You mentioned in the video, the idea of the 410 being a survival or truck gun. In a survival situation the 410 has much going for it. It is a light weight gun and the shells are light too. 250 assorted shells(000 buck, slugs, 6's and 7-9's can take all the game one would want)= 10 pounds, meanwhile, only 100 shells= 10 pounds in a 12 gauge. It only takes 30 grains of Pyrodex per 1/2 ounce shot(2 1/2" shell) to reload, making a pound of Pyrodex go a longer time than reloading 12 gauge. Just some things to think about.
@@gregzeigler3850 agreed totally I'm proficient in most can do trick shooting too like splitting bullet and slice paper with bullet or shoot wasps with bb gun 🔫👍🐾🐺
@@randompunkrockfox6867 Thus why I mentioned reloading 410 shells with Pyrodex(only 30 grains to 1/2 ounce shot, 2 1/2" shell) so one can cheaply practice. The shells will only be good for a couple firings, as the Pyrodex will eventually burn through them, but hey, that's quite a bit of shooting =)
I've used a .410 for squirrels for years ever since i was a little boy, no one will tell me it is bad to use and change my mind. I've killed thousands with my old stevens .410
If you cant kill squirrels with a 410 shotgun..or as my papaw called it the four hundred and ten gauge lol ..then a man dont need to be in the woods .. .410 has killed more squirrels and rabbits than all kinds of things
The .410 is inexpensive if you learn to reload, in fact these rare calibers are worth learning how to make your own ammunition. It is much cheaper than buying it in the store, and now with all the restrictions that are being placed on lead more than ever.
I used to hunt with a .22 and still do using shorts. I just have a lot of worry over where the bullet lands. That is why I like the 410. It gets the job done if you get close and you have peace of mind about not taking the neighbor out. Easier on the user than the larger verity too. I wish you good luck and fond memories in the woods.
Thanks Jack for doing videos on squirrels. I use a single shot 20ga with modified choke with #6. Next time you and Sam are in North Ga you ought to try hunt squirrels here. Keep up the good work!!
Ken Hayes You wouldn't have nowhere near the ricochet using an LR. Shorts are notorious for ricochet. More powder=more power to actually lodge into a tree or branch.
Great video. I would like to add one of my favorite reasons for using a .410. I live in an area that has had a lot of housing developments that have popped-up in the last 10 years, and I feel it is much safer than using a .22 when hunting on my property.
I normally used a .22 after the leaves dropped, but there are so many people living close by, I'm reluctant to use the .22 now unless I want to drive to the big woods. I'm scared to death to launch one into the air, in the woodlots, cause where it lands, I sure do care. I'll still use it, but am careful to wait until the shot will go into the tree trunk.
Joe Baker You sir are an intelligent responsible gun owner. I am a certified firearm instructor trained in 7 disciplines and that is an awesome statement. I love hearing intelligent comments from responsible gun owners. Mad respect. Shoot straight and shoot safe brother. 👍.
@@joeabaker57 good man. I waited forever the other day for one to come around the front of a tree. Same reason, safe backstop. I got a head shot with a . 22lr Heritage single action revolver. I carry it when deer season and squirrel season overlap. The bbq does not discriminate.
Great video. I'm 73 and still have the 410 I got when I was 11. When I First got it I was walking down my country road and a man pulled up beside me and asked what I was hunting. I told him I don't know, I ain't seen it yet.
Ten years behind you! Wish I could still walk down those country roads with .410 in hand. Now you get the cops called on you. Maybe in today's times, it's needed.
I use my good old sxs 12 gauge. Hunt everything from squirrel to rabbit, grouse to pheasant. People look at me like im crazy when i tell them i hunt squirrels with a 12 gauge. Its all about shot size, shot load and powder load and choke. If you know what youre doing, you can take anything in north America with one single gun
I mainly use a 22 in my state but now a days when I use a shot gun it's a 12ga mainly because it's the cheapest on ammo. 410 is high and even most places 20g cost more
I hunt squirrel with a 12 gauge as well. I use 2 3/4 low brass number 6 shot and just cheat off the squirrels nose alittle bit.That way the squirrel only takes about 4-6 bb's to its upper half. Never had a problem with overkill or gut shots that way.
Sam Fulwider I love hunting squirrels!! I can’t stand sitting on a deer stand all day long and not even a glimpse of a deer. I have a shotgun that was left to me by my late grandpa. I love this gun it’s a Remington 870 wingmaster 32” Barrel this thing is full choke and it will reach out and touch somebody. Low brass 2 3/4” 6 or 71/2 shot for squirrels 3” 000 buckshot for whitetail wood ducks you name it and I’m going get it with “Suzanne”.
I reload my 410 shells as they are super cheap to reload. You can save a lot of money given that you pay around $15 a box for factory loads. I limit my loads to size #6 or #7.5 shot, and I can manage to stuff 3/4 oz of shot if I use card/fiber wads and roll crimp the ends.
I agree with the cost of 410 shells, and that's why I reload my shells and I can load for specific game. I have small game hunt with my 410 single for years.
Thanks for your reasonably balanced review of the 410 shotgun. I was given a Stevens Model 59A 410 bolt action shotgun with tubular magazine on my 12th birthday. We lived on a 200 plus acre farm in cross timbers. I took my 410 out to hunt daily with only 1 shell and usually brought home a cottontail rabbit, gray squirrel or crow. I carried a 3" shell with #6 shot. Most shots were from 25-30 yards. One day I was walking the tree line along a creek bed when a squirrel scurried down a tree limb. I instinctively shot him at about 20 feet and brought back 1/2 of a squirrel.
Get a cheap little Lee reloaded, and load them yourself, I find it relaxing, and you can have exactly the load you want. By the way, I use a Stevens .410 side by side that my uncle left me. My favorite squirrel gun.
I been using a 410 to deer hunt with for years and it hasn’t let me down it’s a good all around gun to hunt with I love it and wouldn’t trade it for anything
Got my .410 when I was 13 now I am almost 60 I am thankful dad bought it for me , it more than anything made the hunter I am . It made me learn to stalk close before I shot and to be more accurate .
I use nothing but 3 inch ammo and mostly #5 and #4 shot ,and found that I had to pattern the gun with a few different brands until I found a brand that pattern best in that gun ,it made a world of difference in how effective the 410 was.
I find the .410 bore shotgun perfect for squirrel hunting: 3 " shells with #7 1/2 shot gets the job done within reasonable distance (max about 25 yards). Downside to .410 is cost of the ammo: ridiculously expensive compared to 12 and 20 ga. shotshells. I have a TriStar .410 bore over/under shotgun with improved modified choke tube in top barrel; modified tube in the bottom barrel. Works fine for me. Will drop squirrels stone-dead with good clean shots and minimal pellets to pick out of the meat. Haven't hunted rabbits with it yet although I suspect trying to hit a running rabbit with that narrow pattern at close range would be a challenge.
My 410 is the only thing i use to go squirrel hunting. I could use a number of other guns, but the 410 to me is the best for squirrels... I guess i just love the challenge. You said it best, i got to get to the right amount of distance. For me that is usually 35 to 40 yards. I also prefer #5 shot in 3" high brass. You know if i am going to take the shot, I want the shot to get the best trow it can, at what I want to hit. Yes I pay a little more. But that's ok! Hey, when i am at home cleaning and cooking. I know i can stand to get a good amount of meat cause it is not all ruined. From all of that shot, from some of the other shot gun gauges. I also don't have to worry that a stray bullet. And where it is going to come down. Who knows how many miles away.
I use a bolt action Steven savage pre-1960's and it was given to me for my 10th birthday by my great grandpa my he R.I.P and it is the best squirrel gun that I have ever used it is extremely accurate and I love it
I used a Savage over and under - .22 LR over 20-ga. It was a great squirrel gun - still is. My father gave it to me when I was 12, more than 50 years ago. It has a hammer with a selector. The weight of the barrel made the .22 *really* steady. I was in New England and we used 6 shot. A 16-ga would be a bit too heavy and a 12-ga would definitely be overkill.
@super pickle I like it because the 20 ga barrel gives it enough weight to be a *very* steady .22. And the single-shot 20 ga was just the shotgun to have. In the New England woods when you're shooting at a partridge, 1st shots at ranges over 20 yds and 2nd shots are kinda rare.
