above the speed of sound under very cold conditions. In the field, energy/velocity ratings should be considered as a general guide only.
It's too bad so few pumps are made. They make for an excellent repeater, much faster than a bolt or even a lever action.
towboat_er
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- 889
sounds like fair deals to me.
towboat_er
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Gotta go with the auto loader.
T.R.
Member
I hunt with a Marlin 22 MAG when the leaves are gone. But in the early season, my antique 16 gauge single shot has been quite productive for me.
TR
TR
HelterSkelter
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- Jan 4, 2011
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- 110
i use a gamo pellet gun for killing... i mean hunting squirrels. quiet enough to shoot anywhere, even in the city limits, yet strong enough to take out a squirrel at up to 100 yards.
Grousefeather
Member
Squirrel hunting
My new favorite thing in the last few years. I have several guns dedicated to this. Marlin 39a, Marlin 99 M-1. CZ 452 American, and a 513. Also a 1894M, Marlin 22 Mag. All scoped and sighted in at 25yrds. The mag at 50. Get some squirrel targets and shoot. Adds to the reality. Shoot in various positions but if you can, sitting with back to tree. Set youself up to as real conditions as you find on a hunt. Once your set up and feel comfortable, that first hit is so nice.
My new favorite thing in the last few years. I have several guns dedicated to this. Marlin 39a, Marlin 99 M-1. CZ 452 American, and a 513. Also a 1894M, Marlin 22 Mag. All scoped and sighted in at 25yrds. The mag at 50. Get some squirrel targets and shoot. Adds to the reality. Shoot in various positions but if you can, sitting with back to tree. Set youself up to as real conditions as you find on a hunt. Once your set up and feel comfortable, that first hit is so nice.
Moose1995
Member
+1 HelterSkelter. My squirrel gun is a RWS 34 in .177 cal. Very accurate out to 50 yds. Almost always head shots on all the nuisance squirrels and chipmunks around my house. Granted, I could have bought several nice 22 rifles for less money, but can't beat the price of ammo. Plus the neighbors don't get upset from the noise.
RogueLeader
Member
I use a handgun for the most part. I had a 4" Smith & Wesson 22-32 kit gun that was very accurate and head shots at 20' to 40' were not a problem for this gun. There aren't many places where it's legal to shoot squirrels in the southwest, as many of them carry bubonic plague (at least that's the reason given in the hunting laws for Nevada and California). But they also make good rabbit harvesters.
25cschaefer
Member
I use a Henry trapper model, very short with the big loop for gloves. I mounted a 30mm red dot to it for faster target acquisition. I like lever and bolt guns because they will eat about anything from sub sonic 22 short to stingers. With the red dot, it is great for rabbits because there is only one sight to align and I have out shot guys with shotguns on rabbits. I live in MT now and use the same set up for grouse, with mini mags or stingers I hit them in the head at 25 yds, if I'm big game hunting and happen upon a grouse I use sub sonic shorts and try to get closer like 10 yds and under for head shots.
langenc
Member
I never could get the Mr Squirrel to work for me. I believe it still hangs in the garage.
My favorite squirrel rifle is a 17 HMR NEF Heavy barrel Sportster single shot with a 6x20 power Tasco on it, I am able to make 200 yard kills on the critters. Its great practice for long distance shooting. I normally set up on a clear cut with a set of shooting sticks. Lots of fun!
Cob
Member
Smell the Squirrel
here are some important tips my grandfather used to tell me about Squirrel Hunting.
1. Squirrels seem have distinctive breeding season, and the males seem to stay in rut alot. There is distinctive odor associated with the male squirrel, sort of a mild musky odor, and there is No mistaking the smell, if you ever taste it in your nostrils. When the odor hits you while hunting, freeze, take the safety off, and get ready for the shot.
2. When you dress the squirrel, make sure to set the Brains aside (still in the skull), and fry them along with the rest of the squirrel with dumplings. The brains will make you "squirrel smart", and you will be a better squirrel hunter the next trip. (Grandpa used to use a spoon to crack the skull, and eat them with biscuits and gravy in the morning. The eyes will be a blue purple color, and will be staring at you when you crack the skull. It freaked me out a bit, but i still tried it. Raw oysters are easier.)
3. When stalking or slip hunting, there are several species of squirrels: Gray or Cat Squirrels, & Fox Squirrels. BTW Fox Squirrels are now on the Species of Special Concern list for FL. They seldom interact, and feed at different times of the day. With a little scouting, you can pattern the squirrels you are hunting.
