Rifle or shotgun when beagling?

Question

What's more efficient to use a .22 or a shotgun if I'm hunting rabbit with a beagle? B/c I only have a .22 and don't want to have to spend money on a shotgun lol. Rabbit's circle back to ya....right?

Answer 1

You can use a rifle for it .But I would recommend a 410GA. or 20GA.for running shots.If your beagle is slow and methodical the rifle will be fine.But if you have a trial runner you will need to purchase a cheap single shot for about $90.00 to $110.00.New England arms makes a very affordable and reliable single shot in just about any gage you want. Yes the rabbits usually do circle back. Hope this has helped you.

Answer 2

the only time i've hunted rabbits with a .22 is when i didn't have rabbits and hunted fence rows. my dad used to take his .22 pistol. a 20 gauge is fine and if you don't mind some embarrassing misses (no second shot) then get a New England single shot for about $100. you'll probably have more rabbits to take home if you have a shotgun. you might find an used side by side at the local pawn shop for cheap too.

Answer 3

You CAN use a .22, but as mentioned the shotgun would be better. If you haven't shot a shotgun, I would opt for a 20 ga. as the best choice. Also as mentioned New England and Rossi both make single shots in the 79-100 range.

Answer 4

I'd say it's up to your preferance. You can do very well with what you've got. With practice, those running shots are very feasible. Also, ammo is much cheaper for the .22. You may bag more rabbits in the short run with a shotgun, but you'll be a better shot and over all better hunter using what you have at hand.
Good luck and be safe

Answer 5

buy a cheap single shot shotgun or get real, real good with .22. if you use your .22, soot it at the rabbits like a shotgun, point it, don't aim it.

Answer 6

spend the $$$ and buy yourself a good shotgun u cannot take the $$$ with u when u die