Got an unsual rifle question

[Murphy_Roberts]

I have been looking into getting a .32 cal rifle for squirrel hunting and I have been trying to keep it cheap. However it seems everyone wants $400+ for a .32 cal production rifle. My friend's father is thinning his herd and most of it is muzzleloaders that are originals and high end Parker Hale rifles. He does however have a .32 caliber rifle that originally had a 28" barrel but was cut back to 8" to be a "Trapper's Rifle". He said he would sell it for $100. My question is would this rifle be highly ineffective for squirrel hunting ? The barrel is only 8" long although it does have a 1:56" twist. I know revolvers and smaller "Trapper" pistols have 4"-8" barrels but would this rifle be useless ? Also with an 8" barrel what would be a good load ? I assume a .310 ball, .010 or .015 patch and 25gr FFFG ? Anyone got some input ?

 

[TDM]

a new barrel would fix the problem.

 

[necchi]

Anyone got some input ?

It's not going to be any good for hunting squirrel.
A "trappers rifle, is for poppin sumthin stuck in a trap,, a close head shot so as not to ruin the hide.
Real shame it was cut so severely.
@TDM, I'm just guessing, but when it was cut back to 8"s,, they probably didn't leave any of the forearm for a new barrel

 

[rich pierce]

That’s a pistol, not a rifle. Good to 5 yards, more or less.

 

[rafterob]

Have patience. You should be able to pick up a CVA Squirrel rifle in the $300 range.

 

[64Springer]

8 inches is a pistol with a shoulder stock.

Not worth a damn for hunting.

.02

 

[QuinnTheEskimo]

Be patient. You could easily spend $300 trying to make the chopped off .32 into something. Keep an eye on GB for used Crocketts and CVA Squirrels.