Best Firearms for Small Game Hunting

Quick Answer

The .22 Long Rifle remains the best all-around firearm option for small game hunting thanks to its accuracy, affordability, low recoil, and widespread ammunition availability.

For flushing birds or fast-moving rabbits in heavy cover, a 20-gauge or 12-gauge shotgun loaded with appropriate birdshot is often the better choice. Hunters looking for a versatile rimfire should consider rifles like the Ruger 10/22, CZ 457, or Savage Mark II, while lightweight shotguns such as the Mossberg 500, Remington 870 FieldMaster, and Benelli Nova continue to be excellent field companions.

Key Takeaways

• The .22 LR remains the most popular caliber for squirrels, rabbits, and other small game.
• Twenty-gauge shotguns offer an excellent balance of effectiveness and manageable recoil.
• Bolt-action rimfire rifles generally provide the highest practical accuracy.
• Semi-automatic rimfire rifles excel when quick follow-up shots are needed.
• Shotguns are often the preferred choice for grouse, quail, pheasant, and rabbits in thick cover.
• Match your firearm to both the game species and the terrain you will be hunting.

Why Firearm Selection Matters

Small game hunting demands precision, versatility, and careful shot placement. Unlike big-game hunting, the goal is often to harvest edible meat with minimal damage while adapting to a wide range of terrain and hunting styles.

Whether you are pursuing squirrels in hardwood forests, rabbits in brushy fields, or upland birds across open cover, the right firearm can significantly improve both your success and your overall hunting experience.

Today’s hunters have access to lightweight rimfire rifles, reliable pump-action shotguns, and modern semi-automatic platforms that offer excellent performance at nearly every price point.

Best Firearms for Small Game at a Glance

Choosing Between a Rifle and a Shotgun

The best firearm depends largely on the type of game you are pursuing and the terrain you are hunting.

Choose a Rimfire Rifle For

A rimfire rifle is often the better choice for tree squirrels, rabbits in open areas, ground squirrels, prairie dogs where legal, and other stationary or slow-moving small game.

Advantages include excellent accuracy, minimal meat damage with careful shot placement, longer practical range, low recoil, and affordable ammunition.

Choose a Shotgun For

A shotgun is often the better option for grouse, quail, pheasants, rabbits in dense brush, and mixed small game hunts.

Advantages include better performance on moving targets, greater forgiveness at close range, effectiveness in thick cover, and a broad selection of ammunition.

Many experienced small game hunters own both a quality rimfire rifle and a dependable field shotgun, selecting the firearm that best matches the day’s hunt.

Best Small Game Hunting Firearms

The ideal small game firearm combines accuracy, reliability, manageable weight, and ease of carry. Whether you prefer a classic bolt-action rimfire or a versatile pump shotgun, these firearms have earned strong reputations among hunters for their field performance.

Ruger 10/22

Few firearms have influenced rimfire shooting as much as the Ruger 10/22.

Since its introduction in 1964, it has become one of the most popular .22 LR rifles ever produced thanks to its reliability, affordability, and enormous aftermarket support.

Key features include a semi-automatic action, 10-round rotary magazine, lightweight design, wide variety of factory configurations, and extensive aftermarket accessory support.

The Ruger 10/22 excels when hunting squirrels, rabbits, and other small game where quick follow-up shots may be beneficial.

Best For: Hunters seeking a highly versatile .22 LR rifle.

CZ 457

The CZ 457 is widely regarded as one of the finest production bolt-action rimfire rifles available.

Notable features include a cold hammer-forged barrel, adjustable trigger, smooth bolt operation, strong factory accuracy, and premium wood or synthetic stock options.

Its precision makes it a favorite among hunters who routinely take carefully placed shots on squirrels and other small game to preserve meat.

Best For: Hunters prioritizing maximum accuracy.

Savage Mark II

The Savage Mark II delivers impressive performance at an affordable price.

Features include a bolt-action design, AccuTrigger on many models, detachable box magazine, strong accuracy for its price class, and multiple stock configurations.

The Mark II continues to be one of the best values for hunters purchasing their first dedicated rimfire rifle.

Best For: Budget-conscious hunters.

Henry Classic Lever Action .22

The Henry Classic Lever Action combines traditional styling with dependable modern performance.

Highlights include smooth lever-action operation, a tubular magazine, walnut stock, strong craftsmanship, and reliable cycling with .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle ammunition.

Its lightweight handling and traditional appeal make it a favorite among hunters who appreciate classic firearms.

Best For: Traditional hunters and recreational field use.