I use a 12 gauge about half the year and it doesn't mess the squirrels up at all. You need the right shot size and choke and also let a them run a little ways before shooting them if they're real close
New England .410 single shot. Got so good with it as a kid you would of thought I was shooting a pump. Started aiming first,then started shooting off the hip. At 14 years old no squirrel in the area survived hunting season on the neighbors 500+acres.that set across the street just outside the city limits. We got are limit almost ever day for two years till we could drive and hunt more places. I was the first in my family to really become a squirrel hunter. That and always like the one shot one kill(sniper thing),rifleman t.v.show.really give me great training on accuracy as a kid. I've ate squirrel more ways then Bubba had shrimp in Forest Gump. So I want to maybe help you or anyone on squirrel shooting with a .410. or smooth bore shotgun. 1. Target practice with slugs first. Shoot a 50yard target off of a table.Aim dead center (your going to find out your peep sight is never true for the slug) shoot two rounds. Make sure they group together tightly. Whatever you shot off from dead center go the opposite way on target from bulleye and you should shoot your round in the bullseye. Now at 25yards your only about half your off at 50yards. (Keep that in your brain for the future). And Now I got you trained for deer hunting. Lol 2. I've always used in .410 7shot Remington I'm a northern hunter. 3.target practice with birdshot on target and use the same philosophy as with slugs. Shoot a target big as two note book papers. Start at 25 yards move couple times outward till you get to 50yards and see how you pattern. 3. Now your hunting andwant less pellets in your meat. If the squirrel is with in 25 yard shot (remember your target pattern) if possible shoot at the squirrels nose ( adjust accordingly to your gun) you should get a head shot and way less bbs. In the meat.amore you hunt the more you can adjust even shooting in front of the squirrel literally finding the kill line (meaning how far can you shoot in front of the squirrel that will still be effective in killing). 4. If your shooting at the tops of trees and the squirrel is still. Use the slug target method and aim For the front shoulder. 5. If they are going to go in a hole or nest you can shoot them in the (Balls) and they will spin out. It hurt just to write that. I always carried 3 shells in my trigger finger hand. 4 was to many. Hope that can help someone. And Good practice mades for better shot placement.
Yak, my first gun was a Stevens. 410 from my grandfather as well and I snagged all kinds of small game through the hills with it. It is (or at least was) a natural thing. Almost a right of passage, that and a Marlin 60. And I still have mine too. I hope granddads and dads are still giving their kids 410s to start out with. And yep it still works on small critters today just like it did 40 years ago. It is sad though, just like you mentioned that they've made the shell so expensive because they are a fun to shoot and all you need in thick woods. And there's just something 'right' about a single shot shotgun in the woods. Even with other options I still love tromping through the woods with a single shot top break shotgun. You kinda got me wanting to go get mine outta the safe and show it some love. It's been neglected for way too long! Good topic and cool video.
I have a Stevens .410 with the nylon stock. Grandfather gave it to me 55 years ago. Have hunted squirrels with #4 shot all my life in the piney woods of the South. It will do a very fine job of harvesting small game at decent ranges. I have used a .22 at times but my preference is the .410 . Still get the warm and fuzzy feeling of a grandfathers love. Good video. Thanks for posting it.
Good and bad on everything. 1 of my brothers Godfather used semiauto 410 his whole life. He just recently told me he even used it on turkey. He told me birds that size have to shoot them 2 or 3 times at least with a 410, to kill them real fast, which cannot do with a single shot 410. But lately hearing and reading 410 is a great choice to use on all kinds of snakes, specially pythons in everglades and rest of Florida, which most people in America probably will not shoot or hunt. Not unless every state in Southern states gets evaded from them.
i have a remington 1100 .410 that my dad bought for my grandfather in the 80's and he used it for squirrels and rabbits i think and it was given to me a couple months ago i haven't shot anything yet besides clay pigeons.
My first shotgun was an H&R 410. It was my buddy, my sidekick, my right arm. I loved it as a young rockabilly, hillbilly, and fun loving sillybilly. (Lol) You can't go wrong with number 4's and 6's. Actually, because of this video, If I'm blessed to live, I think I'll buy another 410. Own something that not everyone has! Thanks for a fun and informative video.
@@bobbygreen2291 two peas on a pod. Man I loved that little shotgun! Killed a lot of woods creatures with it. Squirrels, rabbits, blackbirds, etc. Great memories.
Browning Gold Trigger Light 12, and Ithaca double 16 SBS. The H&R 20 gauge sucked, and was traded for a Ithaca 51 Featherlight that creamed the ducks. Love my FIE Import .410, and just bought a Saiga .410. Also love how many rounds can pack into a .30 ammo can!
I have always used 3" #6 for squirrel and 3" #4 for rabbits, possums, raccoons, and skunks. And I use those because when I was a kid and first went squirrel and rabbit hunting with my dad, uncle, and cousin, I was told that you use #6 for squirrel and #4 for any small game that's bigger than squirrel. I've never even patterned #7.5 shot out of my NEF Pardner.
Rule #1) shoot what ever brings a smile to your face. #2) Squirrel season is the first to open and leaves are on the tree so the shotgun produces the largest body count. #3) Seasons start opening up and a shotgun can be used to take all the small game. The shotgun is a universal tool
If you are out small game hunting with a buddy have one of you carry a rimfire and one carry a shotgun. Have the guy with the rifle shoot first and if you/he misses then the guy with the shotgun can get him as he’s running across the ground.
I've never owned a single shot 410. Seems like the single shot 410 shotguns command a price much higher than the other gauges. My dad gave me his 410 bolt action when I was 13, and I used it until I could afford a 12 gauge pump. I shot a lot of rabbits, squirrels, and pigeons with it, but you're right about the ammo price. Even back in the 1960s the price of 410 ammo was around 50% higher than 12 gauge ammo. I found it pretty tough to kill pheasants with it because you have to be really fast on the draw to get a killing shot off.
I have a CZ springtail double barrel .410. Out of the box it didn't impress me at all with the mod. and Imp. fixed chokes. However, after sending the barrel to Briley Manufacturing and having flush mount screw in chokes installed the gun has been a squirrel killing machine even at the tops of the tallest trees here in Southeastern N.C. They make an extra full choke that holds a squirrel killing pattern out to 35 yards away consistently. I'm reloading and have found 7 1/2 shot works best for me in the swamps around these parts. My Mountain Cur "Queenie" no longer looks at me like: I did my part.... Where's my squirrel? Anyway, grew up hunting with a .410 and I love them. 71 years young now but the sound of a dog with a squirrel up the tree in crisp fall weather still makes me feel 13 and it's the best exercise in the world. Cannot wait until Oct 14th when the hunt begins again and the smell of squirrel with pepper gravy fills the kitchen once again.
I have an H&R .410 that weighs about as much as my 3030, that being said I still wanted to take it out and give it a shot on my farm. It was my second time hunting squirrels down there and I went to where I knew there was a load of them, and I could hear a couple chasing each other on a tree in front of me about 15 yards. So I stopped and I pulled an extra shell out of my pocket and I put it in my hand because I knew I would need a quick follow up. They kept chasing and I had my gun shouldered and finally one stopped on my side of the tree and I dropped the hammer, in about four seconds I had another shell in and the other squirrel ran around my side of the tree to find where his girlfriend went and I dropped him too. One of my favorite little memories because a 30 minute day was over in less than 30 seconds. How fun and exciting! What is the recommended technique for cleaning them in the least amount of time? Thanks men! (And if there are any ladies here that hunt ummmm… hunting date!?!? 🤪🤪)
I grew up in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. I've been hunting my whole life. My first shotgun was a single-shot break action just like the one you showed (different brand). Back then, the choice was either a 10-ga., 12-ga. or a .410. So, the obvious choice for a 9/yr old was the .410. The dynamics of the ballistics didn't really factor into it. It was all about making a youngster comfortable shooting a firearm. I assure you, if I had started out with my Uncle's 12-ga side-by-side, I probably wouldn't have gone hunting again. After you hunt for a while and clean enough game (or destroy it where its not worth eating) you learn about the dynamics of the firearm (and ammunition) you're using. You then learn about shot placement, distance, etc. I think a .410 shotgun is still the #1 choice for young hunters and, for experienced shooters who are 'bored' with a 12-ga. (I shot competitive Trap Shooting back in the day. Once I became proficient with the 12-ga., it got boring. I switched to a .410 to make it more challenging, particularly at the longer distances.)
