I would take the .410 with 3" no. 6s, based on years of squirreling. No. 6 shot will transfer more energy to the squirrel and penetrate to the vitals well. Any of the bigger gauges will surely get the job done, but having lots of fun while "making meat" is why I like the lil' guns so much.

Pattern density is the key with the .410s. The pellet energy is exactly the same as the same size pellet fired out of a 12, or 10, gauge (at the same velocity). They aren't toys. Putting plenty pellet strikes on the game is vital, and done with dense patterns. Full chokes all the way for me with the .410s.

if I was hunting for meat it would be a 12 ga 30 inch full choke and high brass no 4 s or 5 s.....shooting thru leaves you need that extra power.....charlie

Tight choked 20ga with 6's would be my choice........ At least of the guns I own.

But, my perfect squirrel gun my 50yr old newfangled Remington 1100 .410 with full choke....

Shoot em in the head, and don't waste any of that good rib meat. :D

I've had a lot of success with a 28ga. reproduction M/F with Win AA #8

I think this is being over-thought. You can kill a squirrel with anything, but I'd be partial to my F/F 26" Trojan in 16g and #5's.

ALL I CAN SAY IS TOO BAD PARKER BROS. NEVER MADE A DRILLING : )

Garry, the only solution to this is to take ALL of your Parkers squirrel hunting and by careful note taking report back your findings. This may be a long and arduous task but the results will be worth it to the group.

Why has nobody suggested a scoped .22 ?

Oh wait, I see... it is a "Which Parker" thread.



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4s with the 10 gauge hits them hard. I don't believe you can use too much shotgun really. Worst damage I've seen on a squirrel was a 17 hmr, blew it into literal pieces. Normally when I recover squirrels there's only a few pellets in the head. I've shot them with everything from
1 1/8oz loads to 2 1/4oz loads. Any shotgun load really will anchor them I say use whatever gun you enjoy carrying the most. If you don't like the heavy guns it's hard to go wrong with a 16 or 28 gauge for your small game hunting.

410 all day long

I ve squirl hunted with my 8 ga several times with no 6 lead its a little over kill but hey what a blast it is....it aint a parker but the little steven 410 and 22 over and under is the best squirl gun I ever used......charlie