Ideal squirrel hunting rifle.

[TrevorAaron]

I have been looking at many rifles and need help deciding which would fit my need. I want it to be cap lock and very reliable.


Traditions Crockett- I had one of these a long time ago and it was a tack driver. I converted it to flintlock to experience this side and didn't enjoy it so I sold it.

TC Seneca- This gun feels very nice and would be ideal to get a .36 barrel for squirrels and .45 for deer hunting. Anyone have any input on this gun ?

CVA squirrel rifle - Nice simple gun. Any input on these?

 

[BrownBear]

I'd pay lots more to have the Seneca while bypassing the CVA. Not that the CVA is a bad gun in any regard, but I just prefer the finish of the TC and how it fits me and my bod.

That spells it out pretty thoroughly- It boils down to what you like best and what fits you best.

 

[coloradoclyde]

All those guns you mention have short barrels....I prefer a long rifle. The longer sight radius makes it easier to make head shots....a longer barrel also balances out better for me...

 

[BigBoreBLR]

The sights themselves can be an issue. A rear sight too gapped can be difficult to get that head shot in right.

The Thompsons usually have a big gap in the rear.

Likely both may need sights replaced to a thin front and tight gap rear.

The Thompson cam be made peep sight and would shoot great with the stock front sight.

 

[Larry Akers]

IMO a .36 is too big for squirrels. I'd look for a .32 in maybe a TC Cherokee which also comes in .45. A Seneca with a .32 Cherokee barrel also works if the Cherokee under rib is shortened.

 

[don hepler]

I have a .32 Cherokee and .36 Seneca. I sold a 32 Traditions. The Traditions, is less pricey, but I just prefer the Cherokee and Seneca.

Due to the price of the TC's, I would probably consider a Kibler, even though you would have to do some assembly and finishing. Not sure if the Kibler is offered in cap lock, now that I think about it.

Both of my TC's are great little rifles and shoot really well, but there is something about a small caliber long rifle, with a swamped barrel, that is soooo appealing.

 

[tenngun]

You think .36 too big??? I hunt mine with a .62 :haha: I had a Seneca in .36 it was a shooter, but longer the barrel the eaiser it is to aim.

 

[hanshi]

I shot and hunted with a Crockett for years and dearly loved that little tack driver. I sold it only to have a .32 flintlock longrifle built; it doesn't shoot a bit better than the Crockett but I just "crave" longrifles.

 

[coloradoclyde]

IMO a .36 is too big for squirrels. .

A .36 is definitely NOT too big...

IMO .50 and under all make good squirrel calibers...

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Even a .32 is too big, if you put too much powder in.

I know of guys who use even a .54 on squirrel, with LIGHT loads and head shots, though.

 

[azmntman]

The squirrels don't care a bit....it's the cook that squeals if the shot is any lower than the neck on ANY CALIBER :haha:

 

[Boomerang]

Yep I have been using my 54 cal on squirrels with 40gr of powder and try to make head shots.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Frankly, there's really only one requirement for a squirrel rife.. Accuracy!

Personally....I think using a bigger gun to hunt squirrels is more fun...as is using other weapons, like a bow....I've shot lots of squirrels with a bow...Rabbits too...

The challenge and excitement is to harvest it without destroying it... My dad taught me to always shoot a rabbit in the head and a friend taught me to shoot squirrels in the head...Head shots became a competition when we would go hunting....And you were penalized for body shots....

 

[bob308]

hoyt makes .25 cal. barrels. even they will tear a squirrel in half if hit in the body.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Precisely why I favor a larger caliber....It seems counterintuitive to most....But damage is all about velocity...Not necessarily size.

 

[BrownBear]

hoyt makes .25 cal. barrels. even they will tear a squirrel in half if hit in the body.

I have a 30 cal (.290 ball) flinter that has never seen a squirrel. But it's thoroughly acquainted with snowshoe hare. My standard load is 8 grains of 3f, and if you drop a shot into the neck it's going to blood-shoot the front shoulders so bad you can't salvage them.

The "sub" calibers below 32 are really neat, but a guy kinda plays heck getting accessories. You can make your own balls, but just try to find ramrods, jags, etc. And those skinny little ramrods will make you good and nervous about replacements. Unless a guy wants to play in that ball game, he's probably better off to stick to 32 cal and above.

 

[Grimord]

I too prefer the long rifles. I use a Pedersoli Pennsylvania in .32 for most of my squirrel hunting. 15 grains of 3f with a .315 ball and a .015 mink oil lubed patch gives me dime sized groups at 25 yards. Head shots only on squirrels is my goal. The long 41 inch barrel with it's long sight radius makes head shots much easier.
I have a CVA Grey Squirrel in .32 also, but it is now used mostly by my young nephew when he comes over. Its light and short.(25" barrel)

If you are looking for a shorter barrel you might look at the Dixie Cub, or the Pedersoli Scout. They come in .32, and they are listed in the Dixie Catalog.

I like the .32 for squirrels, but switch to a .36 once the leaves have fallen, because I find that my shots are longer. Those squirrels can spot you from a mile away, and sneaking close can sometimes be difficult.

 

[Billnpatti]

My vote for the ideal squirrel rifle is a .32 cal. Whether it is a flintlock or caplock will be your choice. Also which .32 cal. will depend on how deep your pockets are. For a squirrel rifle, I like a nice light rifle that is easy to carry in the woods. I also prefer not to have such a long barrel simply because a short barrel is easier to handle in the woods. Also, in general the shorter barrel will result in a lighter rifle. But, some folks like the longer barrel rifles for their longer sight radius. For sights, I would not go for peep sights simply because they make it harder to find a moving squirrel. I like a "fine" sight, that is, a rear sight with a narrow slot and a slim front sight. I have found that it helps if you smoke your rear sight and have a bright front sight. If you have a dark front sight, you can brighten it by putting a dab of white fingernail polish on it. That's my opinion on the "ideal" squirrel rifle anyway.

 

[bubba.50]

my ideal squirrel rifle is the one I have in my hands when I see a squirrel.

my opinion & yer welcome to it. your mileage may vary. :hatsoff:

 

[Jumpshot]

I have a CVA Grey Squirrel in .32

Never heard of that one. I assume it's a CVA Squirrel in stainless?