.32 or .36

[Don]

Well, I got my birthday comin up and I'm lookin at squirrel rifles but I'm torn between gettin a .32 cal or a .36. What has been others experience with these rifle calibers and what would you choose? Both rifles are 1:48 twist but the .32 has fiber optic sights which may be a major factor. Humble opinions sought.

Thanks

Don

 

[Stumpkiller]

I've never owned a .32, but had a .36 for several years. My suggestion would be that if you ever wanted to try longer-range woodchuck (150 yds) or coyote to go with the .36. If you are sticking to squirrel and bunny go for the .32.

I would like to have a light .32 for squirrels and just general target-of-opportunity popping. It's on the "Someday" list.

 

[SquirrelsaurusR]

Exactly which rifles are you considering?

 

I've had 3 or 4, 32 cal. over the years and currently own 2, 36 cal., one flint and one percussion. I much prefer the 36's. No reason other than I like the 36 cal. better.

For small game I don't believe a person could find anything wrong with either caliber. 36 is probably just a wee bit more versatile. If you haven't heard already you probably will hear that the 32 is more cantankerous, sensitive to fouling, kinda difficult to find "stuff" for....and all of that is a little true. I never had any real problems with any of the above mentioned, but, the fact is sub-bores require just a bit more attention to detail than the larger bores. I believe they're worth that little extra effort, both calibers!!

Vic

 

[BrownBear]

I'm having a ball with the 36- So much fun in fact, that I'm thinking seriously about getting a 32 also. If a 32 will perform anything like my 36, you should really enjoy yourself with either one. My 36 split quite a few bunny heads last winter, along with poking a whole bunch of holes in paper and stuff. You are likely to shoot enough to think seriously about casting your own RBs.

 

[Don]

I ended up going with the .36. Price was the biggest consideration but also availability of supplies for it and the versatility factor as well. I got the CVA squirrel gun through Deer Creek. I see folks put CVA products down but I've always gotten great accuracy from them. I know all their little quirks and problems and found ways to correct them. I'm just sorry CVA has gone exclusivly to the in-lines now. A big marketing mistake as far as I'm concerned. Maybe they will see the error of their ways a few years down the road when the in-line craze calms down and folks are looking for an economical way to get a feel for history again.

Don

 

[Don]

Well my purchase was well timed. Just found out that NH fish and game extended the season for grey squirrels. I can start hunting them the first of September instead of the first of October. I told my wife that means I'll be bringing even more squirrels home for supper. She could hardly contain herself(snicker, tee hee). I'm one of very few sqirrel enthusiasts in my area. In fact I don't know of anyone else in central NH who likes to squirrel hunt. Oh well, all the more for me.

Don

 

I have a crockett and a hopkins and allen . The h-a in the 36 is not nearly as fussy about patch and powder as the crockett in the 32 . Head shots are a must with either or you will cut the squirrel apart. I guess if I could only have one it would be the h-a .

 

[Dave K]

I have .32,.38 and .40cal. I really don't see any real difference between them. I will say though that the .38 and .40 can also be used for deer, here in Ohio if need be.All rifles will be used for head shooting squirrels anyhow. I use only 15gr. of powder in the .32 for squirrels and 25gr. in the .40 for squirrels. After shooting the squirrels, have no opinion. ::

 

[shmrck1]

I have both a .32 $ .36 cal and for squirrel I strongly
suggest the .32. (very accurate $ a lot less meat damage)
I am snake-eyes

 

Don...ya need to head to Missouri. Our squirrel season opened Memorial Day weekend and runs thru January 15th. All ya gotta fight is the ticks and chiggers when the hickory nuts and mulberrys are ripe. Great summer hunting and suppers!

Vic

 

[shmrck1]

Don
what did you decide on?????
I am snake-eyes ::

 

Bit late but... I have a .32 flint, 15/16" x 28" GM barrel. Quite the chunk of iron to carry around all day but she holds well and shoots excellent. Using 25 grains of 3F Goex, she'll print nicely out to 75 yds with a cast Lee .311" ball. Wiping between shots is a must especially when temps are below 40F. 30 grains packs a whallop but does not print well beyond 50 yds. Got mine for squirrels and turkeys but have yet to kill anything but paper.... .40 is coming soon too!