I occasionally use a 410 for squirrels. I tend to use it during the early season when there are still plenty of leaves and shots tend to be closer. 2 3/4 shells for squirrels, 3 inchers for rabbits since they tend to be farther. I use Winchester Super-X or Remington #6 shells. Later in the season, I swap over to a Ruger mk3 22 pistol and a Remington 1100 20ga.
My dad gave me my first gun when I was 5. It was a single shot Rebel 20g. Every time I shot it I got knocked on my backside but it was awesome. I still have it and use every time I go rabbit or squirrel hunting. I plan to pass it down to my son when he turns 5.
I had a double Barrell 410 when I was growing up and I loved it a lot. I could slip off from Mom with it took down under my coat. I'd go in the woods or in the fields and hunt. If I ever bagged some game I would contribute it to a friend before slipping in past mom. To this day I'm not sure if she had me figured out or not.
My first time squirrel hunting was with a very similar single shot 410. If it's too far away don't shoot him. I wish I still had that old gun it was passed on to another relative.
I still have my first long gun. A Marlin over an under .410/.22 LR. I got it when I was nine and still love it. My Gdad gave it to me. I will always love him for it. Thanks for stirring up some good memories.👍😁
I have a model 94C Stevens 410 gauge identical to yours I got for my birthday I think about 1973. It's killed many squirrels and several snakes over the years and stills works just like new. My knock about shotgun is a 20 gauge 94 Stevens I think series P I bought at my local pawn shop. It's killed several ground hogs that tried to eat up my garden. You can't beat those old Stevens single barrels.
Love your videos. Love my Steven's 410. I have been using #5 shot, 3 inch shells. Have been getting them at Walmart. Very satisfied with results. They cost about $15.00. Sometimes you have to pay the price to get what you want. I have also been shooting bird shot in my Ruger pistol. Great results but still a close range tool. My wife bought me a Henry lever rifle. Great 22. Glad she paid for it. Now that is a great gun. Love it almost as much as my wife
I started using 20 gauge I still use it perfect squirrel gun, pheasant, or other wise. Single shot is perfect for anything. I also have 12 gauge single shot use it all the time.
@@stephenwilliams5201 Nah, there is a reason we use guns instead of much harder tools like atlatls, bows, and slings. The less time you spend reloading the more time you spend practicing your shooting.
@@Dunkleosteusenjoyer had a old defector. Had a single shot rifle. /W scope. He would go stone still. The deer would stand and it was a wating game. Neither twitched. Finaly the deer. Moved just a fraction. With in the hour the old man had skinned the deer Out. and on his way. One shot. Only.
My dad always bought me 3" shells .....makes a big difference. On the Dairy farm as a boy I carried everywhere. BUT....Later switched to a 20g. We were getting shells actually cheaper for the 20 at the time. But you are 100% correct on everything you said.
I love squirrel hunting, and my favorite tool for harvesting squirrels is the shotgun. And one of my favorite shotguns for squirrel hunting is the .410 bore. I have found a .410 bore shotgun loaded with 3" shells with #7 1/2 or #6 shot; fired out of modified or full choke at moderate range (20 to 25 yards maximum); will drop squirrels cleanly just about every time with a good centered body mass shot. If I'm hunting squirrels exclusively, I take a .410 bore shotgun. If I think I might flush a grouse or some bunnies while out squirrel hunting, I take a larger bore shotgun (16 or 12 gauge). I had a .410 bore over/under shotgun (TriStar Setter) which I recently gave my middle daughter and she's thrilled with it. Nothing was wrong with it I dropped many squirrels with it. My daughter has taken an interest in shooting and I felt a .410 bore shotgun was much better suited for her than the 12-gauge pump my son in law was trying to get her to use. I find a good deal on a single-barrel break open .410 in good shape, I might just grab one.
I love my Winchester Model 42 410 ga for hunting Desert Quail, WhiteWing Dove and Morning Dove in Arizona. I like the 3 inch #8 and 7 1/2 seems to work just fine. For Jackrabbits and Cottontails I like 3 inch #4 shot. You either nail them or miss them by a mile, that’s the fun of shooting a 410 ga.
I have the same gun. Giving to me at about the same age. I have 2, but the one I bought, I boogered up. Chop it, painted it camo calling in a "camping backpack gun" couldn't hit a bear at 10 yards let alone a squirrel. It's cool looking ish thought
Dad bought me a Savage 0/u 22, 410 when I was 8 yrs. old in 1950. My grandson has it now, try and take it from him. Too many squirrels, rabbits, and quail too numerous to mention. I went into the Navy at 17. While in boot my mom wrote me and said while cleaning out the freezer found 89 squirrels.
Get yourself a ,22 insert which allows you to shoot .22 in it,I also used my single ,410 for deer hunting up to 50 yards it's legal with a 45 cal/Hornby ballistic tip. same cal as the .410 Bore. I own 4 shots guns .410 is my favorite. Love the post.
Got my first gun at age 12...12 Gage Savage Stevens single shot..Full Choke . Indiana East of Indianapolis... Brought home alot Of Rabbit and Squirrel to eat..Help out to,, Never Did Shoot any Quail... Spook me everytime and Lose them in 🌽 fields 😂 .. Got a Ithaca 12 Gage Modified Pump at 13.Nice ..but still no Quail..Plus had a 410 Bolt action..with Modified or full Choke adjustable ...Good old Days... 12 years old and Dad Trusted me to go Hunting bye myself anytime I felt like it....Three rules... Never Load my gun until I'm in the Field Ready to Hunt... Never ever Climb a farmers Fence... and always put the Gun on the Ground when Grawing under the Fence... Never put that gun againist the Fence...And if you Shoot it you eat it... Never Kill..... repect... And be thankful..... thank you for video..and thank you for being there..
My first gun was a break action 410 and I agree with your positives and negatives. I can't understand why a box of 410's are twice the price of 20 gauge. They were reasonable when I was a kid.
I think you made fair critics of the 410. I think a lot of it comes down to hunting style and mindset. We often get to comfortably just blasting away with a 12ga and lose our actual hunting edge.
I have a 3 shot bolt action 410 that i have had for many years but when i was a kid my dad and i went squirrel hunting most every Sunday during the season and they are good eating in fact i would rather eat a nice squirrel top of the stove cast iron pan slow cook carrots potatoes and gravy stew any day also all we had was hr single shot 20 gauge
We love the .410 for squirrel and rabbit! You made some very good points and we appreciated how down to earth you are. However, some can do this and some wont be able to, but we reload our own ammunition and therefore if the manufacture of the powder recommends say 12.2 gn of LiL' Gun, we go to 16 gn which gives it more punch and thus better knock-down power at further distances and yes, this hot load is safe in our Harrington & Richards single shot and the Mossberg 500 pump
I only squirrel hunt with a 410, when I go i usually float the river with a canoe and when you shoot a 12 or even a 20 gauge you end up scaring squirrels that are in the next bend of the river, but a 410 is usually quiet enough to not spook em so bad, but i do agree it just doesn't have the ability to take squirrels 30+ yards out.
I bought a Stevens .410 from a native indian that got something better; but he was hunting succesfuly every game up to red deer with it using #00 buck at (looking at the skins) most be 7 to 9 meters. Skill, in hunting, is everything. I never killed anything with it
I learned to shoot with a .410 here in Alberta. I started hunting at 12 and it taught me to shoot not spray and prey. I became a good shot because it wouldn't allow sloppy shooting. I eventually learned to take countless grouse and rabbits. Today I wouldn't trade my little stoger double for the world. I also prefer my .410 because there is still some meat left, 12 gauge is way too many pellets!
I had a Webley and Scott single bolt action chambered in 23/4. Full mega full choke. Used to get rabbits and pigeons for Mom when dad was away. Shot my first flying pigeon with it when I was 7 years old. My father was watching the pigeon through his binoculars. I can still remember how happy he was that day. I carry a double hammer folder now chambered in 3 inch. Light compact and deadly in the woods for squirrels rabbits etc. Great for rats in the yard too. Great video
I have a Mossberg 500 chambered in .410, that ive had now for going on 20 yrs, and ive used it many times for squirrel, and rabbit hunting as opposed to my bigger 10, 12, and 20 gauges, and I can remember when .410 shells were very inexpensive, and readily available They used to be 5.00 per box of 25 at my local Walmart, and they had every shot size, from 9,6,5,and 4 they even had slugs and buckshot always available, and they were just as available, as the 12 and 20 gauge shells. good video brother.
