First shot gun ....in preparation for the season later on I will be trying out various ammo . started buying 2-3/4 , 1OZ # 6 (Remington) but looking for recommendations for fall squirrel and perhaps crow hunting , typically 20-40 yards. Seem to be difficult to find larger birdshot than # 6 ?? Was hoping for light recoil for jr to try as well .

This 870 comes with a modified choke (which i will stick with for the time being) and yes I was planing on eating the tree rats. Any recommendations on on-line vendor, brand and actual shot size/load , thanks in advance.

a 22lr for tree rats. more challenging and better range. head shots save your teeth!

if your going to eat a rat wouldn't it be better to trap it?

First shot gun ....in preparation for the season later on I will be trying out various ammo . started buying 2-3/4 , 1OZ # 6 (Remington) but looking for recommendations for fall squirrel and perhaps crow hunting , typically 20-40 yards. Seem to be difficult to find larger birdshot than # 6 ?? Was hoping for light recoil for jr to try as well .

This 870 comes with a modified choke (which i will stick with for the time being) and yes I was planing on eating the tree rats. Any recommendations on on-line vendor, brand and actual shot size/load , thanks in advance.

but from what I remember (with a 12 guage).  #6 shot with regular power shells (say 1100 fps) had to pick through lots of shot when eating.  #4 shot high power shells (say 1280 fps) went all the way through and no crunchy shot to eat around.

First shot gun ....in preparation for the season later on I will be trying out various ammo . started buying 2-3/4 , 1OZ # 6 (Remington) but looking for recommendations for fall squirrel and perhaps crow hunting , typically 20-40 yards. Seem to be difficult to find larger birdshot than # 6 ?? Was hoping for light recoil for jr to try as well .

This 870 comes with a modified choke (which i will stick with for the time being) and yes I was planing on eating the tree rats. Any recommendations on on-line vendor, brand and actual shot size/load , thanks in advance.

Eric, Shame on you , ( shotgun on squirrels )...nt

Where i grew up in Kansas, we had big fox squirrels, they would stay still long enough for a shot with a rifle. But in the South, they have greys, and they are constantly moving, almost necessary to use a shotgun.

shot gun only , no air or 22 rimfire allowed and no trapping ....

i would prefer air but not allowed , dont want to end up in the slammer