I'm thinking about going squaril hunting this weekend and was wondering if a .410 would be ok to shot them with or should I go to a 12ga.  The big jump in size is because I only have a .410 and a 12ga.  A friend of mine told me that a .410 will just sting the squaril.

When squirel hunting the only two things I use are a sideXside .410 with #6 shot or a .32cal smoke-pole. They are not that hard to kill, and I use 3" shells in case I need to reach out a bit.  


I hope that helps.


Tony

Thank ya'll.  I thought a .410 would be ok.  Now all I have to do is get my hunting license.

Chris

Dude, I LOVE squirrel hunting with a single shot .410 that my Dad got me when I was 9 years old.
It's a Brazilian made (Rossi maybe?) one that he bought at TG&Y.

It throws a long, narrow shot string so you HAVE to know where it hits.  Pattern it on a big piece of cardboard at about 20 yards to see if your shotgun hits high, low, left, right, whatever, then hold accordingly when firing.  The long shot column also means that .410s have a pretty respectable effective range.

#6 shot patterns best out of my .410.  They are light, handy, fun little shotguns so don't leave it at home, use it!

I've killed tons of squirrels and rabbits with an 870 .410 using #6's, and they have always worked very well.

Got my first squaril today.  I am so proud.  I ain't able to eat it though.  It is full of wolves.