I am of Italian decent and whenever we would bag a squirrel we would skin and clean it, brown it in a frying pan with some olive oil then put it in the gravy pot along with the meatballs and sausage then let it cook for hours & hours, it was delicious.
I hunted a lot as a youngster with the Savage 24 O/U in 22 cal/410 and it was the perfect small game gun. I’d walk down the frozen Stony Creek and shoot rabbits sitting along the banks with the 22 and if they ran, hit em with the 410. You really couldn’t miss as the pattern would ricochet off the ice and down they’d go.
Thanks for this video! There is a lot to be said about a smaller shotgun... my Dad gave me a little 16g pump when I was about 13, I have taken everything from squirrels to middle Ga hogs with it... different shot size for different things. And a little single shot shotty is a great truck gun, easy to learn on, and will do pretty much anything you need it to do.
I've never had a problem finding shells for the .410 . They have gotten more expensive over the years but I can still find them for about $10 a box and shot size from buckshot down to #9 and even steel shot for when we go for Clapper and Rails on the coastal marsh . The double barrel I found in a gunshop is great for that .
Love the 410 like you it was my 1st Gun. Now that I'm a older man I still love it . Believe it or not I even dear hunt with it . Its lite weight and after shooting the same 410 for 40 years I have become a real good shot. One shot one kill. Have you ever shot slugs though yours .Love the videos keep up the good work.
Same thing here. Small and large game take down. People under estimate this .410 that's a well rounded gun. The shot or slug don't go far, so no worries about hitting someone in the next county.
I can't shoot slugs out of either one of my .410s as both have full chokes, shooting a slug out of them would ruin my barrel, either splitting it or drawing out the choke. Trust me, not a good idea unless you have a modified choke.
My favorite squirrel gettin' tool is my .410 bore over/under shotgun. My eyes aren't sharp enough any more to dependably bag squirrels with a .22 rimfire rifle so I went to a shotgun for squirrel hunting. Favorite load is 3" shell loaded with #7 1/2 birdshot. Modified and improved modified choke tubes in my .410 with the 3" #7 1/2 shells and that works very well within 25 yards or so. I see getting within that range as a challenge and half the fun of squirrel hunting. Just keep the effective shot pattern range in mind and in my opinion the .410 bore shotgun is a great squirrel hunting gun.
My first shotgun was a single 12 and when I shot it when I was a kid it knocked me on my ass till I got big enough to handle it so old singles are dear to my heart as well man.
@@trevorpeters4358 That's false. Even with 3" .410 shells you only have a 1/4 oz (109.375 gr) slug at 1800 fps. A .44 Mag can achieve that speed with a 180gr bullet from a revolver meaning over 50% more energy. If you are using a .44 Mag rifle you can now achieve 1800fps with a 240gr bullet, over double the energy of a 3" .410 slug. Also of note, you can push a 110gr bullet OVER 1800 fps in a .357 Mag revolver meaning a .410 slug is comparable to a .357 Mag, not a .44 Mag. This also doesn't account for the terrible ballistic coefficient of a .410 slug (Foster or Brenneke) compared to a pistol bullet that means by 50 yards a .410 slug tends to lose half it's energy while a .357 or .44 bullet has only lost a quarter or so.
I love the 410. a good trick for the round is buy the cheapest round you can find carefully pull a triangle out the end remove shot and replace it with BB's fold end back close and seal with a little glue will give you a totally different round I use it for rabbits
I would never shoot 8s for squirrel in the first place. they're a tough animal. 6s are my minimum is every case minus when I'm hunting something else and end up harvesting a squirrel.
@@tedsell1455 simply not true. Of course it will pattern more densely, that's just a fact of having more lead. You still require a certain amount killing power to take down a squirrel, and 7s or 8s simply do not provide tn at at range. I have shot dozens and dozens and maybe hundreds of squirrels, including many with 7.5 shot, but it simply does not kill as well as 4, 5, or 6 shot.
H&R Topper .410 was my fist gun. Killed a lot of squirrels and rabbits with it growing up here in Illinois. Now, if I'm going after squirrels, I always take my Marlin .22. A lot easier on the long shots and minimal damage to meat.
My brother when he was a kid loved to hunt and used only a .177 pellet rifle or a .22 caliber rifle for squirrels and used a semi auto .410 for those quick running rabbits. He was always bring in game for mom to cook but when he killed a deer out of season with a shot to the eye (.22 rifle). Dad said no more hunting ALONE for you!
Thanks for watching everyone ! If you liked that video check this one out! ua-cam.com/users/edit?o=U&video_id=gPblPFVNXvM
You mentioned in the video, the idea of the 410 being a survival or truck gun. In a survival situation the 410 has much going for it. It is a light weight gun and the shells are light too. 250 assorted shells(000 buck, slugs, 6's and 7-9's can take all the game one would want)= 10 pounds, meanwhile, only 100 shells= 10 pounds in a 12 gauge. It only takes 30 grains of Pyrodex per 1/2 ounce shot(2 1/2" shell) to reload, making a pound of Pyrodex go a longer time than reloading 12 gauge. Just some things to think about.
Yak motley it does takes practice with that tiny scatter gun a 28 be better 👍🐾🐺
@@randompunkrockfox6867 One should practice with their firearm to be proficient...
@@gregzeigler3850 agreed totally I'm proficient in most can do trick shooting too like splitting bullet and slice paper with bullet or shoot wasps with bb gun 🔫👍🐾🐺
@@randompunkrockfox6867 Thus why I mentioned reloading 410 shells with Pyrodex(only 30 grains to 1/2 ounce shot, 2 1/2" shell) so one can cheaply practice. The shells will only be good for a couple firings, as the Pyrodex will eventually burn through them, but hey, that's quite a bit of shooting =)
I've used a .410 for squirrels for years ever since i was a little boy, no one will tell me it is bad to use and change my mind. I've killed thousands with my old stevens .410
What size shot you use for squirrel?
@@GunGuy258 I know it’s late but I use 5 shot high brass but 6 shot works good too
@@lRickGrimesl thank you.
@@GunGuy258 I agree #6 works fine and a 410 is excellent for rabbit/squirrel! I just ordered a citadel levtac 410 for my birthday!
No wonder you Americans have mental issues and shoot up schools tends to start with killing animals then move on to next thing people
I'm 62, and I have taken Thousands of Squirrel with the trusty .410 Pump Savage!
If you cant kill squirrels with a 410 shotgun..or as my papaw called it the four hundred and ten gauge lol ..then a man dont need to be in the woods .. .410 has killed more squirrels and rabbits than all kinds of things
I think your exaggerating a little bit lmao
@@chrissutton8354 Make that millions.
@@chrissutton8354 calm down bud..its just squirrels..let a man tell his story how he wants ..I promise it won't hurt ya..or cost you a dime
@@thomasdalton7987 obviously lmao
I been using my single shot 410 for squirrels for 27 years. I love my little 410
What size shot you using for squirrel?
I love the little .410, but damn the shells are expensive.
learn to reload...
The .410 is inexpensive if you learn to reload, in fact these rare calibers are worth learning how to make your own ammunition. It is much cheaper than buying it in the store, and now with all the restrictions that are being placed on lead more than ever.
I used to hunt with a .22 and still do using shorts. I just have a lot of worry over where the bullet lands. That is why I like the 410. It gets the job done if you get close and you have peace of mind about not taking the neighbor out. Easier on the user than the larger verity too. I wish you good luck and fond memories in the woods.
Thanks Jack for doing videos on squirrels. I use a single shot 20ga with modified choke with #6. Next time you and Sam are in North Ga you ought to try hunt squirrels here. Keep up the good work!!
Ken Hayes You wouldn't have nowhere near the ricochet using an LR. Shorts are notorious for ricochet. More powder=more power to actually lodge into a tree or branch.
I've always preferred a .22 for small game. Doesn't tear the meat up as much and no big deal if I miss. It's nice just to be out in the woods.
As a kid I shot a 22 for birds and game. Shotshells were too expensive.
@donr416 now a days all ammo is expensive😂😂!!