Small game hunting is one of the best ways to develop marksmanship and fieldcraft, and a dependable rimfire rifle remains one of the most useful firearms any hunter can own. Before choosing your next squirrel or rabbit rifle, explore our guide to the best rimfire rifles for hunting to compare today's leading .22 LR platforms and determine which one best fits your hunting style.

Remington 870 FieldMaster

The Remington 870 FieldMaster remains one of the most respected pump-action shotguns ever produced.

Available in both 20-gauge and 12-gauge configurations, it offers proven pump-action reliability, a durable steel receiver, interchangeable choke system, comfortable field handling, and broad aftermarket support.

It is capable of pursuing rabbits, squirrels where appropriate, upland birds, and even waterfowl with the proper barrel, choke, and ammunition.

Best For: Hunters wanting one shotgun for multiple game species.

Mossberg 500 Field

The Mossberg 500 has earned a reputation for rugged reliability in nearly every hunting environment.

Popular features include an ambidextrous tang safety, dual extractors, twin action bars, interchangeable AccuChoke system, and lightweight aluminum receiver.

Its affordability and proven durability have made it one of North America’s most popular pump-action shotguns.

Best For: All-around small game and upland hunting.

Benelli SuperNova

The Benelli SuperNova is designed to withstand demanding hunting conditions.

Features include polymer-over-steel construction, a weather-resistant exterior, interchangeable choke system, smooth pump action, and availability in both 12- and 20-gauge configurations.

The Nova performs especially well in wet, muddy, and cold environments where reliability is critical.

Best For: Hunters facing challenging weather conditions.

Whether your next hunt takes you after squirrels in hardwoods, rabbits in brush piles, or upland birds across open fields, having the right firearm makes every hunt more enjoyable and more successful. Before heading into the field, explore our guide to the top hunting shotguns to compare today's leading field guns and find the shotgun that best complements your small game hunting adventures.

Small Game Firearm Comparison

Exact weight varies by gauge, barrel length, stock material, magazine configuration, and individual model. Always verify the specifications of the exact firearm before purchasing.

Best Calibers and Gauges for Small Game

Choosing the appropriate caliber or gauge is just as important as selecting the firearm itself.

.22 Long Rifle

The .22 LR remains the standard for small game hunting because of its excellent accuracy, minimal recoil, low ammunition cost, wide firearm selection, and reduced meat damage with precise shot placement.

It is ideal for squirrels, rabbits, ground squirrels, and similarly sized game.

.17 HMR

The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire offers higher velocity and a flatter trajectory than the .22 LR.

Advantages include excellent accuracy, a flat trajectory, effective performance on varmints at longer rimfire distances, and generally reduced wind drift compared with .22 LR.

While it excels on varmints such as prairie dogs and ground squirrels, many hunters prefer the .22 LR for edible small game because expanding .17 HMR bullets can cause more tissue damage.

20 Gauge

Many experienced hunters consider the 20 gauge an ideal small game shotgun.

Benefits include lighter recoil than a 12 gauge, access to lightweight field guns, excellent upland bird performance, effectiveness on rabbits, and a wide variety of shotshell loads.

For many hunters, the 20 gauge offers the best overall balance of performance and shootability.

12 Gauge

The 12 gauge remains one of the most versatile shotgun options available.

It offers a broad ammunition selection, greater payload options, excellent effectiveness on upland birds, and the ability to transition into waterfowl, turkey, and larger game hunting with appropriate loads and barrels.

The trade-off is increased recoil and heavier firearms compared with many 20-gauge models.

For hunters pursuing a wide variety of game throughout the year, the 12 gauge remains difficult to beat.

How to Choose the Right Small Game Firearm

The best firearm for small game depends on the species you hunt, the terrain you cover, and your preferred hunting style.

While a .22 LR rifle is ideal for precision shooting, a shotgun often excels when game is moving or flushing unexpectedly.

Match the Firearm to the Game

Matching the firearm to the hunting conditions often results in cleaner harvests and greater success than simply choosing the most powerful option.

Consider Weight and Carry Comfort

Small game hunts frequently involve covering several miles on foot.

A lightweight firearm reduces fatigue and is easier to carry throughout the day.

Hunters who spend long days walking public land often appreciate the reduced weight of a rimfire rifle or lightweight 20-gauge shotgun.

Optics or Iron Sights?

Both have their place in small game hunting.

Popular rimfire rifle sighting options include 2-7x or 3-9x variable scopes, fixed 4x scopes, and compact red-dot sights.

A quality optic can improve precision, especially when taking careful shots on squirrels or rabbits at longer distances.

Most small game shotguns continue to use bead sights or fiber-optic front sights. These simple sighting systems support fast target acquisition on flushing birds and running rabbits.

