question for squirrel hunters

I have a single shot .22/20 gauge from Savage. This is a great beginner gun. A selector switch on the hammer to toggle between rimfire rifle and shotgun depending on the situation.
 
I started with a .410, and still use it for squirrels. I would start with a 20 gauge though. My dad's a .410 guy, so I just had to practice (and miss) a lot. Then again, we have a hunting buddy that can't hit a squirrel with a 12. So whatever you choose, teach'em to use it well!
 
Use a well sited in .22 I have a Lakefield single shot .22 that can easily pop the eye out of a squirrel at 100 feet.
 
20 gauge over the .410 for sure.

it will be enough gun for him for years to come and can use it for rabbits, ducks/geese or deer/hogs with a slug

I was a small kid and grandpa bought a single 12 gauge for me at 11 after using my moms old .410 for a year, my first .22 at 8 yrs

The 12g was a bit much for me the first year but I would not let gramps know that!

the recoil on a 20g won't be hard on him if your using a light load, a good recoil pad and he knows what to expect.

have fun and let us know your choice, with pics after use. love seeing kids grin ear to ear
 
I started with a 16 ga. at age 8. My dad's old gun, a Mossberg bolt action with a Poly-Choke. We had Winchester Super-X high brass 6s. My older brother, age 10, fired it once, handed it back to my dad and walked the quarter mile back to the house without saying a word. He never fired another firearm of any kind. When I shot it, it kicked the snot out of me, but all I could say was, "Dad, gimme another shell, PLEASE!"

If a kid is meant to be a hunter, the recoil of a 20 ga. won't bother him a bit. If he don't like it, it's better to find out sooner than later.
 
Id suggest a 20 ga as well...I honestly see a .410 as more of a exp hunters gun myself. Takes much more control and exp to shoot one correctly. I use one for fun after Ive filled the freezer with a 20 ga or a 12 ga..That and a 28 ga Lisa bought me a few years ago..
 
I started on a single shot .410 like a lot of other people. I'd say go with the .410 for his first gun. Everyone keeps saying "He'll miss more with a .410" Well... that's why he needs to practice, and become a better marksman. A .410 will make him a better shooter, in the long run. He needs to learn to make his shots count, and that will transfer over well whenever he starts shooting a rifle/handgun. YMMV.
 
.22 or .410 would be ok. Take him up to the North Kaibab where you won't have to worry about shooting near structures. Fall is a good time to visit the North Rim Grand Canyon.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top