Great video. I would like to add one of my favorite reasons for using a .410. I live in an area that has had a lot of housing developments that have popped-up in the last 10 years, and I feel it is much safer than using a .22 when hunting on my property.
Same
Good comparison. I use strictly a .22 because it keeps me sharp, 95% headshots, and no pellets in the meat!
I normally used a .22 after the leaves dropped, but there are so many people living close by, I'm reluctant to use the .22 now unless I want to drive to the big woods. I'm scared to death to launch one into the air, in the woodlots, cause where it lands, I sure do care. I'll still use it, but am careful to wait until the shot will go into the tree trunk.
Yep I 22 is way to go . Can't stand eating meat wile trying not to break a tooth on a Bebe. And 22 rounds are so cheap.
Joe Baker You sir are an intelligent responsible gun owner. I am a certified firearm instructor trained in 7 disciplines and that is an awesome statement. I love hearing intelligent comments from responsible gun owners. Mad respect. Shoot straight and shoot safe brother. 👍.
@@joeabaker57 good man. I waited forever the other day for one to come around the front of a tree. Same reason, safe backstop. I got a head shot with a . 22lr Heritage single action revolver. I carry it when deer season and squirrel season overlap. The bbq does not discriminate.
Joe Baker buy a pcp air rifle
Great video. I'm 73 and still have the 410 I got when I was 11. When I First got it I was walking down my country road and a man pulled up beside me and asked what I was hunting. I told him I don't know, I ain't seen it yet.
Ten years behind you! Wish I could still walk down those country roads with .410 in hand. Now you get the cops called on you. Maybe in today's times, it's needed.
I use my good old sxs 12 gauge. Hunt everything from squirrel to rabbit, grouse to pheasant. People look at me like im crazy when i tell them i hunt squirrels with a 12 gauge. Its all about shot size, shot load and powder load and choke. If you know what youre doing, you can take anything in north America with one single gun
I mainly use a 22 in my state but now a days when I use a shot gun it's a 12ga mainly because it's the cheapest on ammo. 410 is high and even most places 20g cost more
I agree and I use a 20 ga second gun I ever owned and can kill anything with the right load
Yup that's right people say I'm crazy when I hunt deer with a 20 gauge but you know same thing you're saying double-ought buck
I hunt squirrel with a 12 gauge as well. I use 2 3/4 low brass number 6 shot and just cheat off the squirrels nose alittle bit.That way the squirrel only takes about 4-6 bb's to its upper half. Never had a problem with overkill or gut shots that way.
Sam Fulwider I love hunting squirrels!! I can’t stand sitting on a deer stand all day long and not even a glimpse of a deer. I have a shotgun that was left to me by my late grandpa. I love this gun it’s a Remington 870 wingmaster 32” Barrel this thing is full choke and it will reach out and touch somebody. Low brass 2 3/4” 6 or 71/2 shot for squirrels 3” 000 buckshot for whitetail wood ducks you name it and I’m going get it with “Suzanne”.
I am teaching my 9 year old to squirrel hunt using my old 410.
Same here. Any tips?
@@Browncoyote #1 Do Not Miss! #2 for a 410 try to aim the bb on the barrel a bit lower than the target, the 410 can shoot a bit high.
the 410 was my first shotgun and i love it
I reload my 410 shells as they are super cheap to reload. You can save a lot of money given that you pay around $15 a box for factory loads. I limit my loads to size #6 or #7.5 shot, and I can manage to stuff 3/4 oz of shot if I use card/fiber wads and roll crimp the ends.
I agree with the cost of 410 shells, and that's why I reload my shells and I can load for specific game. I have small game hunt with my 410 single for years.
Thanks for your reasonably balanced review of the 410 shotgun. I was given a Stevens Model 59A 410 bolt action shotgun with tubular magazine on my 12th birthday. We lived on a 200 plus acre farm in cross timbers. I took my 410 out to hunt daily with only 1 shell and usually brought home a cottontail rabbit, gray squirrel or crow. I carried a 3" shell with #6 shot. Most shots were from 25-30 yards. One day I was walking the tree line along a creek bed when a squirrel scurried down a tree limb. I instinctively shot him at about 20 feet and brought back 1/2 of a squirrel.
Get a cheap little Lee reloaded, and load them yourself, I find it relaxing, and you can have exactly the load you want. By the way, I use a Stevens .410 side by side that my uncle left me. My favorite squirrel gun.
I been using a 410 to deer hunt with for years and it hasn’t let me down it’s a good all around gun to hunt with I love it and wouldn’t trade it for anything
deer? damn! your .410 must be strong!
JKHERPS it’s just like any other gun
Michael Pivonka good point! It's just that you need the perfect shot placement to kill a deer with a .410.
Michael Pivonka I thing it's a nice medium range deer gun look up 410 slug balistics a Remington hollow point is a nasty lil hunk of lead
They make slugs @@JKHERPS
After many years of using 12 and 20 ga for squirrel I truly enjoy the challenge of a 410 . Great video
I got my 410 shotgun when I was 11 and I got it from my grandpa
Got my .410 when I was 13 now I am almost 60 I am thankful dad bought it for me , it more than anything made the hunter I am . It made me learn to stalk close before I shot and to be more accurate .
Same age here . I have an Ithaca single .410. One of the lever action ones . I got it at about 12.
I use nothing but 3 inch ammo and mostly #5 and #4 shot ,and found that I had to pattern the gun with a few different brands until I found a brand that pattern best in that gun ,it made a world of difference in how effective the 410 was.
I find the .410 bore shotgun perfect for squirrel hunting: 3 " shells with #7 1/2 shot gets the job done within reasonable distance (max about 25 yards). Downside to .410 is cost of the ammo: ridiculously expensive compared to 12 and 20 ga. shotshells. I have a TriStar .410 bore over/under shotgun with improved modified choke tube in top barrel; modified tube in the bottom barrel. Works fine for me. Will drop squirrels stone-dead with good clean shots and minimal pellets to pick out of the meat. Haven't hunted rabbits with it yet although I suspect trying to hit a running rabbit with that narrow pattern at close range would be a challenge.
My 410 is the only thing i use to go squirrel hunting. I could use a number of other guns, but the 410 to me is the best for squirrels... I guess i just love the challenge. You said it best, i got to get to the right amount of distance. For me that is usually 35 to 40 yards. I also prefer #5 shot in 3" high brass. You know if i am going to take the shot, I want the shot to get the best trow it can, at what I want to hit. Yes I pay a little more. But that's ok! Hey, when i am at home cleaning and cooking. I know i can stand to get a good amount of meat cause it is not all ruined. From all of that shot, from some of the other shot gun gauges. I also don't have to worry that a stray bullet. And where it is going to come down. Who knows how many miles away.
I use a bolt action Steven savage pre-1960's and it was given to me for my 10th birthday by my great grandpa my he R.I.P and it is the best squirrel gun that I have ever used it is extremely accurate and I love it
I used a Savage over and under - .22 LR over 20-ga. It was a great squirrel gun - still is. My father gave it to me when I was 12, more than 50 years ago. It has a hammer with a selector. The weight of the barrel made the .22 *really* steady. I was in New England and we used 6 shot. A 16-ga would be a bit too heavy and a 12-ga would definitely be overkill.
@super pickle I like it because the 20 ga barrel gives it enough weight to be a *very* steady .22. And the single-shot 20 ga was just the shotgun to have. In the New England woods when you're shooting at a partridge, 1st shots at ranges over 20 yds and 2nd shots are kinda rare.
The downside is collector's have driven the price too high.
@@Walter-wo5sz I was looking to see if they were still made. It seems not.
I use a 12 gauge about half the year and it doesn't mess the squirrels up at all. You need the right shot size and choke and also let a them run a little ways before shooting them if they're real close
New England .410 single shot.
Got so good with it as a kid you would of thought I was shooting a pump. Started aiming first,then started shooting off the hip.
At 14 years old no squirrel in the area survived hunting season on the neighbors 500+acres.that set across the street just outside the city limits. We got are limit almost ever day for two years till we could drive and hunt more places.
I was the first in my family to really become a squirrel hunter. That and always like the one shot one kill(sniper thing),rifleman t.v.show.really give me great training on accuracy as a kid.
I've ate squirrel more ways then Bubba had shrimp in Forest Gump.
So I want to maybe help you or anyone on squirrel shooting with a .410. or smooth bore shotgun.
