.36 vs. .40 for Squirrel Rifle

[Thomas S]

I'm going to build a squirrel rifle using a 13/16" x 42" barrel, I had initally planned on going with a .36 cal. until I got to thinking of switching to a .40 cal. to cut down on weight, possibly making the rifle handle better.
What are your thoughts, would the .40 handle/balance better than the .36 due to the difference in weight? Any help will be appreciated.

Steve

 

[Wes/Tex]

Yes, the balance would probably be better with the .40 but unless you're a good shot, the .40 can be a bit tough on small game like squirrels or rabbit. Unless you're good enough to be sure of taking only head shots.

 

[nchawkeye]

Well, I don't believe you will tell a difference in a squirrel's head between a .36 or .40...Just drop down to 25grs or so...I was taught that a squirrel hunter always went for the head shot...

There will be a slight weight difference between the two but many of us prefer a muzzle heavy rifle for fine shooting...

One advantage of a .40 is you can still use a 3/8 ramrod and it fills the bore, so you are less likely to break it...

My .40 is also a 13/16 x 42 inch barrel, it handles and shoots just fine..

 

[BillinOregon]

I went with .40 on my all-purpose Roy Stroh flinter. One reason is that .40 is the minimum for ML deer here in Oregon.

 

Both calibers have nothing on the 32 as a squirrel gun but they both do a bit better on larger stuff. But the 32 would be heavier because of more meat on the barrel. There are different barrel profiles to choose from. I did convert an octogon blan to octogon to round by lots of filing and it reduced weight a bit. Might be something if u dont want to invest in more expensive profiled barrels. If you go with straight octagon, I would go with the 40. Less weight and a head shot is a headshot.

 

[jamesthomas]

I keep hearing good things about the "A" weight swamped 38" Rice? barrel in 40.cal. So you might try, want one of those. I sure somebody will chime in about it soon.

 

[Thomas S]

I've been looking at Pecatonica River's Tennessee Classic and it only comes with a straight barrel, I'm not sure if they would inlet the stock for a swamped barrel or not.
A .32 would be fine with me too if I could get it in a 3/4" x 38" straight barrel. I'll make my mind up in the next few weeks, it's not like I'm in a big hurry. Thanks guys!

 

[Birddog6]

I would go with the .40 cal. Lighter barrel & no dif in meat damage with a .36 or .40. A head shot is a head shot & I don't eat heads. :idunno:

Keith Lisle

 

[Thomas S]

I'll usually take the body shot for two reasons. The body is bigger than the head, and if you damage the head the brains aren't any good. Besides, there's not that much meat on the ribs.

 

[Bruce Bogart]

I have a .32x3/4"x40" Ed Rayl barrel on my little shooter. Shoots well enough but tough to get a good wrist area shape. Mines like a broom handle, almost. Not heavy tho!
Just my .02 and worth every cent!

 

[Birddog6]

:rotf: there is not much brain there either ! :rotf: :rotf:

Head shots improve your skill, as it is either a Hit or a Miss..... If you miss you concentrate more & try to improve.

Keith Lisle

 

[Thomas S]

:rotf: there is not much brain there either ! :rotf: :rotf:

True, but the brain is a delicacy... Rib meat; not so much.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Squirrel brains can be a one way ticket to a very bad parasite. Especially if you like them "poached". Pop the heads off with whatever. I use a .40.

LD

 

[MSW]

I would go with the forty.

free advice, and doubtless worth the price!

 

[tbarnes66]

Before I was even a teenager, I would kill a couple squirrels early in the morning and take them to my grandmother's. She would help me skin em and fry em up for breakfast.

She would then crack open the head to get the brains out and mix them in with the scrambled eggs.

I've had gourmet meals around the world that don't compare.

 

[Dave K]

Use either one. Both are good. I only head shoot them as well. I don't eat brains, I don't need "mad squirrel" disease.

 

[nchawkeye]

I prefer pig brains myself...Or herring roe, or salmon in my eggs... :grin:

 

[Thomas S]

While I'm thinking about it which lock would you prefer, Siler or Durs Egg? Advantages/disadvatages or does it matter? I was looking at Pecatonica's North Carolina which is similar to the Tennessee Classic only it has a Durs Egg lock.

 

[longrifle78]

I would get the chambers late ketland, Pecatonica can do the inlet for those too.

 

[nchawkeye]

Large Silers...