How to Pick a Gun for Squirrel Hunting

There are many options available for the squirrel hunter. The age, size and experience of the hunter as well as the season and terrain of the area will dictate what gun will be best for squirrel hunting. Rifles and shotguns are the most favored guns for squirrel hunting.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Choose a shotgun based on the amount of recoil and power for distance. Your choices are the 10 gauge, 12 gauge, 16 gauge and 20 gauge, 28 gauge and .410. The 10 gauge has the most power and recoil and the .410 has the least power and recoil. The most common shotgun for squirrel hunting is the 12 gauge, but the .410 would be the best for young hunters who are just starting out.
2. Choose a rifle if you are going squirrel hunting when the trees are not heavy with leaves. Accuracy is also more important when using a rifle, as there is only one projectile as opposed to the spread of shot with the shotgun. Most states require a rimfire rifle when hunting squirrel. The .22 Longrifle is by far the most popular rimfire rifle for squirrel, though there is a .17 caliber rimfire rifle available too. The 22 long rifle has more power and requires a little less accuracy than the .17. Accuracy is important with the .17 gauge, as the bullet will do much more damage to the meat, unless a headshot is taken.
3. Consider the Savage combination over and under with a .22 rifle on top and a 20 gauge shotgun on the bottom. There are several types of combinations you can choose from, but this combination would be great for hunting squirrel.