Gun Dog Forum

Squirrel is getting ready to open up in VA. What would be your gun of choice? I have an old Stevens single shot .22, but was thinking of small round semi auto. Any make/model suggestions would be appreciated.

Kimber .22 with a 6X or a 16 gauge full choke Model 12.
For looks and tradition...Winchester Model 61.

I have had excellent results with the .17 HMR, but if I were to buy new I would get the. 17 WSM.

Why would you need anything more than a standard .22 for squirrels?. My choice for a semi auto would still be a Ruger 10/22.

As for my favorite "squirrel gun" goes, its an Air Force Pre charged pneumatic air gun that shoots 177 cal pellets as fast as most .22's do with very little cost, but its not semi.

The savage .17 looks like a neat rifle, and one I would like to have but might be a bit much for old bushy tail. Both Marlin and Ruger seem to make some nice semi auto's and are reasonably priced. Heading out to shop on Monday. To scope or not to scope?

Scope. And I am not a big fan of semi-auto in rimfire. They are fun to bounce coke cans, but everyone I have owned suffered compared to a bolt action in accuracy.

IMO, bolt action .22 with scope is the way to go. The scope is a great advantage, not only for pin pointing the vital spots and at longer ranges, but they are great for locating hiding sqirrels in a tree. Many times you can spot the tip of a tail or an ear and/or eye that you would never see with the naked eye and make a well placed shot to pick him out of the tree. If hunting with a shotgun, I like a 20ga. with a mod. or full choke barrel loaded with 1oz. of #5 shot. It is a really fun sport and they make great table fare. Not so much anymore, but I used to be obsessed with it and was [bragging a little] very good at it, hunting more with my ears than my eyes.

Charlie

Just let me add, squirrels are pretty tough critters. At least the fox and grey squirrels are, which are the only species I have ever hunted. If you are not careful and responsible you will end up with a wounded animal that will crawl off and die. Pick your spot carefully and never shoot a squirrel in the body or one facing away from you. If using a shotgun, take a careful aim, the same as you would with a rifle. When using a shotgun I usually aim at the tip of the nose and slowly squeeze the trigger. When using a rifle, I usually aim for the sholder area unless the head is all I have. The shoulder area is a little more forgiving and allows for a little bigger vital area. Nothing wrong with aiming at the head either if you are confident enough but just remember it can be a very small target. Just some thoughts and advise.

Charlie

Ruger 10/22 with a bull barrel, 2x7 40 scope and r-subsonics.

My favorite squirrel gun is my Savage heavy bbl 17hmr. my go to squirrel gun since I was 12 has been a ruger model 96 22lr.

I also will occasionally drag oput an old beater stevens 20ga SxS.

Jim

17 hmr. I own a Marlin it is the most accurate rifle i own.Head shots on squirrels out to 50 yards is easy if you have the rifle dialed in.100 yrd shots are a challenge but can be done.

Whats wrong with the gun you have now? I bet you won't find 1 squirrel that wil complain about being shot with it. But, if I had to have a new squirrel gun I would look at a 10/22. Very reliable, and accurate.

Hoosierdaddy wrote:17 hmr. I own a Marlin it is the most accurate rifle i own.Head shots on squirrels out to 50 yards is easy if you have the rifle dialed in.100 yrd shots are a challenge but can be done.

The. 17 WSM shines out to 150 yards. Not that you ned that kind of range for squirrels, beter to learn to stalk in closer.