Not every gun that punches tags and fills the pot needs a big price tag or a flashy name. Some of the best small game killers out there are simple, affordable, and tougher than folks give them credit for. If you’re serious about squirrels, rabbits, and the occasional treed coon, these are the ones worth having.
Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 is the king of reliable .22 rifles. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and just keeps running no matter what you put it through. Whether you’re chasing squirrels or knocking rabbits down at 50 yards, the 10/22 can flat-out get it done.
Magazines feed clean, aftermarket parts are everywhere, and it’s accurate enough right out of the box for real hunting work. It’s not a fancy showpiece — it’s a tool that’ll be riding in truck cabs and slung over shoulders for generations.
Savage Model 42 Takedown
The Savage Model 42 Takedown is an odd-looking little combo gun, but it punches way above its weight. You get a .22LR or .22 Magnum barrel on top and a .410 shotgun barrel underneath, all packed into a lightweight, rugged frame.
It’s great for bouncing between squirrels in the treetops and rabbits flushing out of the brush. Plus, it breaks down small enough to stash in a backpack for backcountry hunts. Don’t let the looks fool you — it’s way more useful than most people expect.
Henry Lever Action .22
The Henry Lever Action .22 is about as classic as it gets — and it’s way tougher than the price suggests. Smooth action, surprisingly good accuracy, and a simple tube magazine make it a dream for small game hunting.
You can run shorts, longs, and long rifles through it without any trouble, which makes it super versatile depending on what you’re chasing. It’s one of those guns that feels good in hand and does exactly what you need without complaining.
Mossberg 500 .410 Bore
The Mossberg 500 in .410 is often overlooked, but it’s a squirrel and rabbit killer if you know how to shoot it. Lightweight, easy to swing, and way less recoil than the bigger gauges, it makes small game hunting a blast — literally.
The pump action is about as dependable as anything made, and the gun patterns surprisingly well at typical woods ranges. Don’t underestimate a .410 loaded with the right shot when you’re sneaking through thick brush.
CZ 457 Jaguar
The CZ 457 Jaguar is a little fancier looking than some rifles on this list, but it’s built to be a worker. With iron sights and a longer barrel, it balances beautifully and makes hitting small targets feel easy.
CZ rimfires are known for their accuracy, and the Jaguar is no exception. If you want a .22 that doesn’t cost custom-rifle money but still shoots lights-out, this one deserves a hard look. It’s a serious hunter’s rifle wrapped in classic looks.
Rossi RS22
The Rossi RS22 is proof you don’t have to spend much to get a good shooting .22 rifle. For around $150, you get a semi-auto that’s surprisingly accurate, reliable, and comfortable to carry all day.
It’s got a simple blowback action, fiber optic sights, and a synthetic stock that shrugs off scratches and rain. You won’t impress anyone on the gun range, but in the woods, it does everything you need it to do for small game hunting.
H&R Pardner .410
The H&R Pardner in .410 is another budget shotgun that outperforms expectations. It’s built tough, runs smooth, and is accurate enough to make quick work of rabbits, squirrels, and even the occasional grouse.
It’s heavier than some .410s because it’s built on a 20-gauge frame, but that weight soaks up recoil nicely. For the price, it’s hard to find a better hard-use small game shotgun.
Marlin Model 60
The Marlin Model 60 has been feeding families for decades. This little semi-auto .22 is known for its reliability and accuracy straight out of the box. Plus, with its tube-fed magazine, you can load up to 14 rounds and stay in the game longer.
The micro-groove rifling gives it better-than-expected accuracy with basic bulk ammo. If you want a gun that’s cheap, dependable, and a proven small game slayer, the Model 60 belongs on your list.
Ruger Wrangler .22 Revolver
The Ruger Wrangler is a budget .22 revolver that’s tougher than it has any right to be. It’s built on a solid frame, with a simple fixed-sight setup that’s dead-on at typical small game ranges.
It’s a great gun for knocking down squirrels or bunnies when you want a little more challenge. Toss it in your pack, bang it around a bit — the Wrangler can take it and keep right on shooting.
Stoeger Uplander .410
The Stoeger Uplander .410 is a simple side-by-side that’s built for the field. It’s not fancy, but it locks up tight, patterns well, and swings fast enough to track quick-moving game like rabbits and doves.
Break-open shotguns are about as foolproof as it gets, and the Uplander gives you that old-school feel without spending a fortune. For a small game hunter who likes a classic setup that works, this little .410 delivers.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
