i am going hunting in pennsylvania in November for mainly squirrels and rabbits, i will use a mossberg 500 for the rabbits, but im not sure what to use for squirrels, i can either use a ruger 10/22, scope zeroed in perfectly, i can get 5 shots through the same hole, or a .12 gage using low brass #6 shot... any suggestions?.12 gage or ruger 10/22 for hunting squirrels?
A head shot with a .22 does away with the problem of bits of shot ending up in the meat. Not a pleasant thing to bite down on. If you are as good as you say, go with the .22 for the squirrels. I'd use it on the bunnies for the same reason. When you're good enough to do it, go for it..12 gage or ruger 10/22 for hunting squirrels?
Ok, you CAN technically use a rifle, or even a low caliber pistol to shoot the rabbits, but a shotgun is a little too much for a squirrel I'd say. I'd use the rifle for the squirrels, and the shotgun for the rabbits. If you're not hunting rabbits with dogs, then I don't see much of a problem with hunting rabbits with the rifle as well, just be aware, if you're using dogs, and trying to aim with a scope, you have a chance of losing your peripheral vision and shooting a dog. That's what would make the biggest difference to me, is if you're taking dogs to chase the rabbits, otherwise, do what you think you're capable of, although rabbit hunting with a rifle sounds unsafe to me.
consider this, if your hunting squirrels and a rabbit jumps up, or vice versa, you will use what is in your hand, correct? so if you can use one gun for both, why carry two guns?
in my opinion, the 22 is more fun to hunt with, but the shotgun will bring home more meat. i prefer the 22 for rabbits, since they will usually run a short distance when flushed from cover, then stop to check their surroundings. the 22 gives me the edge for distance shots.
on the other hand, nothing beats a shotgun for fast moving targets, whether in the tree or on the ground.
i have hunted squirrels for years with a shotgun loaded with 12 gage,
2 3/4 in #6 shot and have never had a problem with damaged meat, unless i shot full choke too close. (i use a side by side full and modified)
my opinion? take the shotgun, leave the 22 at home. hunt smart and bring home the game.
It depends on what you're comfortable shooting. I know that people have recommended the 10/22. That's great if you can hit the target. Some have a hard time doing that and it is imperative to watch where you are shooting because the bullets travel over a mile.
It's easier to hit a rabbit or squirrel with a shotgun, although I would not use #6s. That is more for ducks and pheasant. I would use #7.5, 8 or 9s. Using an improved cylinder choke tube will give you a wider pattern so if you hit an animal, it won't tear up the meat as much as a full or modified choke.
The shot gun is your best bet. The 22 will tear up more then a shot gun unless you can make head shots. As long as you are shooting at a distance and not point blank, the shot gun will only hit with a few pellets. If you are just sitting and watching, then the 22 is ok, but a running shot will need a shot gun.
When I hunt alone I stick with an accurate 22 rifle and try to keep it at head shots, but when hunting with a friend, w go with 1 rifle and 1 shotgun. The runners are collected with the shotgun, while those sitting and scolding are head shot. I also think low brass #6 shot is the best. any smaller and you will have alot more pellets to find..
Happy hunting
The Ruger 10/22 is an excellent choice for Squirrel Hunting. Like the answer before me stated, you will lose a lot of meat with a Shot-Gun.
Use a .22.
Use the .22 for both or you will loose a lot of meat.
which ever your most comfortable with ,they are both good!
A .12 gage has too many pellet . question is how many hole do you want in a squirrel ?
