Tree Squirrel Rifles

We collect and advance through the years from BB guns to present rifles. I moved from .22 rifles on to .17 rifles and from my HMR to my .17 WSMs. I recently ordered a second WSM, a Savage A1 .17 WSM Sporter. The WSM is not overkill, since we rabid squirrel hunters go for head shots. Another plus for the .17 WSM is shooting varmints encountered while hunting. The picture below of my Savage BMAG .17 WSM, is of one before I did some mods to the rifle.
We collect and advance through the years from BB guns to present rifles.

I moved from .22 rifles on to .17 rifles and from my HMR to my .17 WSMs. I recently ordered a second WSM, a Savage A1 .17 WSM Sporter. The WSM is not overkill, since we rabid squirrel hunters go for head shots.

Another plus for the .17 WSM is shooting varmints encountered while hunting. The picture below of my Savage BMAG .17 WSM, is of one before I did some mods to the rifle.
Oh yes, I do remember those days when my Dad and I would take the red tick squirrel dog out of the pen and we would load up and go squirrel huntin. We would always carry a Browning lightweight 12ga. To use if the squirrel wouldn't stay still long enough to get him with the 22 Browning rifle. My Dad has pastored a number of churches over the years and just celebrated his 87th birthday. I am blessed to have him and all the good memories of the hunts we have shared together over the years. Thanks for the memories!
 
Oh yes, I do remember those days when my Dad and I would take the red tick squirrel dog out of the pen and we would load up and go squirrel huntin. We would always carry a Browning lightweight 12ga. To use if the squirrel wouldn't stay still long enough to get him with the 22 Browning rifle. My Dad has pastored a number of churches over the years and just celebrated his 87th birthday. I am blessed to have him and all the good memories of the hunts we have shared together over the years. Thanks for the memories!
I am a Pastor too and squirrel hunting with a rifle is the ultimate Extreme Close Range Hunting! For me it is like the ultimate close range practice on squirrels for honing your marksmanship for larger game hunting with a rifle. I even try to use the same reticle for squirrels that I will use for deer just so I can use squirrels to hone my marksmanship skills for larger game hunting. And the fun and beauty of it is that it really works and it is a lot more fun than just boring group shooting. I also compete in a monthly Rimfire Central CZ Match for this very reason. It has improved my hunting on both squirrels and deer.
 
Weatherby XXII with 6.5 20x50mm Leupold 1/4 dot, Talley scope rings, and bases... works for me. ;)
Cheers


Weatherby XXII 1.jpg
 
I am a Pastor too and squirrel hunting with a rifle is the ultimate Extreme Close Range Hunting! For me it is like the ultimate close range practice on squirrels for honing your marksmanship for larger game hunting with a rifle. I even try to use the same reticle for squirrels that I will use for deer just so I can use squirrels to hone my marksmanship skills for larger game hunting. And the fun and beauty of it is that it really works and it is a lot more fun than just boring group shooting. I also compete in a monthly Rimfire Central CZ Match for this very reason. It has improved my hunting on both squirrels and deer.
You know it's funny that you mention your choice of reticle for squirrel hunting. I to use a large game rifle scope on my Winchester model 52B which I squirrel hunt with. I have shot in a local turkey shoot or two back in the day. When I shot competition a few years ago it was bench rest high power and had a lot of fun and met a lot of good people. Right now I'm pretty much dedicated to caring for my Dad which I'm blessed to have. God bless you brother and your service to the Lord.
 
I got one several years back. I couldn't see the HMR round. It wasn't much faster than a 22mag. The head would be the best way to get the squirrel and not waste meat. Trying to get ammo for the 17SWM is hard to come by presently. As I have been doing for years. I see it on sale I get some whether I need it or not.
 
My two favorites:
B67B9A01-D4A4-4DE7-BD58-4DF7F720A951.jpeg

My trusty Henry H001 in 22LR, fitted with a Primary Arms 6x32 ACSS scope. Deadly on squirrels. I shot these three within 20 minutes of getting out of the truck. Absolutely love the rifle and the scope.

964078B3-BBC3-45C0-8024-C787D96F4A79.jpeg

My trusty CZ457 with a leupold VX something 4-14x40 scope and all the aftermarket goodies I could stick in it. I can switch between 17HMR, 22LR, and 17M2 in minutes. It's a bit heavy, but such an accurate and sweet shooting rifle.
 
My two favorites:View attachment 349823
My trusty Henry H001 in 22LR, fitted with a Primary Arms 6x32 ACSS scope. Deadly on squirrels. I shot these three within 20 minutes of getting out of the truck. Absolutely love the rifle and the scope.

View attachment 349824
My trusty CZ457 with a leupold VX something 4-14x40 scope and all the aftermarket goodies I could stick in it. I can switch between 17HMR, 22LR, and 17M2 in minutes. It's a bit heavy, but such an accurate and sweet shooting rifle.
The only thing I don't like about your 457 Varmint, the only thing, is the extra weight. It must be wonderful on the bench. Wonderful too, braced on the trunk of a tree. Just not wonderful to carry very far.
 

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