Recommended Rifles for Small Game Hunting

You don’t need much rifle to hunt small game, but you do need the right one. Accuracy matters more than power, and how a rifle handles in your hands will make or break your day in the woods. When you’re picking off squirrels in the hardwoods or working a hedgerow for rabbits, you’re dealing with small targets, shifting angles, and shots that don’t leave much room for error.

Over the years, a handful of rifles have proven themselves again and again. They’re reliable, easy to carry, and accurate enough to put a bullet where it needs to go without tearing up meat. Here are the ones worth your time.

Ruger 10/22

If you’ve spent any time around small game hunters, you’ve seen a Ruger 10/22 in the mix. It’s been around for decades for a reason. The rifle feeds reliably, runs clean with most .22 LR ammo, and gives you quick follow-up shots when things don’t go perfectly.

In the woods, it carries light and points naturally. You can shoot it offhand without fighting the gun, which matters more than people admit. It’s also one of the easiest rifles to tune if you want tighter groups. Out of the box, it’ll do the job. With a little work, it can shoot far better than most hunters will ever need for squirrels or rabbits.

Marlin Model 60

The Marlin Model 60 has put a lot of meat in the pot over the years. It’s a tube-fed semi-auto, which means you don’t have to deal with magazines, and that’s something plenty of hunters still prefer.

What stands out is its accuracy. These rifles tend to shoot tighter groups than you’d expect for the price. The longer barrel helps with that, and it balances well when you’re taking careful shots at treed game. It’s not as quick to reload as a detachable magazine rifle, but for most small game hunting, that’s not a real drawback.

Savage Mark II

When you want precision over speed, a bolt-action like the Savage Mark II makes sense. It forces you to slow down, pick your shot, and make it count.

This rifle has a reputation for accuracy, and it earns it. Even with basic ammo, it’ll stack rounds close if you do your part. The trigger is better than you’d expect at this price point, which helps when you’re trying to hold steady on a small target. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable and consistent, which is what you need when every shot matters.

CZ 457

The CZ 457 sits a step above most entry-level rimfires. You feel it as soon as you pick it up. The fit, the balance, and the way the bolt runs all point to a rifle built with care.

Out in the field, it shines when shots get tricky. Whether you’re threading one through branches or stretching the distance a bit, this rifle gives you confidence. It’s accurate with a wide range of ammo, and the trigger is clean right out of the box. It costs more, but if you spend a lot of time chasing small game, it’s easy to appreciate what you’re getting.

Henry Classic Lever Action .22

There’s something about a lever gun in the woods that feels right. The Henry Classic in .22 LR keeps things straightforward and dependable.

It handles well in tight cover, and the smooth lever action makes follow-up shots quick once you get the rhythm down. It’s also a rifle that encourages you to take your time and shoot with intention. The tube magazine keeps the profile clean, and it cycles a wide range of .22 ammo without much trouble. It’s not the fastest option out there, but it’s steady and reliable where it counts.

Tikka T1x MTR

The Tikka T1x MTR brings centerfire rifle feel into the rimfire world. If you’re used to a hunting rifle for big game, this one will feel familiar in your hands.

Accuracy is where it stands out. It’s built to shoot tight groups, and it does it consistently. The stock design and smooth bolt help you stay on target, especially when you’re shooting from a rest or braced against a tree. It’s a bit heavier than some other options, but that weight helps settle the rifle when you’re lining up a careful shot.

Browning SA-22

The Browning SA-22 has been around a long time, and it still holds its place. It’s a takedown semi-auto, which makes it easy to pack and transport without sacrificing performance.

In the field, it’s quick to shoulder and easy to shoot well. The design keeps spent casings ejecting downward, which is a nice touch when you’re shooting from different positions. It’s not the cheapest rifle on the list, but it’s one that tends to stay in the family. It does what it’s supposed to do without a lot of fuss.

Winchester Wildcat

The Winchester Wildcat is a newer option, but it’s earned attention for being lightweight and easy to handle. It’s a semi-auto .22 LR that doesn’t weigh you down on long walks.

It’s also built with practicality in mind. Controls are easy to reach, and it’s straightforward to maintain. Accuracy is solid for small game distances, and it runs well with common ammo. If you want something modern without getting complicated, this rifle fits that role and handles well in the field.

You can hunt small game with a lot of rifles, but these are the ones that keep showing up for a reason. They’re accurate, dependable, and built for the kind of shooting you actually do in the woods. Pick one that fits your style, learn it well, and you’ll be set for a long time.