What should i use for small game

Artine666

Artine666

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Hello community, this is my first real post.

I'm sorta new to firearms and hunting, i went hunting once with my uncle (more like watching him hunt) and really enjoyed it. I passed my safety course, mailed in my PAL forms and will soon be doing the hunting course. While i wait I've been browsing as to what firearm to buy later on but i don't really know what to get in terms of caliber. I need help from more experienced individuals as to what type of ammo is suitable for small game (partridge, pheasant, etc.). :confused:
 
I agree with the two options above, both with their strong points. The 12ga is a great tool for harvesting a variety of game very effectively, however I feel that learning to shoot a rimfire like a .22 or .17 HMR will help you become a better shooter overall. IMO anyone can point and shoot a target/grouse/whatever with a 12ga, but doing it with a rimfire rifle requires a little more more skill. For the price of a big box of .22 LR you can learn how to properly shoot and handle a forgiving gun, while having fun at the same time.
 
as others have said. a 12 gauge shotgun would be my recommendation too. You can change the type of shot it shoots, so you can shoot different animals. its the best "all around" thing to have. you can shoot grouse, rabbits etc.. all the way to buckshot or a slug for a deer.
 
were you live and hunt makes a big difference as to what gun you us m,ost .were we are a shotgun is the most us for hunting .every thing from ducks to bunnys turkeys and deer .we do get some limited rifle hunting for yotes but the shotgun rules DUTCH
 
A decent quality .22 is hard to beat. I use a synthetic side folder stocked stainless 10/22 carbine for most of my small game hunting, but it's almost boring having so many shots available. My stainless laminate thumbhole heavy barrelled 17 hmr is far more rewarding because I have to try harder.
 
What kind of budget do you have? If you want to shoot a lot in between hunting trips a .22lr is hard to beat. A 12 gauge is second.

For approximately $30 you can have 500 rounds of .22lr or 100 rounds of 12 gauge.

Walmart prices.
 
Two guns every single shooter/hunter needs are a 12 gauge repeater of some sort and a .22 LR rifle of some sort... and the 12 gauge comes first... it will do everything.
 
jables said:
I agree with the two options above, both with their strong points. The 12ga is a great tool for harvesting a variety of game very effectively, however I feel that learning to shoot a rimfire like a .22 or .17 HMR will help you become a better shooter overall. IMO anyone can point and shoot a target/grouse/whatever with a 12ga, but doing it with a rimfire rifle requires a little more more skill. For the price of a big box of .22 LR you can learn how to properly shoot and handle a forgiving gun, while having fun at the same time.
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I challenge you to shoot a flushing grouse at 30m with a .22LR. Also, he cant hunt waterfowl with a .22
 
Someone will say it ...so that guy is me. Where exactly are you, and what type of hunting are you going to do. I have never even seen a Wild Turkey so how could i suggest a 12 ga set up for them?

Can't go wrong with a 22lr, a 410 is a great small game gun. Something like a 22 bolt gun, and a 410 single. If you want to do a bunch of shooting you cant beat 22lr, the cost of 410 shells is a negative.

When it comes to Center fire...again where are you? A great number of people are going to propose 308 or 30-06 in a bolt. However, i believe there is a 270 size limit in much of southern Ontario, and in areas where Moose is the main Big game a 308 is a minimal caliber.
 
My first gun was a 30-06. Needless to say I didn't do much hunting in the beginning. I now have a rifle or shotgun for almost everything. (currently looking for a coyote rifle) That being said I would have to say that the one firearm I use most is my 870 12g. I bought the express with the mossy oak camo and the 28" smooth bore with threaded chokes and a 24" rifled cantilever barrel. That shotgun is now what I use for deer (in the 270 or less areas), turkey, ducks/geese and I recently started using it for skeet. I know guys that will use a 12g for rabbits (with a lighter load) and coyotes at short range.

Definitely the most versatile firearm I own. If you are strictly looking to do small game then a 20g and a 22lr are your best bets.
 
nowarningshot said:
Someone will say it ...so that guy is me. Where exactly are you, and what type of hunting are you going to do. I have never even seen a Wild Turkey so how could i suggest a 12 ga set up for them?

Can't go wrong with a 22lr, a 410 is a great small game gun. Something like a 22 bolt gun, and a 410 single. If you want to do a bunch of shooting you cant beat 22lr, the cost of 410 shells is a negative.

When it comes to Center fire...again where are you? A great number of people are going to propose 308 or 30-06 in a bolt. However, i believe there is a 270 size limit in much of southern Ontario, and in areas where Moose is the main Big game a 308 is a minimal caliber.
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.270 is the limit for varmint hunting in some area of SW Ontario. In those areas there is no rifle season for deer. Also a .270 will take down a moose in Northern Ontario without a problem. 308 is not the minimum caliber for moose in Ontario.

But back to the OP question, buy a 12 ga, you can buy light 1 oz loads for grouse and bunnies, 1 1/4 oz loads for phesants if you think you need it. Non toxic shells for waterfowl or slugs for deer. The 12 ga is the small block Chevy of shotguns.
 
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