1. Target practice with slugs first.
Shoot a 50yard target off of a table.Aim dead center (your going to find out your peep sight is never true for the slug) shoot two rounds. Make sure they group together tightly.
Whatever you shot off from dead center go the opposite way on target from bulleye and you should shoot your round in the bullseye.
Now at 25yards your only about half your off at 50yards.
(Keep that in your brain for the future).
And Now I got you trained for deer hunting. Lol
2. I've always used in .410 7shot Remington I'm a northern hunter.
3.target practice with birdshot on target and use the same philosophy as with slugs. Shoot a target big as two note book papers. Start at 25 yards move couple times outward till you get to 50yards and see how you pattern.
3. Now your hunting andwant less pellets in your meat. If the squirrel is with in 25 yard shot (remember your target pattern) if possible shoot at the squirrels nose ( adjust accordingly to your gun) you should get a head shot and way less bbs. In the meat.amore you hunt the more you can adjust even shooting in front of the squirrel literally finding the kill line (meaning how far can you shoot in front of the squirrel that will still be effective in killing).
4. If your shooting at the tops of trees and the squirrel is still. Use the slug target method and aim
For the front shoulder.
5. If they are going to go in a hole or nest you can shoot them in the
(Balls) and they will spin out.
It hurt just to write that.
I always carried 3 shells in my trigger finger hand. 4 was to many.
Hope that can help someone.
And Good practice mades for better shot placement.
Favorite squirrel gun. I have taken loads of squirrels with the .410
My grandmother was deadly with a 410 on animals. She grew up hunting a lot and aiming was muscle memory. Fast as lightning and accurate with one shot.
Yak, my first gun was a Stevens. 410 from my grandfather as well and I snagged all kinds of small game through the hills with it. It is (or at least was) a natural thing. Almost a right of passage, that and a Marlin 60. And I still have mine too. I hope granddads and dads are still giving their kids 410s to start out with. And yep it still works on small critters today just like it did 40 years ago. It is sad though, just like you mentioned that they've made the shell so expensive because they are a fun to shoot and all you need in thick woods. And there's just something 'right' about a single shot shotgun in the woods. Even with other options I still love tromping through the woods with a single shot top break shotgun. You kinda got me wanting to go get mine outta the safe and show it some love. It's been neglected for way too long!
Good topic and cool video.
I have a Stevens .410 with the nylon stock. Grandfather gave it to me 55 years ago. Have hunted squirrels with #4 shot all my life in the piney woods of the South. It will do a very fine job of harvesting small game at decent ranges. I have used a .22 at times but my preference is the .410 . Still get the warm and fuzzy feeling of a grandfathers love. Good video. Thanks for posting it.
I prefer the .22. But I still like the .410!
Good and bad on everything. 1 of my brothers Godfather used semiauto 410 his whole life. He just recently told me he even used it on turkey. He told me birds that size have to shoot them 2 or 3 times at least with a 410, to kill them real fast, which cannot do with a single shot 410.
But lately hearing and reading 410 is a great choice to use on all kinds of snakes, specially pythons in everglades and rest of Florida, which most people in America probably will not shoot or hunt. Not unless every state in Southern states gets evaded from them.
i have a remington 1100 .410 that my dad bought for my grandfather in the 80's and he used it for squirrels and rabbits i think and it was given to me a couple months ago i haven't shot anything yet besides clay pigeons.
There were only 600 of those made. Very rare. If you ever decide to sell it remember me 😁
My first shotgun was an H&R 410. It was my buddy, my sidekick, my right arm. I loved it as a young rockabilly, hillbilly, and fun loving sillybilly. (Lol) You can't go wrong with number 4's and 6's. Actually, because of this video, If I'm blessed to live, I think I'll buy another 410. Own something that not everyone has! Thanks for a fun and informative video.
Mike Richards mine was the same and it cost 29.95 HAnd R topper 410
@@bobbygreen2291 two peas on a pod. Man I loved that little shotgun! Killed a lot of woods creatures with it. Squirrels, rabbits, blackbirds, etc. Great memories.
Mike Richards I still got it.
@@bobbygreen2291 I wish I had mine. It would be worth $995.13. Lol
Mike Richards got it when I was 12 now I am 62 and it has fed me a many a good meals.
Any gun from a grandparent is a great weapon..... love my single shot 12 g. From my Dad....
Oh yeah! 60+ year old single shot 16 gauge from my dad's grampa
Stopid
Yes 😅💕
Browning Gold Trigger Light 12, and Ithaca double 16 SBS. The H&R 20 gauge sucked, and was traded for a Ithaca 51 Featherlight that creamed the ducks. Love my FIE Import .410, and just bought a Saiga .410. Also love how many rounds can pack into a .30 ammo can!
My first firearm given to me by my Grandfather was a savage over & under 22lr/410. Still my favorite to this day!
How is it both a .22 and a 410
@@doubletap1063 . Two barrels . 22lr on top of a 410 shot gun. Over and under
@@willeypoboy6052 i have the same gun. very versatile.
I have always used 3" #6 for squirrel and 3" #4 for rabbits, possums, raccoons, and skunks. And I use those because when I was a kid and first went squirrel and rabbit hunting with my dad, uncle, and cousin, I was told that you use #6 for squirrel and #4 for any small game that's bigger than squirrel. I've never even patterned #7.5 shot out of my NEF Pardner.
Rule #1) shoot what ever brings a smile to your face. #2) Squirrel season is the first to open and leaves are on the tree so the shotgun produces the largest body count. #3) Seasons start opening up and a shotgun can be used to take all the small game. The shotgun is a universal tool
If you are out small game hunting with a buddy have one of you carry a rimfire and one carry a shotgun. Have the guy with the rifle shoot first and if you/he misses then the guy with the shotgun can get him as he’s running across the ground.
I've never owned a single shot 410. Seems like the single shot 410 shotguns command a price much higher than the other gauges. My dad gave me his 410 bolt action when I was 13, and I used it until I could afford a 12 gauge pump. I shot a lot of rabbits, squirrels, and pigeons with it, but you're right about the ammo price. Even back in the 1960s the price of 410 ammo was around 50% higher than 12 gauge ammo. I found it pretty tough to kill pheasants with it because you have to be really fast on the draw to get a killing shot off.
I have a CZ springtail double barrel .410. Out of the box it didn't impress me at all with the mod. and Imp. fixed chokes. However, after sending the barrel to Briley Manufacturing and having flush mount screw in chokes installed the gun has been a squirrel killing machine even at the tops of the tallest trees here in Southeastern N.C. They make an extra full choke that holds a squirrel killing pattern out to 35 yards away consistently. I'm reloading and have found 7 1/2 shot works best for me in the swamps around these parts. My Mountain Cur "Queenie" no longer looks at me like: I did my part.... Where's my squirrel? Anyway, grew up hunting with a .410 and I love them. 71 years young now but the sound of a dog with a squirrel up the tree in crisp fall weather still makes me feel 13 and it's the best exercise in the world. Cannot wait until Oct 14th when the hunt begins again and the smell of squirrel with pepper gravy fills the kitchen once again.
I have an H&R .410 that weighs about as much as my 3030, that being said I still wanted to take it out and give it a shot on my farm. It was my second time hunting squirrels down there and I went to where I knew there was a load of them, and I could hear a couple chasing each other on a tree in front of me about 15 yards. So I stopped and I pulled an extra shell out of my pocket and I put it in my hand because I knew I would need a quick follow up. They kept chasing and I had my gun shouldered and finally one stopped on my side of the tree and I dropped the hammer, in about four seconds I had another shell in and the other squirrel ran around my side of the tree to find where his girlfriend went and I dropped him too. One of my favorite little memories because a 30 minute day was over in less than 30 seconds. How fun and exciting!
What is the recommended technique for cleaning them in the least amount of time?
Thanks men! (And if there are any ladies here that hunt ummmm… hunting date!?!? 🤪🤪)
I always had a .410. I gave my son my last one. If I get another I`m reloading for sure! Very good video.
