>>64123245
I definitely see where you're coming from. I like closer shots as well, I'm just trying to learn to shoot further distance; max I would really take is like 65yd and I think that's the furthest I went to date (~1.5-2 MOA holdover?). I personally (very!) slowly apply my range practice to hunting over time (months, if not years 5yd at a time!) and I only take shots I'm confident in and would allow quick catching of a squirrel if the shot wasn't ideal (ie. very open woods, no holes, flat, under 75 max). It's taken me years to get to even this point and I'd say it's 50/50 skills and not only pricier but more reliable and accurate equipment (scope that holds zero well, good glass, good gun, good ammo). Learning for me goes from bench shooting to kneeling/kneeling with light hunting tripod (which is a huge crutch) to standing+tripod. Once I'm hitting like 2" standing I know sitting braced against a tree sitting+tripod I'll be able to take a shot like that in the field probably 1.5" + whatever my nerves add. IIRC I "practice" in the field sometimes while watching a squirrel just out of my comfortable range in my scope (I'm trying to keep an eye on it anyways). Safety on, finger off trigger. Hold crosshair on it. How shaky am I? Is this a realistic goal one day?
Also, learning to sneak up on squirrels and sneak into areas and sit is a whole skillset of its own! One upside to taking close shots is often having to sneak up which means you learn how to go from loud to nearly silent as you experiment with different ways of walking. Not shitting on that method at all; it's a great one and will teach you valuable skills relevant to deer and fox/coyote hunting too. I also hunt like that most days, between 25ft and 35yd usually, closer the better. I was just surprised at you saying max 25.
Also, PS: I've thought about using dot + magnifier before FWIW. Haven't tried it yet though.
