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Can you hunt small game with a 12 Gauge?
#7922210
08/03/20 03:11 PM
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Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 9
ben schmidt
OP
Green Horn
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OP
Green Horn
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 9 |
So in about 6 months I will be turning 18, and I plan on buying a Mossberg 500 in 12 Gauge, but I'm a bit concerned about 12 gauge destroying the meat of Rabbits and Squirrels and other small game, I know that there's 12 gauge small game loads but I wonder if even that is too much for them.
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Re: Can you hunt small game with a 12 Gauge?
[Re: ben schmidt]
#7922224
08/03/20 03:19 PM
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 428
PoppinPiggies
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 428 |
We shoot dove with 12's all the time and they are small. Just shoot a super light load and don't shoot em to close up and I reckon you'll be fine.
Follow me on instagram @crosstexasoutdoors
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Re: Can you hunt small game with a 12 Gauge?
[Re: ben schmidt]
#7922227
08/03/20 03:21 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,352
RJH1
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They work great. Just shoot them in the head if you are real close, otherwise no issues. Dove are smaller than rabbits and most of them are plenty edible after being shot
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Re: Can you hunt small game with a 12 Gauge?
[Re: PoppinPiggies]
#7922228
08/03/20 03:21 PM
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Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 9
ben schmidt
OP
Green Horn
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OP
Green Horn
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 9 |
Alright, my dad also has a few .22s I can use so that will come in handy, thank you for your advice.
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Re: Can you hunt small game with a 12 Gauge?
[Re: ben schmidt]
#7922234
08/03/20 03:22 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,640
LeonCarr
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Load that new Mossberg 12 Gauge with #6 shot and you should be good to go. If you are worried about meat destruction use a modified choke instead of a full choke.
A shotgun is the most versatile firearm out there. Pattern test some different loads to see what your shotgun likes.
Just my .02, LeonCarr
"Whitetail Deer are extinct because of rifles with telescopes mounted on them." - My 11th Grade English Teacher
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Re: Can you hunt small game with a 12 Gauge?
[Re: LeonCarr]
#7922238
08/03/20 03:24 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,796
dogcatcher
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Posts: 110,796 |
Load that new Mossberg 12 Gauge with #6 shot and you should be good to go. If you are worried about meat destruction use a modified choke instead of a full choke.
A shotgun is the most versatile firearm out there. Pattern test some different loads to see what your shotgun likes.
Just my .02, LeonCarr
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back. _____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________
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Re: Can you hunt small game with a 12 Gauge?
[Re: LeonCarr]
#7922245
08/03/20 03:25 PM
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Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 9
ben schmidt
OP
Green Horn
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Green Horn
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 9 |
Yeah, that's why I love shotguns, you can kill anything from a prairie dog to a elephant with one.
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Re: Can you hunt small game with a 12 Gauge?
[Re: ben schmidt]
#7923110
08/04/20 03:22 AM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 29,132
TXHOGSLAYER
THF Celebrity
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 29,132 |
So in about 6 months I will be turning 18, and I plan on buying a Mossberg 500 in 12 Gauge, but I'm a bit concerned about 12 gauge destroying the meat of Rabbits and Squirrels and other small game, I know that there's 12 gauge small game loads but I wonder if even that is too much for them. I have had my Mossberg 500 12GA for 38 years and have killed 1000's of animals with it. You may destroy some but overall just shoot and don't worry about it.
LETS GO BRANDON
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Re: Can you hunt small game with a 12 Gauge?
[Re: ben schmidt]
#7923112
08/04/20 03:27 AM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,031
skinnerback
THF Celebrity Chef
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THF Celebrity Chef
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,031 |
It will work just fine, just don't shoot them too close.
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Re: Can you hunt small game with a 12 Gauge?
[Re: ben schmidt]
#7923151
08/04/20 04:47 AM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 12,201
ntxtrapper
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 12,201 |
If you are real close just hold off of it bit when pointing the shotgun so you don't mangle it. You will figure it out just fine.
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Re: Can you hunt small game with a 12 Gauge?
[Re: ben schmidt]
#7923732
08/04/20 06:52 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,841
Adchunts
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No telling how many squirrels my grandpa shot with his trusty old Remington humpback 12 gauge. My grandma could make a mean pot of squirrel and dumplings. Grandpa was partial to 7 1/2 shot, but would use whatever he found on sale.
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Re: Can you hunt small game with a 12 Gauge?
[Re: ben schmidt]
#7924303
08/05/20 02:12 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,522
Reloder28
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Have hunted Squirrels for 40 years with a 12 gauge, #5 shot which Remington now calls Pheasant loads.
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