4. A lightweight shotgun with #6 or #7 shot is great at making those long running shots thru the trees. I love my 20 gauge, remington Model 1100 (semi-auto) for this sport.
5. "Learn their language": Squirrels are very vocal, and communicate in "barks", "squeals", "chattering", and non-audible body language including: frantic tail waving and posturing. you can zero in on the critters from a distance.. Repetitive long barks are used often, and there is one frantic barking sound that sort of means "Terror/ Danger"... When one voices the alarm, the rest generally listen. If you hear this call, you have just been busted, and should either wait them out a while, or move to a new location.
6. Some habitat types are better than others: You can't beat a mature hardwood stand with lots of heavy mast, or a pecan orchard.
here are some important tips my grandfather used to tell me about Squirrel Hunting.
1. Squirrels seem have distinctive breeding season, and the males seem to stay in rut alot. There is distinctive odor associated with the male squirrel, sort of a mild musky odor, and there is No mistaking the smell, if you ever taste it in your nostrils. When the odor hits you while hunting, freeze, take the safety off, and get ready for the shot.
2. When you dress the squirrel, make sure to set the Brains aside (still in the skull), and fry them along with the rest of the squirrel with dumplings. The brains will make you "squirrel smart", and you will be a better squirrel hunter the next trip. (Grandpa used to use a spoon to crack the skull, and eat them with biscuits and gravy in the morning. The eyes will be a blue purple color, and will be staring at you when you crack the skull. It freaked me out a bit, but i still tried it. Raw oysters are easier.)
3. When stalking or slip hunting, there are several species of squirrels: Gray or Cat Squirrels, & Fox Squirrels. BTW Fox Squirrels are now on the Species of Special Concern list for FL. They seldom interact, and feed at different times of the day. With a little scouting, you can pattern the squirrels you are hunting.
4. A lightweight shotgun with #6 or #7 shot is great at making those long running shots thru the trees. I love my 20 gauge, remington Model 1100 (semi-auto) for this sport.
5. "Learn their language": Squirrels are very vocal, and communicate in "barks", "squeals", "chattering", and non-audible body language including: frantic tail waving and posturing. you can zero in on the critters from a distance.. Repetitive long barks are used often, and there is one frantic barking sound that sort of means "Terror/ Danger"... When one voices the alarm, the rest generally listen. If you hear this call, you have just been busted, and should either wait them out a while, or move to a new location.
6. Some habitat types are better than others: You can't beat a mature hardwood stand with lots of heavy mast, or a pecan orchard.
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Myles
Member
2 quarters in your off-hand, rubbed together mimics the chattering, and will bring out the squirrels, or make them stop on the branch to listen.
R_P_K
Member
First post. had to comment on this also. Shooting nests requires no skill and potentially leaves quite a few injured(soon to be dead) squirrels in the nest. Sounds like stuff I used to do when I was 12. Bad practice and frowned upon where i'm from also. If you cant see them don't shoot. Bad for the squirrel population and just bad ju ju.
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trapper500
member
Squirrel hunting
Hey i love to squirrel hunt myself i use a remington 870 with a load i follow from the Lyman shotshell manual & its killed alot of the squirrels i also use my remington 597 on em too . I always use the CCI Stingers 36grain HP it kills them really well
Hey i love to squirrel hunt myself i use a remington 870 with a load i follow from the Lyman shotshell manual & its killed alot of the squirrels i also use my remington 597 on em too . I always use the CCI Stingers 36grain HP it kills them really well
Jonah71
Member
I killed more of the little "rats" (but never more than would fit in the freezer) when I was 8-14 than I can count with my little Stevens single shot bolt action loaded with .22 shorts. I'd find an exposed tree root or big rock near the bottom of a usually dry creek bed surrounded on both sides with trees loaded with squirrel nests. After shooting one (usually a head shot...I could see back then), I'd simply wait quietly for a few minutes and repeat. After bagging 5-6 from different trees I'd head home and clean them. Haven't hunted them for many years. And now I can honestly say I'd have to be very hungry before I'd eat another one! But the .22 short worked just fine. And I didn't even know how to use a scope. Why would anyone need a scope for squirrel? That's more target practice than hunting imo.
Grandparents have a few pecan trees that the squirrels have attacked. Grandpa used to keep a henry .22 in the bathroom (window faced the biggest tree) and a towel rolled up on the window sill. Just found out he's gotten to where it's hard to hold it steady, so he uses a 20 ga. single barrel (grandmother won't let him keep it in the bathroom though).
Best option for squirrel hunting: find someone with pecan trees and ask if they'd like help controlling the squirrel population. Not "hunting" in the traditional sense, but a lot of fun.