I grew up in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. I've been hunting my whole life. My first shotgun was a single-shot break action just like the one you showed (different brand). Back then, the choice was either a 10-ga., 12-ga. or a .410. So, the obvious choice for a 9/yr old was the .410. The dynamics of the ballistics didn't really factor into it. It was all about making a youngster comfortable shooting a firearm. I assure you, if I had started out with my Uncle's 12-ga side-by-side, I probably wouldn't have gone hunting again. After you hunt for a while and clean enough game (or destroy it where its not worth eating) you learn about the dynamics of the firearm (and ammunition) you're using. You then learn about shot placement, distance, etc. I think a .410 shotgun is still the #1 choice for young hunters and, for experienced shooters who are 'bored' with a 12-ga. (I shot competitive Trap Shooting back in the day. Once I became proficient with the 12-ga., it got boring. I switched to a .410 to make it more challenging, particularly at the longer distances.)
I bought a new Rossi .410 for $140.00 and I love it. I reload and sometimes reload with .40 cal musket balls.
I occasionally use a 410 for squirrels. I tend to use it during the early season when there are still plenty of leaves and shots tend to be closer. 2 3/4 shells for squirrels, 3 inchers for rabbits since they tend to be farther. I use Winchester Super-X or Remington #6 shells.
Later in the season, I swap over to a Ruger mk3 22 pistol and a Remington 1100 20ga.
My dad gave me my first gun when I was 5. It was a single shot Rebel 20g. Every time I shot it I got knocked on my backside but it was awesome. I still have it and use every time I go rabbit or squirrel hunting. I plan to pass it down to my son when he turns 5.
I had a double Barrell 410 when I was growing up and I loved it a lot. I could slip off from Mom with it took down under my coat. I'd go in the woods or in the fields and hunt. If I ever bagged some game I would contribute it to a friend before slipping in past mom. To this day I'm not sure if she had me figured out or not.
That's pretty awesome...kids are different today
She probably did. That's what great moms do.
My first time squirrel hunting was with a very similar single shot 410. If it's too far away don't shoot him. I wish I still had that old gun it was passed on to another relative.
I still have my first long gun. A Marlin over an under .410/.22 LR. I got it when I was nine and still love it. My Gdad gave it to me. I will always love him for it. Thanks for stirring up some good memories.👍😁
I love my 410s but ammo is a little hard to find.
I have a model 94C Stevens 410 gauge identical to yours I got for my birthday I think about 1973. It's killed many squirrels and several snakes over the years and stills works just like new. My knock about shotgun is a 20 gauge 94 Stevens I think series P I bought at my local pawn shop. It's killed several ground hogs that tried to eat up my garden. You can't beat those old Stevens single barrels.
Love your videos. Love my Steven's 410. I have been using #5 shot, 3 inch shells. Have been getting them at Walmart. Very satisfied with results. They cost about $15.00. Sometimes you have to pay the price to get what you want. I have also been shooting bird shot in my Ruger pistol. Great results but still a close range tool. My wife bought me a Henry lever rifle. Great 22. Glad she paid for it. Now that is a great gun. Love it almost as much as my wife
I started using 20 gauge I still use it perfect squirrel gun, pheasant, or other wise. Single shot is perfect for anything. I also have 12 gauge single shot use it all the time.
I love .410s. I think you have convinced me to go out with my .410
Be weary of a man that uses a single shot gun, as he likely knows how to use it. :o)
Yes sir!
Truth..
You are Dan Skippy on that. Don't worry about the nuts with a m16. Think ten like minded single shot s all working together.
@@stephenwilliams5201 Nah, there is a reason we use guns instead of much harder tools like atlatls, bows, and slings. The less time you spend reloading the more time you spend practicing your shooting.
@@Dunkleosteusenjoyer had a old defector. Had a single shot rifle. /W scope. He would go stone still. The deer would stand and it was a wating game. Neither twitched. Finaly the deer. Moved just a fraction. With in the hour the old man had skinned the deer Out. and on his way. One shot. Only.
My dad always bought me 3" shells .....makes a big difference. On the Dairy farm as a boy I carried everywhere. BUT....Later switched to a 20g. We were getting shells actually cheaper for the 20 at the time. But you are 100% correct on everything you said.
I love squirrel hunting, and my favorite tool for harvesting squirrels is the shotgun. And one of my favorite shotguns for squirrel hunting is the .410 bore. I have found a .410 bore shotgun loaded with 3" shells with #7 1/2 or #6 shot; fired out of modified or full choke at moderate range (20 to 25 yards maximum); will drop squirrels cleanly just about every time with a good centered body mass shot. If I'm hunting squirrels exclusively, I take a .410 bore shotgun. If I think I might flush a grouse or some bunnies while out squirrel hunting, I take a larger bore shotgun (16 or 12 gauge). I had a .410 bore over/under shotgun (TriStar Setter) which I recently gave my middle daughter and she's thrilled with it. Nothing was wrong with it I dropped many squirrels with it. My daughter has taken an interest in shooting and I felt a .410 bore shotgun was much better suited for her than the 12-gauge pump my son in law was trying to get her to use. I find a good deal on a single-barrel break open .410 in good shape, I might just grab one.
I love my Winchester Model 42 410 ga for hunting Desert Quail, WhiteWing Dove and Morning Dove in Arizona. I like the 3 inch #8 and 7 1/2 seems to work just fine. For Jackrabbits and Cottontails I like 3 inch #4 shot. You either nail them or miss them by a mile, that’s the fun of shooting a 410 ga.
Got 2 of those . Really pretty guns .
I have the same gun. Giving to me at about the same age. I have 2, but the one I bought, I boogered up. Chop it, painted it camo calling in a "camping backpack gun" couldn't hit a bear at 10 yards let alone a squirrel. It's cool looking ish thought
Dad bought me a Savage 0/u 22, 410 when I was 8 yrs. old in 1950. My grandson has it now, try and take it from him. Too many squirrels, rabbits, and quail too numerous to mention. I went into the Navy at 17. While in boot my mom wrote me and said while cleaning out the freezer found 89 squirrels.
I've always used a 22 for squirrel,rabbit and raccoon. 410 with a slug for deer and bird shot for turkey and pheasant
Get yourself a ,22 insert which allows you to shoot .22 in it,I also used my single ,410 for deer hunting up to 50 yards it's legal with a 45 cal/Hornby ballistic tip. same cal as the .410 Bore. I own 4 shots guns .410 is my favorite. Love the post.
You're a real Rembrandt with the Squirrel drawing. Lol. Great Video. Thank you
Got my first gun at age 12...12 Gage Savage Stevens single shot..Full Choke . Indiana East of Indianapolis... Brought home alot Of Rabbit and Squirrel to eat..Help out to,, Never Did Shoot any Quail... Spook me everytime and Lose them in 🌽 fields 😂 .. Got a Ithaca 12 Gage Modified Pump at 13.Nice ..but still no Quail..Plus had a 410 Bolt action..with Modified or full Choke adjustable ...Good old Days... 12 years old and Dad Trusted me to go Hunting bye myself anytime I felt like it....Three rules... Never Load my gun until I'm in the Field Ready to Hunt... Never ever Climb a farmers Fence... and always put the Gun on the Ground when Grawing under the Fence... Never put that gun againist the Fence...And if you Shoot it you eat it... Never Kill..... repect... And be thankful..... thank you for video..and thank you for being there..
I like my squirrels pulverized. That’s why I use a 1.5 gauge shotgun for my hunts!
Do you mean "tenderized"?
My first gun was a break action 410 and I agree with your positives and negatives. I can't understand why a box of 410's are twice the price of 20 gauge. They were reasonable when I was a kid.
Harder to load.
I think you made fair critics of the 410. I think a lot of it comes down to hunting style and mindset. We often get to comfortably just blasting away with a 12ga and lose our actual hunting edge.
I have a 3 shot bolt action 410 that i have had for many years but when i was a kid my dad and i went squirrel hunting most every Sunday during the season and they are good eating in fact i would rather eat a nice squirrel top of the stove cast iron pan slow cook carrots potatoes and gravy stew any day also all we had was hr single shot 20 gauge
We love the .410 for squirrel and rabbit!
You made some very good points and we appreciated how down to earth you are.
However, some can do this and some wont be able to, but we reload our own ammunition and therefore if the manufacture of the powder recommends say 12.2 gn of LiL' Gun, we go to 16 gn which gives it more punch and thus better knock-down power at further distances
and yes, this hot load is safe in our Harrington & Richards single shot and the Mossberg 500 pump
I only squirrel hunt with a 410, when I go i usually float the river with a canoe and when you shoot a 12 or even a 20 gauge you end up scaring squirrels that are in the next bend of the river, but a 410 is usually quiet enough to not spook em so bad, but i do agree it just doesn't have the ability to take squirrels 30+ yards out.