Ammunition Selection

Choosing the correct ammunition is just as important as selecting the firearm.

.22 LR Ammunition

Popular hunting bullet weights include 36-grain hollow points, 38-grain hollow points, 40-grain lead round-nose bullets, and 40-grain solids.

Many hunters prefer quality hollow points for rabbits and varmints, while solids or round-nose loads are often favored for squirrels when minimizing meat damage is a priority.

.17 HMR Ammunition

Common hunting loads include 17-grain V-MAX and 20-grain XTP bullets.

These projectiles provide excellent accuracy and are particularly effective on small varmints at extended rimfire distances.

Shotgun Loads

Shot size, payload, choke selection, season, habitat, and legal requirements can all affect the best ammunition choice.

Always consult current local hunting regulations, as non-toxic shot or other ammunition restrictions may apply in certain areas or for certain species.

Common Mistakes When Buying a Small Game Firearm

Buying More Gun Than Necessary

A lightweight .22 LR or 20-gauge shotgun will handle the majority of small game hunting situations.

Heavier firearms often increase fatigue without providing a meaningful advantage for the game being pursued.

Using the Wrong Ammunition

Target ammunition is not always the best hunting ammunition.

Choose loads designed for the species you are pursuing and verify accuracy, reliability, and point of impact in your firearm before heading into the field.

Ignoring Firearm Fit

Proper firearm fit matters, especially with shotguns.

A shotgun that fits properly naturally points where the shooter is looking, making it much easier to hit flushing birds or fast-moving rabbits.

Neglecting Practice

Small game presents small targets.

Regular practice improves trigger control, shot placement, range estimation, firearm handling, and shooting from realistic field positions.

Even inexpensive rimfire practice sessions can significantly improve hunting success.

Final Thoughts

Small game hunting remains one of the best ways to develop marksmanship, spend time outdoors, and introduce new hunters to the sport.

Whether you are pursuing squirrels in hardwood forests, rabbits in brushy cover, or upland birds across open fields, choosing the right firearm can make every hunt more enjoyable and effective.

For most hunters, a .22 LR rifle remains the most versatile option thanks to its accuracy, affordable ammunition, and minimal recoil. Models like the Ruger 10/22, CZ 457, Savage Mark II, and Henry Classic Lever Action continue to set the standard for rimfire hunting.

When fast-moving game or dense cover calls for a shotgun, dependable choices such as the Remington 870 FieldMaster, Mossberg 500, and Benelli Nova provide the versatility and reliability hunters have trusted for decades.

Ultimately, the best small game firearm is one that fits you well, matches the game and terrain, and inspires confidence through regular practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best firearm for squirrel hunting?

For most hunters, a .22 LR bolt-action or semi-automatic rifle is the top choice because it offers excellent accuracy while minimizing meat damage with careful shot placement.

In dense timber where squirrels are moving quickly through the canopy, a 20-gauge shotgun can also be an effective option.

Is a 20 gauge better than a 12 gauge for small game?

For many hunters, yes. A 20 gauge provides excellent performance with lighter recoil and access to lighter field guns, making it well suited for carrying throughout the day.

A 12 gauge remains the more versatile option for hunters who also pursue waterfowl, turkey, or larger upland birds.

Is .17 HMR better than .22 LR?

Each cartridge has advantages.

The .17 HMR offers a flatter trajectory and greater practical range, making it an excellent varmint cartridge. The .22 LR is generally preferred for edible small game because of its lower ammunition cost, reduced meat damage, lower report, and wider firearm availability.

What is the best all-around small game rifle?

The Ruger 10/22 remains one of the strongest all-around choices thanks to its reliability, affordability, and versatility.

Hunters focused on maximum precision may prefer a bolt-action rifle such as the CZ 457.

What is the best shotgun for rabbit and upland hunting?

The Remington 870 FieldMaster, Mossberg 500 Field, and Benelli Nova are among the most capable pump-action shotguns for rabbits and upland birds because of their durability, interchangeable choke systems, widespread support, and proven reliability in the field.

About the Author

The ProArmory editorial team includes experienced hunters, competitive shooters, military veterans, and firearms industry professionals who create practical, research-driven firearm content. Our recommendations are based on real-world hunting experience, manufacturer specifications, and current industry trends to help readers make informed purchasing decisions.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Firearm specifications, product availability, and hunting regulations may change over time. Always verify current information with the manufacturer and consult your state’s wildlife agency for the latest hunting laws, season dates, firearm restrictions, and ammunition requirements.

Practice safe firearm handling at all times, positively identify your target and what lies beyond it, and use only ammunition appropriate for your firearm and intended game.