Depending on where I'm at (closer to houses or not), I use either a .410 single shot or a Marlin 891T with an ancient weaver K2.5. The weaver's got one of those "target dot" reticles that juuuust fits a squirrel's brain pan at about 35 yards. Point and click.
Dumplins is all we've ever done with them, but I'm gonna have to try the bbq thing.
Best option for squirrel hunting: find someone with pecan trees and ask if they'd like help controlling the squirrel population. Not "hunting" in the traditional sense, but a lot of fun.
Depending on where I'm at (closer to houses or not), I use either a .410 single shot or a Marlin 891T with an ancient weaver K2.5. The weaver's got one of those "target dot" reticles that juuuust fits a squirrel's brain pan at about 35 yards. Point and click.
Dumplins is all we've ever done with them, but I'm gonna have to try the bbq thing.
Sako Shooter
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- Apr 14, 2011
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- 110
Finally a topic I know a little bit about.
First, hunting with a shotgun definitely makes taking squirrels easier, but shotguns are NOISY. That means noisy to other squirrels and everyone a mile away if not further will hear you shoot. That's why I switched to .22 bolt guns.
I find, all things equal, for the money a bolt gun will be more accurate than a stock semi, at least again for the $$ spent. I like a light bolt gun since I have to carry it. By coincidence, yesterday I bought a CZ 452 American with the 16" barrel, arguably about the best squirrel gun made for the thick woods because of the short barrel. It only weighs 5.3 lbs. I am also a long-time fan of the CZ rimfires, so my opinion is biased. I also like my Sako Quad and CZ 452 Trainer, which are deadly accurate.
I actually like to hunt with higher magnification (8 to 12 power) and use an adjustable objective scope. To me, the Leupold VX3 - 4.5 x 14 x 40 is hard to beat. I can easily adjust the adjustable objective for shooting distance, plus it serves a double duty allowing me to judge distance. Both the CZ and Sako are "one hole guns" from 25-35 yards away.
Now for ammo, that depends. For quiter, shorter shots the Winchester and SK subsonics are hard to beat. RWS also makes a fine subsonic. I hear Eley may be introducing its highly accurate subsponic HPs again this fall. I will be buying.
For longer shots out to 50 yards I like SK HV HPs and American Eagle HV HPs due to their accuarcy.
I also only hunt squirrel with hollow point ammo, but then again that's just me.
Now, I did look into the Clark Custom and Volquartsen .22 semis, which as I understand can shoot just as accurately if not better than the bolt guns, and also have the advantage of a quicker follow up shot. I may buy one later when I feel the need to add another rimfire. They are top notch semis as I appreciate it.
Also, the HM2 has a cult following with squirrel hunters with some attesting there is nothing better. I do OK with my .22s, however.
First, hunting with a shotgun definitely makes taking squirrels easier, but shotguns are NOISY. That means noisy to other squirrels and everyone a mile away if not further will hear you shoot. That's why I switched to .22 bolt guns.
I find, all things equal, for the money a bolt gun will be more accurate than a stock semi, at least again for the $$ spent. I like a light bolt gun since I have to carry it. By coincidence, yesterday I bought a CZ 452 American with the 16" barrel, arguably about the best squirrel gun made for the thick woods because of the short barrel. It only weighs 5.3 lbs. I am also a long-time fan of the CZ rimfires, so my opinion is biased. I also like my Sako Quad and CZ 452 Trainer, which are deadly accurate.
I actually like to hunt with higher magnification (8 to 12 power) and use an adjustable objective scope. To me, the Leupold VX3 - 4.5 x 14 x 40 is hard to beat. I can easily adjust the adjustable objective for shooting distance, plus it serves a double duty allowing me to judge distance. Both the CZ and Sako are "one hole guns" from 25-35 yards away.
Now for ammo, that depends. For quiter, shorter shots the Winchester and SK subsonics are hard to beat. RWS also makes a fine subsonic. I hear Eley may be introducing its highly accurate subsponic HPs again this fall. I will be buying.
For longer shots out to 50 yards I like SK HV HPs and American Eagle HV HPs due to their accuarcy.
I also only hunt squirrel with hollow point ammo, but then again that's just me.
Now, I did look into the Clark Custom and Volquartsen .22 semis, which as I understand can shoot just as accurately if not better than the bolt guns, and also have the advantage of a quicker follow up shot. I may buy one later when I feel the need to add another rimfire. They are top notch semis as I appreciate it.
Also, the HM2 has a cult following with squirrel hunters with some attesting there is nothing better. I do OK with my .22s, however.
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