Squirrel guns

[david w]

I'm convinced that if one can shoot a small limb under a squirrels head, one can just as well shoot the head. I can also verify that any caliber up to and including the .58 (prb) can make a decent squirrel rifle. Years ago when I owned a .58 I cleanly killed a fox squirrel while deer hunting with a deer load and a prb. I aimed at the neck, hit the neck and he fell to the ground. That big ball made a barely noticeable slit upon entry and another one at exit. The load was NOT powderpuff but a full power load.

I shot one while deer hunting with a .62 prb, 115 gr. Swiss 2fg, 340 gr. round ball. The darn thing was in a tree above me and barked for about 30 minutes. It didn't turn out so well. There was four paws and a head. It was supposed to be a head shot!

 

[Rock Home Isle]

I've got a .32 calibre Pedresoli BlueRidge Rifle, great squirrel gun. that little pill will group 1" to 3/4" out at 50 yrds.

I have also used a .40 calibre that I load with a .380 RB and denim patching and a light powder charge...I like the .40, I can drop a conical down the bore with a stout charge and hunt deer and I can go to a smaller diameter RB, heavy patching and go after rabbits and squirrels. (Though my current TVM .40 calibre is proving to be a bit persnickety at the moment.)

I do not shoot my .32 as much as I used too.

 

[Grimord]

I've taken squirrels with black powder guns in .22, .32 & .36 rifles in flint and percussion. As said above, when I shoot a squirrel in a tree I look to be sure there is a part of the tree in the back ground for a missed or pass thru ball to hit.

 

[hanshi]

I've taken squirrels with black powder guns in .22, .32 & .36 rifles in flint and percussion. As said above, when I shoot a squirrel in a tree I look to be sure there is a part of the tree in the back ground for a missed or pass thru ball to hit.

I do too. One cannot be too safe.

And like david w's experience been there, done that. I recall three that were shot with my .45 longrifle. Nothing but pieces left. But every time I've shot at squirrels and hit where I aimed (the .58 especially) I could have been using a .22LR as far as damage goes. I aim for the head & neck area and get the best results with those hits.

 

[ryoung14]

As of today Dixie Gun Works shows the Deluxe Cub and Scout 32 cal flintlock rifles in stock. They're pricey at near $900, but they're made by Pedersoli.

 

[SOLANCO]

In my limited experience smaller caliber rifles have been heavier rifles. It seemed as if the barrel blanks were all the same and boring out a .32 removed less weight of metal than a .40 or .54.
Again, limited experience. Are some small caliber rifles available with smaller diameter, lighter barrels?

 

[david w]

In my limited experience smaller caliber rifles have been heavier rifles. It seemed as if the barrel blanks were all the same and boring out a .32 removed less weight of metal than a .40 or .54.
Again, limited experience. Are some small caliber rifles available with smaller diameter, lighter barrels?

I used to have a Bedford County .36 caliber with a 3/4" across the flat and 40" long barrel. The gun weighed only 6 lbs.

 

[doubleset]

The Traditions Crocket has a nominal 3/4" barrel that mics at about .79". It weighs in at about 6 1/2 lbs. and is well balanced. Probably the least expensive such rifle around now, and it's a good gun (modulo my various gripes about the sloppy fit and finish, most of which you won't really notice until you pull the barrel off and disassemble/reassemble it). A lot of people never seem to notice it.

 

[hanshi]

My Crockett was one of the best rifles I've ever hunted with. I like them a lot.

 

[doubleset]

For a "cheap" rifle, there's something quite nice about its style and balance -- in addition to its remarkable accuracy.

 

[Bassdog1]

Dont know the weight on my 32 Seneca but it fits me well and is very well balanced and light to tote through the squirrel woods. My Cherokee is also light but the small size does not balance quite as well and I dont shoot it as accurately offhand. I have 45 cal barrels for both which is noticeably lighter on the stock.

 

[marsh trapper]

Love these squirrel rifle threads! .. i love my pedersoli flintlock in .32

 

[Rock Home Isle]

Love these squirrel rifle threads! .. i love my pedersoli flintlock in .32

I love my .32 Pedersoli BlueRidge as well….my only wish is that it were a flintlock. I bought during my percussion phase….

 

[Rock Home Isle]

I’m thinking about getting a flintlock squirrel gun and I’d like so ideas on cal. and gun style.

I’ve done most of my hunting with a .50 calibre RB…deer, elk and the occasional antelope thrown in. The .50 served me well on small game, such as rabbits and squirrels…beware the child that shoots only 1 gun.

I’d always wanted to get a .36 calibre for plinking and small game. Something that used less powder & lead; wound up getting a percussion .32 calibre Pedersoli BlueRidge from the Cabelas bargain cave in Sidney, Nebraska. Best choice I ever made. It took me a while to figure out this little pill-thrower…the .32 can be finicky when you are trying to get all the accuracy out of the gun. The secret to the .32 is repeatability…figure out that powder, patch, projectile combination and repeatedly apply the same pressure when seating the ball and you’ll have a single hole rifle. I love the little .32 calibre…This little calibre has a lot to teach the shooter if you are willing to pay attention.

 

[Snydly]

I love my .32 Pedersoli BlueRidge as well….my only wish is that it were a flintlock. I bought during my percussion phase….

It can be converted to flint for just a shade over $100. I converted my Blue Ridge from cap to flint years ago. it is extremely accurate. Looks great too.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

It can be converted to flint for just a shade over $100. I converted my Blue Ridge from cap to flint years ago. it is extremely accurate. Looks great too.

Oh trust me...I'm thinking very hard on this...You bet.

And there's a guy on here that has a thread showing how he completely rebuilt his Pedersoli...OMG, yeah

 

[ryoung14]

Dont know the weight on my 32 Seneca but it fits me well and is very well balanced and light to tote through the squirrel woods. My Cherokee is also light but the small size does not balance quite as well and I dont shoot it as accurately offhand. I have 45 cal barrels for both which is noticeably lighter on the stock.

My 36 Seneca fits me about perfect and is one of my favourites. But, like you, I've found my 32 Cherokee to be too light and a bit small. Balance isn't near as good as the Seneca.

 

[Snydly]

Oh trust me...I'm thinking very hard on this...You bet.

And there's a guy on here that has a thread showing how he completely rebuilt his Pedersoli...OMG, yeah

Not sure how to take this. Sounds like you do not believe me..... I assure you everything I posted is true. Call Dixie Gunworks and they will assure you it can and has been done.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

Not sure how to take this. Sounds like you do not believe me..... I assure you everything I posted is true. Call Dixie Gunworks and they will assure you it can and has been done.

You are awesome…have no fear of any hidden meaning, agenda, garbage intent…I don’t role that way.

 

[smoothshooter]

I do too. One cannot be too safe.

And like david w's experience been there, done that. I recall three that were shot with my .45 longrifle. Nothing but pieces left. But every time I've shot at squirrels and hit where I aimed (the .58 especially) I could have been using a .22LR as far as damage goes. I aim for the head & neck area and get the best results with those hits.

The 58 was probably traveling at a lower velocity.