Choosing the type of firearm to hunt with is one of the first and most important choices you’ll make as a hunter. The choice over whether a shotgun is better than a rifle (and vice versa) has been debated time and time again but why not add one more opinion into the mix?

I will give you my personal recommendation, compare the pro and cons of each firearm and hopefully assist you in making your decision.

For simplicity purposes when I use the word SHOTGUN, I will encompass many version of this gun such as the .410, 12 gauge and 20 gauge. On the flip side, when I reference RIFLES, I am referring to the basics such as powerful air rifles, .22’s and .177’s.

Shotguns

PRO’S:

-less accuracy required to hit target

-easier to hit moving targets

-less bullet trajectory (this equates to safer hunting if missing a target when hunting in smaller areas or where the terrain is unknown i.e. are there houses close by, a road over that hill, etc)

-better suited to aggressive hunters or hunters that like to move around from place to place or stalk hunt

-quicker and easier shot picture acquiring due to larger shot picture

-can be more effective in heavy cover when leaves hide the squirrels more

CON’S:

-likely to get shot pellets in the meat

-can destroy the meat and fur (in case there is interest in drying or tanning the hide)

-not scope friendly

-can be heavier to carry than a rifle

-ammo cost is usually greater

-louder report – potentially scarring away near by squirrels

-more recoil

RIFLES

PRO’S:

-quieter – may not spook nearby squirrels

-longer range for projectile

-less recoil

-more accurate shots

-preserves meat better with accurate shooting (head/shoulder shots)

-no shot pellets to pick out of the meat

-can add a scope

-usually better for “sit and wait” hunters

-usually lighter to carry than shotguns

-ammo is usually cheaper to buy

-easier to carry plenty of ammo due to small size

-great practice for other game shooting (deer, etc) 303 British ammo for sale

CON’S:

-larger bullet trajectory – can travel a mile+ or more if not obstructed (be careful in areas if you don’t know what’s around you)

-decreased accuracy if you must shoot quickly or at a moving target (squirrels are notorious for being twitchy and energetic)

-have to “zero” and maintain scope (if utilized)

-more chalking to shoot and miss more often

-Use the information above to help you decide which of the two types would work best for you.