If you are looking to kill as many squirrels as possible in the shortest amount of time, a shotgun will probably be your best bet.
A shotgun hunter can shoot moving squirrels as they jump from limb to limb or scamper across the ground. A shotgun is also better at shooting through obstructions like early season foliage.
A shotgun is the perfect weapon for a beginning squirrel hunter looking to bag some squirrels and gain confidence.
However, there are drawbacks. A shotgun’s range is limited to about 40 yards. The report of a shotgun is much louder than that of a .22 causing it to spook squirrels and other game in the area (a definite concern if you squirrel hunt in the same area you hunt deer.)
Also, close range shots with a shotgun can ruin most of a squirrels meat.