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Joined: Jan 2008
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OP
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A long time ago when I was a teenager, there were no deer in this area of Georgia, so most hunting involved small game such as squirrels, and most of it was done with 12-gauge shotguns (with the occasional .22). I'm considering getting back into squirrel hunting. I have four 12-gauge shotguns, all of them Remingtons, but I thought I might want to try a 20-gauge. I was at the LGS last week, and they have a used 20-gauge Model 870, matte finish, camo synthetic stock/forearm, short barrel, rem-choke, $325.00.
Most hunting would involve shooting them out of the upper limbs of pecan trees.
Anyone here use the 20-gauge for that kind of hunting? Opinions? Or should I just dust off one the 12-gauges?
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Joined: Nov 2013
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Campfire Regular
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A 20 ga. will kill 'em dead, Dead, DEAD! And you'll have fewer pellets to chew on (given the same choke being used).
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2005
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A 20 is a bunch of fun... You won't reach out like a full choke 12 gauge with heavy 1 1/4 ounce loads, but do you really care? I'm not that hungry for squirrel meat. I go squirrel hunting for fun and sneaking a bit closer is fun.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2011
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If you want an excuse to buy a new shotgun fine.. I own a couple 20's.. They are trimmer and lighter than my 12's, but you can buy any load you will shoot in a 20 in a 12 ga. 7/8- 1 1/4oz. loads.. The 12's will generally be cheaper.. Plus you can, you want get much heavier loads than can be fired in a 20.. But getting a new gun is always fun..
Molon Labe
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Joined: Dec 2011
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20ga is fine. I use #4's because I eat them and I don't like digging pellets out of them.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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Get a 10/22 shoot them in the head.
Well we're Green and we're Gold, and we play better when it's cold. All us Cheese heads have our favorite superstar. We love Brett Favre.
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Joined: Nov 2013
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Campfire Regular
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Get a 10/22 shoot them in the head. Because the guy wants a new 20 ga. Let's help him out here.
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Joined: Sep 2009
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I have been shooting squirrels with a 20 gauge for years. I tend to use #6s most of the time. It is actually a great combination.
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Joined: Sep 2012
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I'd think a nice little SXS would be fun for Squirrels....CZ makes one that's pretty affordable.....not as "cheap" as a plastic 870 but a lot nicer.....
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Joined: Dec 2011
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I'd think a nice little SXS would be fun for Squirrels....CZ makes one that's pretty affordable.....not as "cheap" as a plastic 870 but a lot nicer..... I would like to have one of those 5.5 lb Dickson 28 ga shotguns that Cabelas has. We hunted squirrels with a 410 growing up and I don't ever remember shooting at one that didn't fall dead.
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Joined: Sep 2012
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I'd think a nice little SXS would be fun for Squirrels....CZ makes one that's pretty affordable.....not as "cheap" as a plastic 870 but a lot nicer..... I would like to have one of those 5.5 lb Dickson 28 ga shotguns that Cabelas has. We hunted squirrels with a 410 growing up and I don't ever remember shooting at one that didn't fall dead. CZ also makes a 28 on a 28ga frame at 5.6 lbs......and a .410 at 5.2 lbs.....both sound like fun squirrel guns..... I've actually handled a fellow I ran into while Quail hunting's 28ga....they're sweet little guns.... http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-bobwhite-12-26-5-choke-tubes/scroll to the right to see the other ga's.....
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Joined: Dec 2011
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Campfire Outfitter
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I'd think a nice little SXS would be fun for Squirrels....CZ makes one that's pretty affordable.....not as "cheap" as a plastic 870 but a lot nicer..... I would like to have one of those 5.5 lb Dickson 28 ga shotguns that Cabelas has. We hunted squirrels with a 410 growing up and I don't ever remember shooting at one that didn't fall dead. CZ also makes a 28 on a 28ga frame at 5.6 lbs......and a .410 at 5.2 lbs.....both sound like fun squirrel guns..... I've actually handled a fellow I ran into while Quail hunting's 28ga....they're sweet little guns.... http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-bobwhite-12-26-5-choke-tubes/scroll to the right to see the other ga's..... I wasn't aware of the 28ga CZ. They are likely made in the same factory as the Dickson. I've never owned a 28 but everyone says they are about 90% of what a 20 is. Should be great for everything up to Pheasant IMHO.
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Joined: Feb 2002
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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I have the CZ Ringneck in 16 ga and it is one of the best feeling SXS I have used. Last time in SD it smoked the Pheasants.
A Doe walks out of the woods today and says, that is the last time I'm going to do that for Two Bucks.
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I like hunting them with a .22 or a 20 ga. 7/8 or 1 oz of 6s are great in a 20 ga. The shells are smaller so you can carry them in your pockets without being so bulky and a 20 is lighter. A tight choked 20 with 1 oz of 6s can kill a tall squirrel.
Eating fried chicken and watermelon since 1972.
You tell me how I ought to be, yet you don't even know your own sexuality,, the philosopher,,, you know so much about nothing at all. Chuck Schuldiner
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[quote=seal_billy]I like hunting them with a .22 or a 20 ga. 7/8 or 1 oz of 6s are great in a 20 ga. The shells are smaller so you can carry them in your pockets without being so bulky and a 20 is lighter. A tight choked 20 with 1 oz of 6s can kill a tall squirrel. [/quote
Yep , high brass 6 shot, full choke will reach out there.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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I use a 20 ga for all upland game.....and I'm one to use a full choke in both barrels.....it's a truly fine shotgun.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Campfire Outfitter
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My favorite 20 gauge works on squawks...
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Campfire Regular
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I use a Dickinson, daughter uses my old Bobwhite, both 20ga. Our favorites for upland, rabbit, and squirrel. Good load and pattern, the 20ga is very effective, even for turkey.
�I've never met a genius. A genius to me is someone who does well at something he hates. Anybody can do well at something he loves -- it's just a question of finding the subject.�
- Clint Eastwood
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Gary, can you compare the difference between the Dickinson and the CZ. I've handled the CZ's but not the Dickinson.
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Campfire Tracker
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I will sometimes use a scattergun for squirrels. 20 is great but a 28 or even full choke .410 will work. I use either #6 or #4 shot for them.
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