I had a 410 pump with full choke and that was the best shotgun that i ever had.
I bought a Stevens .410 from a native indian that got something better; but he was hunting succesfuly every game up to red deer with it using #00 buck at (looking at the skins) most be 7 to 9 meters. Skill, in hunting, is everything. I never killed anything with it
I learned to shoot with a .410 here in Alberta. I started hunting at 12 and it taught me to shoot not spray and prey. I became a good shot because it wouldn't allow sloppy shooting. I eventually learned to take countless grouse and rabbits. Today I wouldn't trade my little stoger double for the world. I also prefer my .410 because there is still some meat left, 12 gauge is way too many pellets!
I had a Webley and Scott single bolt action chambered in 23/4. Full mega full choke. Used to get rabbits and pigeons for Mom when dad was away. Shot my first flying pigeon with it when I was 7 years old. My father was watching the pigeon through his binoculars. I can still remember how happy he was that day. I carry a double hammer folder now chambered in 3 inch. Light compact and deadly in the woods for squirrels rabbits etc. Great for rats in the yard too. Great video
In PA if you shoot a squirrel with a .410 loaded with 7 shot it will run up to you, beat you up and take your lunch money.
Same here in Tennessee, I always use a #4 shot, never fails and doesn't tear the squirrel all to hell.
I have a Mossberg 500 chambered in .410, that ive had now for going on 20 yrs, and ive used it many times for squirrel, and rabbit hunting as opposed to my bigger 10, 12, and 20 gauges, and I can remember when .410 shells were very inexpensive, and readily available They used to be 5.00 per box of 25 at my local Walmart, and they had every shot size, from 9,6,5,and 4 they even had slugs and buckshot always available, and they were just as available, as the 12 and 20 gauge shells. good video brother.
I use #4 shot for squirrels. 7 1/2 for birds.
I am of Italian decent and whenever we would bag a squirrel we would skin and clean it, brown it in a frying pan with some olive oil then put it in the gravy pot along with the meatballs and sausage then let it cook for hours & hours, it was delicious.
I hunted a lot as a youngster with the Savage 24 O/U in 22 cal/410 and it was the perfect small game gun. I’d walk down the frozen Stony Creek and shoot rabbits sitting along the banks with the 22 and if they ran, hit em with the 410. You really couldn’t miss as the pattern would ricochet off the ice and down they’d go.
Thanks for this video! There is a lot to be said about a smaller shotgun... my Dad gave me a little 16g pump when I was about 13, I have taken everything from squirrels to middle Ga hogs with it... different shot size for different things. And a little single shot shotty is a great truck gun, easy to learn on, and will do pretty much anything you need it to do.
I was confused when I saw all the comments on how expensive .410 shells were because where I live the standard 25 count box was only 10 to 13 bucks
Yeah but now 2020 it's $16 to $17 dollars a box of 25 shells and I've been stocking up on them 3 in. #6 shot !!!
@@jeffreyelliott622 Lucky if you can even find them today . Cleaned out my local Walmart 3 inch # 6's. I Remington !
I love using my 410 I use 6 and 7 1/2 in mine 2 3/4 and it gets the job done for me
Can you just aim for the head with #4 shot to keep the pellet count down in the cooked squirrels
I've never had a problem finding shells for the .410 . They have gotten more expensive over the years but I can still find them for about $10 a box and shot size from buckshot down to #9 and even steel shot for when we go for Clapper and Rails on the coastal marsh . The double barrel I found in a gunshop is great for that .
Sounds like 28 gauge for squirrels would be a sweet spot
28 gauge is the sweet spot for everything other than turkey, waterfowl and deer. Problem is finding shells.
Love the 410 like you it was my 1st Gun. Now that I'm a older man I still love it . Believe it or not I even dear hunt with it . Its lite weight and after shooting the same 410 for 40 years I have become a real good shot. One shot one kill. Have you ever shot slugs though yours .Love the videos keep up the good work.
Same thing here. Small and large game take down. People under estimate this .410 that's a well rounded gun. The shot or slug don't go far, so no worries about hitting someone in the next county.
Like you i grew up with my 410 love em . still remember the first shot ....set me on my britches. I started real young lol
My first gun was a 7 mm 08
Or 7 millimeter 08
I can't shoot slugs out of either one of my .410s as both have full chokes, shooting a slug out of them would ruin my barrel, either splitting it or drawing out the choke. Trust me, not a good idea unless you have a modified choke.
I have a .410 I use for turkeys and it smokes them every time out to 40. No problem they are very overlooked guns.
It really says something about the type of person you are that you would rather have your grandfathers gun stolen than an 870
My favorite squirrel gettin' tool is my .410 bore over/under shotgun. My eyes aren't sharp enough any more to dependably bag squirrels with a .22 rimfire rifle so I went to a shotgun for squirrel hunting. Favorite load is 3" shell loaded with #7 1/2 birdshot. Modified and improved modified choke tubes in my .410 with the 3" #7 1/2 shells and that works very well within 25 yards or so. I see getting within that range as a challenge and half the fun of squirrel hunting. Just keep the effective shot pattern range in mind and in my opinion the .410 bore shotgun is a great squirrel hunting gun.
My first shotgun was a single 12 and when I shot it when I was a kid it knocked me on my ass till I got big enough to handle it so old singles are dear to my heart as well man.
I have a Mossberg 410 pump. awesome gun
But a 410 with slug is pretty powerful.
Close to a 44 mag.
In my opinion I love the 20 gadge with a slug
oG MeMoriEs 12 gauge kicks to hard
About between a 357 and a 41 magnum i believe
@@trevorpeters4358 That's false. Even with 3" .410 shells you only have a 1/4 oz (109.375 gr) slug at 1800 fps. A .44 Mag can achieve that speed with a 180gr bullet from a revolver meaning over 50% more energy. If you are using a .44 Mag rifle you can now achieve 1800fps with a 240gr bullet, over double the energy of a 3" .410 slug. Also of note, you can push a 110gr bullet OVER 1800 fps in a .357 Mag revolver meaning a .410 slug is comparable to a .357 Mag, not a .44 Mag. This also doesn't account for the terrible ballistic coefficient of a .410 slug (Foster or Brenneke) compared to a pistol bullet that means by 50 yards a .410 slug tends to lose half it's energy while a .357 or .44 bullet has only lost a quarter or so.
Have not hunted with it in a long time but always liked hunting with my 410 and it is a great snake gun. 😁
I love the 410. a good trick for the round is buy the cheapest round you can find carefully pull a triangle out the end remove shot and replace it with BB's fold end back close and seal with a little glue will give you a totally different round I use it for rabbits
Respect to you for posting hunting videos. As always your videos are interesting and informative. 👍👍
Adjust your shot size for further distances. Use 4-6 load instead of 8 shot for long distance shooting.
I would never shoot 8s for squirrel in the first place. they're a tough animal. 6s are my minimum is every case minus when I'm hunting something else and end up harvesting a squirrel.
7 shot has more pellets for a denser pattern , more pellets on target makes clean kills, pattern for your self !
@@tedsell1455 simply not true. Of course it will pattern more densely, that's just a fact of having more lead. You still require a certain amount killing power to take down a squirrel, and 7s or 8s simply do not provide tn at at range. I have shot dozens and dozens and maybe hundreds of squirrels, including many with 7.5 shot, but it simply does not kill as well as 4, 5, or 6 shot.
Kevin Dunse Outdoors You could always use a denser shot, tungsten 8s penetrate like lead 6s. It’s ridiculously more expensive though
@@saviostrawn8737 yes, and you still end up with insane pellet damage to the meat compared to larger shot.
H&R Topper .410 was my fist gun. Killed a lot of squirrels and rabbits with it growing up here in Illinois. Now, if I'm going after squirrels, I always take my Marlin .22. A lot easier on the long shots and minimal damage to meat.
My brother when he was a kid loved to hunt and used only a .177 pellet rifle or a .22 caliber rifle for squirrels and used a semi auto .410 for those quick running rabbits. He was always bring in game for mom to cook but when he killed a deer out of season with a shot to the eye (.22 rifle). Dad said no more hunting ALONE for you!
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